It began with a handshake and a imaginative and prescient: to make politics viral. In 2024, deep contained in the strategic struggle rooms of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), a staff of digital architects devised an audacious plan—what if, as a substitute of counting on conventional information media, they handed the facility to TikTokers and Instagram stars? What if the most-watched political correspondents weren’t seasoned journalists, however influencers with thousands and thousands of engaged followers?
The outcome? A $10 million influencer strategy that noticed over 200 social media personalities flood Chicago, armed with unique entry, behind-the-scenes content material, and a direct line to America’s youth.
Some referred to as it genius. Others referred to as it propaganda. However one factor was sure—the sport had modified. The traces between leisure, affect, and politics blurred perpetually, proving that within the metropolis of deep-dish pizza and architectural marvels, the largest advertising and marketing minds weren’t in advert businesses alone—they have been constructing empires in influencer advertising and marketing companies throughout Chicago.
Listed below are the Prime 9 CEOs of Influencer Marketing Agencies in Chicago—the visionaries behind campaigns that don’t simply go viral, however redefine industries.
Prime 9 CEOs of Influencer Advertising and marketing Firms in Chicago
In Chicago, the guts of innovation meets the facility of digital affect. Behind each viral marketing campaign and model breakthrough are visionary CEOs of influencer advertising and marketing companies shaping the way forward for engagement. These leaders aren’t simply maintaining with developments—they’re setting them.
1. Scott Emalfarb
Scott Emalfarb isn’t simply operating a social media agency—he’s shaping how manufacturers join, interact, and go viral. Because the Founder and CEO of Fresh Content Society (FCS), Emalfarb has constructed an award-winning company that helps manufacturers flip social media right into a powerhouse for development.
With over 15 years within the sport, his experience runs deep. Earlier than launching FCS in 2014, he sharpened his expertise as a group supervisor for manufacturers like Slim Jim, Hilton, and Microsoft, the place he helped construct large on-line followings. Now, he’s utilizing that have to guide FCS in crafting content strategies that drive actual outcomes—whether or not that’s rising a model’s viewers or creating viral moments that seize nationwide consideration.
One in all his greatest wins? Serving to Manny’s Deli, a Chicago establishment, skyrocket gross sales by 1,500% through the pandemic—all because of a single, heartfelt tweet. That marketing campaign earned FCS a Better of Tweets award from Twitter, proving that a mixture of authenticity and strategic social media advertising and marketing can create a severe influence.
Past consumer success, Emalfarb is a acknowledged {industry} chief, steadily talking at main occasions like IRCE, B2B Subsequent, and the Social Media Summit. His ardour for storytelling, group constructing, and data-driven methods cements his standing as certainly one of Chicago’s prime influencer advertising and marketing CEOs.
2. Steve Ellis
Steve Ellis is redefining how manufacturers join with audiences within the creator financial system. As COO of Paramount Advertising, Ellis oversees technique and operations throughout CBS, CBS Sports activities, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and the Paramount cable networks, guaranteeing manufacturers keep forward in an ever-evolving media panorama.
A real pioneer in influencer marketing, Ellis was the mastermind behind WHOSAY, one of many first major influencer marketing companies, which helped set up the creator economy earlier than it was even a buzzword. Paramount took discover and purchased WHOSAY in 2018, bringing Ellis on board to supercharge its promoting technique.
Below his management, Paramount Promoting launched CBS Sports activities Creator Studio, an progressive initiative that connects manufacturers with sports influencers and provides advertisers direct entry to customized social content material that includes athletes. From the Tremendous Bowl to different main sporting occasions, Ellis ensures that manufacturers don’t simply promote—they interact, resonate, and drive significant conversations with audiences.
With two profitable firm exits and a monitor file of main large-scale transformations—together with restructuring company gross sales organizations of 1,500+ individuals—Ellis is thought for his capacity to innovate, scale, and ship outcomes. His experience in gross sales technique, product growth, and operational excellence makes him a go-to thought chief within the advert world.
3. David Zapata
David Zapata isn’t simply main a PR agency—he’s redefining how life-style manufacturers make an influence. Because the Founder and CEO of Zapwater Communications, Zapata has constructed probably the most awarded boutique communications agencies within the nation, mixing PR, influencer advertising and marketing, and digital technique into campaigns that transfer the needle.
His philosophy? Ardour fuels success. Zapata ensures his staff works on tasks they really consider in, which has led to happier workers, stronger consumer relationships, and an company that constantly outperforms its measurement. That method has earned Zapwater industry-wide recognition, together with a number of PRWeek and PRovoke Media awards for creativity and innovation.
With workplaces in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami, Zapwater has cultivated a various portfolio of worldwide and trendsetting manufacturers throughout journey, hospitality, trend, magnificence, and actual property. And underneath Zapata’s management, the company hasn’t simply stayed aggressive—it has expanded, buying boutique companies in LA and Miami to strengthen its attain.
Past awards and acquisitions, Zapata is a strategic powerhouse. His background spans political technique, Fortune 500 consulting, and main client model campaigns, giving him a novel edge in shaping narratives that resonate. Whether or not he’s guiding life-style manufacturers by way of digital engagement or mentoring his rising staff, Zapata’s capacity to mix storytelling with enterprise technique makes him a standout chief in influencer advertising and marketing.
4. Jonathan Saeidian
Because the Founder and CEO of Brenton Way, he’s constructed a powerhouse company specializing in influencer advertising and marketing, digital technique, and performance-driven campaigns that assist manufacturers stand out in crowded markets.
With an preliminary funding of simply $2,000, Saeidian has reworked Brenton Manner right into a seven-figure enterprise, proving that innovation and sensible execution beat large budgets. His company’s influencer advertising and marketing division boasts a database of over 80,000 influencers, permitting manufacturers to pinpoint the right creators to amplify their message. Whether or not it’s a luxurious courting app breaking into new markets or a well being & wellness model producing 8 million social impressions in two months, Brenton Manner constantly delivers measurable outcomes.
Saeidian’s experience extends past influencer collaborations—he’s a development strategist at coronary heart. His background in enterprise growth, digital advertising and marketing, and entrepreneurship provides him a pointy edge in crafting social campaigns that don’t simply generate buzz but in addition drive actual income.
5. Holly Sias
Holly Sias, the Founder and CEO of Socialite Media, has managed to supervise the growth of the enterprise into main U.S. cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, and Scottsdale. The company itself focuses on social media administration, influencer advertising and marketing, content material creation, and PR.
Her journey started with a Grasp’s diploma in Journalism, however as a substitute of chasing headlines, she found her ardour for helping small businesses thrive online. The inspiration for Socialite Media sparked when she observed a Chicago restaurant struggling on account of its lack of social presence. She realized that many small enterprise house owners have been too busy operating their corporations to grasp digital advertising and marketing, and she or he made it her mission to bridge that hole.
Below Sias’s management, Socialite Media has developed highly effective influencer advertising and marketing applications, together with Restaurant Revival, a 12-week initiative that pairs eating places with hand-selected influencers to drive visibility and foot site visitors. The company additionally curates unique influencer events that join manufacturers with top digital creators, guaranteeing most engagement.
Past advertising and marketing, Socialite Media is constructed on function—supporting native companies, small companies, ladies entrepreneurs, and feminine empowerment. Sias has crafted an company tradition that champions community-driven success, incomes Socialite Media a spot amongst Chicago’s prime influencer advertising and marketing businesses.
6. Noreen Heron
For over twenty years, Noreen Heron has been a powerhouse in life-style communications, turning Heron Agency into one of many nation’s main PR and influencer marketing firms. As Founder and CEO, she has constructed an company that does extra than simply create buzz—it drives actual enterprise influence for manufacturers throughout hospitality, health, retail, and extra.
With expertise spanning public relations, advertising and marketing, digital technique, social media, and influencer relations, Heron Company has helped over 75 resort manufacturers, main life-style corporations like Orange Idea Health and Paper Supply, and numerous non-profits craft powerful campaigns that enhance visibility and income. Below Heron’s management, the company has change into a prime influencer relations agency, excelling in strategic partnerships between manufacturers and creators that construct long-term engagement—not simply one-off sponsorships.
Heron’s monitor file speaks for itself. She’s led campaigns for world manufacturers like Hyatt Lodges, Shake Shack, Smirnoff, and Fairmont Lodges, incomes {industry} recognition alongside the best way, together with PR Day by day’s “Dynamic Doer” Award and the Day by day Herald Influential Ladies in Enterprise honor.
Whether or not she’s securing main media protection, creating digital-first influencer strategies, or creating memorable model experiences, Noreen Heron’s experience makes her a standout chief within the influencer advertising and marketing world.
7. Mike Heller
Relating to celebrity-driven advertising and marketing, few have formed the {industry} fairly like Mike Heller. Because the Founder and CEO of Talent Resources, he has reworked how manufacturers collaborate with influencers and celebrities, pioneering endorsement offers that really feel genuine, not transactional.
Heller’s journey began in leisure legislation, the place he negotiated high-profile offers for A-list purchasers. Seeing a chance to bridge the hole between manufacturers and celebrities, he launched Expertise Sources in 2007, serving to corporations faucet into the facility of influencer-driven advertising and marketing earlier than it turned mainstream.
Below his management, Expertise Sources has change into a premier digital marketing agency, specializing in superstar and influencer partnerships, model technique, PR, and social media administration. With a powerful roster of Hollywood stars, athletes, and social media influencers, Expertise Sources has been behind a number of the most buzz-worthy model activations lately.
8. Larvetta Loftin
Larvetta Loftin, the Founder and CEO of The L3 Agency, has spent almost 20 years crafting culturally related campaigns that join manufacturers with Millennials, Gen Z, and numerous audiences in genuine, significant methods.
Her company is greater than only a full-service marketing firm—it’s a motion. Centered on influencer advertising and marketing, PR, digital technique, and model engagement, The L3 Company has labored with a number of the greatest names, together with Verizon, Bacardi, Toyota, McDonald’s, and CVS Pharmacy.
Past advertising and marketing, Larvetta is a storyteller, mentor, and advocate. She’s the host of “Black Companies Matter,” a podcast that highlights financial empowerment and the facility of entrepreneurship. Her insights on branding, advertising and marketing, and social influence have made her a sought-after speaker and a trusted voice within the {industry}.
9. Susan Reilly
Relating to mixing influencer advertising and marketing with strategic communications, Susan Reilly, CEO and Founding father of Reilly Connect is in a league of her personal. With over 25 years of expertise in public relations, media technique, and disaster administration, Susan has constructed an award-winning company that delivers high-impact influencer campaigns with measurable outcomes.
Below her management, Reilly Join has mastered the artwork of full-service influencer advertising and marketing, from expertise sourcing and marketing campaign execution to compliance—notably in regulated industries like well being and wellness. Whether or not it’s crafting genuine storytelling for magnificence and life-style manufacturers focusing on ladies over 35 or leveraging data-driven insights to refine messaging, Susan ensures each marketing campaign makes waves.
Her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Named among the many Prime 50 Ladies Leaders of Illinois by Ladies We Admire and acknowledged as a Prime Girl in PR by PRWeek, Susan’s affect extends past her company. As a Forbes Company Council member, she shares insights that form the way forward for digital and influencer advertising and marketing.
Past advertising and marketing, she’s additionally a sought-after communications coach, recognized for The Reilly Communications Coaching Technique™, which has helped company leaders, high-profile influencers, and {industry} specialists sharpen their media presence.
With a 2019 PRSA Silver Anvil Award underneath her belt, Susan Reilly isn’t simply main an company—she’s redefining the best way manufacturers join, interact, and affect.
Redefining Affect: How Chicago’s Prime CEOs Are Shaping the Way forward for Advertising and marketing
In an period the place social media dominates the dialog, Chicago’s main CEOs of influencer advertising and marketing companies are proving that affect isn’t nearly followers—it’s about technique, storytelling, and influence. These visionaries are redefining how manufacturers join with audiences, leveraging information, creativity, and genuine partnerships to drive actual outcomes.
Whether or not by way of viral campaigns, superstar collaborations, or purpose-driven storytelling, these {industry} leaders are on the forefront of a advertising and marketing revolution. Because the traces between media, leisure, and affect proceed to blur, one factor is evident: the way forward for advertising and marketing belongs to those that perceive—and grasp—the facility of affect.
