Daily
Qwest Moving From McClain Finlon to Draftfcb
This is the part of having a big agency that really blows. Because, inevitably, big agencies attract big accounts – which hold a lot of careers and a lot of lives in the balance.
Beyond the people at McClain Finlon who will likely be on the hunt for new jobs soon, there are two other disheartening facts about this entire process. First, the group at McClain Finlon consistently presented campaigns that were far better than those Qwest strong-armed them into eventually dulling down and running on the air – campaigns that would have made Qwest more successful. This client was always in the way (and Draftfcb will likely feel the same pinch after the honeymoon wears off).
Second, another huge company headquartered in Colorado is taking its account out of town – in this case to Chicago. We understand the world is small now and that big accounts go where the big agencies are. But is there no allegiance left? Maybe we’re crazy to believe there’s any loyalty left in any company beyond their own corporate greed to try and build a city together with agency partners where they both want to be for the long term.
The Denver Post has a bit more on the story if you care to read it.
248 days ago / / Link
You are crazy to think there’s any loyalty left in this business. The way it’s set up anyway. The way people (on both sides) move around and try to immediately put their fingerprint on the company. Today the people in the marketing departments at big companies, and to a large extent those handling the account on the agency side, are more interested in making a name for themselves than in doing what’s right for the business or the consumer.
And it does suck that they’re taking the business out of town, but we don’t need ‘em. There are plenty of companies headquartered here and in other cities that would fall over themselves for the work some of the people in this city can produce (when given the chance). What the agencies in this city need to do is get better at identifying those companies.
— Artistic Mercenary™ · Dec 16, 10:18 AM · #
I agree with the previous post.
Colorado biz owes nothing to Colorado agencies. Perfect example: the CO tourism board leaving the state for some expert in tourism.
Many agencies have pulled in out-of-state work, and its paying off handsomely. I do feel for McClain. Many good people there, smart people. They will rebound.
— jay · Dec 16, 10:38 AM · #
many companies bring in work from out of state to denver agencies, including cities in worse economic shape than denver, so deal
— joe blow · Dec 16, 10:59 AM · #
Yeah, Joe has it right. We get a ton of business from companies is much smaller markets, that really feel the sting with the work goes out of town to somewhere like Denver. I heard Qwest was a nightmare client to work with, I wouldnt be surprised if McClaine Finlon almost feels relieved by this. Go find new biz to replace this account and move on.
— Razz · Dec 16, 01:40 PM · #
The one thing that irks me is the constant negative press in the Post/News.
Eight years back, they had a weekly column celebrating efforts in the area.
Now the only time there’s any coverage is when an account heads over statelines.
There are plenty of wins that should be published. Where was the Post/News when Factory won North Face? When Karsh won Black Hills? WHen McClain won Dell?
The News/Post do a pisspoor job, and act like experts. They’re not. The only ones who come close are the Denver Biz Journal.
— jay · Dec 16, 02:09 PM · #
Because the only good news or celebration occurs on the sports pages. It celebrates victories. Headlines are for death, destruction and war. (an the occasional agency loses biz to out-of-state agency).
— Randall · Dec 16, 05:15 PM · #
It’s disappointing the local media ignores the the positive things going on in the industry in this community. For example new business wins.
Anyone from the papers want to respond to this? Why don’t you? I know press releases are sent to you.
— Someone · Dec 16, 05:53 PM · #
It’s disappointing the local media ignores the the positive things going on in the industry in this community. For example new business wins.
Anyone from the papers want to respond to this? Why don’t you? I know press releases are sent to you.
Good luck to all those from McClain who will find themselves looking. It’s understandable that there will be deep cuts.
We will see what the management of the agency is made of in how they mange this.
— Someone · Dec 16, 05:58 PM · #
Start our own businesses and apprehend the better and best clients from, not only here, but around the globe.
Not too much longer and I think a few designer mercenaries and myself will be doing just that…
Its the only way to get what you want and have any ground to really critique or complain..
P.S. I’ll soon have a new site up with a ton of new work for everyone to dismantle.
— Lifter Baron · Dec 16, 08:30 PM · #
Lifter Baron,
Agreed. But starting your own gig doesn’t mean you’ll do what you want. Sure, it will afford more opportunities to pick and choose your clients. But at the end of the day, it’s a business like any other.. You’ll have the good with the bad.
I was at Integer for two lay-offs. Never a great thing to go though. But from what I hear, everyone lands on their feet. And most are better off.. it’s just the kick in the butt they needed to move on to the next thing.
— Randall · Dec 17, 05:01 AM · #
Glad to see a good discussion over the Qwest/McClain biz. Seeing large dollars move out of state is not good, but posters are correct: we all land on our feet eventually. There is plenty of good work being done in town. Now we need to see good work AND high-dollar accounts staying here. We’re on the brink.
— Rhino · Dec 18, 04:46 PM · #