Independent Knowledge Partner Network (IKPN) hit 21 agencies this week with the addition of Bridge Insights & Media and Quimby Digital. Both bring something unique—strategic media planning and social media firepower—while getting access to technology and resources that typically require holding company scale.
The tech stack matters more than you’d think
Carrie Stein, co-CEO of Bridge Insights & Media, was direct about what drew her agency to IKPN: “We’re excited to really level up our tech stack, bringing more sophisticated tools to our clients.” Bridge specializes in complex local businesses and government work—the kind of clients where media planning needs to be particularly intelligent. The technology upgrade matters there.
Before signing on, Stein and her team talked to existing IKPN partners. The consistent message? “IKPN legitimately helps with growth strategies.” That’s not holding company speak. That’s shop talk between peers.
From one person to an operation
Ashley Rector, CEO of Quimby Digital, saw a different opportunity. Her agency has built a reputation launching and scaling brand communities on platforms like Reddit. They’re also developing Wimbly, a proprietary AI strategy tool for social performance.
With IKPN’s resources, Quimby is expanding into paid social. “We’re going from one paid social person to having an entire operation,” Rector said. “And from the start of our conversations I’ve gotten practical, real advice continuously on how to strengthen our business—things I haven’t been able to see, talk through, or do as a solo founder.”
That last bit matters. Solo founders rarely get peer consultation at scale.
Partnership means accountability
Jen Griffith, Bridge’s co-CEO, pointed out something that separates networks from loose agency associations: “There’s more accountability when you’re partners. We can get to strong partnerships faster when we share a network commitment.”
IKPN’s structure makes this possible. The network takes minority equity stakes—under 20%—and doesn’t make management demands. Compare that to holding companies (which own you outright) or private equity firms (which streamline operations to sell). IKPN’s model is about building agencies in whatever direction leadership wants to go.
Scale without the strings
Lindsay Rutherford, IKPN’s president, summed up the value proposition: “We’re the growth avenue that keeps owners in control of their destiny. We’re giving accomplished leaders the resources to build smarter, healthier, more enduring agencies.”
Started in 2021 by Know Company, an ad tech firm, IKPN provides its partners with HR, financial, new business and technology consultation. The funding base and technology access come from Know Company, but the network neither owns nor looks to sell its agency partners.
21 agencies across North America. Each one independent. Each one accessing resources that typically require surrendering equity or autonomy. That’s the model working the way it should.
Learn more
Bridge Insights & Media
Carrie Stein LinkedIn
Jen Griffith LinkedIn
Quimby Digital
Ashley Rector LinkedIn
IKPN
Lindsay Rutherford LinkedIn
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Doug Zanger is the founder and editor-in-chief of Indie Agency News. He is also the founder of the Creative Bohemian consultancy, lives in the Pacific Northwest and is insufferable about it.
