About North Bay Creative
At North Bay Creative, we’re more than just a marketing agency — we’re your creative partners in bringing bold ideas to life. From strategic online marketing and AI-powered content development to stunning brand visuals and captivating storytelling, our team is here to elevate your brand to new heights. With a knack for innovative solutions and a passion for all things digital, we thrive on making your brand unforgettable.
Meet our Team
Cathy Balach – President & AI Expert
Cathy Balach is the creative force behind North Bay Creative. A certified AI Specialist with nearly 15 years of consulting and mentoring experience, she’s helped thousands of North Bay startups and established businesses thrive in the digital age. Known for her innovative approach to AI applications, Cathy merges strategic marketing with cutting-edge tech to deliver growth-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Before launching North Bay Creative, Cathy honed her expertise at industry giants like PriceWaterhouseCoopers and PepsiCo, as well as running three of her own businesses in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the North Bay. Her diverse background spans hospitality, retail, and food production, and she excels at developing comprehensive marketing plans and is comfortable orchestrating large-scale events.
Beyond her work in AI and marketing, Cathy remains committed to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit as a long-time advisor and former SBDC Director. Whether she’s refining online strategy or developing custom AI tools, Cathy brings a blend of creativity, business acumen, and a genuine passion for helping brands shine.
Don Van Amerongen – Creative Designer & Visual Storyteller
Don Van Amerongen is the visual architect behind North Bay Creative’s standout branding and packaging designs. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a flair for storytelling, Don specializes in crafting compelling brand identities that resonate and inspire. His work spans everything from sleek, minimalist logos to bold, eye-catching packaging — always with a focus on creating unforgettable first impressions.
When he’s not behind the design board, Don is capturing product photos that tell a story, blending art and commerce to elevate each brand’s visual presence. He’s worked with a diverse roster of clients, from emerging food brands to established retail powerhouses, bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to every project.
For Don, great design isn’t just about looking good — it’s about conveying the heart and soul of a brand through every visual element. At North Bay Creative, he’s the go-to for all things design, making sure your brand not only looks fantastic but also leaves a lasting impact.
Justin Higgs – Web Development & Technology Specialist
Justin Higgs is the tech mastermind who keeps North Bay Creative running smoothly. A seasoned web developer with a knack for custom coding and front-end/back-end development, Justin specializes in creating seamless digital experiences that drive results. From building robust WordPress websites to integrating Stripe payment processing, he’s all about making tech accessible and effective.
With a passion for troubleshooting and optimizing online platforms, Justin is the go-to guy for everything from web maintenance to complex site builds. He thrives on solving problems and turning complex technical challenges into user-friendly solutions that work.
Beyond the code, Justin is all about delivering exceptional customer service and started his career working in hospitality, before moving to payment processing for the hospitality industry. He takes pride in demystifying the tech landscape, ensuring every client feels empowered to manage and grow their online presence confidently.
Max Legend – AI Video & Audio Creative
Max Legend is the resident creative genius at North Bay Creative, blending AI technology with artistic vision to produce unforgettable video content and custom music jingles. Whether it’s a quirky brand anthem or a visually striking promotional video, Max brings ideas to life in ways that capture attention and elevate brand messaging.
With a background in both tech and the arts, Max has a unique ability to fuse data-driven insights with creative storytelling. His work is all about delivering affordable, high-impact content that packs a punch — perfect for brands looking to stand out without breaking the bank.
At North Bay Creative, Max is the go-to for all things video and audio, transforming brand narratives into captivating multimedia experiences that engage, entertain, and inspire.