Purchase is latest strategic growth initiative for LEAD
(GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN) – LEAD Marketing Agency, one of West Michigan’s largest full-service marketing agencies, is pleased to announce that it has acquired Wynott Advertising & Design. The formal transaction occurred Nov. 1. LEAD executives say that they had been planning to make an acquisition for the last 18 months.
“We’ve researched and considered dozens of attractive opportunities that have come our way,” said LEAD President and Owner Tom Sullivan. “We feel we are now the most complete ad agency in West Michigan. Acquiring an established firm like Wynott Advertising & Design means that we’ve increased our expertise, resources and creative services very quickly.”
LEAD Marketing Agency was founded in 2008 by Sullivan and Matt Tiedgen and has done work for notable clients including Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, Two Men & A Truck, Biggby Coffee, Grand Rapids Griffins, Consumers Energy, Northpointe Bank, Grand Valley State University and Busch’s Fresh Food Market among others.
Just prior to the Wynott acquisition, the agency had hired a creative director, expanded its digital advertising services and added a financial and strategic growth manager, all moves to position LEAD as a full-service marketing agency.
“These strategic moves put LEAD and our clients in a good position, for many years,” said Vice President and Owner Matt Tiedgen. “We now will lead the marketing strategy, create the message, place both digital and traditional media in a very targeted fashion and analyze the data all under one roof.”
Founded in Grand Rapids in 2004 by Scott Hagley, Wynott has provided traditional advertising services to clients across the state including Silver Bullet Firearms, Fence Consultants, Grapids Heating & Cooling, Distinctive Catering, Design 1 Salon & Spa and the West Michigan Whitecaps.
“LEAD Marketing Agency’s reputation is outstanding,” said Scott Hagley, who will now serve as an Account Manager at LEAD. “They have a long history of producing results for their clients. We are thrilled to be joining them and our clients are very excited about working with LEAD.”
In September LEAD hired Eddie Bullinger as Creative Director. He is a highly respected creative talent who honed his skills in Fort Lauderdale, Denver, Chicago and Holland, Michigan during his 21-year career. He was a Partner and Creative Director at Murdoch Marketing since 2006
“Eddie brings major-market talent and experience to Grand Rapids,” Sullivan notes. “We think companies will be thrilled with his ability to produce design that communicates the authentic message of each brand. Our clients are very excited about this addition.”
“LEAD is an accomplished agency with a great future. I’m excited about what lies ahead,” said Eddie Bullinger.
Additionally, Dan Gardiner joins LEAD as Senior Graphic Designer. Gardiner brings 20 years of professional experience to LEAD’s creative department.
In late August the agency hired Jeannesa Martin as Digital Specialist. She is a Ferris State University marketing graduate with a specialty in social media marketing. She holds certifications from Google in Ad Words, Analytics, Shopping, Display, Mobile, Search and Video Advertising.
“With Jeannesa, we are in a stronger position to plan and execute social media plans for multiple clients,” said Sullivan.
Also in late August, the agency contracted with veteran advertising agency consultant Steve Koskela to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Strategic Advisor. In this role he oversees strategic growth at LEAD.
Koskela brings to LEAD more than 27 years of financial and operational management expertise of advertising, marketing and public relations firms, on both a national and international level.
Koskela’s experience includes acting as Chief Financial Officer-North American Operations for TBWA Chiat Day in Los Angeles, and most recently as Managing Director of sjk advisory group, which he will continue to operate.
