# Hart

> Hart is a privately held, independent brand transformation agency founded in Toledo in 1965. Across offices in Toledo, Columbus, Detroit and Washington, D.C., its nearly 100-person team combines research, strategy, creative, media, public relations, digital products and production for consumer, business, healthcare and public-sector clients. Its position is deliberately in the middle: broader than a boutique, more personal than a holding-company network.

- **Founded:** 1965
- **Headquarters:** Toledo, United States
- **Founders:** Thomas R. Hart (Founder)
- **Products:** Brand strategy and insights, Creative and content, Media and measurement, Reputation and influence, Digital experience
- **Notable:** Built from a Toledo basement art studio and political-advertising practice into a nearly 100-person agency with offices in Toledo, Columbus, Detroit and Washington, D.C., Acquired Columbus-based Conrad Phillips Vutech in 2016, MDB Communications in 2022 and Detroit-based Rebuild in 2025 while remaining independent., Won a national Silver ADDY in 2025 for the Washington Dulles International Airport 'Because Reasons' campaign.

## Products & services

- **Brand strategy and insights** — Consumer research, brand planning, market research and strategic positioning.
- **Creative and content** — Advertising, campaign concepts, graphic design, content marketing, storytelling and studio production.
- **Media and measurement** — Media planning, buying, programmatic advertising, analytics and campaign measurement.
- **Reputation and influence** — Public relations, crisis communications, media relations, social strategy and community management.
- **Digital experience** — Website and app development, digital strategy, ecommerce and omnichannel experience design.
- **Consulting and advisory** — Brand, customer and employee experience consulting for organizations undergoing growth or change.

## Achievements

- Built from a Toledo basement art studio and political-advertising practice into a nearly 100-person agency with offices in Toledo, Columbus, Detroit and Washington, D.C.
- Acquired Columbus-based Conrad Phillips Vutech in 2016, MDB Communications in 2022 and Detroit-based Rebuild in 2025 while remaining independent.
- Won a national Silver ADDY in 2025 for the Washington Dulles International Airport 'Because Reasons' campaign.
- Won Gold at the 2025 ANA REGGIE Awards for Nationwide Children's Hospital's 'Light Up the Lawn. Light Up A Life.' campaign.
- Earned 22 awards at the 2025 Toledo ADDYs, including Best of Show and all three Judge's Choice honors.
- Earned 20 ADDYs across Columbus, Toledo and Washington, D.C. in the following awards season, including Best of Show and Judge's Choice honors.
- Ohio Liquor's Irish Cask & Craft campaign produced 55 million social impressions, a 246% engagement increase and 99% positive or neutral engagement.
- The Dulles 'Because Reasons' campaign generated 2.6 million completed OTT views, performance reported at more than 5,000% above an industry average and 700% engaged-audience growth.

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Hart announced 20 ADDY wins across Columbus, Toledo and Washington, D.C., including Best of Show and Judge's Choice honors.
- **2026-01** — Marc Paulenich became CEO; Mike Hart moved to executive chairman after a planned leadership transition.
- **2025-06** — Hart won a national Silver ADDY for the Washington Dulles 'Because Reasons' campaign.
- **2025-05** — The Nationwide Children's Hospital 'Light Up the Lawn' campaign won Gold at the ANA REGGIE Awards.
- **2025-01** — Hart acquired Detroit-based Rebuild, bringing the combined organization to nearly 100 people in four offices.

## Links

- Website: https://hartinc.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hart-associates/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/hartinc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hartinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hartinc/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/hart
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-23