Overview

Company Summary

ON Advertising, established in 1993, is the largest minority-owned full-service advertising agency in the Southwest and a leader in crafting innovative campaigns for diverse markets. With expertise in advanced audience targeting and creative storytelling, we’ve successfully partnered with brands demanding sophisticated marketing solutions. Our creative team is celebrated for innovation and accountability, consistently delivering strategies that drive tangible business objectives. We provide a full suite of services, including marketing, advertising, public relations, and digital solutions, tailored to meet the unique needs of our diverse clientele. We rely on extensive research and analytics from trusted sources like Scarborough, Nielsen, and MRI, as well as strategic partnerships with companies like Resonate. This foundation ensures every campaign is precision-targeted and delivers maximum ROI, making the most of your investment.

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Staff

Total Number of Employees

Office Employees: 0-50
Total US: 0-50
Total Worldwide: 0-50

John Hernandez
Owner/Partner
EDUCATION:
University of Arizona - Journalism, Radio/TV

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
25 years

BIO:
John joined ON Advertising as a partner in 2002 and worked with Ron Meritt to grow the agency to where it is today. In his previous career, John worked as a television news producer, photographer, reporter, anchor, and news director at stations all over the country, garnering several awards, including an Emmy. At home, John and his wife are the proud parents of three dogs and nine chickens. They also love to travel.

Eric Garcia
Owner/Partner
EDUCATION:
Art Center College of Design - Design

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
28 years

BIO:
A native of New Mexico, Eric began his career in 1991 as an Assistant Art Director at Robinson & St. John Advertising in Florida. Known for his meticulous eye for detail and fresh graphic style, this hands-on designer and nationally recognized creative director currently serves as the co-owner and Chief Creative Officer of ON Advertising. Eric began his career as a fine artist, showing exhibitions with world-renowned artists in Santa Fe. To this day, Garcia continues to work on large-scale relics across the U.S.

Matt Owens
Owner/Partner
EDUCATION:
Woodbury University - Marketing

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
40 years

BIO:
Matt was the “O” in OH Partners as co-founder and co-owner until he sold his interest in the agency in early 2022. At the time, it was the largest advertising agency in the Southwest. Matt brings a depth and breadth of advertising, marketing, and agency knowledge and experience that is simply unmatched in this market.

Both Matt and his father, Bill Owens, founder and owner of long-time Valley ad agency Owens & Associates, were named Advertising Person of the Year in 2021 and 1982, respectively, making them the first father and son duo to receive this award from the American Advertising Federation’s Phoenix Ad Club.

Matt graduated from Woodbury University and is married to Karen, the love of his life. He enjoys traveling, driving his hand-built English sports car, and woodworking.

Ron Meritt
Owner/Partner
EDUCATION:
Northern Arizona University - Broadcasting & Public Relations

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
31 years

BIO:
Ron is an accomplished marketing strategist and business leader with a passion for driving brand growth and market innovation. Ron started ON Advertising in 1993 and plays a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s vision, spearheading strategic initiatives, and delivering impactful marketing solutions to a diverse range of clients.

With extensive experience in branding, digital marketing, business development, and crisis communications, Ron is dedicated to helping businesses stand out in competitive markets. He specializes in leveraging data-driven insights, creative storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to craft campaigns that resonate with target audiences and generate measurable results.

Under his leadership, ON Advertising has expanded its services to include AI-powered marketing strategies, multicultural marketing with a focus on Hispanic and Mexican audiences, and comprehensive advertising solutions that drive customer engagement. His ability to blend creativity with strategy has made ON Advertising a go-to agency for brands looking to enhance their market share and visibility.

Darren Higgs
General Manager
EDUCATION:
University of Victoria - Social Sciences

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
16 years

BIO:
Darren joined ON Advertising in 2017 after six years as an Account Executive at EG Structural. He quickly advanced, becoming VP of Marketing in 2019 and rising to President & General Manager in 2023. His leadership and experience have been crucial to the agency's success. An avid sportsman and family man, Darren also enjoys riding his Peloton bike and spending time with his wife and son.

Dawn Webley-Fadda
VP, Agency & Media Operations
EDUCATION:
Grand Canyon University - Entrepreneurial Studies

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
24 years

BIO: With over 20 years of experience, Dawn is a media operations and strategy expert with a strong track record at some of Arizona’s fastest-growing agencies. She has been instrumental in empowering brands across diverse industries throughout her career, consistently delivering award-winning work. Dawn's approach revolves around a strategic mindset, prioritizing high-touch media planning, seamless execution, and comprehensive analytics to achieve outstanding results for our clients. In her free time, Dawn loves spending time with her family and five pups—and enjoys a good hike (when the Arizona weather permits!)

Chelsea Smeland
Vice President of Client Services
EDUCATION:
Arizona State University - Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
14 year

BIO:
Chelsea is an award-winning marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in product development, brand strategy, and advertising. She has received 24 industry awards for campaigns that drive growth and brand affinity. A graduate of Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Chelsea specializes in advertising strategy and innovative activations, leveraging consumer insights to craft compelling brand storytelling that enhances engagement and loyalty. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys traveling with her partner and spending time with their dog, Chance.

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Clients and Brands

Client & Brands	Start Date
State of Arizona	07-01-2012
Blake's Lotaburger	08-01-2023
American Shutters	01-01-2025
Maricopa County (Arizona)	07-01-2013
Peddler's Son Freddy's Steakburgers	10-01-2018
Freddy's Steakburgers	02-01-2019
City of Phoenix	07-01-2023

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Billings & Revenue

Billing / Revenue Ranges	Number of Clients
Billing < $1M and/or Agency Revenue < $200K	14
Billing > $1M and < $3M	9
Billing > $3M and < $5M	4
Billing > $5M and < $10M	3

Total Gross Media Placed by this Office

Allocation Percent of Media Placed by this Office
Local Broadcast: 15%
National Broadcast: 10%
Digital: 60%
Print: 2%
Out of Home: 10%
Other: 3%

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Types of Services

Service Offering	Revenue
Advertising - General Market/ Traditional	40
Multicultural | Hispanic/Latino	25
Digital/Interactive | Website Development, Hosting, Monitoring	10
Business-to-Business	10
Recruitment Advertising	8
Social Media	7
Media Planning	5
Digital/Interactive | Search Engine Marketing	5
Media Buying	5
Content stategy & development	5
New Product Development	5
Public Relations	5
Brand Consulting	5
Event Marketing	3

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Industry Experience

Business-to-Business (B2B)
Direct-To-Consumer (if distinct from E-Comm)
Industrial, Manufacturing & chemicals
Business Services & office products
Consumer Services
E-Commerce
Education
Financial services | Banking - Consumer
Food & Beverage | alcoholic beverages
Food & Beverage | food
Gambling | casinos
Government | economic development
Government | Health & Wellness
Healthcare | assisted living
Healthcare | Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities, Medical Services
Healthcare | medical products
Media | broadcasting
Media | online
Media | other
Media | publishing
Media | Streaming
Non-profit, associations & public services
Professional Services (accountants, consultants, lawyers)
Public Relations
Real Estate | buildings & construction
Restaurants
Retail - In-store
Social Media
Travel | tourism

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