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Rivers and Roads
Celebrating 50 Years of Asher Agency
One of my favorite songs is “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart. As I was listening to it the other day, I realized that it’s an apt metaphor for Asher’s upcoming 50th anniversary and all the things our team has accomplished, all the rivers and roads we’ve been down, and the people who have made it all possible.
Rivers
Fifty years ago, Tim Borne founded Asher Agency in his hometown of Fort Wayne, which lies at the apex of three rivers. Originally established as a government relations agency, Tim grew Asher into a media and creative team working out of a Victorian house on the west side of the city, just downstream from the St Mary’s River. We miss Tim, and we’re proud to carry on what he started in 1974.
My family lives in a different state
Asher experienced significant growth in the subsequent decades, serving clients nationwide. Tim’s brother Tom joined the agency to help manage the staff and help take the show on the road.
Asher also grew through the acquisition of an agency in Charleston, West Virginia, and the re-establishment of an Indianapolis office—two more cities on the river. Today, we’re stronger than ever with a nimble team of 45, working in our offices and remotely across the country.
Been talkin’ ‘bout the way things change
Throughout Asher’s 50 years, virtually everything about the marketing environment has evolved. Asher foresaw and embraced these changes, supplementing its excellence in traditional media with an equally adept digital team. Today, we’re stronger than ever given our foundation in timeless marketing principles and our agility in cutting-edge tools and tactics.
As we look towards the future, we’re well prepared for the changes to come, including harnessing AI for personalized marketing and leveraging immersive experiences for brand storytelling. No matter how things change, Asher will continue to set new standards for creativity and effectiveness.
They’re goin’ to better places
Another change at Asher is our recent return to our roots as an independent, women-owned business. In July of 2022, my business partner and Asher CFO, Megan Bennett, took ownership of Asher from our friends at Eastport Holdings. Asher is now among the just 1 percent of agencies nationwide owned by women.
Our friends
At the heart of Asher’s success story is our exceptional team. Through the years, we’ve attracted and retained some of the brightest minds in the industry. All our team members have contributed to the agency’s legacy in their own unique way, and it’s why we’ve thrived for five decades. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has been part of the Asher story over the years (and for those who have moved on, to quote The Head and the Heart, “I miss your face like hell”).
We’re also thrilled to have served an amazing roster of clients, with many becoming friends over the years. And we couldn’t do it without the support of our vendor and partners. People are the key to our success, and we truly believe we work with the best in the business.
Roads
So, where will we go from here? I believe that Asher’s story in the coming years will reflect its past. Ultimately, a 50-year anniversary is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Less than 10% of businesses make it to the mid-century mark, and it’s even rarer in an industry that’s experienced so much change. Asher’s success means we’re well positioned to continue to evolve, adapt, and thrive in exceeding our clients’ expectations.
So, as we celebrate this milestone, please join us in raising a toast to the next 50 years and all the rivers and roads we’ll travel together. Thank you for being part of the journey!
Written by Kara Kelley, Asher Agency Owner & President
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