Meet our team of thought leaders and category experts.

While we’re all focused on driving growth for our clients, Russ is making sure we’re all growing as people. The award-winning culture and long-term agency stability that we all enjoy can be traced right back to him. Since taking over as CEO, Russ has doubled down on the agency’s commitment to combine brand thinking with data and technology in a never-ending pursuit to be greater than — and the results we’ve achieved for our clients under his leadership speak for themselves.

Winner of the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award. Named Inside Memphis Business CEO of the Year. General all-around good guy.

Gary loves playing in a band. It’s probably a part of his meticulous nature that makes it fun for him to find ways to merge a bunch of individual talents into a cohesive group all playing off the same page. That’s pretty much what he has done on a daily basis for over 20 years here at the agency. But for the last decade, his methodical mind has focused on the pursuit of the “a-ha” moment when a brand strategy reveals itself.

Technology may be making the globe smaller, but it’s also creating an unprecedented opportunity to help our clients connect with their audiences. Luckily for us, Gökben merges analytical aptitude with a passion for creativity to develop unique strategies for clients to do just that. Her life experience gained by living on three different continents gives her unique insight into the culture and values of people from all walks of life.

Tom brings multiple perspectives to retail brand challenges. He's worked for multi-unit retailers, been the agency of record for numerous multi-unit brands, and has owned and operated multiple franchise units himself. Because of his unique breadth of experience, Tom knows retail like no one else in the region — perhaps even in the nation. It also explains why he's more than just a marketing partner; he's a holistic business counselor who can guide multi-unit retail brands through all the distinct challenges they face on a daily basis.

Which came first, Archer Malmo or Jay Cooper? No one’s really sure, because no one has been around here longer than Jay. His penchant for maintaining an even temperament even in the midst of chaos is legendary. As is his ability to haul in trout. But it’s his ability to see through the clutter and get at the heart of an issue that makes him ideal to lead big-time national brands like Grizzly smokeless tobacco, which he helped grow from an afterthought product in a mature category to a number one brand that continues to gobble up market share. Not bad for an old art director.

There’s a little uncertainty about where Meredith is from. Some say she’s from San Antonio. Others say she hails from Birmingham. But our guess is that she made off with all the smarts both cities have to offer before winding up in our Austin office. Perhaps that breadth of background explains her uncanny knack for working across all the various disciplines within the agency and leading various agency initiatives. Most recently, her work as the inaugural lead of our DE&I Council and now as head of new business proves that she is up to any task.

Nobody sees the big picture quite like Beverly. It’s a near-supernatural talent that she formed the old-fashioned way – through experience. Starting with an art degree, then quickly moving over to media, and even owning her own stationery business, she knows what it takes for a team to come together and generate results. As our account lead for pet health brands, she’s also able to see and influence the major challenges and subtle shifts that affect her clients’ business.

Fred leads our Ag Team, bringing more than 30 years of integrated marketing experience to the job. From ADM to Zoetis, John Deere to Case IH, seed stock to livestock, Fred has served a “who’s who” of ag clients. He also brings plenty of hands-on experience, having operated a grain farm for 12 years in western Illinois. He’s traveled to and worked in 20 different countries, moderated more than 100 focus groups and created high-profile events involving NASCAR, NCAA athletics and popular TV shows. He is a leader within our ag community, serving as a board member for Crusonia on the Delta, a mentor for the AgLaunch accelerator and advisor to Agricenter International.

Patricia knows a thing or two about being healthy. Sure, she likes to run and bike and climb and all that stuff, but what really gets those endorphins pumping is being able to work with clients who lean toward being green. All that knowledge about healthy living, plus a couple of decades of leading national and international accounts, gives her plenty of personal insight on how to help clients like Juice Plus+ and Tower Garden build and maintain a strong brand to go along with a healthy bottom line.

Look at the insane amount of award-winning, category-defying work Wally has produced over the past 25+ years and it’s easy to see that the man knows how to turn a phrase. But his greatest talent is actually the ability to turn a singular, sharp idea into a platform that draws attention, wins hearts and builds brand loyalty. His curious nature makes him dive into new industries, tackle new technologies and challenge all of the agency’s creative teams to explore new territories.

The industry calls it sonic branding. To us, it’s the sound of Archer Malmo on our best day. Either way, when Leigh Anne’s iconic laughter echoes through our halls and over Zoom calls, we’re reminded of the words of Chairman Emeritus John Malmo who said, “If you’re not having fun in this business, you’re not doing it right.” And boy has Leigh Anne been doing something right. From her early days as a junior copywriter hustling her way to becoming the agency’s first female creative director (and group creative director and executive creative director), Leigh Anne’s influence on our clients’ work and our agency culture are arguably incomparable. Just like that infectious cackle.