My name is Nicole Gengler and I was born and raised in California before migrating to Iowa. My husband and I have four kids and three furbabies. We live in the same little town he grew up in and we have such an amazing community here. It’s home for me now, too.

I am a true Gen Xer, never really grew up, never will. Isn’t that the hallmark of Gen X? We’re all just big kids and always will be. Can’t wait to see what the nursing homes will be like when we get there! Ha! I still prefer music from the 70s, 80s and 90s over anything new. I don’t own a “nice” pair of shoes. I live in Converse. I don’t own a purse. I was born a tomboy, raised to be a glamour puss and eventually reverted back to what’s natural to me. I have zero interest in trying to be or look like anyone but me.

I’m super picky about most everything. I prefer all things to be neat and tidy and in their proper place at all times. There’s a million ways to do virtually any given task but there is always just one best way, a trait I inherited from my dad. Even when I think I know the best way, if a better way presents itself, I’ll abandon the way I’ve always done it without hesitation. No one would ever describe me as a go-with-the-flow, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kind of person but the flipside of that is I’m not flaky. I’m on top of my game.

I have been a graphic designer since 2007 and freelancing since 2019 when I started TSO. Being super picky is a huge asset when it comes to designing. I genuinely care about the work that I do and I want every single project to be better than the one before. That also goes for giving my clients my time and attention, listening to their wants, needs and goals, and making their business as important to me as it is to them. I become part of their team.

My job is not just to design but to help with overall branding, marketing strategies and to advise when you’re not sure what to do. I don’t always have the answers but I’ll brainstorm with you to find them until we determine our next step. Two heads are better than one, you know? I’ve got you. I’ll be your go to.

Since starting TSO, I’ve grown from working for those in my small community to working with people all over the country, from coast to coast. My goal is to have a presence in all 50 states and five years in, I’m about halfway there. I haven’t done much by way of advertising. It’s mostly word of mouth and Facebook. I print t-shirts every year and am told that when wearing one, “What’s The Salty Ox?” is often asked. That’s the whole point of those shirts. *pats self on back*

I could write a novel, telling you all the reasons why you should hire me, but don’t listen to me. Listen to my clients. Read what they have to say about me. Then give me a call or drop me an email so you can see for yourself. Let’s get salty!