TE scales back changes philosophy
by February 22, 1999 12:00 am 72 views
Thompson Earnhart & Associates, the Fayetteville advertising agency, has downsized and changed its philosophy.
Mike Thompson, CEO and president, says the agency is steering away from a concentration on media placement to spend more time on branding and public relations — “bringing in creative communications and holistic marketing.”
“It makes us more focused,” says Thompson. “We’re no longer in areas where we don’t bring value to clients. Our structure now is perfect for what we do.”
Gone from TE are Kristen Earnhart, director of public relations; Aaron Elleman, an account executive in client services; and Bryan Henderson, head of the transportation division.
Thompson says Elleman’s departure may have been triggered by TE losing one of its largest clients, USA Truck Inc. of Fort Smith. TE and USA Truck will part ways in March, says Thompson, and the change will help TE concentrate on its “core competencies.”
Earnhart and Henderson had been looking for new opportunities outside the agency, says Thompson.
Earnhart, who owned one-fourth of the company, left to pursue a doctoral degree in advertising. Thompson says there will be a transfer of stock she owned, but he’s not sure of the distribution yet. The name of the agency will remain Thompson Earnhart.
The changes leave TE, which was founded in 1995, with 10 employees.