President + Founder

Shawn Smith

Shawn Smith is a marketing and media veteran who has helped media clients in the US and Canada fortify and grow their revenues. He founded Momentum Media Marketing in 2003 and began assisting clients and national advertisers embrace digital strategies.

In addition to the B2B marketing agency, Shawn acquired Broadcast Dialogue, Canada’s broadcast industry publication and launched Momentum Media Networks in 2016, and acquired Cartt.ca in 2022.

Previously Shawn worked with Jones Radio Networks, the largest independent audio programming and services company in the United States, as Director of Marketing and was responsible for the branding, positioning, and merchandising of the company’s 116 programs and services, serving 5000 American broadcast stations.

Shawn started his career as an on-air personality with CHUM Ltd. and later managed syndication for Rogers Media. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in marketing from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

Providing best of breed products, tools and services.

Momentum is a creator, developer, marketer, and licensor of brands, content, software, and tools for the broadcast industry, throughout Canada, the United States, and worldwide.

Our creative, content marketing, and business optimization solutions are delivered by marketing and media professionals who understand how to grow your business.

The Momentum Team

Shawn Smith

President+Founder

Shawn is the founder of Momentum and a veteran media and marketing strategist. He’s worked with a multitude of media brands, assisting in their transition to digital, and fortifying their presence in the marketplace.

Michael Olstrom

Chief Operating Officer

Michael is a media and marketing veteran. He has evolved and grown large-scale multi-brand operations and is perfectly positioned to help businesses leverage new marketing and technologies for success.

Jeff Lush

Director of Digital Media

Jeff, with 20 years in the industry and a significant tenure at Rogers Sports & Media, joined Momentum in 2022. An expert in digital media, Jeff is dedicated to innovating digital products and services for the industry.

James Wallace

VP, Operations

A highly sought-after interactive strategist, advisor, and thought leader who is widely known for his programming and interactive design. James spends a significant amount of time researching online technology, and social platforms.

Connie Thiessen

Editor+Podcast Host

Connie, with a diverse media career at stations like CKNW in Vancouver and CBC in Halifax, is passionate about music and community service. She has led teams to journalism awards and was a Music Journalist of the Year nominee at CMW 2019.

Ahmad Hathout

Editor+Chief Reporter

Ahmad is an entrepreneurial, scoop-hungry, nose-to-the-grindstone former Parliamentary press gallery reporter with a passion for unearthing new information and breaking news.