How two major marketing powerhouses headquartered in Columbus became one
By Bryn Dippold
Though The Shipyard acquired Fahlgren-Mortine, they like to call it a merger, or even a marriage. There was the discussion stage—which lasted only about six months—and, of course, that first spark of interest.
“When you meet someone, you feel like you’re finishing each other’s sentences already,” Marty McDonald, president of Fahlgren-Mortine, says. “It sort of had that feeling.”
McDonald says that over the years, many companies expressed interest in acquiring the company. “Nothing really was right ever until we started talking with The Shipyard,” she says. “Part of the reason was that we have a very similar worldview about how marketing should be.”
McDonald was interested in a philosophy that The Shipyard practices called “engineering brand love,” which means in order to change minds and influence behavior, you have to appeal to people’s logic and emotion.
Rick Milenthal, founder and CEO of The Shipyard, began the company a little over 10 years ago with this “engineering” already in mind. He also had Fahlgren-Mortine on his radar for a while—and for good reason.
For two years in a row, Fahlgren-Mortine was named Agency of the Year in the Mid-Sized category at the 2023 and 2024 Public Relations Society of America Anvil Awards. “Fahlgren-Mortine’s the best, and they happen to be headquartered in our same city. This was a dream for us,” Milenthal says. “So, when the opportunity came up [to acquire Fahlgren-Mortine] …we ran like the wind.”
The Shipyard has also been named one of the fastest-growing agencies in the nation by Adweek.
McDonald and Milenthal agree that Columbus has been the best place to headquarter their respective businesses, and now, their merged company.
“I think Columbus works for our business, and I think Ohio works for our business,” Milenthal says. “Ohio is one of the greatest headquarters states and regions in our country.
“The truth is, if you talk to agencies in New York and California or even London, they know Ohio,” Milenthal adds. “They come to Ohio to get clients.”
Considering the wealth of major companies that are headquartered in Ohio, including Wendy’s in Columbus, Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati and Sherwin Williams in Cleveland, this is not too surprising.
The two companies officially merged in May 2024 and have grown their partnership over the past year.
Though they have merged, the respective leadership teams are still in place, making up joint leadership of the new company.
McDonald says it took some getting used to—like in any new relationship—but they’ve worked the kinks out. “We’re really in the thick of the fun part, which is we’re winning together,” she says. “We’re growing together. It’s actually working.”
The newly formed entity boasts 400 employees, serves 245 clients across 35 states, and generates over $350 million in annual billings. This consolidation enables both brands to offer a comprehensive range of services to clients seeking sophisticated solutions.
Adds Milenthal, “It’s been a dream.”