Meet the Media Underdogs of Portland: Left Hand Agency

Founded by Lauren Ridgley, Left Hand Agency is a nimble, media-first independent shop based in Portland, Oregon. Ridgley, a former creative services director turned spreadsheet-loving media buyer, launched Left Hand to blend hands-on strategy with a creative sensibility rarely seen in media agencies. “I made pretty things,” she says of her early days in video production.

Now, she and her growing team bring a dual fluency in traditional and programmatic media—buying across DSPs in-house while keeping an eye on measurement integrity. Ridgley is proud of the agency’s independence: “We don’t take rebates from vendors—ever.”

That autonomy translates into custom strategies and ethical media plans for retail and CPG brands, especially founder-led ones. Left Hand’s culture is rooted in flexibility, transparency, and empathy. “We’re underdogs,” she says, “but in the possible way.”

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What the Agency is Best Known For and Strengths

Ridgley began in local TV before finding her calling in media buying. Left Hand started as a solo venture—named for her left-handedness—and grew after landing a major client. “I love spreadsheets now,” she laughs, reflecting on her shift from creative production to analytical media leadership.

Left Hand specializes in hands-on media buying across traditional and programmatic platforms. “We don’t silo our buyers,” Ridgley says. With full in-house DSP capability and experience spanning TV, CTV, OOH, and more, they offer cross-channel fluency that few independents match.

Left Hand bridges legacy and digital media with no handoffs or guesswork. “We’ve removed the silos,” says Ridgley. Their team can launch campaigns same-day when needed—a capability crucial during urgent moments like natural disasters or major news events.

Why Independence is Important

“We don’t take any rebates. Ever,” says Ridgley. That means no preferred platforms, no vendor influence, and total flexibility for clients. The agency’s independence also allows them to question inflated ROAS and measure true incrementality, a growing concern in retail media.

Why Brands Should Work with the Agency

Left Hand isn’t here to make numbers look good—they’re here to make them real. “Sometimes the ROAS is bullshit,” says Ridgley. Instead, they look at what’s actually driving sales, often challenging internal metrics from platforms like Kroger Precision Marketing or Albertsons Media Collective.

Why Talent Should Consider the Agency

Even fully remote, Left Hand invests in its people. With daily calls, team retreats, and flexible hours, Ridgley says, “Most people who started with us are still here.” She also advocates for elevating media careers beyond the back office: “It’s a creative endeavor, and we need to talk about it that way.”

Weirdos, Misfits, or Underdogs?

“Weirdo, 100%. But definitely underdogs,” says Ridgley. The agency keeps its size intentional to preserve high-touch service. “It’s not my goal to be a massive agency. I want us close to the work—and to the clients.”

The Marketer and/or CMO They Want to Say Hello To

Ridgley is a fan of indie, founder-led brands—especially those led by women. She shouts out Laurel Orley of Daily Crunch Snacks, Catherine Martinez Meyer of Born Brand, and the founder of Belgian Boys. She also admires Todd Kaplan, now CMO of North America at Kraft Heinz, calling him “good people.”

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