MEET OUR SEO TEAM

Meet The Brilliant Minds Behind Our Work

Think of us as your trusted partners – here to simplify the complex, share a laugh, and deliver strategies that actually work.

Let’s Talk
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COLLECTIVE YEARS' EXPERIENCE
AMONG OUR TEAM
AVG. YEARS' EXPERIENCE
PER TEAM MEMBER
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HAPPY CLIENTS SERVICED (AND COUNTING)
COLLECTIVE CUPS OF COFFEE CONSUMED DAILY

Say HELLO to the people who turn big ideas into bigger results.

We’re a group of passionate professionals who love what we do and genuinely care about helping your business grow. Each of us brings unique expertise and years of experience to the table, but what really sets us apart is our down-to-earth approach and commitment to making the process enjoyable for you. Click on any face to get to know the people who work hard behind-the-scenes to help you succeed.

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Angela
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Carissa
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Connor
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Jonathan
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Keiran
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Michael
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Neeraj
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Rachel
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Robin
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Sherman
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Tania
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Tony
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Keiran Griffiths

PRESIDENT, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Part of the Team Since: 2018

Core Expertise: Digital Marketing Strategy, SEO Consulting, Advanced Local SEO

Keiran will help you understand your true website needs in order to develop a winning SEO strategy, or Web Design, or Paid Search Campaign in order to achieve your goals. Fun fact: Keiran has travelled to 35 countries and is well connected in the travel and hospitality industry.

The founder of 1st on the List, Chris Genge, was a major inspiration. I’ve always had a strong interest in business and marketing, and Chris encouraged me to dive deeper into understanding how SEO can be a powerful driver for growth and not just for the businesses we help, but for my own ventures as well.

I’ve been in the industry for about eight years now. What I enjoy most is seeing the tangible results we achieve for our clients. Hearing their stories, understanding their goals, and helping their businesses grow is incredibly rewarding especially when I get a call or email six months later saying, “We’re getting so many more leads now!” That’s what makes the work worthwhile.

Running my own businesses has given me a unique perspective. I actually know what it’s like to be on the other side, investing in marketing and expecting real returns. That’s why I approach every project with a results-driven mindset, focusing on strategies that actually help a business grow, not just look good on paper.

Get To Know Me Even Better
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Anthony (Tony) Hutchcroft

Senior SEO project manager

Part of the Team Since: 2000

Core Expertise: SEO Strategy, Content Optimization, Keyword Research

2025 marks Tony’s 25th year providing results driven SEO services. He focuses on custom content strategies using only the most current SEO best practices. Tony is also a valuable source of practical advice on how to improve the user experience, user engagement, and branding.

I like the initial discovery phase. I analyze the client’s website and their competitors to see what is being done well, what could be improved upon, and to get a better understanding of their core offerings, messaging, and branding.

Patience. SEO is not an overnight fix, but it is a long-term solution that works. In a 2024 survey of 350 North American SEO experts and digital content marketers, 97% of the companies with high SEO maturity confirmed that SEO positively affected website performance. SEO takes time to discover where the site is at, what it is lacking, what needs to be implemented. Most sites realizing positive results within the first 6 months.

We worked with a family-run American tour company that was $600K in debt when we started. Within 24 months they were averaging over $1 million in sales a month! That was amazing.

Get To Know Tony
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Angela Tucker

Senior seo project manager/Technical SEO

Part of the Team Since: 1998

Core Expertise: Technical SEO, SEO Consulting, Google Search Console

Angela is a technical SEO Powerhouse. Her expertise in website technical audits and optimization provides noticeable results in terms of rankings, traffic increases, and improved performance.

I’ve been in the industry since 1998, so I’ve had the chance to watch it evolve in some pretty incredible ways ... everything from the days of keyword stuffing to today’s advanced algorithms that prioritize user experience and quality content. What I love most is the problem-solving aspect. Analyzing a website, finding areas to improve, and then seeing those changes lead to better rankings, more traffic, and happy clients. It never gets old!

Without a doubt, AI is the most exciting trend. From AI-driven content creation to advanced predictive analytics and automation, it’s transforming how we optimize websites, analyze data, and improve user experience. The ability to personalize search results and automate repetitive tasks is opening up all kinds of new possibilities for SEO.

I truly appreciate the team here. Chris (and now Keiran) has built an amazing group of professionals who genuinely support each other and collaborate so well. Everyone is committed to providing exceptional service and helping our clients succeed. The positive and knowledgeable environment makes every project feel rewarding.

Get to Know Angela
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Carissa Krause

Project Specialist

Part of the Team Since: 2011

Core Expertise: Content Messaging, Local SEO, Reputation Management, Processes and Systems

Carissa offers exceptional support to our SEO team bringing a wide range of skillsets and knowledge on SEO strategy, Local SEO, Content Marketing and blog development, and client communication.

My biggest advice is to skip the comparison game. It’s easy to get caught up in what competitors or others in your industry are doing, whether it’s their search rankings, impressive websites, or polished Instagram posts. But what you don’t see is all the hard work, time, and resources they’ve invested to get there. Their success didn’t happen overnight, and yours won’t either. Plus, their goals and definition of success may be completely different from yours, which is why their website, social presence, or messaging looks the way it does. It’s okay to be different. Stay true to your values and focus on what resonates with your target audience. That’s where real, lasting success comes from.

I’d say collaborative, clear communication, creative problem solver, and diligent. I thrive on working closely with clients to refine their ideas and build on them, making sure we’re always moving toward the best possible solution. Whether it’s tackling a complex challenge or fine-tuning a strategy, I stay focused and committed to delivering results that align with the goals.

I make it a priority to really listen to what my clients need and want to achieve. Every business has its own story, and it’s important to me to understand this story and gain context. Context is key and I want to get to the heart of what matters most and why. It’s all about working together to create something that really fits your business, is actually feasible to implement, and helps you move forward.

Get To Know Carissa
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Connor Griffiths

Hospitality Marketing Consultant

Part of the Team Since: 2023

Core Expertise: Digital Marketing Strategy, SEO Consulting, Local SEO, Hospitality Marketing

Connor Griffiths is our hospitality, travel, and tourism marketing consultant. With many years’ experience working alongside some of the largest hospitality brands in the world, he comes with a diverse set of marketing skills and takes a well-rounded and pragmatic approach to growing our clients' businesses.

My experience spans a decade in the vacation rental industry, where I built a property management business, consulted with industry leaders, and worked as a revenue manager for top hospitality operators. This hands-on experience helps me understand what it takes to drive meaningful results for our clients at 1st on the List.

I love solving complex problems and crafting strategies that truly help businesses grow. There’s nothing better than seeing the direct impact of our work on a client’s success, whether it’s more bookings, better visibility, or stronger brand recognition.

My background in hospitality and revenue management gives me a unique perspective on data-driven strategies and customer-focused growth. I also have a knack for simplifying complex concepts, making it easier for clients to understand how we’re helping them succeed.

Get To Know Connor
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Jonathan Kelly

SEO Link Acquisition and Strategy Specialist

Part of the Team Since: 2016

Core Expertise: Link Popularity and Outreach, White Hat Link Optimization, Link Building, Journalistic Outreach, Press Release Opportunities

Jonathan specializes in Link Building, helping to grow your website’s backlink profile through relevant and beneficial backlinks designed with the goal to improve website rankings and traffic.

I sort of “fell into” SEO when a couple of friends started a web design firm in the early 2000s and needed someone to take the lead on their SEO research and efforts. Growing up in the 80s, I’ve always been fascinated by computers and the Internet, so it was something I naturally gravitated toward.

My approach focuses on identifying authoritative opportunities that align with their industry and goals. I start by analyzing their backlink profile and competitors to uncover gaps and high-value link prospects. By leveraging content-driven outreach, strategic partnerships, and ethical link acquisition tactics, I focus on earning high quality links that help improve rankings.

I love technology – AI and blockchain in particular are two of my most passionate topics.

Get To Know Jonathan

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Matt Aulakh

SEO STRATEGIST

Part of the Team Since: 2024

Core Expertise: SEO, Local SEO, SEO-First Website Design, Storybrand

Matt is an SEO Specialist who thrives on turning complex strategies into real, measurable results for clients. With a sharp analytical approach and a passion for problem-solving, he focuses on data-driven SEO solutions that drive business growth.

I recently built a website for a garage door company in Chilliwack. I designed it using Donald Miller’s StoryBrand framework—guiding potential clients through a journey to find a solution to their problem while positioning my client as the solution. He landed his first inquiry through the website within a week of launching. In under a month, he ranked on page one for three of his target keywords. It’s been just over a month now, and he’s currently sitting at #4 for “Chilliwack Garage Doors.”

I have a security company client in Vancouver, and we recently got him to the #1 spot on Google Search for "Executive Protection"—a goal we’d been working toward for a while. The client was ecstatic! That was a huge win and a big celebration for both of us.

I stay current by attending SEO webinars and keeping up with industry insights to track what’s working (and what’s not). Then, I run my own tests to verify strategies before implementing them. 

Get To Know Matt
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Michael Mitov

WEB SOLUTIONS DESIGNER, SEO SPECIALIST

Part of the Team Since: 2018

Core Expertise: SEO, WordPress Development, Website Hosting and Security, Site Audits, Google Analytics

Michael’s efficiency and experience in SEO web development and page speed optimization make him a valuable asset to our clients and SEO team. He’s indispensable when it comes to fast turnarounds and launch dates.

Honestly, it’s seeing our clients hit their goals. There’s nothing better than watching a website we’ve optimized drive more leads and boost their visibility. Every new technique or strategy I pick up has a direct impact on their success, and that’s what keeps me excited to keep learning.

In the coming years, the industry is expected to undergo significant transformations driven by increased personalization, advancements in automation, and a heightened focus on user experience (UX). As companies harness data analytics and machine learning, they will provide tailored experiences that resonate with individual preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Automation technologies will streamline operations, allowing businesses to respond swiftly to market demands while reducing operational costs. This shift will also enable teams to focus more on creative and strategic tasks, fostering innovation. Concurrently, prioritizing UX will lead to more intuitive and engaging interfaces, ensuring that users have seamless interactions with products and services. Collectively, these trends will create a more efficient, user-centric landscape that not only meets but anticipates consumer needs.

In the future, we are excited to introduce a fully automated website development process that prioritizes user experience while ensuring each site is SEO optimized and fast loading. This approach will not only simplify the development workflow but also allow us to create highly personalized websites tailored to individual client needs. By leveraging advanced automation tools, we can efficiently implement best practices in design and functionality, enabling our clients to engage their audiences more effectively and improve their online visibility. Our commitment to innovation will help our clients stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape.

Get To Know Michael
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Neeraj Varma

Local SEO STRATEGIST

Part of the Team Since: 2013

Core Expertise: Lead Generation, SEM, Mobile Optimization, Google Maps

Neeraj’s expertise in local SEO is essential to small business campaigns and he is an endless supply of branding, PR, and review management advice to his much-appreciative clients.

I love helping businesses connect with their local audience and seeing the direct impact of our strategies. It’s rewarding to help clients improve their visibility and turn more searches into real customers.

I focus on creative, results-driven solutions that go beyond rankings. Every business is unique, so I tailor strategies to maximize visibility, drive leads, and create long-term success.

Consistency is key—whether it’s optimizing your website, managing local listings, or earning great reviews, ongoing effort makes all the difference in staying ahead of the competition. 

Get To Know Neeraj
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Rachel Scuka

Content Creator, Junior SEO

Part of the Team Since: 2024

Core Expertise: Content, Social Media,

Rachel is a highly skilled Content Writer and Digital Marketer based in Salmon Arm, BC, with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Okanagan College.

I was inspired by the fact that everyone needs it, but not everyone has the time or expertise to do it—especially non-profits. These organizations often have really great ideas and put so much thought into planning events like fundraisers, but they struggle to bring people in. I wanted to be that missing link and be the one who helps connect their mission with the right audience. 

AI is going to play an even bigger role in the marketing industry, becoming a main tool for simplifying processes. However, I believe that it will never fully replace the human touch. Really, successful marketing relies on creativity, emotional intelligence, and an understanding of human behaviour. None of these are qualities that AI can bring to marketing. So I think that the future will see a balance between AI and human expertise.

My dream job would be to become a tour guide at WWII monuments in Europe! I’ve always had a passion for storytelling, and a job like this would be all about sharing stories that bring history to life. It’s the perfect combination of history, inspiration, and connection. 

Get To Know Rachel
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Robin Namur

SENIOR Website DesignER

Part of the Team Since: 2010

Core Expertise: WordPress, Website Migrations, Site Speed

Robin is an expert in WordPress web design and has the technical expertise to execute site migrations, speed optimization, plugin updates, and much more.

It all starts with listening. I take the time to understand their business, their audience, and what they want their website to communicate. From there, I focus on clean, user-friendly designs that not only look great but also make it easy for visitors to find information and take action. Whether it’s through layout, color schemes, or functionality, my goal is to showcase what makes each client unique.

Think about your website from your customer’s perspective. What information do they need most? How can you make it easy for them to take the next step, whether that’s booking a service, making a call, or learning more? A great website isn’t just about looking nice—it should be intuitive, fast, and help your business grow.

I’m a true outdoor and animal enthusiast—I love hunting, camping, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. I also have a hobby farm, so when I’m not designing websites, I’m taking care of animals and enjoying everything BC’s great outdoors has to offer.

Get To Know Robin
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Sherman Hu

Local SEO STRATEGIST, Digital Marketing Consultant

Part of the Team Since: 2020 (Offering 22+ Yrs' Experience)

Core Expertise: Local SEO, Video Production, Podcasts, Digital Marketing

Do you want to dominate your local market and service areas with hundreds of high-ranking city pages? If so, then Sherman Hu is the expert they call. With a proven track record of helping clients gain visibility, drive click-throughs, and grow their customer base, Sherman specializes in leveraging Local SEO strategies that deliver measurable results.

I ask clients what “winning” looks like to them. Understanding their goals and desired outcomes allows me to tailor strategies that align with their expectations. I also identify gaps between their current state and goals, ensuring campaigns address these priorities.

I introduced a WordPress plugin for a grant writer to quickly generate city-specific pages across multiple states. This saved significant development time while adhering to Google’s SEO best practices, resulting in over 600 well-optimized pages and fast rankings.

Informal, social, and effective. I prioritize building genuine relationships with clients while delivering measurable results.

Get To Know Sherman
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Tania Gelineau

Client & Project Success CoOrdinator

Part of the Team Since: 2017

Core Expertise: Communication, Project Reporting, Local SEO

Tania is one of our friendly customer service coordinators and works hard each month to create informative SEO reports for our clients and to aid our SEO team.

Ask questions—lots of them! If you’re ever unsure why we, or any agency, are doing something, just ask. The world of digital marketing can be overwhelming, and we’re always an open book. Any good agency should be. Your curiosity helps us make sure you feel confident in the strategy and process.

For me, it’s AI. I used to worry about what it might mean for the industry, but I’ve come to realize it doesn’t replace human intelligence—it enhances it. AI allows us to amplify what we can do as marketers and deliver even better results. I’m diving in to learn as much as I can about how we can work with it rather than against it. It’s an exciting time!

Get To Know Tania
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Are You Our Next Greatest Asset?

Send Us Your portfolio and Resume!

Our SEO agency is always on the lookout for our next great recruit; someone who is able to bring value, insight, and meaning to our client campaigns. Could you be the next essential member of our SEO team?

Yes! We’re a fully remote company, with most of our team and clients based in BC. However, we love teaming up with talented people from across Canada. Whether you’re in Toronto, Halifax, or anywhere in between, we embrace the flexibility that remote work brings and collaborate seamlessly with our team members nationwide.

Working with us means freedom, flexibility, and working on projects that make a difference for great clients. We believe in a collaborative, supportive environment where your ideas and input matter. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, while enjoying a healthy balance between work and life. Our team also brings a wide variety of skills and expertise so you will learn a lot along the way!

We’re committed to helping our team grow, both personally and professionally. From providing opportunities for skill development to encouraging a healthy work-life balance, we want our employees to thrive. You’ll have the chance to work on diverse projects that challenge you, all while being part of a company that values your individual goals.

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Tap into our teams' creativity and proven expertise! We're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to working designing and executing meaningful marketing strategies for your business.

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“Your expertise has been a tremendous asset to our company ...  in the last 6 months of 2024, we had larger average job size, qualified leads and some we didn't need to bid and compete for.”
Willson
Keen on Green
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“We have seen a steady increase in web traffic and quality leads since first working with 1st on the List. And we continue to see monthly increases through their efforts.”
David Perkinson
PRI Graphics
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"They have helped my firm grow organic web traffic month over month and their ongoing support and guidance is something you don’t typically receive from other established competitors.
Salvatore Lavorata
Manning Elliott LLP

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