Chip Saltsman
Co-Founder & CEO
John “Chip” Saltsman, Jr. is a national political strategist and CEO of Red Dog Media. You may have seen him on Fox News Sunday, or mixing it up on MSNBC.
In 2018, Red Dog media produced and placed television and digital advertising for gubernatorial, congressional, state house, and issue campaigns across the southeast. In 2016, Saltsman served as Senior Advisor to Governor Mike Huckabee’s 2016 presidential campaign, Chief Strategist for Congressman David Kustoff’s campaign, and General Consultant for the Tennessee House Republican Caucus.
In 2010 and 2012, Saltsman served as General Consultant to Congressman Chuck Fleischmann’s surprise victories in Tennessee’s 3rd District. In-between those campaigns, he served as Fleischmann’s chief-of-staff.
Prior to heading Congressman Fleischmann’s operation, Saltsman was National Campaign Manager for Governor Huckabee’s 2008 presidential campaign, beginning on February 1, 2007. Saltsman oversaw all aspects of the campaign, including political, fundraising, communications and operations.
Before managing Governor Huckabee’s campaign, Saltsman served as Senior Political Advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist at VOLPAC, a political action committee chaired by Frist and dedicated to recruitment and support of Republican candidates for political office nationwide.
In 1998, Saltsman was elected Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party and faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge as he worked to defeat then-Vice President Al Gore in his home state of Tennessee, despite President Clinton’s success there in 1992 and 1996 and despite the fact that Gore and his father had represented the state in the Senate for a combined twenty-six years. Saltsman’s hard work and political leadership ensured George W. Bush’s victory in Tennessee, without which Florida’s narrow margin would have been nothing but an interesting footnote.
Outside of politics, Saltsman has been active in the world of private equity, with a focus on real estate investment. He is also involved in several Middle Tennessee charities.
Saltsman was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Christian Brothers University in Memphis, at which he earned his bachelor’s and master’s in business administration degrees. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and flying his airplane.
Eric Welch
Co-Founder & CCO
Eric Welch is a visionary director known for creating compelling, heartfelt emotion through his striking visual imagery and storytelling style. He has cultivated a reputation for bringing ideas to life through memorable visual art, combining his distinct writing style and exceptional editing skills.
Eric has directed over 200 music videos and live concert music films for multiple genre artists such as: Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Jimmy Buffet, TobyMac, Mandisa, Kenny Chesney, Steve Miller Band, Hank Williams Jr., Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, and MercyMe.
Eric’s commitment to creative excellence has garnered acclaim through multiple Addy, Telly, Pollie, Billboard and Dove award wins. Additionally, his visual brand has been featured on The Daily Show, CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, MTV, CMT, BET, TIME.com, BBC.com, and Politico.
Welch’s commercial work has delivered revenue drivers for brands such as Wal-Mart, Target, Cracker Barrel, Red Kap and Richard Childress Racing.
In 2018, Eric directed Beautifully Broken, a dramatic feature film following three families amidst the Rwandan genocide. Filmed in Africa and the United States, the theatrical release garnered strong reviews, including Variety Magazine.
The content Eric has created is not just artistically relevant, it has been commercially successful – garnering millions of view counts and multiple awards. Defined by his versatility, he consistently delivers a captivating visual style of storytelling and content creation through music videos, commercials, still photography and documentaries.
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Eric is usually found behind the lens of a camera, editing in the bunker, or cruising in his Dodge Challenger.
