About FDS

While we officially launched First Descent Studio in 2020, our roots actually stretch back much further. We began as a small division within Show and Tell Agency, creating our first website way back in 1998. Yeah, that's over 25 years of experience! The digital landscape has transformed dramatically since those early days, but one thing hasn't changed – our dedication to evolving alongside our clients' needs.

We don't just build software; we're partners in your business journey. From those initial "what if?" conversations through the creative design process, the technical heavy lifting of development, and finally the exciting moment when we launch your solution... we're there with you. Supporting your vision isn't just what we do – it's who we are. 

Mission Statement

First Descent is committed to providing innovative and reliable solutions that help businesses achieve their goals. We aim to understand our clients’ needs and then to create custom software that is tailored to meet those needs. We strive to deliver high-quality solutions that is user-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective. Our team of experts provides exceptional customer service and support. We believe that our success is measured by the success of our clients. 

The Team

Marty Fisher
President / Principal
Marty is father to five children and a dedicated husband, PC gamer (Nerd!) and passionate skier (both snow and water). Over 25 years, he grew Sherpa Marketing, one of our two legacy agencies, from a one-person shop to an agency with a talented roster of staff that provides full-stack advertising services to clients across the world, including Fortune 500 businesses.

Marty is inherently curious about all things “marketing.” His passion for learning has led to the discovery, creation and adoption of many technological advances in marketing technology. Whether it was building his first client website in 1998 or his first TikTok ad in 2020, he is always on the leading edge of what’s the next big thing. He has a natural ability to quickly find winning channels, SaaS platforms and technology for his clients.

His favourite band is U2 and his hobby is collecting boats. He says that his number one sports team is the Toronto Maple Leafs but we really think he means the Winnipeg Jets.

Marty has a B.A. in Economics from the University of Guelph.
Boris Ibanez
Sales
Boris is a seasoned veteran in the digital marketing space with an impressive 25 years of industry experience. Since joining the agency in 2019, he’s proved he is more than a digital marketer; he’s also a visionary Mixed Reality Developer and regularly works with the agency’s creative team to blend virtual and real worlds.

Boris has a wealth of experience, boundless creativity, and “a heart that beats for innovation” to make him an integral part of the agency's digital excellence team.

Beyond the screen, Boris has a passion for the hard rock sounds of Soundgarden and gets an adrenaline rush watching mixed martial arts. But you might say his true love is cuisine, where he comes off as a true Italian aficionado.
Chris Riehl
Director of Development
Meet Chris, a versatile programmer who combines technical expertise with creative flair, adding depth and innovation to every project. He is the mastermind behind turning complex code into seamless digital solutions. But that’s just the beginning. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision, Chris also excels as a 3-D artist, transforming concepts into captivating visual realities.

Off the digital canvas, you’ll often find Chris sketching out new ideas or hitting the ice for some exhilarating hockey action. A collector of sports cards, Chris’s appreciation for fine detail extends beyond programming, adding a unique layer to his multifaceted skillset.

We’re still trying to figure out what he’s thinking in the thought box sketched onto a white board behind his desk.
Sharon Knutson
Director of Account Services
Sharon graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BA in Communications. She has worked at the agency since 2006 and has held various leadership roles. When Sharon isn’t working, she spends time with her family and friends at the cottage. She loves to watch her children play sports and travel the world!
Brian Dusselier
Sales
Brian Dusselier, also known as deuce, is a seasoned sales and innovation expert with 30 years of experience in the industry, including five years at Show and Tell. Brian has a diverse skillset that he uses to help clients comprehend emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality. He assists them in enhancing their marketing strategies and amplifying their campaigns.

Brian used to love basketball, but basketball didn’t love his knees. He now loves going on road trips, often getting lost, but he says that’s half the fun. He also enjoys mountain biking, where he’s never met a tree he hasn’t hit, and he often goes on multi-day hikes that he almost always returns from. If you haven’t already guessed, he’s a big sports fan, with a particular love for baseball.
Mathew Carvalho
Sales
Mathew. Yes, you read that right: there is only one “t” in his name. His love of photography, video and travel is what brought him to Show and Tell in 2017. “Mat With One T” has a unique role at the agency as the agency’s agile content producer and one of our business development gurus.

But his favourite part of the job is content capture day. He enjoys getting into the thick of it all with clients on location where, no matter their industry, he helps to tell their stories in a fresh way. Carvie, as he is also known, always looks for the narrative and believes that most people just need a little help looking in the right places. 

Mat has a Business Admin degree from the University of Winnipeg.

When he's not in the office you will find him somewhere warm, with his partner and their son (a French bulldog) named Chester, who by the way frequents Show and Tell’s Winnipeg office and where everyone just calls him Cheddar.

Want to talk to us?

Or call us...

866.201.3828
(US & Canada)

130 Scott St.
Winnipeg, MB
R3L 0K8, Canada

645 Westmount Rd. E - unit 17
Kitchener, ON
N2E 3S3, Canada