Wannenmacher Advertising to close by year’s end

Wannenmacher Advertising Co. is slated to close by the end of 2016 after 31 years in business.

Paul Wannenmacher, who founded the downtown company in 1985, said he’s been winding down the business for a couple of years. Current clients include Hammons Products Co., Friendly Ford, Marshall Ford in St. Louis and a dozen others.

The business, which currently employs three and a couple of freelancers, provides advertising, graphic and Web design, public relations and social media services. Noting he hasn’t taken on new clients in recent years, Wannenmacher said his current clients are aware of the impending closure.

Wannenmacher said he’s unsure what he would do professionally once the business closes.

“I’m 65 years old and I’m in my 26th year of fighting ulcerative colitis and Crohn's and all the various things that come with it. That being the case, it’s just about time,” he said. “I intend to attempt to retire. I don’t know what the future holds.

“It’s been a very good career. I don’t intend to replicate it.”

The advertising veteran said a young attorney - who he declined to name - has secured financing and could close this month on the purchase of Wannenmacher’s nearly 2,900-square-foot 211 E. Walnut St. building that’s housed his business since the early years of operation. When it started, Wannenmacher Advertising shared space with Springfield Business Journal at 209 E. Walnut St., where the Jalili family now operates Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes.

Wannenmacher also was the driving force behind documentaries, including “Civil War Battle of Newtonia,” and his company has run trade shows for the likes of KY3 and Vietnam veterans programs.

“The diversity of my business really stems from the fact I was always afraid I’d get bored,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it.

“You move from being a young man with a dream to an older man with tons of great memories.”