About Us
Kate Butler Thomas, creative director
Kate graduated from Ithaca College with a BFA in film, photography, and visual art, in 1991. She began her career with Tag Pictures in New York, where she produced commercials for Sprint, NYNEX, Aflac, Lowe’s, TJ Maxx, Sesame Street, Famous Footwear, CVS, and Southwest Airlines.
Next, Kate spent a decade working as associate creative director and production manager at Swardlick Marketing in Portland, Maine. In that role, she led creative development for White Rock Distilleries, Gorham Savings Bank, the University of Maine System, and others.
In 2006, Kate became the in-house creative director for White Rock Distilleries, where she led a team that positioned the company’s two biggest brands—Three Olives Vodka and Pinnacle Vodka—for lucrative sales to Proximo Spirits and Beam, Inc., respectively.
In pursuit of the next challenge, Kate launched Rhizome Marketing in 2012.
Kate’s work has been widely recognized throughout her career. Awards include: 15 Broderson Awards; the Harvey Communication Award for Pinnacle Advertising; first place for the Q Gin Package from Beverage Dynamics; a gold medal for the Screech Rum Package from the Packaging Association of Canada; and the distinction of designer of the year from the Maine Graphic Arts Association.
Kate serves on the Board of Trustees of the Falmouth Land Trust and is a mentor for the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs.
Matt Thomas, Business development
Matt comes with 25 years of experience in business development and sales and marketing management. Most of that time was spent in print and digital media pioneering new products, growing market share and managing sales for a range of organizations. The last 15 years have been in the international artisan food trade with Specialty Food Association (SFA). The last five years have been focused primarily on attendance marketing and key buyer programs for SFA’s Fancy Food Shows, the largest specialty food tradeshows in North America.
Matt joins Rhizome to help food and beverage organizations develop sales channels in relevant markets, create meaningful buyer programs and, of course, find new design and advertising customers!
In 2019 Matt joined forces with Bill Springer, formerly of Diversified Publications, to purchase Culture Magazine, a specialty cheese media and event business.
Matt serves on the advisory board for Plant Based World Conference and Expo.