Our Approach

As an independent Chicago-based advertising agency, we take a unique approach to our business – and yours. Setting aside agency-speak, here’s a brief intro into that process.

Huh? We believe that you need to fully define the goals of your advertising before you can create an effective and cost-effective strategy. That’s why when you work with LKH&S, we begin by defining your goals, and then we drill down as far as we can to get to know your business, its history, successes, failures, and more to help you achieve them. We ask lots of questions. Lots of them. Because that’s the only way to find the right answers.
Every ad agency talks about the power of brands. And, they’re right. But, it takes a lot of work and experience to build a brand, nurture it, define it, defend it, and capitalize on it. Luckily, at LKH&S we’ve done just that for a lot of different brands. And, we’re ready to do it for yours.
We admit it. We’re research junkies. That’s why we have so many in-house research resources. We want to know everything about your business, your market, and, especially, your consumers. It may seem obvious, but: Knowing is better than guessing (and a lot cheaper and more effective). By the time we’re done, we’re going to learn a lot about your customers: Who they are, where they are, how to speak to them, when to reach out to them, what their needs are, and how we can fulfill them. If it sounds like we’re building a relationship, we are.
We hate those guys. And, we’re going to do everything we can to make them regret that they didn’t hire us first. So, as part of our research, we take a long, hard look at the competitive landscape to figure out what your competitors are saying, their strengths, weaknesses, and the advantages or disadvantages of their products and services. The goal is to come up with a plan that allows us to outflank them, without necessarily outspending them.
There is no panacea, no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to a marketing challenge. But, together, we’ll find the right answers. So, what’s right for you? Broadcast? Print? Direct marketing? Social media? Digital advertising? A killer website? Lead generation? Direct sales? Brand building? All of the above? None of the above? Fortunately, LKH&S has experience doing all of these things.
It also pays to take risks (informed risks). It pays to be creative and try new things. It pays to remember that great advertising isn’t determined by a budget, but by building your brand. It pays to be true to your values. It pays to value experience and to find partners as committed to your success as you are. And, of course, that’s us.
Huh? We believe that you need to fully define the goals of your advertising before you can create an effective and cost-effective strategy. That’s why when you work with LKH&S, we begin by defining your goals, and then we drill down as far as we can to get to know your business, its history, successes, failures, and more to help you achieve them. We ask lots of questions. Lots of them. Because that’s the only way to find the right answers.
Every ad agency talks about the power of brands. And, they’re right. But, it takes a lot of work and experience to build a brand, nurture it, define it, defend it, and capitalize on it. Luckily, at LKH&S we’ve done just that for a lot of different brands. And, we’re ready to do it for yours.
We admit it. We’re research junkies. That’s why we have so many in-house research resources. We want to know everything about your business, your market, and, especially, your consumers. It may seem obvious, but: Knowing is better than guessing (and a lot cheaper and more effective). By the time we’re done, we’re going to learn a lot about your customers: Who they are, where they are, how to speak to them, when to reach out to them, what their needs are, and how we can fulfill them. If it sounds like we’re building a relationship, we are.
We hate those guys. And, we’re going to do everything we can to make them regret that they didn’t hire us first. So, as part of our research, we take a long, hard look at the competitive landscape to figure out what your competitors are saying, they’re strengths, weaknesses, and the advantages or disadvantages of their products and services. The goal is to come up with a plan that allows us to outflank them, without necessarily outspending them.
There is no panacea, no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to a marketing challenge. But, together, we’ll find the right answers. So, what’s right for you? Broadcast? Print? Direct marketing? Social media? Digital advertising? A killer website? Lead generation? Direct sales? Brand building? All of the above? None of the above? Fortunately, LKH&S has experience doing all of these things.
It also pays to take risks (informed risks). It pays to be creative and try new things. It pays to remember that great advertising isn’t determined by a budget, but by building your brand. It pays to be true to your values. It pays to value experience and to find partners as committed to your success as you are. And, of course, that’s us.

Our Work

When looking at an agency, the work often tells the story. Take a tour of our gallery to get to know us. If you want to know more, contact us and we can provide in-depth case studies.

Our Story

We Started In The Back Of A Chicago Type House.

Remember those? It was 1992. There were no iPhones, no iPads, no Google, no Twitter. There was, however, LKH&S. Founded by four advertising veterans who believed, as most entrepreneurs do, that there had to be a better way. A better way to create advertising. A better way to serve clients. A better way to do business.

Over two decades later, that better way has kept us in business. And, over the years, we’ve worked on some of America’s best brands, working with – and employing – some great people.

While technology and the marketplace have changed, our vision and our mission haven’t.

We believe that success in today’s marketplace depends on connecting clients with consumers, and that everything we do, every program we develop, and every ad we create must be designed to establish a connection between our clients and consumers that is actionable, meaningful and profound.

To help our clients realize their goals.

(Yep, it’s that simple.)

Our Clients

Since our founding, LKH&S has served clients large and small, B2C and B2B. And we’ve done just about everything for them from A to Z – including raising awareness, driving sales, generating leads, introducing products, increasing profits, cutting costs, building relationships, understanding the marketplace, and outperforming their competition. Here’s just a partial list of the many brands we have promoted.

Our Team

  • Stanton Lewin

    Stanton Lewin

    Managing Director, Principal

    “I believe I have two client-focused roles. First, to harvest information and find insights to build effective advertising. And, second, to become a true partner in our clients’ success.”

  • Sam Kirshenbaum

    Sam Kirshenbaum

    Executive Creative Director, Principal

    “I have a burning desire to transform a client’s vision into an arresting, memorable message that captures attention and demands action on the part of a consumer.”

  • Christina McCarter

    Christina McCarter

    Senior Account Supervisor

    “I’m your go-to get it done on-budget, on-time, and on-strategy gal. I’m always looking to create opportunities to elevate my clients’ business.”

  • Mark Vander Vinne

    Mark Vander Vinne

    Assocoiate Creative Director

    “I have a strong understanding of visual communication, which is hard to put into words, but I have an even stronger desire to do the best work possible for our clients.”

  • Jennyfer Butzen Dougherty

    Jennyfer Dougherty

    Account Supervisor, Media Strategist

    “I have a simple philosophy about putting together big media plans without big budgets: it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

  • Mary Kate Chlada

    Mary Kate Chlada

    Senior Copywriter

    “Messages are coming at people from every direction. My goal is tell a brand’s story in a way that breaks through the clutter.”

  • Warren Window

    Warren Window

    UI/UX Director, Senior Art Director

    “Combining technical skills with behavior analysis and engaging design, we’ll keep your business relevant in the digital marketplace.”

  • Lydia Heerwagen

    Lydia Heerwagen

    Business Development Director

    “More than ever, businesses need to get their message out there. I’m here to create long-term, meaningful partnerships that will help you grow and prosper.”

  • Katie DeRee

    Katie DeRee

    Public Relations Director

    “The nature of media today is such that a person, a vehicle and platform all can potentially become a brand and an outlet. Our strategies drive the greatest return in earned and owned media for our clients.”

  • Peter Jang

    Peter Jang

    Account Supervisor

    “In the constantly evolving digital industry, I will always strive to implement best practices across all channels.”

  • Rachel Ramos

    Rachel Ramos

    Account Executive

    “Client success is my top priority. Through positive client relationships, I work to ensure your needs are met on time, on budget and on strategy.”

  • Andrea Spinasanto

    Andrea Spinasanto

    Art Director

    “I strive to create designs that form brand awareness, drive sales, and leave the viewer wanting to know more.”

  • Teresa Wysoglad

    Teresa Wysoglad

    Film Production Director

    “When I say ‘action’ I mean it. We’ve filmed everything from package goods to Packers (thank you, Brett Favre), for TV, pre-roll, corporate videos, tradeshows and more.”

  • Rebecca Dillon

    Rebecca Dillon

    Print Production Director

    “In this digital age it’s more important than ever to make your print advertising look its best. That’s what I do. Of course, the art directors help. Sometimes.”

  • Michelle Hernandez

    Michelle Hernandez

    Office Manager

    “I’m proud to say that my job makes everybody else’s job possible. And a big part of my job is making everybody else’s job easier.”

Our Talents

Whatever the medium, whatever the discipline, LKH&S offers clients a wealth of experience and a broad array of talents. To simply note that we conceive and produce everything from websites to print ads, commercials to collateral, trade show booths to Facebook pages, digital ads to direct mail packages, doesn’t fully convey what we can offer you.

Ultimately, our talents are focused on:

From consumer brands to B2B, LKH&S can help you define your brand and carry its message to the marketplace.
Through social media, customer service programs, or newsletters and publications, LKH&S can help you build customer loyalty and engagement.
If you’re looking for leads for a sales force, a dealership, or a brand, LKH&S can help you find them – efficiently, effectively and affordably.
LKH&S has helped companies large and small create not just awareness in the marketplace, but true impact that translates into sales.
The LKH&S knowledge management process includes qualitative and quantitative practices and data analytics to identify patterns and find opportunities for you.
Whether it’s building cost-effective media plans, or influencing and engaging customers through Public Relations, LKH&S has the ability to help you do it all.
The expected, the ordinary, the tried-and-true don’t work anymore – if you’re looking for innovative solutions to your unique challenges, you need to take a closer look at LKH&S.
(Good ol’ Direct Mail)
Of course, when it comes to proven advertising disciplines, like direct mail, the team at LKH&S has done it all – and can do it for you.
From consumer brands to B2B, LKH&S can help you define your brand and carry its message to the marketplace.
Through social media, customer service programs, or newsletters and publications, LKH&S can help you build customer loyalty and engagement.
If you’re looking for leads for a sales force, a dealership, or a brand, LKH&S can help you find them – efficiently, effectively and affordably.
LKH&S has helped companies large and small create not just awareness in the marketplace, but true impact that translates into sales.
The LKH&S knowledge management process includes qualitative and quantitative practices and data analytics to identify patterns and find opportunities for you.
Whether it’s building cost-effective media plans, or influencing and engaging customers through Public Relations, LKH&S has the ability to help you do it all.
The expected, the ordinary, the tried-and-true don’t work anymore – if you’re looking for innovation solutions to your unique challenges, you need to take a closer look at LKH&S.
(Good ol’ Direct Mail)
Of course, when it comes proven advertising disciplines, like direct mail, the team at LKH&S has done it all – and can do it for you.

Your Turn

Want to discuss your business opportunity, contact Stanton Lewin at 312.595.0200, ext. 107. Or complete and submit this form.

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