Skidmore Studio scores more national biz as it grows in Detroit

When Skidmore Studio made its move to the M@dison Building in downtown Detroit two years ago, work from local companies drove the growth at the creative agency. The firm looked beyond the Motor City in 2013.

"Growing national work," says Tim Smith, president & CEO of Skidmore Studio. "We brought in five new clients with national scope."

Those new clients include Dave & Busters, Expedia and Chrysler. Skidmore Studio is doing everything from print and TV and digital work for those companies. Smith explains that they were attracted to Skidmore Studio’s heartland characteristics.

"It's that Midwestern work ethic," Smith says. "They are finding it a refreshing change of pace."

Skidmore Studio also clocked a significant chunk of work from local big-name firms, such as DTE Energy and Quicken Loans. It is also working on a marketing campaign for Detroit Public Schools.

"We're still finding a lot of local firms that need help," Smith says.

That has allowed Skimore to hire three people over the last year, including a vice president, digital producer and interactive designer. It is also looking to hire an account executive. The firm currently has a staff of 29 employees and a couple of interns. Smith hopes to make a few more hires in 2014 as it works to land more mid-sized companies with a national scope.

Source: Tim Smith, president & CEO of Skidmore Studio
Writer: Jon Zemke

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