For years, Seattle hockey fans craved an NHL team, but when the city finally got one, it wasn’t the announcement itself that set social media on fire—it was how it was revealed.
It started with cryptic messages on socials. A mysterious eye staring from the depths. A single phrase: Release the Kraken.
A coalition of Seattle’s top creative minds—led by Rizz Creative Consulting, with key contributions from other experts—crafted a campaign that dripped with suspense. The slow-drip of eerie teases and deep-sea imagery turned the Kraken’s unveiling into a cultural moment. By the time the name and branding were officially announced, the internet had already erupted with theories, memes, and excitement.
This is the kind of genius marketing that makes agencies stand out. And behind these campaigns? Visionary CEOs who know exactly how to turn brands into cultural phenomena. In this article, we dive into the Top 8 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Agencies in Seattle—the power players shaping the future of digital storytelling.
Top 8 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Firms in Seattle
In a city known for innovation and technology, Seattle’s top social media marketing firms are redefining digital engagement. At the helm of these agencies are visionary CEOs who blend creativity, data, and strategy to help brands connect, grow, and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Here’s a look at the leaders driving the future of social media marketing.
1. Matt Bowman and Josiah Wiles
When it comes to powerhouse leadership in social media marketing, Matt Bowman and Josiah Wiles of Thrive Internet Marketing Agency are setting the standard.
Matt Bowman launched Thrive in 2005 with a passion for web design, but his vision extended far beyond that. Under his leadership, the agency has evolved into a full-service digital marketing powerhouse. With four consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list and recognition as a Google Premier Partner, Thrive’s growth speaks for itself.
A Forbes Agency Council member, Bowman shares insights on marketing trends, proving he’s not just running an agency—he’s shaping the industry.
If Bowman built the engine, Josiah Wiles fine-tuned the ride. Climbing the Thrive ranks since 2016, Wiles became President in 2024, after leading client experience and sales. His approach? A mix of data-driven strategy and customer-first innovation that has helped Thrive consistently deliver scalable growth for brands across industries.
Beyond the office, Wiles is a golf enthusiast and family man, balancing work and life with the same precision he applies to digital marketing. Together, Bowman and Wiles have transformed Thrive into one of Seattle’s top social media marketing agencies, proving that a mix of strategy, innovation, and client focus is the secret sauce for digital success.
2. Joshua Dirks
When it comes to building authentic, high-impact brand voices, Joshua Dirks, CEO and co-founder of Project Bionic (formerly SCM), has cracked the code. More than just running a social media agency, Dirks has pioneered a scientific, strategy-driven approach to transforming businesses into trusted online entities.
With a background spanning radio, digital marketing, and sales leadership, Dirks has mastered the art of consumer connection. Before launching Project Bionic in 2009, he held key roles at Entercom and Pin Point Marketing, where he developed award-winning SEO and web development strategies. But his true game-changer? A methodology that moves beyond social media “fluff” to data-backed, community-driven engagement.
Under Dirks’ leadership, Project Bionic has worked with big-name brands like Amazon, Taco Time NW, and Nalgene, using his “Access, Create, & Transform” process to cultivate loyal brand advocates, not just passive followers. His belief? Social media should be about bringing real value to people’s lives, not just pushing promotional content.
Recently, Dirks spearheaded a bold rebrand for Project Bionic, signaling the agency’s evolution into a next-generation, social-first powerhouse. "We’re not just a social media agency anymore," he stated—further proof that he’s always thinking ahead.
Beyond business, Dirks is a mentor at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, helping young entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. A Texan by birth and Washingtonian by choice, he balances his high-energy career with family, sports, and his mission to reshape how brands connect with audiences.
3. Connie Parsons
In a fast-evolving digital landscape, Connie Parsons, CEO of IlluminAge Communication Partners, has carved out a specialized niche in senior care marketing—a sector that demands both expertise and empathy. With over 20 years at IlluminAge, she has led the agency’s transformation into a trusted digital marketing partner for healthcare, senior living, and long-term care organizations.
Parsons brings a unique blend of business strategy, marketing innovation, and industry knowledge to her leadership. Her background—spanning sales, content strategy, and social media management—has allowed IlluminAge to deliver tailored solutions that help clients engage older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals effectively. The agency’s full-service approach covers everything from social media strategy to reputation management, ensuring clients stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
A firm believer in holistic business strategy, Parsons pursued an MBA in Technology Management at the University of Washington, further refining her expertise in business development and digital transformation. Even as the company grew, she remained deeply involved in strategy and client success, balancing expansion with personalized service.
Beyond the boardroom, Parsons is a Pacific Northwest enthusiast, often found hiking near Mt. Rainier or exploring new places with her family. Her leadership philosophy? Blend the wisdom of experience with the innovation of fresh perspectives—a mindset that has helped IlluminAge continuously adapt and thrive in the evolving senior care space.
4. Rory Martin
With over 25 years of experience, Rory Martin has built a reputation as one of Seattle’s top social media marketing leaders. More than just an agency owner, Martin is a strategist, innovator, and digital marketing expert who has helped brands—from startups to Fortune 1000 companies—master their online presence and drive real ROI.
As CEO of RoryMartin.com, his team delivers full-scale social media solutions, including content creation, paid advertising, influencer engagement, and community management. But Martin’s approach goes beyond just posting and promoting—he customizes each platform to function as a high-converting landing page, ensuring brands not only attract audiences but also convert them into loyal customers.
With a client roster that includes Microsoft, Target, HTC, and T-Mobile, Martin understands the power of strategic social media marketing in shaping a brand’s success. His expertise in channel funnel optimization and analytics-driven decision-making ensures that every campaign delivers measurable results. Clients often praise him for his technical knowledge, creativity, and ability to break down complex concepts into actionable strategies.
Beyond his agency work, Martin’s background in web design, SEO, and e-commerce development gives him a unique edge in digital marketing. His deep understanding of how social media fits into the larger digital ecosystem sets him apart from competitors.
5. Zach Huntting
As Founder and CEO of CROWN, he has built a creative agency that thrives on cutting through digital noise, crafting content that captures attention in an era of constant distraction.
With a background in strategy, branding, and digital storytelling, Huntting has positioned CROWN as a go-to agency for major brands like Amazon Music, Zillow, DELL, and Intuitive Surgical. His approach? A laser-sharp focus on strategy and creativity, blending data-driven insights with bold, culture-first campaigns that make brands not just seen—but remembered.
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CROWN’s services extend far beyond traditional social media management. From growth hacking and influencer marketing to social CRM and digital advertising, Huntting has built an agency that understands where audiences are, what they engage with, and how to convert that engagement into lasting brand loyalty.
Beyond CROWN, Huntting is deeply involved in Seattle’s creative and tech communities. A board member of the Seattle Interactive Conference, he frequently shares insights on social media trends, branding, and content strategy. His passion for art, music, and digital innovation is reflected in his work—where creativity isn’t just a tool, but the foundation of every campaign.
With a disruptive mindset and an eye for cultural relevance, Zach Huntting isn’t just following social media trends—he’s setting them.
6. Adam Broetje
When it comes to helping local and multi-location businesses thrive online, Adam Broetje, CEO of Odd Dog Media, has mastered the formula. With over 15 years of digital marketing and technical sales experience, Broetje has built Odd Dog Media into an award-winning, data-driven marketing agency that specializes in SEO, social media, and digital strategy.
What sets Broetje apart? His deep understanding of local business marketing. Under his leadership, Odd Dog Media has developed tailored social media strategies that go beyond just posting content. From social listening and community management to data-driven advertising and engagement tactics, his team ensures brands aren’t just present on social media—but are actively building connections and driving results.
Clients consistently praise Odd Dog Media’s personalized approach, with one noting,
“The team at Odd Dog has been great to collaborate with on my branding strategy. They truly take the time to understand our mission.”
This hands-on, customer-first mentality has helped businesses increase visibility, engagement, and conversions across digital platforms.
Beyond marketing, Broetje is passionate about sustainability and business ethics, working to reduce the carbon footprint of his agency and team. He’s also an active member of the Seattle business community, having served as the President's Advisor of the Seattle Executives Association.
7. Paul Uhlir
When it comes to turning digital marketing into a science, Paul Uhlir is a name that stands out. With a career that started at Go2Net and uDate—where he sharpened his user acquisition skills before its acquisition by Match.com—Uhlir has built Add3 into a high-performance digital marketing agency that specializes in paid search, SEO, paid social, and display advertising.
As CEO at Add3, the approach is simple: data is king. Uhlir has crafted an agency that doesn’t just run campaigns—it optimizes them relentlessly. Whether it’s precision-targeted social media ads, search engine marketing, or programmatic display, every decision is backed by real-time analytics and performance insights. This commitment to measurable results has helped brands like Obagi, SkinTour, and Magical Brands achieve higher conversions, expanded reach, and increased market dominance.
But Uhlir isn’t just a marketing powerhouse—he’s also a connector in Seattle’s digital space. He also shares his expertise as an instructor at General Assembly, mentoring the next wave of digital marketers.
8. Andrew Cross and Dave Parro
Andrew Cross and Dave Parro, co-CEOs of Walker Sands, have been key drivers in the agency’s rapid growth and success in the competitive B2B marketing space. Taking the helm in December 2023, they have successfully expanded Walker Sands’ influence, particularly in the realm of social media marketing for B2B clients across sectors like technology, healthcare, and supply chain logistics.
Both leaders bring invaluable experience from diverse backgrounds in public relations and journalism, infusing Walker Sands' marketing strategies with a keen sense of storytelling and brand credibility. Under their leadership, the agency has become a pioneer in leveraging platforms like TikTok, creating authentic, audience-driven content that resonates with target audiences and builds lasting relationships—especially through influencer marketing.
Cross, who has been with Walker Sands for over a decade, and Parro, who joined in 2012, have worked with prominent brands, including Grubhub and Sprout Social, shaping marketing campaigns that drive real outcomes. Their focus on audience obsession, channel-specific strategies, and social listening tools ensures campaigns are not only seen but engaged with meaningfully.
With a commitment to operational excellence and a strong emphasis on both personal and brand-building social media strategies, Cross and Parro have positioned Walker Sands as one of the fastest-growing B2B marketing agencies in the country, earning multiple honors, including being named a 10-time Inc. 5000 honoree. For businesses looking to elevate their social media presence, the leadership at Walker Sands offers a winning combination of innovation and results-driven strategies.
Leading the Charge: CEOs Revolutionizing Social Media Marketing in Seattle
The rise of social media marketing has transformed how brands engage with audiences, and at the forefront of this revolution are the CEOs of Seattle’s top marketing firms. These leaders, from Matt Bowman’s Thrive Internet Marketing to Paul Uhlir’s Add3, have mastered the art of digital storytelling, data-driven engagement, and innovative branding.
Whether through influencer collaborations, performance-driven social media strategies, or community-centric campaigns, these CEOs are shaping the future of digital marketing. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of online branding, these visionary leaders stand as trailblazers, proving that strategic social media marketing is essential for success.
