Team

At Upper 1 Solutions, we’re more than an agency, we’re your strategic partner in growth. By removing unnecessary layers and red tape, we make communication simple and direct. You’ll collaborate not only with your account manager but also with the designers, writers, and strategists shaping your campaigns. We take time to understand your brand and goals, treating your success as our own. Our team blends experience, creativity, and strategy to deliver bold ideas and measurable results.

Meet the team at Upper 1 Solutions, where brand clarity, bold strategy, and real growth come to life.

Rick Mallars

Rick Mallars

President/CEO

Tom Karpow

Tom Karpow

CDO

James Dorondo

James Dorondo

Senior Creative/CTO

Victoria Cortez

Victoria Cortez

COO

Rick Mallars

President/CEO

Rick Mallars

Rick Mallars is a seasoned professional and co-owner of Upper One Solutions and Upper One Studios. Recognized for his strategic mindset and innovative approach, Rick has helped numerous clients achieve measurable success through comprehensive marketing strategies. His expertise spans brand development, multimedia production, and campaign execution. At Upper One Solutions, Rick combines creative insight with data-driven marketing, ensuring impactful and consistent results for businesses. His ability to adapt to market trends and craft tailored brand strategies makes him an invaluable asset in the growth and success of the firm.  Rick’s work experience is diverse across many different industries and aspects all over the state of Alaska.  A diverse work history encompassing business ownership, hospitality industry, fitness and athletics, education, marketing, video production, customer service, law enforcement, sales, construction, and commercial fishing.  These have proved to be invaluable for engaging with Alaska’s varied clientele and industries. This multifaceted experience fosters a comprehensive understanding of different sectors, enabling the anticipation of client needs and the delivery of tailored solutions. Such a background enhances marketing and business development efforts by providing unique insights into industry-specific challenges and opportunities, facilitating the creation of targeted strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Moreover, a broad skill set allows for effective communication and relationship-building across various fields, fostering trust and credibility with clients. In Alaska’s dynamic economic landscape, this versatility is crucial for adapting to the unique demands of its communities and industries.  Rick is a born and raised lifelong Alaskan working in both Mat-Su and Anchorage regions.

Tom Karpow

Chief Development Officer

Tom Karpow

As the visionary founder of Upper One Solutions, Tom Karpow is a distinguished business strategist dedicated to solving unique business challenges. He excels in meeting clients where they are, analyzing their needs, and crafting tailored solutions that drive efficiency, growth, and sustainability. Tom specializes in workflow optimization, client engagement strategies, and the implementation of advanced technology solutions. His holistic, long-term approach has positioned Upper One Solutions as a trusted partner for businesses seeking resilience and success in competitive markets.  Tom also has many years of experience within the content creation and video production industry from concept brainstorming to script writing, to final editing.  Tom has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education with over 29 years of customer service experience, 18 years of operations and project management, and 18 years of business development and contract negotiations.  Tom is a long time Alaskan resident currently living and working in the Anchorage and Mat-Su areas.

Jim Dorondo

Senior Creative/CTO

James Dorondo

With over 20 years in creative design and digital marketing, Jim Dorondo has led projects in graphic design, video editing, motion graphics, and web development. As Senior Creative at Upper One Solutions, he oversees branding, web design, and digital marketing, ensuring creative content aligns with client’s goals through strategic brand communication. Jim excels in fast-paced environments, balancing creativity with budgets and deadlines while guiding teams to deliver impactful marketing solutions. Previously, he managed national and international web development teams, specializing in UI/UX design, large-scale WordPress projects, and multimedia marketing content. His expertise in web design and database management has also modernized legacy sites. An accomplished photographer and videographer, Jim captures compelling visuals that enhance brand storytelling across digital and print media. Raised in Alaska resident currently living and working in the Anchorage area.

Victoria Cortez

Chief Operations Officer

Victoria Cortez

Bringing over 15 years of experience in strategic and operational leadership, Victoria Cortez plays a vital role in business growth at Upper 1 Solutions. She has been instrumental in refining and implementing the U1S Infinity Process—a proprietary methodology encompassing research, brand vision workshops, strategic planning, activation, and continuous reassessment. Over the past five years, Victoria has enhanced business operations, improved efficiency, and worked closely with business owners to streamline brand development. Her strategic approach and operational excellence have cemented Upper 1 Solutions as a leader in business growth and brand evolution.  Victoria works remotely as well as in Alaska quarterly or as needed per client.