Brighton Agency Celebrates 30 Years in "The Business of Creativity"

2019 marks the 30th year in business for the Brighton Agency. The Clayton-based marketing communications agency celebrated the milestone anniversary throughout the year by adding to its leadership team, hosting industry colleagues from near and far and continuing to elevate its resources and culture.

“My years with Brighton have certainly been life-changing, and I’m grateful that I get to work at one of my favorite places and with some of my favorite people every day,” says Tina VonderHaar, Brighton president and CEO. “As Brightonians, we thrive in and enjoy a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, but we also like to occasionally take a moment to have a little fun with one another, and with our clients, outside of a meeting room setting. Our 30th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate three decades of ‘the business of creativity’ — and to gear up for the next 30.”

“We owe our three decades of business to our client-partners, who are essential to our growth and success,” adds Scott McClure, Brighton Senior Vice President. “We are committed to helping them build their businesses through strategic thinking and inspired creative.”

Throughout the year of its “Pearl Anniversary,” Brighton continued to foster relationships and create exceptional work, while also taking time for the occasional celebration. A few highlights:

Expanded Leadership

• The agency expanded its leadership team with the addition of Jim Mayfield, Senior Vice President. In this role, Jim leverages his creative and business vision to deliver innovative, smart solutions to clients globally.
• As a member of ICOM, a global network of independent agencies from more than 60 countries, Brighton agency leadership collaborated with industry partners from around the world and hosted a group from five countries this summer for a week of workshops, networking, presentations and, of course, a Cardinals baseball game.
• Brighton’s Scott McClure took the helm of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) in 2019. St. Louis was the host city for the 2019 NAMA Fall Conference, with Brighton Agency Account Manager Brittany Phillips as programming chair. Brighton hosted a reception on its patio that was attended by agribusiness professionals from across the country.

Brighton Culture

• No anniversary celebration would be complete without a party, and Brighton hosted one in grand style with its 2019 “Zufallig” party. Zufallig, which is German for “random,” brought together Brighton clients, employees and friends of Brighton for an evening that included live music, mouse racing, a fortune-teller and a sword-swallower, to name a few.
• The agency implemented a flexible work policy and brought back favorite annual events like its spring “Mini-Masters” miniature golf tournament, a summer trip to the wineries and a popular Take Your Kid to Work Day. This, in addition to summer Fridays, weekly happy hours, quarterly Bring Your Dog to Work days to benefit local animal shelters and barbecues during each Cardinals home game.

Creative Director Leo Madden has been a member of the Brighton Agency team for 25 years. As its longest-tenured employee, he’s witnessed Brighton evolve from a small, traditional print and broadcast shop to a full-service communications firm with broad digital acumen, a full video and sound studio and a team of social media specialists. “Brighton has deep roots but also embraces change and growth,” he says. “We work hard, but we are family-friendly and flexible, too, with a great mix of personalities and experience levels.”

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