Ad, brand agencies split, but family doesn't
Sons now co-own different local firms
By Bob Rayner
Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
Richmond, Va. - October 15, 2005 - Two sister companies -- run by brothers with a little help from their dad -- just completed an amicable separation. David N. Martin co-founded Martin Branding Worldwide Inc. in 1999 with his son, Rob Martin and a former business colleague, Rich Wolford. Dave H. Martin, David's other son, joined as a partner in 2000 when BrandSync was formed. The businesses offer brand-consulting and advertising services.
Martin Branding Worldwide has reorganized as a full-service ad agency, owned by one son, Dave H. Martin, and his partner, Jake Crocker, a former president of the Richmond Ad Club. The agency specializes in "brand development and developing corporate identities," the Dave H. Martin said, as well as advertising, public relations and graphics. The elder Martin will serve as a senior consultant. "I've assumed a more active role," he said. The agency, with offices on Willow Lawn Drive, employs six people. It boasts about $6.5 million in capitalized billings. Clients include QubicaAMF Worldwide, Dominic's of New York, Markel Corp., Davenport & Co. and Williams Mullen.
BrandSync, which was owned by Martin Branding, is now an independent company owned by Rich Wolford and Rob Martin, another son of David's. That company, with four employees and new digs in Carytown (Richmond, Va.), offers brand consulting services, with a focus on private equity and venture-capital clients.
Although no longer an owner, Martin, the dad, said he will be associated with both businesses, but will work directly with Martin Branding.
Before the separation, most of the agency's clients came to it through the consulting business. Now, Martin Branding will be better positioned to pursue new clients, its owners said. Still, the two companies plan to work together frequently. Neither has a tie to The Martin Agency, Richmond's largest ad firm. David N. Martin was a founding father but left in 1988.
For more information, call Rob Martin at (804) 545-6882 and the Richmond Times-Dispatch story can also be found here.
ABOUT: Since its founding in 1999, BrandSync has been a pioneer in the concept of Strategic Branding. BrandSync is a consulting firm that specializes in synchronizing operations and communications with a powerful and focused brand identity to help Fortune 1000 corporations and middle market companies and their private equity stakeholders achieve their corporate growth objectives. Additional information on the value of Strategic Branding can be found on the web at www.brandsync.com or by calling (804) 545-6880.
###
