05/17/17

OBI Creative is Expanding!

Today, OBI Creative is taking the next step on a path I’ve been walking toward since I was eight years old. Back in my hometown of Spencer, Iowa, I remember wanting to be a “CEO.” At the time, I didn’t know what that meant or what it entailed, but I knew it would afford me an opportunity to own a company; make decisions with the help of others; and lead an organization to be successful. 

So I started signing my name, “Mary Ann O’Brien, CEO, O’Brien Industries, New York, NY 10069.”

I don’t live in New York anymore (short stint there in the early 2000s), and while I still have a long way to go in terms of achieving all of my goals, the expansion of OBI into Iowa accomplishes a signature goal: enacting the next phase of a broad and ambitious goal for OBI to be recognized as the best agency in the country.

We have long excelled in research, strategy and award-winning creative; we’re your go-to agency for results. In 2016 we were awarded a Silver Stevie for Best Ad Agency, Marketing and PR Firm in the world by the International Business Association for agencies of 11+ in size. Acquiring Alt Studios brings high level expertise in digital media and design, IT, web hosting and social media, while at the same time expands our footprint into a growing center of innovation in Des Moines. It also deepens our team’s experience in the finance, healthcare and agricultural industries. After watching Alt Studios from afar with admiration for the past two years, it became clear that joining our two teams would not only enable us to offer more hands-on services to our Iowa-based clients, but would create an unstoppable force for customer good. Plus, being a native of Spencer, Iowa, it felt like the completion of a grand arch for me to be able to open an agency presence in all three of my home states: Iowa, California and Nebraska.

Our announcement is about more than expanding our geographic footprint beyond Omaha and San Diego into Des Moines. It is a declaration to the world that we are always improving, growing and innovating; in our operations, capabilities, and most importantly, our service to the clients with whom we are privileged to partner.

Join me in celebrating our expansion AND in expecting more from our talented, insightful and creative team.  
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