Mitch Maxson

By Jessica Cardwell
Public relations, junior

As an inquisitive, fun-loving kid growing up just outside of Zionsville, Ind., Mitch Maxson vowed to never grow up. Now, as a Purdue alumnus, Maxson, B.A., 2001, is still fun-loving and inquisitive, and is using his imagination to help people communicate in new ways.

As partner and creative director of MediaSauce, a communication and advertising company in Carmel, Ind., Maxson said one of his favorite duties is using his imagination and helping others use theirs.

"I like to learn about what surrounds me and try to figure out how to make it better," said Maxson. "[I like to] come up with cool ways to connect with people."

Maxson said when he was in school, he thought he would have to go to New York or California to do the work he desired. But just out of Purdue, and after a few years at a small firm in Indianapolis, Maxson co-created an interactive development firm called Transgres.

"Ultimately, I decided it was the easy route to go do it for someone else when I could be a part of building it my own way right here," he said.

After two years, Transgres was acquired by Maxson's current company, MediaSauce. He helped the company grow from about eight people to more than 55 employees. To be successful, he says it is important to be "open to ideas and want to chase interesting things."

Maxson said that the mix of personalities at MediaSauce is one of the things that make the company fun. He said people are getting to work on what they love to do and every personality is welcome.

"We are an organization that believes in authenticity," said Maxson.

One of the latest projects Maxson and MediaSauce have been recognized for was a Colts vs. Bears Web site, designed for visitors to vote on their favorite mascot. Though they designed it quickly and just for fun, the site received about 1 million hits in a week.

"We love the opportunity to play around with new and innovative ways to entertain and inspire audiences," he said. "We try to match the right message with the right technology."

Maxson also has helped develop a project known as Roster, the world's first celebrity-based video game network; traveled coast to coast to explore MySpace friends in real life via the "Top 8 Tour"; and worked with Ball State University's Center for Media Design on several initiatives, including their downtown expansion and interactive television.

He also recently co-authored his first book, "MySpace for Dummies," for Wiley Publishing.

"There is nothing keeping Indianapolis from becoming the next creative hotbed for talented and passionate professionals except a commitment to making it happen," Maxson said. "MediaSauce is doing it and big things are coming."