Pennsylvania marketing and advertising agency Blink, with locations in Bellefonte and Pittsburgh, has announced the acquisition of Ethic Advertising Agency. The addition of Ethic immediately extends Blink’s advertising and marketing footprint and client roster, and furthers the agency’s digital performance marketing, traditional media planning and buying, creative services and website development capabilities.
“We’re excited to add depth to these capabilities for our offices in Central PA and Pittsburgh. More clients locally are looking to invest in proven digital solutions, and the addition of the Ethic’s team has both the expertise and the track record to make an impact,” said Mark Dello Stritto, President and Chief Creative Officer and who works primarily from Blink’s Bellefonte-based office.
Founded in 2014, Ethic Advertising Agency is a digital-first advertising agency offering full-service capabilities with a focus on performance marketing. Ethic founder Jeff Swartz will join Blink as a co-owner alongside Dello Stritto, Tim McLaughlin and Robert Baker.
According to Dello Stritto, Blink currently serves nearly 30 Central Pennsylvania clients, of varying sizes. He said, “Many Central PA businesses are looking for marketing and adverting partners with deep experience across industrial, manufacturing, technology and healthcare industries. This acquisition brings additional tools, software and technology, along with a skillful team with thought leadership and extensive experience that will complement our existing digital team and capabilities.”
One of those additional tools secured in the acquisition is Qujam, Ethic’s proprietary property. This self-serve geofencing tool allows businesses to build targeted digital campaigns using GPS data. It’s a great option for brands looking to connect with audiences based on where they’ve physically been — and now Qujam customers will have the added benefit of Blink’s full suite of creative and media services if they need it.
“Qujam is a tool for businesses to leverage by creating their own geofenced digital campaigns,” explained Swartz. “For instance, the platform will allow a business to promote itself or multiple lines of its business through an easy-to-use dashboard. Customers can choose a target audience and upload banner display ads, streaming video or pre-roll video. The platform makes it easy for business owners and marketers to upload physical addresses or use our online tool to draw parameters around physical locations.”
“A Qujam customer allocates a budget, a campaign duration and simply launches their campaign through our DIY platform. If a Qujam customer needs additional help with marketing or creative services, they can leverage our team at Blink to develop those assets,” Dello Stritto further added.
Through this acquisition, as well as three previous acquisitions occurring over the last five years, Blink has grown exponentially and leadership believes Blink is positioned to become one of the top ad agencies in the Pittsburgh market. Over both the Bellefonte and Pittsburgh offices, there are nearly 40 Blink employees. Blink clients have included Giant Eagle, Viatris, ORX, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Senior Life, MSA, 1st Summit Bank, UPMC Enterprises, Sloan Lubrication Systems, Duquesne University, Riverview Auto Group, GetGo, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc., Centre Foundation, Fluid Conservation Systems and Peachey Hardwood Flooring to name a few.
“This is an exciting time for Blink as we are constantly focused on expanding our services and capabilities to better serve our clients and their ever-changing marketing and communication needs,” Dello Stritto summed up.
