Jon Laughlin and Pat Laughlin have been named co-chief creative officers of Laughlin Constable, the independent agency with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee. The brothers were born into the ad world as their father Steve, a member of the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame, founded Laughlin Constable 45 years ago, growing his new agency as his sons grew up. Jon and Pat Laughlin represent the family’s second generation now taking the helm of the shop.
“For ten years, Jon and Pat have been part of our creative leadership team and as a result, I have continually seen leaps forward in our creative output. Under their leadership, we will continue to push innovative and creative boundaries to meet the needs of our clients across CPG, retail, healthcare, insurance, B2B and other industries,” said Mat Lignel, president and CEO of Laughlin Constable. “As we mark our 45th anniversary, the time is now to have Jon and Pat lead our creative team.”
Jon Laughlin graduated from Lafayette College and has worked for the firm since 2005. He has been involved with many clients during his time, most recently leading the Yuengling brand. He lists working with Jonathan Banks for a client campaign as a career highlight.
“I have had the privilege of learning from some of the best creative directors in the business, starting with my dad and most recently with John Maxham. They showed me how important it is to nurture the big idea, and always continue to craft the copy,” said Jon Laughlin.
Pat Laughlin, who also has been with the agency since 2005, holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. His notable work includes the award-winning Lung Cancer Alliance “Deserves to Die” campaign and the Jewelers Mutual “Obsessed” campaign, along with leading the Wisconsin Department of Tourism account, which in 2019 helped produce the best marketing return results in years for the tourism entity.
“Creative has always been at the heart of Laughlin Constable, and I’m most looking forward to combining our creative firepower with our deep digital roots to create work that’s both emotionally resonant and business driving,” said Pat Laughlin.
Owner Steve Laughlin remains executive chairman of the agency’s advisory board. John “Max” Maxham, who held the CCO position at Laughlin Constable for the last two years and helped mentor Jon and Pat Laughlin, is departing the agency to pursue a new opportunity.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More