Maria Ford, Founder & President

Senior Writer & Marcom Strategist

Maria gives her personal attention to each client project. She is a skilled writer in multiple genres and has been a professional business/ marketing writer and marketing communications strategist since 1998. Maria is known for bringing her unique passion, energy and "straight to the point" approach to each project.

Maria founded Kaszas to help businesses build a solid foundation for their marketing communications, and she focuses on helping clients to effectively tell their stories. The company's approach and services are based on her years of experience working with executive managers, business owners and product developers to position and communicate the value of products and services to specific target audiences.

She has created integrated brand and communications strategies, marketing communications plans and writing standards, overseen the development of marketing communications processes, teams and tactics; and produced sales/marketing collateral for organizations in various sectors.

Maria holds a Master's degree in English Language and Literature from Carleton University and has been a Professor of English at the college level. She is a member of OCRI and participates in ongoing training in marketing and communications.

She clears her mind with swing dancing, reading, writing and exercise.

Andrew Symes, Marketing Communications Manager

Writer & SEO/PPC Strategist

Andrew is a skilled and multi-faceted communicator with experience managing all aspects of marketing communications and a specialization in marketing analytics. He brings a calm personality, diplomatic approach and retro sense of humour to every project.

Prior to joining Kaszas, Andrew was Marketing Manager at an anti-spam software company. He has developed and implemented annual marketing and communications plans and strategies, created and managed marketing budgets, conducted marketing research, written and edited marketing collateral including web content, customer case studies, brochures, press releases, and more.

At Sedona Networks, Andrew was a Marketing Coordinator responsible for researching and recommending an event marketing strategy, writing press releases, conducting competitive analyses and more. As Communications Assistant at the Canadian Space Agency, he engaged in a variety of communications programs to increase awareness of the agency’s Space Science program.

Andrew graduated Magna cum Laude with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa with a focus on Marketing. He likes to mix it up, combining solitary pleasures such as astronomy and flute playing with interactive pursuits that include performing magic, playing piano and guitar.