Jan Kelley Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 1913, Jan Kelley is a fully independent, Canadian-owned creative digital agency headquartered in Burlington, Ontario. With over a century of experience, the agency has evolved into a multidisciplinary team of more than 80 professionals, offering a comprehensive suite of marketing services.

Mission and Vision

Jan Kelley's mission is to bring out the best in each other and their clients every day. They emphasize creativity, curiosity, embracing challenges, and making courageous decisions.

Industry Significance

As one of Canada's longest-standing agencies, Jan Kelley has a proven track record of transforming brands and driving measurable results. Their unique approach, termed Humanology™, combines human insights, creativity, data, and AI-enabled technology to deliver growth for their clients.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Jan Kelley focuses on delivering unique insights, compelling strategies, and AI-enabled performance to drive results today while paving the way for future growth.

Areas of Specialization

The agency specializes in:

Insights: Customer insights, market opportunity analysis, and tools & technology assessment.

Strategy: Brand strategy, marketing & communications strategy, creative strategy, and media strategy.

AI-Enabled Performance: Performance media & full-funnel creative, demand generation, sales enablement, content & social, and platforms (digital experience & commerce).

Key Technologies Utilized

Jan Kelley's tech stack includes:

Web Analytics: Google Data Studio.

Marketing Automation: Marketo, Pardot.

Web Frameworks: Vue.js, Django.

Other Tools: Flickity, Gridsome, Apache.

Primary Markets Targeted

Jan Kelley serves both B2B and B2C clients across various industries, focusing on delivering growth through digital transformation and performance marketing.

Financials and Funding

Revenue

Jan Kelley's estimated annual revenue is approximately $21.8 million, with a revenue per employee of $250,000.

Funding History

The agency has not publicly disclosed specific funding rounds or external investments. In 2019, the leadership team acquired the remaining 22% stake from WPP, making Jan Kelley fully independent.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Jan Kelley's proprietary approach, Humanology™, integrates human insights, creativity, data, and AI-enabled technology to drive growth.

Significant Scientific Methods

The agency employs AI-driven data analysis, real-time forecasting, and predictive analytics to optimize campaigns and budgets.

Leadership Team

Chantel Broten: President & CEO.

Geoff Redwood: Chief Operating Officer.

Shannon Ballard: Chief Strategy Officer.

Mike Llewellin: Creative Director.

Kate Petrie: Creative Director.

Kamila Karwowski: Vice President, Strategy.

Travis MacDougall: Senior Director, Digital Performance.

Leadership Changes

In 2019, the leadership team, including Chantel Broten, Shannon Ballard, Geoff Redwood, and Josiah Shelley, acquired the agency from former co-owners Jim Letwin and Ken Nicholson, making Jan Kelley fully independent.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The digital marketing industry is highly competitive, with numerous agencies offering a range of services from traditional advertising to advanced digital solutions. The market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on data-driven strategies.

Competitor Analysis

Jan Kelley's competitors include:

Sharpline Broadcast: Provides media and broadcasting services.

Casanova//McCann: A full-service advertising agency specializing in reaching Hispanic consumers.

Inly Media: Offers advertising and media research services.

Beijing Haiyifeng Media: Engages in the planning and operation of brand strategy.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Jan Kelley has established partnerships with leaders in technology, providing early access to insights, research, and trends. These collaborations enhance the agency's ability to deliver innovative solutions to clients.

Operational Insights

Jan Kelley's distinct competitive advantage lies in its Humanology™ approach, which seamlessly integrates human insights with AI-enabled technology. This methodology enables the agency to deliver personalized and effective marketing solutions, setting it apart in a crowded marketplace.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The agency is focused on expanding its client base both within and outside of Canada, targeting key verticals to increase work for U.S.-based clients and growing the North American presence for global brands. By combining human insights with technological capabilities, Jan Kelley aims to meet the evolving needs of clients undergoing digital transformation.