# Terry Woodruff

> Terry Woodruff founded the Columbia, Missouri advertising agency now known as Woodruff in 1992 after working in real estate, music management and film production. Its former CEO, he oversaw expansion and the agency’s transition to 100% employee ownership in 2017.

- **Role:** Founder and former CEO at Woodruff
- **Organizations:** Woodruff, Woodruff Sweitzer, Woodruff Communications, True Media Services, EVOKE Research, WS Express, Thumper Productions
- **Education:** Marketing, University of Central Missouri
- **Known for:** Founded an agency in 1992 that subsequently expanded across multiple U.S. cities and into Canada., Led the agency during its 2012 acquisition of Paradowski Creative., Oversaw the 2017 transition to 100% employee ownership.

## Career timeline

- **Early 1980s** — Sold real estate in Mexico, Missouri, before moving into band management.
- **1980s** — Worked in music management, public relations, television and film/video production, including co-producing LA Rocks! with Sherman Hemsley.
- **1990** — Returned from Los Angeles to mid-Missouri with his wife after their daughter’s birth.
- **1992** — Founded his advertising agency in Columbia, Missouri.
- **2004** — Steve Sweitzer joined; the agency became Woodruff Sweitzer.
- **2007** — Helped organize the first Roots ’N Blues ’N BBQ festival for Boone County National Bank’s anniversary.
- **2010** — Reported 20–25% annual agency growth over the preceding three years.
- **2012** — Woodruff Sweitzer acquired Paradowski Creative, effective July 2.
- **2017** — The U.S. agency became Woodruff and transitioned to 100% employee ownership through an ESOP.

## Achievements

- Founded an agency in 1992 that subsequently expanded across multiple U.S. cities and into Canada.
- Led the agency during its 2012 acquisition of Paradowski Creative.
- Oversaw the 2017 transition to 100% employee ownership.
- Helped organize the Columbia festival Roots ’N Blues ’N BBQ.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — The agency Woodruff founded announced that Jenny Jones would succeed Scott Kington as president and chief strategy officer upon his planned January 2027 retirement; Shelley Thompson remains CEO.

## Links

- Website: https://wearewoodruff.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-woodruff-3aa9685

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/terry-woodruff
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-24