Hanon McKendry's growth creates six Grand Rapids jobs, more expected

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

In the past year, Grand Rapids marketing and public relations firm Hanon McKendry merged two companies, Justice & Monroe and Mindscape, and their 16 employees into the company.

The influx of new people prompted the December appointment of the company’s first-ever human resources director. And that was recently followed by the hiring of five more people, including a programmer, web designer, copywriter and director of account services.

“We’re projecting continued growth through 2009,” says Bob Blanchard, CEO. “Part of that growth is because we have a pretty diverse portfolio of services, including design, PR, media and digital interactive.

"The other part is that we have a diverse portfolio of clients, including nonprofit and for-profit. And we service a lot of different industries, we’re not just tied to the auto industry or the furniture industry, and that helps us not be economically affected if one industry isn’t doing well.”

The company is also part of Gravity Six, an alliance of six West Michigan design, brand consulting and ad firms that collaborate on larger projects to attract a larger customer base to Michigan.

With 15 years under its belt, last year Hanon McKendry logged its highest revenue ever--nearly $10 million. With over 50 percent of its clients located outside of Michigan, the company is also responsible for regularly hosting clients who, in turn, stay at downtown hotels and are entertained at downtown restaurants and other venues.

“I think Mindscape is in a position to continue growing this year,” Blanchard adds. “Hanon McKendry could be in a position mid-year to add more staff because of adding new clients and our existing clients who are growing.”

Source: Bob Blanchard, Hanon McKendry

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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].