He was just a baby—31 pounds of adorable chubbiness. But in that moment, he became a marketing goldmine.
In January 2025, a TikTok video of a giant baby named Callum exploded across social media, racking up millions of views. The internet was obsessed. Then, with a single comment—just one word—the Detroit Lions hijacked the trend.
“Dibs.”
@madisonpeltzer Replying to @Detroit Lions give us a few years & we’re there 🫡 #detroitlions #chunky #baby #fypシ゚viral #firsttimemom #momsoftiktok #mom ♬ Moto moto meme from yuh boi grandmascoochie - gcoochie
That’s all it took. The NFL team’s social media team turned a viral moment into brand gold, igniting thousands of responses, memes, and national media coverage. The stunt was playful, perfectly timed, and undeniably effective—a masterclass in digital engagement.
But campaigns like this don’t happen by accident. They’re crafted by the minds of Detroit’s top social media marketing agencies—agencies led by visionaries who understand the power of trends, humor, and digital storytelling.
So, who are the masterminds behind Detroit’s most successful social campaigns? Meet the Top 8 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Agencies in Detroit, the leaders defining the future of digital marketing.
Top 8 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Firms in Detroit
Detroit’s social media marketing landscape is shaped by visionary leaders who blend creativity, strategy, and innovation to help brands thrive in the digital world. Below are some of the top CEOs driving success and setting trends in the industry.
1. Kim Stricker
If social media marketing were a city, Kim Stricker would be the mastermind in designing its most engaging spaces. Social Motto, the agency she built, isn’t just about content—it’s about storytelling that turns brands into digital powerhouses.
With a career spanning Doner Advertising, MARS Advertising, and her own consultancy, she’s spent over two decades blending traditional marketing wisdom with modern digital innovation. Her ability to create social-first campaigns transforms brands from background noise into conversation leaders.
Her agency stands among Detroit’s finest, helping startups and Fortune 500 companies alike build loyal communities through strategic storytelling and targeted digital campaigns. Whether it’s a viral brand moment or a long-term engagement strategy, she ensures clients don’t just show up online—they dominate.
Away from the marketing world, Stricker’s creative pursuits extend into documentary production and sailing, a testament to her ability to navigate both uncharted waters and competitive digital landscapes. Her Finding Happiness Detroit project reflects the same narrative expertise she brings to brands—reshaping perspectives through compelling storytelling.
2. Tina Kozak
Tina Kozak didn’t just take over Franco—she redefined it. Stepping into the role of CEO, she transformed the company into a 100% women-owned business, leading with a mix of strategy, innovation, and a deep commitment to community impact.
Since joining in 2007, she’s driven an 80% revenue increase, culminating in a record $4.9 million in net sales by 2023. But beyond the numbers, her leadership philosophy is rooted in human connection, guiding businesses through crisis communications, reputation management, and brand-building with precision and heart.
A Detroit native and Wayne State alum, she’s more than just a CEO—she’s a force for change. Whether launching initiatives like #DetroitInspiresMe or shaping conversations at TEDxDetroit, her influence extends beyond the boardroom, pushing for inclusivity and leadership diversity across industries.
In today’s digital world, authenticity is everything. Under her leadership, Franco isn’t just adapting—it’s setting the standard for PR and social media strategy. She blends sharp business acumen with community-driven impact, proving that real leadership isn’t just about running a company—it’s about reshaping the industry itself.
3. Cory Doucette
Cory Doucette is a standout figure in Detroit’s digital marketing scene, and as the founder and creative director of The Growth Shark, he has proven himself to be a master of brand storytelling. With nearly a decade of experience across multiple industries, Cory has built a reputation for delivering impactful digital strategies tailored to mission-driven businesses, especially in the online fitness, craft beverage, and e-commerce sectors.
The Growth Shark, under Cory's leadership, stands out not only for its expertise in SEO, web development, and social media strategy, but also for its commitment to cause marketing. By focusing on businesses with a purpose, Cory ensures that his clients are not just promoting products but also advancing causes that resonate with their audience. His dedication to climate consciousness and educational initiatives through the agency’s Learn Hub further highlights his forward-thinking approach to digital marketing.
Before founding The Growth Shark, Cory honed his skills at Bulldog Online Yoga, where he played a key role in growing the company’s user base by an astounding 1,421% year-over-year. His background spans across various roles, including leading brand strategy at Blue Aspen Marketing and V Digital Services, where he helped clients increase visibility and ROI through well-executed marketing strategies.
Cory’s ability to blend creative vision with technical expertise has made The Growth Shark one of Detroit’s top social media agencies, attracting a diverse range of clients, including Boyer, Hoosier Masonry, and Joyride Coffee.
4. Chris Heaton
With over 25 years of industry experience, Chris Heaton has firmly established himself as a leading voice in Detroit’s marketing community. As the CEO of CRIMSON, he has taken the agency to new heights, blending strategic vision with a deep commitment to purpose-driven marketing.
Heaton’s approach is centered on advocating for brands with a clear, meaningful mission. Under his leadership, CRIMSON delivers integrated marketing solutions that span brand development, advertising, public relations, and more, creating campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences. The agency’s impressive portfolio includes over 100 industry accolades, including a Davey Award and the prestigious PRSA Award of Excellence (Silver Anvil finalist) for their collaboration with a Michigan Nonprofit—a testament to the transformative impact of Heaton’s strategies.
Before taking the reins as CEO in 2020, Heaton spent more than two decades in various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at CRIMSON, where he honed his expertise in financial management, client account leadership, and business development. His diverse skill set allows him to guide the agency with both creative flair and operational acumen, ensuring that every project delivers measurable, transformative results.
5. Hasan Tariq
Hasan Tariq is a trailblazer in the tech and startup sectors. With over 15 years of experience, particularly in healthcare, Hasan has played a pivotal role in launching and scaling more than ten startups, delivering an impressive 30% average revenue growth year-over-year. His expertise spans business development, strategic negotiations, and administration, making him a key driver of Bizionic Technologies' global expansion.
During his time as the Managing Director, Bizionic Technologies has thrived, particularly within highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance. Hasan is deeply committed to creating secure, compliant technology solutions, and his vision is to transform promising startups into industry unicorns. His data-driven, collaborative approach fosters an environment that not only supports innovation but also empowers his team to grow both professionally and personally.
Hasan’s focus on building scalable business models has attracted attention from global enterprises, and his strategic insights have helped revitalize underperforming businesses, turning them into industry disruptors. He is also a sought-after advisor, providing valuable counsel to healthcare companies aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Beyond his professional role, Hasan is a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, constantly fueling his innovative mindset by keeping an eye on emerging tech trends. His commitment to growing Bizionic’s presence in North America positions him as a key figure in Detroit’s tech and marketing scene. With his forward-thinking approach and determination to achieve new financial milestones, Hasan Tariq is undoubtedly one of the top CEOs to watch in Detroit’s social media marketing and technology landscape.
6. Scott Bettinger
Scott Bettinger, CEO and Founder of Echo Media, has built a marketing powerhouse in Detroit with a clear focus on creativity, strategy, and social impact. Since founding the agency in 2002, he has been a driving force behind Echo Media’s success, particularly in the realm of social media marketing for nonprofits and mission-driven businesses.
Under his leadership, Echo Media has won multiple prestigious awards, including Telly Awards (2020 & 2022) and Communicators Awards (2021 & 2022), thanks to their outstanding video production and social media campaigns. Scott’s approach combines a deep understanding of digital strategy with a unique storytelling focus, ensuring that each client’s message resonates with their audience. Whether it's TikTok or Instagram, Scott has mastered the art of leveraging platforms to help clients expand their reach and impact.
Scott’s commitment to nonprofit organizations stands out. He has created cost-effective marketing strategies that not only enhance brand visibility but also support fundraising efforts through grant writing and development services. Echo Media’s "outsourced in-house" model allows Scott and his team to provide highly personalized service, ensuring every campaign is tailored to client needs.
Through his entrepreneurial vision and social entrepreneurship mindset, Scott Bettinger has established Echo Media as a key player in Detroit's marketing landscape, helping clients amplify their voices and achieve measurable results. His leadership exemplifies how marketing can be a force for good, making Echo Media a standout choice for brands looking to make an impact.
7. Shawn Patterson
Shawn Patterson is transforming how schools communicate in the digital age. As the Founder and CEO of K12 Media, he blends two decades of experience in education with a deep knowledge of digital marketing, ensuring that school districts effectively engage with their communities.
His expertise isn’t theoretical—he’s played a hands-on role in securing $52 million in funding for educational programs, proving that strategic outreach can create real change. For Patterson, digital marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about connection. His work prioritizes meaningful engagement between schools, parents, students, and donors, ensuring that every piece of content serves a greater purpose. Whether it’s crafting a compelling video campaign or refining a district’s social media presence, his strategies consistently drive measurable success.
Beyond marketing, Patterson is an advocate for modernizing school communications. He pushes for digital tools that enhance transparency, streamline outreach, and create stronger bonds between institutions and their communities. His vision is simple: when schools communicate better, they serve better.
K12 Media is at the forefront of educational marketing innovation, and under Patterson’s leadership, it continues to set the standard for how schools navigate the digital landscape.
8. Jason Therrien
Jason Therrien has spent over two decades redefining integrated marketing. What started as a dorm room venture in 1999 is now thunder::tech—one of the most forward-thinking digital agencies in North America, serving clients across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Growth has been a constant theme under his leadership. What began as a small startup has evolved into a 50-person team delivering cutting-edge branding, content creation, and social media strategies. Major players like the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Parker Hannifin, and Cedar Fair Resorts turn to thunder::tech for campaigns that blend creativity with results-driven execution.
Entrepreneurial at his core, Therrien has launched multiple businesses beyond thunder::tech, including dot-com ventures and real estate development projects. His ability to spot trends and build scalable solutions has earned him recognition from Crain’s 40 Under 40 and the Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards, solidifying his status as a marketing industry trailblazer.
His leadership extends beyond business. Deeply committed to community impact, he serves as an Emeritus Member of Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Destination Cleveland, contributing to initiatives that drive local growth and education.
Therrien’s ability to blend marketing innovation with business acumen ensures thunder::tech remains a leader in digital strategy. By continuously evolving and pushing creative boundaries, he’s shaping the future of marketing in Detroit and beyond.
Leading the Charge in Social Media Marketing
The CEOs highlighted in this article are at the forefront of Detroit’s social media marketing scene, each driving their respective firms to new heights of creativity and success. From Kim Stricker’s storytelling prowess at Social Motto to Jason Therrien’s innovative strategies at thunder::tech, these leaders are not just keeping up with trends—they are shaping them.
Their ability to craft meaningful digital campaigns that resonate with audiences and deliver measurable results positions these CEOs and their firms as key players in the future of marketing. In Detroit, innovation and social media marketing go hand in hand, thanks to these visionary leaders.
