BusinessWire
In an industry constantly grappling with burnout, turnover, and the chase for creative talent, Doe-Anderson is quietly rewriting the rules. The Louisville-based independent agency has just been named “Best Agency Culture Silver” at the 2025 Ad Age Small Agency Awards—an honor that not only cements its status as a cultural benchmark but also reflects how bold, people-first policies can drive both retention and results.
Awarded in Toronto, the accolade recognizes agencies where employees thrive, creativity flourishes, and well-being isn’t just a slide in a pitch deck. For Doe-Anderson, that mission is personal. As the oldest employee-owned ad agency in the U.S., the shop has embedded ownership, inclusivity, and purpose into its DNA.
“In an era when agencies across the country are competing harder than ever for talent, retention, and relevance, culture is more important than ever,” said John Birnsteel, EVP and CEO of Doe-Anderson. “This recognition affirms that the steps we’re taking to build an agency where people can show up as their authentic selves—and do their best work—are making a real impact.”
Retention by Design
Doe-Anderson isn’t just talking the talk. Its 6% turnover rate in 2024 crushes industry averages, and the average employee tenure is three times longer than typical. That consistency pays off for clients, who benefit from teams that know the business—and each other—inside and out.
Ownership and Empowerment
Roughly half of all employees hold shares in the agency through its 100% employee-ownership structure, giving staff direct influence over Doe-Anderson’s future. It’s a strategy that turns “stakeholder alignment” from buzzword to business model, and it’s helping the agency thrive without the baggage of holding company bureaucracy.
DEI That Does Something
Beyond checkboxes and panels, Doe-Anderson has taken concrete steps toward building a more inclusive industry. In 2024, it co-founded the University of Louisville’s Multicultural Marketing program, helping cultivate the next generation of diverse creative talent. This initiative complements its internal DEI efforts, which are treated as an ongoing business priority rather than a side project.
Benefits That Actually Benefit
Doe-Anderson’s flexible work model includes four “Work From Anywhere” weeks annually and two fully paid agency-wide “Recharge Weeks”, proving that mental health isn’t just a wellness webinar. Add to that a hybrid setup and the flexibility to bring your full self to work, and you’ve got a culture that retains people for the long haul—not just until the next recruiter email.
Community with Purpose
The agency also takes its Certified B Corp status seriously. Through its “All Hands” pro bono program, Doe-Anderson provides free marketing services to Black-owned small businesses, and its environmental work includes tree-planting in underserved neighborhoods. It’s a rare example of brand values put into motion—literally and figuratively.
Creative Legacy Meets Modern Culture
Founded in 1915, Doe-Anderson has earned its place in advertising history. But it’s not resting on legacy. The agency works with powerhouse clients like Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Louisville Slugger, Georgia Aquarium, and Carrier, offering integrated services across media, strategy, analytics, digital, content, and PR.
With 137 employees across offices in Louisville, KY and Columbus, OH, the agency remains independent, globally connected through AMIN Worldwide, and an active member of the 4As.
In short: Doe-Anderson isn’t just another ad agency with a ping-pong table. It’s a culture-first powerhouse that’s proving the best creative work starts with people who actually want to be there.
