May 12, 2025
Leadership
This year, more than most, brings the topic of leadership to mind. Of course, not everyone who calls themselves a leader truly is one. But
April 4, 2025
Hello
While it might be hard to top Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year (“Brain Rot”—which is technically two words, right?), I’d like to nominate a
March 3, 2025
Hydrogen from Home
The discovery was made under duress, not by choice. A full ten days before Washington’s Governor Inslee issued what was meant to be a two-week
February 10, 2025
Thoughts on AI
Well, it’s here. Whether we want it to be or not, AI has officially become part of the creative process. Like many of my creative
October 2, 2023
Jenny Dorey to Lead Hydrogen’s Finances
A highly accomplished accounting professional with experience across several industries including engineering, tech, architecture and more recently, marketing services, Jenny Dorey brings her leadership, critical
August 18, 2023
Hydrogen Advertising named a PSBJ “Best Workplace”
Last night, agency co-owners Mary Knight and Michael McGrath “rounded the bases” at T-Mobile Park to accept Hydrogen’s award as number 18 in the small
July 31, 2023
Hydrogen’s President, Mary Knight, joins Worldwide Partners Board of Directors
This month marks the announcement of the new Board of Directors for Worldwide Partners (WPI), a global network of independent marketing agencies. Hydrogen President, Mary
June 29, 2023
Own It Podcast: featuring Hydrogen’s Mary Knight
Recently, Hydrogen President Mary Knight had the honor of being interviewed on Own It’s podcast to share her experience navigating a career in advertising through
January 17, 2023
Knight, McGrath, and Miller Step Up to Lead Hydrogen
Today Hydrogen announces the new leadership team of Mary Knight, Michael McGrath, and Hillary Miller. Knight will serve as President and co-owner of Hydrogen. The role
October 31, 2022
Hydrogen’s Favorite Horror Movies
It’s that time of the year again where every streaming service releases their library of horror movies for us to watch again with our favorite
October 24, 2022
Marketing Veteran Colby Naiker Joins Hydrogen Advertising
Hydrogen Seattle has added senior strength to their rapidly growing team with the addition of Colby Naiker as Account Supervisor. She brings a wealth of experience
September 13, 2022
Hydrogen Media Team Adds Yuleeka Hayashi as Coordinator
To support the rapidly growing Media and Project Management team, Hydrogen has added Yuleeka Hayashi in the newly created Media Coordinator/Project Manager role. A recent graduate
July 11, 2022
Gearhart Takes the Account Management Reins at Hydrogen Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Agency veteran Jason Gearhart, who joined Hydrogen in 2021, has been promoted to Director of Account Management at Hydrogen Advertising. Before joining the team
September 23, 2021
Seattle Ad Veterans Jason Gearhart and Greg Tamura Join Hydrogen Team
For Immediate Release Hydrogen Advertising announces new leadership in both the account and media teams. Jason Gearhart joins as Senior Account Director and Greg Tamura as
August 9, 2021
Leveraging the Voices of a New Generation for Planned Parenthood
Most younger adults have heard of Planned Parenthood but may not know if it’s right for them. Hydrogen partnered with Planned Parenthood to leverage strategic
August 9, 2021
Crack Open our New Packaging for Winterport Winery Cider
Coming off a successful rebrand for Penobscot Bay Brewery that visually tied their line of products together and provided a much-needed presence on shelf, their
August 9, 2021
The New Media Normal: Change
The pandemic changed many of the things we’ve always taken for granted—and media consumption is no exception. In just 16 months, Disney+ surpassed 100 million
August 9, 2021
Podcasting: 2021
Several years back, I wrote a few blog posts about the blossoming podcast landscape and the implications for advertisers. In the ensuing years, it’s only
August 9, 2021
Crabfest!
What do you get when you take the detour around the West Seattle Bridge, ride a ferry and drive down what feels like the world’s
March 10, 2021
Fasten your seatbelts. Hydrogen Launches Kenworth’s Next Generation Truck.
Truck drivers spend an average of 300 days on the road each year. So no group is better equipped to tell engineers and designers what
March 10, 2021
Simplifying the Complex: A B2B Story
Safety, for obvious reasons, is a word that’s at the top of most people’s minds right now. But it has long been on the minds
March 10, 2021
What’s up in Social?
Social media has been growing faster than ever—with new services and new features (including many copied from other services, like when Instagram Stories copied from
March 10, 2021
Hydrogen’s Growing Business and Brainpower
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two savvy marketing pros to our team: Senior Account Director, Noelle Daly-Jones and Laura Burke, Director of Account
November 16, 2020
Camera-ready Healthcare
This year’s pandemic and subsequent shutdown have forced us to rethink everything. From business meetings to family gatherings to eating in restaurants, to yes, visiting
November 16, 2020
Virtual Conferencing: No Hotel Room Required
With business travel curtailed and budgets working harder than ever, chances are you’ve already attended, or found your business a sponsor of, the must-attend events of
November 16, 2020
SEO Hint for Small and Location-Based Businesses
Internet and map search is how most people find services or businesses they’re looking for, but many small businesses don’t show up, why is that?
November 16, 2020
Knight wins prestigious 2020 AAF Silver Medal Award
Hydrogen is proud to announce that Partner and Executive Creative Director, Mary Knight, has been named the 2020 Silver Medal Award winner by the American
July 21, 2020
A Strategist, a Marketer and a Creative Director Walked Into Amazon…
The Effie Awards is a celebration of creative and effective advertising that reinforces teamwork between agency, client and researchers. It is regarded as the most significant award in the
July 21, 2020
Working Forests, Wood Products and Paper Towels
After 2020, we’ll never take paper towels for granted again. In the early days of the pandemic, in the midst of the fear and uncertainty, many
July 12, 2020
Instead of Commuting…
Hydrogen Remote has been working full-time for our clients since the middle of March. Since then, we have created websites, videos, strategic and media plans,
May 12, 2020
Recent Google trends highlight opportunities for brands
There is considerable anecdotal evidence to help explore the ways consumers’ search habits evolve over time, but one way to more accurately measure those changes
April 20, 2020
Branding David in the Goliath World of Accounting Firms
Hydrogen captured our skill, camaraderie and hard-work ethic in a big idea that separates us from the “Big Names” in the forensic accounting space. Our
February 6, 2020
2020 Super Bowl Ads: Record breaking advertising revenue, social media reactions and… politics?
According to AdWeek.com, Super Bowl 54 likely generated a record-breaking revenue of $435 million from in-game advertising. If you include the pre- and post-game advertising,
October 16, 2019
The Delicate Balance of Emotion and Brand
If you’ve worked beside me for any length of time, you know I am a fierce protector of relevant emotional connections. And while “fierce protector”
October 7, 2019
Genuinely Genuine Health Care
Quick, who’s the only local health care system in the North Sound? Most locals would probably guess it’s the one with “Everett” in the name.
October 7, 2019
Beyond the Click: A New Way to Measure Digital Ad Performance.
There have always been different ways to measure the success of a digital campaign. Did a user watch a video? Did they click on an
October 7, 2019
You Had Me at Caffeinated
The Dog Days of Summer were a little cooler here this year at Hydrogen. Because in late July, we partnered with Cascade Ice to create
October 7, 2019
Real Wood Turning the Industry Upside Down
Meet LIGNIA® Wood Company. Real wood suitable both inside and out. LIGNIA is Hydrogen’s newest wood product client in the built environment category. In July,
September 12, 2019
From a Different Point of View
As an intern, the Hydrogen workplace sheds a different light. My point of view is unique—not because I barely surpass five feet, but because the
June 11, 2019
Enough with the robots, already
Recently, Michael McGrath and I were in Los Angeles attending our Worldwide Partners global conference. (Hydrogen is a shareholder in Worldwide Partners, an invitation-only independent
June 11, 2019
Turn online advertising into offline foot traffic
Nationally recognized Seattle seafood restaurant Elliott’s Oyster House asked Hydrogen to help with a common restaurant challenge: how to attribute online advertising activity to offline
June 11, 2019
Playing Nice
The strength of a healthy internal/external agency relationship “Do you have experience working with an in-house team?” is a question I hear almost any time I
February 4, 2019
Jumping on the Social Cause Bandwagon
Back when I was a copywriting puppy, I remember sitting across a suit-filled table from the CMO of a very large airline client. His point?
February 4, 2019
Are Twitter ads targeting you based on your emojis?
In addition to targeting ads based on gender, interests or location, Twitter allows advertisers to target users based on emojis they use in their tweets.
February 4, 2019
Knock, Knock, Your Brand’s Here!
The ability to create a virtual geographic perimeter using GPS or RFID for targeting ads has been around for a long time. But the world
February 4, 2019
CES Hits Home
The Consumer Electronics Show, known as CES, is the world’s largest gathering place for innovative, game-changing technology attracting 4,500 exhibiting companies, 180,000-plus attendees from more
January 28, 2019
Social Influencers: Dot Com Déjà vu?
An update to the story. Two documentaries and almost as many years after I posted this story about the Fyre Festival, Hulu and Netflix have stirred
October 29, 2018
Two Events. One Community.
Heritage Bank and Hydrogen partnered to launch Heritage’s new “Branch of the Future” in light of its innovative design and enhanced use of technology—to make
October 29, 2018
Harness the Power of the Universe
Imagine your world as little as 10 years ago. WiFi access was sporadic. Banking was done, well, at a bank. And social media was Myspace. But
October 29, 2018
Zigging in a Zag World
One way to make sure your messaging stands out is to look at where the competition is spending their media dollars and look for opportunities
October 29, 2018
5 Media Trends to Know Now
Every quarter, our team at Hydrogen puts together a report on new and emerging media and how they may—or may not—impact our clients. Following are
July 27, 2018
Hydrogen Continues Successful “What’s Your Heritage?” Campaign with Heritage Bank
Hydrogen extends and evolves its signature, long-running campaign “What’s Your Heritage?” with new television and online video for Heritage Bank. The businesses featured include 7
July 27, 2018
Mmmm, new beer packaging
Penobscot Bay Brewery, an award-winning, small batch brewery in the historic village of Winterport, Maine, recently approached Hydrogen to rethink their packaging for a new
July 27, 2018
One detail at a time: Overlake Cancer Center
“Cancer is a day-to-day journey of ups and downs, of triumphs and tribulations…” begins the campaign Hydrogen created for the new Overlake Cancer Center in
July 27, 2018
Crabfest
The Northwest is a very special place. It magically combines mountains, water and trees within a truly unique climate that rewards one’s winter patience with
June 14, 2018
Learn How Social Media Can Transform Customers into Brand Advocates
Welcome to social media — the relationship channel that allows for open dialogue with customers. And while every brand celebrates their likes, shares and emojis,
April 26, 2018
More than Just a Pretty Face: Judging the Effies
The Effie Awards honor the most effective marketing campaigns in the United States and Canada. Differing from other award shows, they specialize in improving marketing
April 20, 2018
The Polyclinic, Part Deux
Sequels. Few are as entertaining and creative as the original. But just like the makers of The Godfather Part 2 and Thor: Ragnarok, we took
April 20, 2018
3 Judges. 2 Days. 700 Ads.
People occasionally ask me why I like to judge advertising awards shows. After all, it means leaving my family, giving up a precious weekend and
April 20, 2018
10 Years in Social Media. That’s like 70 in Dog Years, Right?
“If you post it, they will come.” Maybe that philosophy worked back when I joined LinkedIn as an “Early Adopter” in March of 2004, but
April 20, 2018
Who do you love?
We’ve all been there. The vision and mission statements have been carefully written. The marketing plan has been approved. The customer deep dive has been
April 20, 2018
An Ode from a Millennial in the Workplace
You’re no doubt familiar with the now-tired adage that millennials are ruining everything from napkins to Costco to the Olympics. There are scores of articles
March 9, 2018
Links We Love—March 5th–9th
At Hydrogen, there are always fascinating links flying around the office. We love staying up to date on our favorite subjects, like advertising, graphic design,
February 26, 2018
Why Pinterest will dominate in personalizing social media
It’s prediction season. We’ve been bombarded with them since the start of last December. But, what struck us here at Hydrogen recently, is the prediction
January 16, 2018
Hydrogen’s Holly Jelly Holiday Party
When was the last time you got to "dress down" for your company holiday party? This December, instead of the typical holiday gathering, the folks
January 16, 2018
Launching a Sub-Brand Without Breaking the Bank
Our long-standing health care client, The Polyclinic, came to us with the kind of puzzle we love to solve-how do you create an identity and
January 16, 2018
Big Changes in 2017 That Will Shape Your Marketing in 2018
2017 was a year of upheaval and change-for advertising and marketers. Here are nine things that happened in 2017 that will have an ongoing ripple
January 16, 2018
Hydrogen’s “Labor of Love”
Here at Hydrogen, we believe the power of advertising can make a big difference. That's why working on "Labor of Love" clients is important to
January 16, 2018
Earned Media: Your Reputation is at Stake
When most people think of the term "media," they think of paid advertising. But media can also be earned or owned. Both paid and owned
November 30, 2017
Exhibiting at a Trade Show? Don’t Forget About Marketing’s Role
One of the most effective tactics for B2B marketers is the in-person event. It’s a simple and convenient way to directly target relevant buyers in
November 3, 2017
Podtastic Part V: Listening Hacks
If you become a podcast addict like myself, keeping up with your favorite shows is simultaneously challenging and fun. A podcast aggregator, or “podcatcher” app, is
October 31, 2017
A Copywriter’s Guide to Generating Ideas: Halloween Edition
Let me tell you a scary story. A copywriter lies awake in bed at night, spooked by a challenging creative brief. The deadline’s presence looms like
October 20, 2017
The 411 on Emerging Media with Hydrogen’s Media Guru
Media Director Lauren Rose keeps a close eye on trends and innovations in media so she can apply that knowledge to your media plan, and
October 20, 2017
Humor: The ultimate foot in the door.
As a creative, I’ve long known the power of building a meaningful emotional connection between a brand and its audience. Emotions make us (and our
October 12, 2017
Podtastic! Part IV: Who’s Listening?
We live in the golden age of data. From your grocery loyalty card to the apps you use to the shows you watch, there is
September 28, 2017
The Value Agencies Bring To Big Picture Planning
What should you prioritize in your marketing strategy? Do you focus on the short-term gains of a marketing campaign at the expense of big picture
September 27, 2017
Podtastic Part III: Advertising in Podcasts
It’s easy to forget we were once at the mercy of whatever was on the air. Channel surfing for something to watch, scanning the airwaves
September 26, 2017
Finding New Audiences for Established Brands
Does your brand need a new audience? Before you can determine that, make sure you’ve exhausted your current core customers. You may not be getting
September 15, 2017
Podtastic! Part II: Art of the Story
On October 30th, 1938, Orson Welles presented his story “War of the Worlds” live on national radio. As you probably have heard, the storytelling was
August 30, 2017
Podtastic! Part I: Why I Love Podcasts
Thank you, Serial. In 2016, you were my first podcast—and gateway drug to my podcast addiction. Serial sucked me in because it was so unlike the
August 25, 2017
Understanding Audiences for Brand Launch Success
Many brands have the how, what, and why down as they prepare for a brand launch but they fall short on the who. At Hydrogen
August 11, 2017
Are you getting the most out of your media plan?
Balance: it’s one of the most important and most difficult things to keep (work/life, anyone?). It’s the key to a great media plan as well—the
August 1, 2017
Does Your Website Offer a Friendly Handshake?
Out in the real world, when we meet someone for the first time, we shake their hand. A lot rides on that moment—as we shake
August 1, 2017
There’s No Such Thing as A Social Media Expert
[This blog post, published on April 10th, discusses how social media continues to change in ways big and small, often seemingly overnight. As proof of
August 1, 2017
Which Came First: The Message or The Medium?
A long time ago in an industry far, far from where we are today, a professor/controversial philosopher/all around big thinker named Marshall McLuhan coined the
August 1, 2017
Hydrogen Celebrates its Annual Crabfest
Recently team Hydrogen trekked out to President Tom Scherer’s seaside abode for our annual Crabfest retreat. It was an opportunity for all of us to
July 5, 2017
Relaunch? Refresh? Start by creating a New Narrative for your Brand
There are some things you know you need to change. Your clothes. The litter box. Your mind—sometimes far too often. What about your brand?
June 16, 2017
The Hydrogen Roundup: Episode Three. A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
People find inspiration in all kinds of places. At Hydrogen, sometimes it shows up in our inbox. Here are some of the best links flying
June 15, 2017
Hydrogen Seattle Teams with Heritage Bank to Launch New Website
Puget Sound based Heritage Bank (NASDAQ:HFWA) partnered with Seattle-based advertising agency, Hydrogen, to create a website that offers a friendlier, easier banking experience for both
May 5, 2017
The Hydrogen Roundup: Episode Two. Inspirational procrastination at its best.
We know that inspiration, like hydrogen is pretty much everywhere. Here’s the latest and greatest flying around our place. Man deep fries gnocchi, hilarity ensues Playing hooky
April 10, 2017
There’s No Such Thing As A Social Media Expert
Facebook is dead. The Facebook that once was, that is. Does anybody remember it anymore? Simple blue interface. Categories to fill in like: what I’m looking
March 13, 2017
What mix of Paid, Earned & Owned generates the most profit for brands?
Clients and agencies are continually in pursuit of the golden mean of marketing: What mix of Paid (e.g. digital display, TV, print), Earned (e.g. organic
March 13, 2017
The Persuasive Power of Personality
This month, Hydrogen celebrates The Polyclinic’s breadth of physicians and specialists in a new online and offline advertising campaign. The Polyclinic, one of the largest
March 13, 2017
Fiercely Independent. Together.
When 65 likeminded advertising agencies in 50 countries work together, clients win. Jumbo shrimp. Hell’s Angels. Seriously funny. I love a good oxymoron, don’t you? But
October 12, 2016
Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before Teaching Grown-Ups
I wish my future self were able to travel back in time and warn me about a few things before I began my journey teaching
October 12, 2016
The Interactive Storyboard
Imagine describing the way the iPhone works to a room full of people who have never used it before and want to build for it.
October 12, 2016
Happy Birthday, Hydrogen!
This year, Hydrogen celebrates a decade and a half in the biz. Watch out, we’re old enough to get our learner’s permit! A lot has
September 15, 2016
Launching a new brand while staying true to the Mothership
When a beloved brand introduces change, everyone has an opinion. The highly anticipated launch of Whole Foods Market’s new brand, 365 by Whole Foods Market,
June 29, 2016
Going Glocal for 365 by Whole Foods Market
How did we help 365 by Whole Foods Market launch a national brand campaign while creating local buzz around their first brick and mortar? Glocalization,
June 29, 2016
Local Marketing with a Twist
Many brands are trying to stretch their media dollars by doing local marketing. We found a way to do it with a twist: hyperlocal advertising. The
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