The Martin Agency
An Open Letter to The Martin Agency Leadership
Over the last two and a half years, leadership at The Martin Agency has done something that seemed almost impossible: you ran the most admired agencies into the ground.
You can't hide from this anymore. The staff knows it. The industry feels it - and despite the spin, the blame, and the endless jargon, it's clear who caused it - YOU the C-Suite.
(continued in the comments)
Wow they usually take down posts that name names. But also, strong agree on all of this splendid hot take.
I hope people pay attention because this isn’t just a Martin problem. This is happening at legacy agencies everywhere. Don’t idolize anyone or any company because they will disappoint you. Freelance. Go in-house. Choose jobs based on vibes. Stay at the small unknown local shop that treats you well. Choose yourself and your peace because these companies will never choose you.
Yes. A lot of leaders are unfortunately disappointing. Think twice before meeting your heroes.
🍿🍿🍿
I want someone to do this for my agency. As long as they don’t mention me.
Any takers for Colle McVoy? Seems like a necessity at this rate.
But I thought everything was great cuz I saw someone singing an alanis morisette song at a town hall? Doesn’t that mean everything is great?
Rising Star
Depends...might've been ironic singing
From the outside, what I can add is that the work that once was top class now seems very boring and predictable, with a few exceptions.
Agreed. Martin & SuperJoy is run by soul crushing, corporate managers backfilled with juniors - more focused on bottom line than quality or pride in the work
Cue the emergency all-agency meeting! Lol
“79 Shares” is insane
Yeah, there are a lot of problems that no one has vented about in years.
What a read.
Wow and I was thinking of applying if I saw an opening lol. Is there any place that isn’t being ran into the ground?
You mean AFTER the merger? Oh it’s going to get grim there, Creative 2. OMC is going to cut cut cut.
Rising Star
The roofer also needs a stern talking to! The Martin Agency deserves the latest innovations and contemporary shingling styles, something more effective of course yet also sustainable and built to last.
Wow. No need for a c-suite title to understand THAT as foolish “investing”. Better to have saved that to spend/hold on to talent.
Outside hiring might have have nixed that right away. Sometimes when the view is too close, the better decision isn’t as clear.
Ohhh someone do AKQA next!
Chief
It’s open mic night. You’re up.
Martins biggest downfall is going to be that we are letting court jesters rule the entire kingdom. We have no leadership at this point, no one taking accountability and a c suite full of people who continually axe the actual workers while they continue to give themselves vanity titles like “chief revenue officer” and “chief branding officer” and drop millions on renovations for their own wing of the building.
The facade is quickly crumbling and I truly hope all the talented folks flee soon.
Did OP delete their comment? I missed the fun…
How many layoffs at Martin this time?
Chief
you have 3 new business roles in the c-suite and no CSO?
What is a legacy hire? And how are you defining soft skills? I’m unclear who are you trying to bash and why specifically?
How many people were let go yesterday?
There's been many rounds of cuts over the past couple years plus another 5% yesterday at Martin and also SuperJoy... another area of chaos and corporate-buzzwords
….and also the recruiter who ghosted me after interviewing (jk jk but also 🤪)
SAME! and that was after the hiring manager told me he was recommending me for the role.
Jerry and Alberto are both insufferable in their own ways. Some of the least funny or interesting work of all time has been created thanks to them.
I feel inspired after reading all of this …
Do Barkley next