Our Mission

At Social Ape, we take pride in supporting local businesses and helping business owners reach their marketing goals by successfully using marketing, social media, public relations, and influencer marketing.

Since 2012 we’ve helped dozens of businesses grow and have continued to prove the return on our client’s investment by providing solid results.

Our clients are more than just clients to us. They’re partners. When working with our team, you’ll notice that we work as an extension of your business, not just a vendor. By working closely with our clients, we help them to become successful, which in turn helps us to be successful as well.

Meet Our Team

Founder of & President

April Smith

April has worked in marketing for over 12 years and founded Social Ape Marketing in 2012. She created the company when she realized that many small and medium-sized businesses were struggling to understand social media marketing and how it could benefit their businesses.

April has worked in marketing for over 12 years and founded Social Ape Marketing in 2012. She created the company when she realized that many small and medium-sized businesses were struggling to understand social media marketing and how it could benefit their businesses. Social Ape Marketing has helped to grow dozens of businesses in the Carolinas region by creating unique campaigns including social media marketing, public relations, influencer marketing and much more.

Before founding Social Ape, April received her big break at ESPNU where she worked as the Social Media Manager, creating content and interacting with avid sports fans via social media on a daily basis.

Originally from Richmond, VA, April graduated from Radford University and has lived in Charlotte, NC since 2007. April has also actively been involved in giving back to the community, as well as serving as a connector to those around her. She has served on the Social Media Charlotte board and is extremely passionate about marketing and business.

When April isn't glued to her computer or phone, she's most likely doing hot yoga, hanging with her dog Frank, visiting the newest restaurants or traveling.

Public Relations Lead

Dustin Metz

Dustin was born and raised in MD (Go Ravens!) and moved to NC in 1999, and is passionate about people and helping to tell their stories as she believes that each person who started a business has a unique story just waiting to be told.

Dustin was born and raised in MD (Go Ravens!) and moved to NC in 1999. Ever since then, the Tar Heel state has been her home. Dustin has a degree in journalism, and for the past 20+ years has worked in TV news as a producer. She has worked at TV stations all across the state, from the coast to the Piedmont Triad to Charlotte. Dustin currently lives in Denver, NC with her blended family and absolutely loves it!

Dustin is passionate about people and helping to tell their stories as she believes that each person who started a business has a unique story just waiting to be told.

Digital Marketing Specialist

Katie Griffin

Originally from Marietta, GA, Katie moved to Charlotte after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2022 with a degree in Public Relations and an English minor (Go Dawgs!). She has a passion for storytelling and loves finding creative ways to capture an audience's attention.

Originally from Marietta, GA, Katie moved to Charlotte after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2022 with a degree in Public Relations and an English minor (Go Dawgs!). She has a passion for storytelling and loves finding creative ways to capture an audience's attention.

During college, Katie interned with the Atlanta Hawks, where she hosted on-campus events, increased brand awareness, and implemented various marketing campaigns. This experience developed her passion for using marketing as a way to help others create more memorable experiences in daily life.

Outside of work, you’ll find Katie exploring new places around Charlotte, enjoying a walk outdoors, or whipping up a new recipe in the kitchen. Shout out Wishbone Kitchen, her recipes are awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WqaCYCEvcE