A Louisiana brand consulting and advertising agency is expanding into Chattanooga and two other cities as it seeks to serve clients across the South.
MESH, a Baton Rouge-based firm started 17 years ago, has added offices in Lafayette, La., Austin, Tex., and Chattanooga to broaden its footprint.
"Coming out of this pandemic we realize that all brands have an opportunity to reinvent themselves and create new opportunities for growth that haven't been seen before, and we think we have the same opportunity for growth as an agency," said Taylor Bennett, founder and chief operating officer for MESH. "Through the last few months, we've realized that our size and ability to be strategic and scrappy is what is needed in the industry. Growth across all markets was the right thing to do, based on the talent and locations."
MESH, which currently works with about 50 clients across the South, joins other significant figures in the advertising and media industry which have added offices in Chattanooga in recent years. Gary Vaynerchuck brought his Vaynermedia to Chattanooga in 2015; Alex Bogusky invested in the Chattanooga Humanaut agency in 2013, and Viget is opening a Chattanooga office this year.
Bennett said the expansions by MESH in the three new cities is part of his goal to become the agency of the South.
Hector Gonzalez, the chief strategist for the company, moved to Chattanooga eight month ago to work with clients in Atlanta, and help grow new business in Nashville, Charlotte, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Gonzalez joined MESH in 2017 and has built the agency's business, brand strategy, and public relations services offerings. Prior to MESH, Gonzalez held roles at marketing agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic, spearheading campaigns for DeWalt, Under Armour, Acura, AGCO, and Marriott International, among others.
"We're excited to introduce MESH to a spirited city that is attracting a creative workforce looking for a change of pace from Silicon Valley and New York," Gonzalez said. "The atmosphere here is thriving-blending outdoor adventure with business acumen that enables us to draw top talent from around the world to join our team."
With the interruptions caused by COVID-19, Bennett said branding has become even more important for many companies which have had to switch some of their messaging and branding in response to the pandemic.
"We expect the industry to shift, but we're looking at this change as a way to reinvest with the only thing that makes us great-our talent," he said.
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 757-6340