The J&C
Approach

The Science

At Jacobs & Clevenger, data isn’t just a buzzword we bandy about to make us sound smart. We’ve been extracting stories from data for years. But the key is knowing how to identify the stories that will connect with consumers.

Illustration of a brain filled with gears, surrounded by various sketches representing ideas and planning, on a brick wall background under hanging lights.

The Art

Our creative team transforms the strategy into a compelling story that inspires consumers to act. The result is a campaign that engages customers, delivers measurable business outcomes, and builds long-lasting relationships.

Chalkboard drawing of a staircase with symbols: question mark, gears, light bulb, target, rocket.

                      Our Team

Ron Jacobs wearing glasses, dressed in a suit and shirt, smiling in a portrait against a neutral background.

Ron Jacobs
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ron is a recognized leader in applying database and direct response strategies to branded products using traditional and electronic direct marketing. He has spoken at seminars and events in the U.S. and around the world. Ron has guided our agency in planning effective integrated marketing campaigns using direct mail, print and web-based advertising. He also consults on strategic direction for new media and e-commerce. Ron has taught the Direct Marketing Association's basic course in Email Marketing. He is co-author with the late Bob Stone of the Eighth Edition of Successful Direct Marketing Methods, the best-selling text and trade book (over 250,000 copies sold) on the tools and techniques of direct marketing.

Penny Clevenger
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
As Chief Financial Officer, Penny serves many important roles at our agency. She manages our agency finances and administrative operations. In addition, she acts as our Chief Information Officer, making all hardware, network and systems support decisions.

Penny Clevenger wearing glasses, a scarf, and a jacket in front of a plain background.

John Kissane
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
John is a pivotal leader on the J&C team. He is involved in every aspect of our creative product. In addition to leading a cross-functional team of designers, writers, proofreaders and animators, he provides strategic and aesthetic oversight throughout the creative process. Over the years, John has worked on everything from websites, emails and banner ads to mobile apps, viral games, direct mail and collateral pieces. He has also won numerous awards for his clients, including ECHO, Tower and Tempo awards.

John Kissane smiling

Brian Jones
MANAGING DIRECTOR
If he’s not writing, editing or polishing copy, Brian is concepting new ideas, strategizing or presenting work to clients. In fact, Brian works on every J&C client, making sure the creative product is based on solid strategy, professionally crafted, on time and on budget. He’s just as active outside of the office. In the past, Brian has taught the CADM Creative Basics course, judged the Tempo Awards, been a panelist at DM Days and spoken at Loyola and DePaul universities.

Brian Jones in a gray sweater smiling.

Our Services

Strategy

Marketing strategy is thinking

As a marketing agency, J&C brings thinking that dives below the surface to uncover unexpected strategic insights and build traffic, create engagement, drive purchases, maintain retention and win back customers. 

Creative

Creative is the magic of marketing

Each piece of creative aims to deliver benefits that drive engagement and growth. At the same time, our creative design evolves based on continuous learning from real users.

Data

Marketers don’t need more data

They need better solutions. And J&C knows how to use a consumer’s stated preferences to tailor personalized offers, relevant product news, and a better overall experience.

The J&C Difference

Our Independence Drives Innovation

As an independently owned agency, we're free from any corporate constraints or control. This means J&C can be agile, bold, and genuinely innovative. Our recommendations are free from red tape and legacy constraints..

While most agencies talk about targeting, J&C dives into the psychological mindset of your audience. We don't just collect data — we decode the narratives that drive customer behavior.

With J&C, you'll connect with consumers through personal, needs-based conversations that drive performance more effectively than targeting with third-party cookies ever could.

Accountability Isn't Just a Buzzword

In an era of vanity metrics, J&C stands apart. Our commitment to measurable objectives means every campaign is a calculated marketing strategy, not a "gut" gamble. We establish clear key performance indicators that directly tie to your business outcomes.

Expect Omnichannel Mastery

J&C's integrated approach ensures your message maintains its core DNA while adapting seamlessly across digital marketing, print, and social platforms. This multi-dimensional marketing strategy doesn't just increase reach — it creates a consistent harmonized brand experience that compounds engagement.

The Difference Is Experiential

When you partner with Jacobs & Clevenger, you're not hiring an agency. You're gaining a strategic marketing ally committed to understanding your unique challenges and crafting communications to potential customers that don't simply inform—they inspire action.

Sign Up for Marketing News & Updates

Discover the tips, tricks, trends and tools to help you create a stronger sales pipeline, engage current and prospective customers and demonstrate your thought leadership.