We build online communities that deepen trust, increase customer loyalty, engage stakeholders, and unleash new ideas.

ABOUT CLOCKTOWER ADVISORS

Clocktower Advisors was started with the idea of creating thoughtful digital strategies with measurable results using a full range of digital marketing and communications approaches. We've helped organizations of all sizes from startups to global brands.

Since 2015, we have driven the creation of dozens of online communities for B2B enterprises and mid-sized to large nonprofits that deepen trust, increase customer loyalty, and lead to new product ideas. We also help our customers to build highly engaging digital workplaces that improve employee retention, increase efficiency, and save money.

By combining our unique understanding of the principles behind community building with digital marketing best practices and proven research, we create loyal customers, engaged volunteers, and happier, more productive employees for your organization.

Todd Nilson, founder of Clocktower Advisors

Scaling Human Connection—The Path That Became Clocktower Advisors

There’s no straight line into community strategy as a profession—most of us arrive here by following curiosity, instinct, and a drive to connect. My career began in tech recruiting, a role that taught me the art of listening deeply and connecting individuals with opportunities. But I wanted to have a larger impact on the world of work—a way to scale connection and collaboration. That spark led me to pivot in 2008 into social collaboration platforms and, later, the world of online community building.

In 2008, I moved into the world of online collaboration platforms, where I saw how the right spaces could unlock participation, learning, and trust. That work lit a spark—one that’s still burning. By 2015, I established Clocktower Advisors, where I’ve now spent a decade helping organizations—from nonprofits to global enterprises—use communities to foster trust, inclusivity, and lasting relationships.

What sets me apart is how I combine blue-collar practicality with a deep sense of mission. My clients range from startups needing fractional leadership to established B2B companies and nonprofits seeking digital transformation. Regardless of size, I bring a humanized, strategic approach, listening to what customers truly need rather than relying on assumptions or surface-level engagement.

At the heart of my work is my hometown of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where I believe in grounding global impact with local authenticity. Whether it’s a thoughtfully chosen local gift for a client or creating community frameworks that scale, my goal is always the same: to make people feel seen, heard, and connected.

Our Advisors

  • Todd Nilson, community strategist and founder of Clocktower Advisors

    Todd Nilson

    Founder, Community Strategist, Fractional Chief Community Officer

    Todd is a seasoned digital strategist with consulting experience in community-building, marketing strategy, and digital workplace transformations. He also excels in competitive intelligence research, game thinking, recruitment, virtual collaboration, and employer branding.

    Todd currently serves as a fractional CCO for two tech startup organizations.

  • Darren Gough, senior community advisor

    Darren Gough

    Senior Community Strategy Advisor

    Darren, founder of Island23 Ltd., prioritizes mental health, safety, and wellbeing. He's a sought-after speaker, presenting at events like London DevRelCon 2019 and NHS UK Showcase. Island23 Ltd. is the UK-based sister firm of Clocktower Advisors, where he's been since 2017.

  • Ilker Akansel, senior advisor, community strategist

    Ilker Akansel

    Senior Community Strategy Advisor

    Ilker is a technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community expert. With experience in Google, Cisco, and London Olympic Games projects, he is one of Turkey's earliest Community Management & Strategy Consultants.

  • Joseph Narusis, MA, PhD, Senior Research Consultant

    Joseph Narusis, MA, PhD

    Senior Research Consultant

    Joseph, the founder of Narusis Consulting, brings rigorous research expertise to support communities and community experts in understanding and enhancing the psychological principles underlying these groups. His approach translates years of experience into scientific research and industry reports, facilitating impactful changes within the industry.

  • Deb Schell, community advisor

    Deb Schell

    Community Strategy Advisor

    Deb empowers leaders, founders, and startups to build and launch thriving online communities. With her guidance, clients create experiences that connect and engage their audiences. She brings your community vision to life, helping you create a successful and resonant community.

  • Carolyn Zick, advisor and digital marketing consultant

    Carolyn Zick

    Social Marketing Strategy and Community Advisor

    Carolyn Zick, founder of Bad Axe Enterprises, offers custom digital marketing services that prioritize mental health. Her intentional strategies help business owners and community organizations promote healthy internet use while achieving effective marketing.

  • Jamie Langskov, senior advisor

    Jaime Langskov

    Senior Community Strategy Advisor

    Jaime, founder of Chaotic Good Consulting, is a community strategist helping clients define their vision, build alignment, and make an impact on business growth. She's a podcast guest, event speaker, startup advisor, and mentor, specializing in product-market fit and brand advocacy.

  • Mathijs Vleeming, senior advisor

    Mathijs Vleeming

    Senior Community Strategy Advisor

    Mathijs is a MarCom & Community Strategist with a passion for unlocking the potential of communities and their power to drive change. He has worked in the international meetings industry bringing his expertise to help businesses build successful communities.

  • Kelsey Dins Zzymaszek, UX/UI digital strategist and designer

    Kelsey Dins Szymaszek

    Senior UX/UI and Design Advisor

    Kelsey has extensive expertise in all aspects of user-centered design. She approaches projects from a strategic level, encompassing user research, user flows, wireframes, visual interfaces, and user testing in relation to communities, complex platforms, and mobile applications.

“You can’t call yourself a strategist if you haven’t gotten your hands dirty doing a little bit of everything.”

— Todd Nilson, Founder, Clocktower Advisors

Founding Member of the Community Consultants Collective

Clocktower Advisors is a founding member of the Community Consultants Collective, a network of community professionals dedicated to professional and ethical standards of excellence in the delivery of strategic and consultative services. The CCC shares knowledge, resources, and leading practices to support consultants and their entrepreneurial journeys.

Community Consultants Collective (CCC) logo

We are here to help

Talking to an experienced community strategist will keep your project on track and save you time. We understand the broader ecosystem of tools and platforms available and can help you to navigate the complexities and decision-making. Schedule a short, no-obligation call with us.