Advertising and marketing groups abound in metro Atlanta, from small at-home businesses to branches of national firms. All are overflowing with creativity, but nine outshine the rest, based on employee feedback. Read on for the rundown on the best ad companies in the city, based on the AJC's sixth annual Top 150 Workplaces survey.
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1. 22squared Inc.
1170 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-347-8700.
22squared is an independent advertising agency that has built brand experiences for nearly 100 years. It strives to create ideas that connect with consumers emotionally and drive powerful conversations. It supports iconic brands including Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, GNC and Mizuno. Employees say: "I love my job because of the people I get to work with. My team members make my job fun and exciting," and, "The people are fantastic, and are committed to delivering fantastic work to our clients."
2. BKV
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-233-0332.
BKV has been a direct marketing company since 1981. Even today, it still follows the same philosophy of objective, no-nonsense, hard-numbers accountability that has worked for all these years. Employees say: "I love the people. The culture of the workplace is work hard, play hard. It is challenging, fast-paced and results driven, but this allows me to push myself to exceed."
3. Cardlytics Inc.
675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 888-798-5802.
Cardlytics partners with financial institutions in the U.S. and the U.K. to run its online and mobile banking rewards programs. This passes savings to customers while giving a valuable look at when and where consumers are spending their money. That insight translates to more targeted marketing and advertising. Employees say: "It's exciting work and my co-workers are amazing people," and, "We're doing great things and I'm a part of that."
4. CSE
150 Interstate North Parkway SE, Atlanta. 770-955-1300.
Founded in 1986 as an athlete management and marketing firm, CSE helps businesses and brands connect with consumers and fans through sponsorships, digital media content creation, social media campaigns, communications and PR, talent management and more. Employees say: "I am able to set my own path and focus on the areas that allow me to bring the most value to the company," and, "CSE is filled with incredible people that make coming to work every day fun."
5. Displayit Inc.
4907 Golden Parkway, Buford. 770-931-8095.
Displayit is a producer of portable displays and large-format graphics for trade shows and other face-to-face marketing events. Whether a client needs basic tabletop covers or signage, personalized kiosks, or outdoor displays, Displayit can help them put their best marketing foot forward. Employees say: "I work with great people and for great people. From the day I first started, I felt important and appreciated. It is easy to come to work when you love what you do and the people you work with."
6. Jackson Spalding Inc.
1100 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-724-2500.
Jackson Spalding is one of the largest independent marketing communications firms in the Southeast, with offices in Atlanta, Athens and Dallas, Texas. It serves organizations that have values and passions matching its own from "the premiering to the preeminent" with clients including Chick-fil-A, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Delta Air Lines and Primrose Schools.
Employees say: "I work with smart, curious professionals in a friendly, fun environment," and, "We're producing great work for some of the most notable companies in Atlanta, and it's exciting to be a part of it."
7. MKTG
5080 Highlands Parkway SE, Smyrna. 404-591-5523.
Mktg is a pioneer in the advertising industry, focusing on experiential, sports and entertainment lifestyle marketing. Its commitment to constantly evolve in order to reach and positively affect people's lives is seen through its work with Lego, AT&T, Smirnoff, Gatorade and others.
Employees say: "There is a sense of family in the relationships I have gained here. People work hard here because they are truly passionate about the work that they do."
8. MSLGROUP Atlanta
1170 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-875-1444.
MSLGROUP Atlanta is a full-service communications and engagement agency specializing in both traditional and digital public relations to support consumer and corporate clients. The Atlanta office leads some of the region's most impactful PR work, representing clients in the industries of consumer packaged goods, consumer health care, technology and other sectors.
9. Porter Novelli
3500 Lenox Road, Atlanta. 404-995-4500.
Porter Novelli provides clients with distinct communications programs that are critical to a company's success. It customizes messages and placements with groups ranging from nonprofits such as CARE to technology firms such as Vonage and HP.
Employees say: "I get to do meaningful, important work with some of the most intelligent, motivated and talented people in the industry," and, "We celebrate one another in big and small ways. People are genuine and caring."
