High Retention, Community Engagement, and Employee Ownership Drive Honor

Doe-Anderson, the nation's oldest employee-owned advertising agency, proudly announced today it has been named "Best Agency Culture Silver" at the 2025 Ad Age Small Agency Awards in Toronto. This award recognizes the agency's commitment to fostering a workplace where employees thrive and are empowered to do their best work.

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"Best Agency Culture Silver" at the 2025 Ad Age Small Agency Awards in Toronto. Left to right: Leyla Touma Dailey, John Birnsteel, Claire Tidmore

The Ad Age Best Agency Culture awards acknowledge agencies that nurture talent and create the space for bold, meaningful creativity, while providing meaningful benefits and a focus on employee well-being. Doe-Anderson's win highlights its unique approach to talent retention and community impact.

"In an era when agencies across the country are competing harder than ever for talent, retention, and relevance, culture is more important than ever," said John Birnsteel, EVP, Chief Executive Officer of Doe-Anderson. "This recognition affirms that the steps we’re taking to build an agency where people can show up as their authentic selves—and do their best work—are making a real impact."

Doe-Anderson's culture is distinguished by several key initiatives and benefits:

High Retention Rates: The independent agency achieved a 6% staff turnover rate in 2024, significantly lower than the industry average, with an average employee tenure three times the industry norm. This continuity ensures clients work with deeply knowledgeable and collaborative teams.

Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned agency, over half of Doe-Anderson's current employees hold shares in the company, allowing them to collectively guide its long-term vision.

DEI Commitment: Doe-Anderson actively prioritizes diversity and inclusion, most recently evidenced by co-founding the University of Louisville's Multicultural Marketing program in 2024.

Work-Life Balance: Employee well-being is paramount, with a hybrid work model, four "Work From Anywhere" weeks per year, and two fully paid agency-wide "Recharge Weeks."

Community Engagement: As a newly certified B Corp, Doe-Anderson demonstrates a transparent standard of sustainability and inclusivity. Initiatives include the "All Hands" pro bono program providing pro-bono marketing services to Black-owned small businesses and a tree-planting effort in underserved neighborhoods.

This recognition underscores Doe-Anderson's philosophy of "Work. People. Love." The agency believes that great creative work stems from brilliant people who are passionate about what they do and where they do it.

Doe-Anderson works with iconic brands including Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, and Louisville Slugger bats and equipment. Client partners also include Georgia Aquarium, Carrier, Roto-Rooter, and several healthcare and financial sector brands. Doe-Anderson has 137 employees spanning offices in Louisville, KY and Columbus, OH. It offers integrated communication services including brand and digital strategy, creative execution, media buying and planning, analytics, digital design and development, content production and public relations. Founded in 1915, the agency is a Certified BCorp and is a member of AMIN Worldwide, a global peer group of independent agencies, and the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As).

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This recognition affirms that the steps we’re taking to build an agency where people can show up as their authentic selves—and do their best work—are making a real impact.