Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Advertising Partner in Des Moines, IA
Founded in 1907, Lessing-Flynn stands as America's longest-standing independently owned advertising agency. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, we specialize in transforming complex brand challenges into strategic opportunities across diverse industries. Our team of seasoned marketers combines creative storytelling with data-driven insights to deliver impactful campaigns for both challenger brands and industry leaders. With over a century of experience, we've evolved from traditional advertising pioneers to digital innovators, maintaining our core principle of connecting the right stories with the right audiences.Our full-service capabilities span brand strategy, media planning, video production, and customer experience design. Recognized as a Top Workplace in Iowa, we invest deeply in our people, clients, and communities, fostering relationships that often span decades. From agricultural brands to technology firms, we help businesses of all sizes achieve measurable growth through authentic storytelling and strategic execution.
Services
Branding Strategy
Advertising Campaigns
Digital Marketing
Media Planning
Video Production
Public Relations
Customer Experience Design
Product Launches
Sales Funnel Optimization
Industry-Specific Marketing
Details
- Year established: 1907
Highlights and features
- 115+ years of continuous innovation in advertising and marketing
- Full-service agency with in-house expertise across all marketing disciplines
- Proven success in both B2B and B2C sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and education
- Award-winning team recognized as Iowa's Top Workplace
- Client relationships spanning decades with measurable ROI
Services
Branding Strategy
We create cohesive brand strategies that align with business objectives and resonate with target audiences. Our approach combines market research, competitive analysis, and brand positioning to build lasting identities. With expertise in both rebranding and brand evolution, we help businesses maintain relevance while staying true to their core values.
Advertising Campaigns
Our award-winning team develops integrated advertising campaigns across traditional and digital platforms. From concept to execution, we craft compelling messages that drive engagement and deliver measurable results. Specializing in both local and national campaigns, we ensure consistent brand messaging across all touchpoints while optimizing for specific audience segments.
Digital Marketing
We implement data-driven digital marketing strategies that enhance online visibility and drive conversions. Our services include SEO, content marketing, social media management, and paid digital advertising. With certified experts in analytics and digital tools, we create customized approaches that evolve with changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements.
Media Planning
Our media planning services combine traditional wisdom with modern analytics to maximize campaign effectiveness. We develop comprehensive media strategies across broadcast, print, digital, and emerging platforms. With decades of experience in both local and national media buying, we ensure optimal placement and budget efficiency while maintaining flexibility for real-time adjustments.
Video Production
We produce high-impact video content that brings brand stories to life across multiple platforms. From concept development to final editing, our in-house production team creates engaging content for social media, television, and digital campaigns. Specializing in both live-action and animation, we ensure technical excellence while maintaining strategic messaging alignment.
People
Tom Flynn
President & CEO
Fourth-generation leader with over 30 years in advertising. Specializes in strategic growth and client relationships. Recognized for maintaining agency's innovative legacy while expanding digital capabilities.
Jess Held
Executive Vice President & COO
Marketing expert with 15+ years in brand strategy. Focuses on operational excellence and creative execution. Brings deep industry knowledge from prior client-side experience with major manufacturers.
Chris Hanson
Vice President of Creative Services
Creative leader with 20+ years in design and advertising. Specializes in visual storytelling and brand identity. Combines gestalt design principles with modern creative techniques to deliver impactful campaigns.
Joe Winn
Vice President of Brand Strategy
Brand strategist with decade-plus experience in integrated marketing. Focuses on connecting brand narratives with business objectives. Recognized for developing innovative strategies that drive measurable client growth.
Shannon Hughes
Director of Digital & Media Strategy
Digital marketing expert with 12 years in media innovation. Leads the agency's digital transformation efforts. Specializes in merging traditional marketing wisdom with cutting-edge digital strategies for optimal client outcomes.
Questions
What industries does Lessing-Flynn specialize in?
We specialize in agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, higher education, and technology sectors with tailored marketing solutions.
How long has Lessing-Flynn been in business?
As America's oldest independent advertising agency, we've been solving brand challenges since 1907.
What makes Lessing-Flynn different from other agencies?
Our century-plus experience combines with modern innovation, offering full-service capabilities and deep industry expertise.
Do you work with both B2B and B2C clients?
Yes, we serve both business-to-business and business-to-consumer clients across multiple industries.
What services does Lessing-Flynn offer?
We provide branding, advertising, digital marketing, media planning, video production, and customer experience solutions.
Can you help with product launches?
Our team specializes in strategic product launches, combining creative storytelling with targeted media strategies.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Jeremy Jones
Dec 15, 2019
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Lessing-Flynn is not only the oldest advertising agency this side of the Mississippi, its the best! Great people and outstanding work.
Chris Hanson
Dec 07, 2019
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Lessing-Flynn has some of the most amazing and talented people in marketing and advertising and I am so proud to have been a part of the company for 12+ years and counting. An agency that is ALL IN on its employees, clients and communities. An agency that is smart, scrappy and always leads with strategy. If you have any marketing/advertising needs, give Lessing-Flynn a call.
Cassandra Pudenz
Nov 17, 2019
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Theres a reason Lessing-Flynn has been around for 110+ years and is one of the oldest advertising agencies in America because they are all in on their people, clients and communities. Im proud to be an employee and am grateful for how much they support me both personally and professionally.
Rachel Wallace
Aug 23, 2019
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I've been with Lessing-Flynn for over three years and in that time the company has grown quickly, but thoughtfully. They truly care about the well-being of their employees by providing access to 100% company paid healthcare as well as 100% paid parental leave options for the birth of a new child. These kind of benefits coupled with their encouragement of personal development goals make it easy to stay motivated in my career. Oh, and they have free snacks. Can't forget the free snacks.
Jonathan Quinn
May 29, 2019
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There's no agency around that is as passionate about doing great work and creating a great environment for their employees.
Ian Anderson
May 26, 2019
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Ive had the privilege of being part of the Lessing-Flynn for nearly two years and have been impressed with the culture from day one. The agency is passionate about the work we do while providing a genuine work-life balance.
