Meet the Team
Rick Wainschel
Founder & Big-Picture Thinker
For the past 35+ years, Rick has forged a career out of finding the story in the data. With deep expertise in analytics, brand strategy, marketing, and corporate communications, Rick has a unique ability to uncover the meaning behind the numbers and translate it into action.
For 25 years, Rick’s work was rooted in the automotive industry, including 15 years at Cox Automotive, where he led analytics and brand transformation for Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader.
Today, he brings that experience to organizations of all kinds, from manufacturers and agencies to media outlets and growth-stage companies — helping them clarify their message, uncover their edge, and bring their story to life.
Melissa Nicholson
Creative & Detail-Driven Doer
With 25 years of experience spanning marketing, communications, and design, Melissa has spent her career turning complex ideas into clear, engaging stories that inspire action and strengthen connection.
Her work spans multiple industries, where she has led rebrands, launched campaigns, shaped executive communications, and produced events that connect leaders, employees, and customers. Known for bringing creativity and clarity to every project, she turns vision into work that resonates.
Today at The Insight Story, Melissa transforms strategy into stories, visuals, and experiences that move audiences and deliver results.