ADsmith changes ownership

Last edited 11:08 a.m., Jan. 8, 2025 [Editor's note: List research has been updated.]

ADsmith Marketing & Advertising has changed ownership.

Company President Ken Taylor assumed ownership of the company from founder Angela Smith, the firm announced yesterday. Smith said via email that the sale closed Nov. 21 for undisclosed terms.

"While there has been considerable interest in the company over the past two years, my intention was always for ADsmith to remain in the hands of a trusted internal leader – someone with the marketing expertise, drive and stamina to guide the agency into the future, while keeping the team intact," Smith said. "I have always viewed ADsmith as a community of talented marketing professionals. External buyers could not guarantee continued employment for all team members, nor could they commit to the full-service marketing support and community engagement that I built over the past 25 years. Ken shares these values, and that alignment was a top priority for me throughout this transition."

Taylor was named president in 2018, setting the company up for a succession plan, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. He joined the company earlier that year as senior vice president of marketing strategy after previously working for 16 years at Noble Communications Co. 

ADsmith's team, services and operations are unchanged through the deal, according to a news release.

“Angela has created a legacy of purpose-driven work and authentic connection,” Taylor said in the release. "I’m honored to take the baton and continue leading ADsmith with that same spirit. This isn’t about changing what works – it’s about building on a rock-solid foundation and preparing for the next 25 years with fresh energy and vision.”

Smith said she is retiring after selling the company she founded in 2000. She plans to focus her time on nonprofit work – she currently serves on six boards – and said she would be available to Taylor "for advice as needed."

ADsmith ranked No. 2 on SBJ's 2025 list of the area's largest advertising and marketing agencies, with 18 employees as the ranking criteria.

Company officials declined to disclose annual revenues.