Our Team
Meet the 1UP team of digital marketing pros that you will be working directly with:
Philip Caines
CEO & Cofounder
Phil provides vision and leadership for the 1UP team, and helps good organizations become great. He specializes in strategy development, financial planning, and setting goals for the team. Phil also speaks at conferences and co-authored a book on social media marketing for the travel trade.
Outside work, Phil swaps digital planning for spending time with his wife and 2 kids, playing beach volleyball and soccer, and likes to be in the mountains or at the beach.
Samantha Doucette
Project Coordinator
Samantha ensures that the team stays organized and projects run smoothly and on time. As an experienced project coordinator, she excels at problem-solving and thrives on tackling challenges. Samantha’s dedication to accountability keeps everyone on track, contributing to the team’s success.
Outside of work, Samantha cherishes family time, enjoys cooking, and loves being in nature. An avid reader and enthusiastic traveller, she constantly seeks new adventures.
Ivan Gonzalez
PPC & Paid Media Specialist
Ivan brings a wealth of experience and expertise as a PPC & Paid Media Specialist. His knowledge of PPC marketing has helped our clients to achieve outstanding results, and his contribution to our team is invaluable.
Outside of work, Ivan enjoys exploring the world of wine, particularly in his favourite wine region, Slovenia Gorica Verde. He’s also an avid soccer fan, both watching and playing. Above all, Ivan is a dedicated family man, and he loves spending time with his wife and kids.
Amir Heydari
Sr. SEO Specialist
Amir is a seasoned SEO specialist and former college instructor. He takes a holistic approach to SEO, focusing on attracting searches, fulfilling their needs, and converting them into leads or sales while aligning with business objectives.
In his free time, Amir enjoys outdoor activities like skiing, paddleboarding, and walking in Stanley Park. He’s a well-balanced individual who excels both professionally and personally.
Sanem Le Gresley
Director Of Operations
Sanem is a seasoned digital strategist with a passion for solving complex business challenges through thoughtful strategy, streamlined operations, and design thinking. With a strong foundation in digital communications and experience leading cross-functional initiatives, she brings clarity and structure to fast-moving projects—always with a creative twist.
When she’s not mapping out strategies or optimizing workflows, Sanem is likely diving into an obscure topic, building something with her kids, or practicing her fencing footwork.
James Olson
Digital Marketing Account Manager
James brings a client centric and communications focused approach to his role with the 1UP team thanks to his diverse background in customer service, digital marketing, and copywriting.
When not at work, James is playing in shows with his band, hosting a podcast, and checking out music events in Vancouver.
Julien Simon
Director Of Customer Success & Cofounder
Julien leads the operations team and ensures that every member of the team is achieving great goals. Specializing in SEO, SEM, analytics, and usability, he has led successful online campaigns for 7-Eleven, CBC Radio, Ramada Hotels, Expedia and other big brands.
When not mining analytics reports for insights, Julien likes to climb or bike up the closest mountain or ski down it.
