Many moons ago, an art director met a copywriter and later, the pair was introduced to an account director. In 2003, this dynamic trio launched the Launch Agency, pun intended. Art director Dave Wilgus, copywriter Diane Seimetz, and account director Michael Boone became entrepreneurs and created their own brand that specializes in helping companies introduce or reimagine their product or service. Twenty years later, the three partners share insights on their industry and how they have built an award-winning organization.
“We saw an opportunity to work with entrepreneurial businesses to help them evolve and innovate,” explained Launch principal Diane Seimetz. “As entrepreneurs ourselves, we have a unique perspective on developing strategy and connecting to audiences. The need for big ideas today is just as relevant as it was 20 years ago.”
Early relationships with brands such as American Airlines, Borden Dairy, Match.com, Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Sam’s Club and Yum! Brands, among others, helped establish the agency’s reputation for producing strategic, compelling creative. That exemplary determination, talent and work product continues today, embodied by the agency’s positioning, “Let’s Go Beyond.”
“When we started our company, the industry looked very different,” said Launch principal Michael Boone. “What we have learned in the last 20 years is that we can quickly become a part of a client’s team and dig into their DNA to ascertain what differentiates them from their competitors. What makes Launch unique from other firms is our ability to see the organization from the perspectives of the leadership team and the target audience we need to reach.”
Launch continues to work with big companies such as long-time clients Baylor Scott & White Health and Park Place Dealerships, as well as Highland Homes, Evergreen Power and YPO, to keep their brands top of mind.
“Park Place has some of the most exciting automotive brands in the marketplace,” said Launch principal David Wilgus. “When we started working with them 20 years ago, they needed a compelling concept to differentiate them from their competitors. We developed their brand as ‘Experts in Excellence’ and that positioned them as experts in sales…experts in service…and experts in relationships. We helped them grow from a successful local dealership group to a thriving, billion-dollar company.”
In 2022, Launch worked with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Baylor Scott & White Health to shine a light on the early detection of cancer and Dak’s foundation, Faith Fight Finish, for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative. Launch concepted and created a film documenting the evolution of the cleats that Dak would wear in a game against the Indianapolis Colts to bring awareness to colon cancer.
Launch also uses their talents to help non-profits soar in a busy, distracted world. The agency has committed time and resources to organizations such as Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Daymark Living, Poston Gardens, and The Ashford Rise School of Dallas among others. Lift is the agency’s internal initiative to assist organizations with their advertising needs, donations and volunteers.
“We have huge hearts for helping others,” said Boone. “Our team loves to support causes that need an experienced team to assist with their marketing efforts. We’re happy to lend our talents to making our community stronger.”
While 2023 marks their 20th year, Launch is poised for future growth with the recent promotion of three key senior staffers to principals including April Steinbach, Jason Giles and Ray Ives.
Located in the Uptown area of Dallas, Launch focuses their creative expertise in brand development, brand advertising, integrated campaigns, design, digital and social media content and event activation. Over the years, Launch has been honored to win many annual awards from the AAF Dallas Addys, AAF District Addys, Graphis (Design, Advertising, Poster, and Packaging Annuals), DSVC Gold and Healthcare Advertising Awards. More information can be found on their brand new website launchagency.com