Jessica Blumberg and David Hunter, co-founders of the independent media agency hunterblu have a heck of a history together. We’ll get to that. But this remote agency has been making waves with its focus on bridging the gap between creative and media strategies, especially for small to medium-sized brands. They discuss their journey from working together at Crispin Porter + Bogusky to founding hunterblu.
How Did hunterblu Start?
Starting from their time working together at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, they both transitioned to freelance roles, which eventually led to the founding of hunterblu. Their existing client base allowed them to establish the agency without a financial safety net (eek!), building upon their collective media expertise and strong working relationships. It was a gamble that certainly paid off.
What Is hunterblu Best Known For?
hunterblu excels at bridging the gap between media and creative strategies. They specialize in integrating creative ideas into media plans that amplify campaigns. Their approach focuses on relevance, creativity, and strategy, moving beyond traditional “spots and dots” to ensure the message resonates with the audience effectively.
How Does hunterblu Approach Client Needs in a Competitive Market?
The agency employs a balanced strategy rooted in 80% tried-and-true methods and 20% innovation. This approach allows them to test new ideas while ensuring client budgets are optimized for results. Their ability to adapt strategies to smaller budgets makes them particularly effective for smaller brands that demand cost-effective solutions.
Why Is Independence Important to hunterblu?
Being independent allows hunterblu to craft media plans tailored to clients without being tied to holding company structures or preferred vendor relationships (the latter is a biggie!). This independence ensures transparency and prioritization of the client’s best interests, providing customized solutions that larger agencies often cannot offer.
Why Should Brands and Agencies Work with hunterblu?
hunterblus expertise in media strategy and planning, coupled with fair pricing and personalized service, makes them ideal for small and medium-sized brands. They also excel at collaborating with creative agencies, supporting big ideas with media rationale that enhances the overall impact of campaigns.
The Most Underrated Media Platform?
The founders emphasize the enduring power of TV and traditional media. Despite declining ratings, TV remains unmatched in its ability to deliver simultaneous viewing and immediate results. They note that even digital-first brands often see significant benefits from incorporating traditional media into their strategies.
Why Should Talent Consider Working at hunterblu?
Hunter Blue prioritizes employee satisfaction and development through transparent communication, strong benefits, and a supportive remote work culture. They offer a personalized development plan for each employee and actively seek feedback to refine their offerings, making it a sought-after workplace for media professionals.
CMO Shoutout
David and Jessica admire leaders like Marian Lee, the CMO of Netflix, citing their innovative approaches to engaging audiences. They also mention Alicia Tillman, CMO of Delta Airlines, highlighting their loyalty to the brand and its marketing strategies.
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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.
