Sommer grew up thinking she would be a teacher. She bet her dad $100.00 she would graduate from college as a teacher, she won the bet. After discovering blogging and social media marketing in 2007, she swapped the chalk for a laptop. Sommer Poquette has spent over a decade working as a professional blogger, social media consultant, and online influencer.

Sommer has worked with award-winning PR and advertising firms on social media campaigns for large brands such as eBay, Verizon Wireless, Whirlpool, Method, and Stoneyfield Farms…to name a few.

She has consulted with companies of all sizes and even commuted to Oakland County, California, for three years as a social media consultant for the Shaklee Company. The joke at Shaklee HQ was how she had the longest commute to work!

After selling her Nielsen top-rated blog in 2018, Sommer Poquette launched Keep it Real Social to help businesses of all sizes use social and digital media marketing successfully.

Sommer has received certifications from DigitalMarketer as a certified social media marketing specialist and content marketing specialist. She has also received a Google Digital Garage Certification, Google Digital Sales Certification, Google My Business Certification, issued by Google. For more information on her qualifications, education, and experience, visit LinkedIn. 

Haley is Sommer’s right-hand gal. From administrative work to project management, she does it all. She is a pro at multi-tasking and extremely proficient. She gets the job done and keeps the business running smoothly. Haley is a certified content marketer and social and community manager.

Aaron is an accomplished designer and marketing specialist with decades of experience developing brand strategies for organizations of all sizes. He has had unique opportunities to work with clients like the Smithsonian and The White House Historical Society in Washington DC, beach resorts and small businesses in Florida, and develop his own small business in Northern Michigan. His wide variety of experience helps him develop engaging social media campaigns and effectively communicate the client’s perspective to their customers.

With a passion for creating new and exciting social content, you might find him lying in the mud to photograph a new off-road vehicle for a client, exploring Northern Michigan backroads on his vintage motorcycle, or showcasing interesting cultures around the world on family vacations.

Brandon’s journey into Photography and Videography started during his tenure in the U.S. Army. As a Cavalry Scout, he was designated as his unit’s Public Affairs Specialist, an experience that allowed him to refine his skills. Further diversifying his capabilities, Brandon entered the drone world, acquiring his Part 107 Certification. 

Relocating to Petoskey from Florida over three years ago, Brandon initially worked with Capital Granite and the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. He has since integrated himself into the community, offering his photo and video expertise to local businesses and nonprofits.

Currently, in addition to his role at Keep It Real Social, Brandon creates content for the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. This means you’ll likely spot him at local events, capturing the moments.

Away from work, Brandon savors the region’s scenic beauty alongside his friends, relishes travel and hiking, and cherishes quality time with his Golden Retriever, Bly.