Rainmaker Publishing founders, Renee Dexter and Michaela Gaaserud, are an experienced and dynamic team for publishing books and artwork on sports and outdoor recreation.  They bring a host of professional skills and their passion for the outdoors and sports-related competition to the publishing industry. 

In addition to being qualified, professional partners to their authors and artists, Ms. Dexter and Ms. Gaaserud bring energy and personal client relation skills to their business.  “We like to know our authors and artists personally and understand the unique needs of their audience. We’re also interested in all sports and outdoor activities, even the few we haven’t tried yet!”

Renee Dexter

Renee Dexter heads Rainmaker Publishing’s production efforts with over 19 years of experience in book production and marketing for a Washington, D.C.-based publisher and for two large professional associations. She designed and successfully marketed professional journals, serial publications, foreign language publications, and large directories in a variety of formats. Before finding her niche in book publishing, Renee literally worked with clowns, ringmasters, and ice queens as a Public Relations Manager for Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Combined Shows and Walt Disney's World On Ice. 

Renee holds a B.A. in Journalism from The Ohio State University and an M.A. in English and Linguistics from Old Dominion University. She grew up being active in gymnastics, tennis, skiing, and softball. Her current athletic interests range from being an enthusiastic fan of ice hockey and golf to actively participating in running, swimming, skiing, cycling, and yoga. Renee's next challenge is to attend Formula I driving school.

Michaela Gaaserud

With over 16 years of experience writing, editing and marketing, Michaela Gaaserud leads Rainmaker Publishing’s editing and communications efforts.  Michaela has written and produced hundreds of newsletters and marketing pieces for a broad range of clients including financial institutions, advertising firms, and government agencies, and also worked as the Director of Marketing for a leading federal Credit Union. Michaela also managed the regional distribution and sale of artwork for a D.C.-based fine art studio.

With a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Tech and a professional writing concentration, sports writing is Michaela’s passion.  She freelances for newspapers, regional travel magazines and international sports magazines such as Canoe & Kayak Magazine and Paddler Magazine.  Her first book, Sea Kayaking the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Area was released in 2007. Although while growing up it was nearly impossible to tear Michaela away from the stable and her horses, she now enjoys kayaking, running, triathlon, mountain biking, skiing and rock climbing.