It began with a handshake and a imaginative and prescient: to make politics viral. In 2024, deep contained in the strategic warfare rooms of the Democratic Nationwide Conference (DNC), a workforce of digital architects devised an audacious plan—what if, as an alternative of counting on conventional information media, they handed the facility to TikTokers and Instagram stars? What if the most-watched political correspondents weren’t seasoned journalists, however influencers with hundreds of thousands of engaged followers?
The end result? A $10 million influencer technique that noticed over 200 social media personalities flood Chicago, armed with unique entry, behind-the-scenes content material, and a direct line to America’s youth.
Some known as it genius. Others known as it propaganda. However one factor was sure—the sport had modified. The traces between leisure, affect, and politics blurred without end, proving that within the metropolis of deep-dish pizza and architectural marvels, the largest advertising minds weren’t in advert businesses alone—they had been constructing empires in influencer advertising companies throughout Chicago.
Listed below are the Prime 9 CEOs of Influencer Advertising and marketing Businesses in Chicago—the visionaries behind campaigns that don’t simply go viral, however redefine industries.
Prime 9 CEOs of Influencer Advertising and marketing Firms in Chicago
In Chicago, the guts of innovation meets the facility of digital affect. Behind each viral marketing campaign and model breakthrough are visionary CEOs of influencer advertising companies shaping the way forward for engagement. These leaders aren’t simply maintaining with traits—they’re setting them.
1. Scott Emalfarb
Scott Emalfarb isn’t simply operating a social media company—he’s shaping how manufacturers join, have interaction, and go viral. Because the Founder and CEO of Contemporary Content material Society (FCS), Emalfarb has constructed an award-winning company that helps manufacturers flip social media right into a powerhouse for development.
With over 15 years within the recreation, his experience runs deep. Earlier than launching FCS in 2014, he sharpened his expertise as a neighborhood supervisor for manufacturers like Slim Jim, Hilton, and Microsoft, the place he helped construct large on-line followings. Now, he’s utilizing that have to guide FCS in crafting content material methods that drive actual outcomes—whether or not that’s rising a model’s viewers or creating viral moments that seize nationwide consideration.
One in every of his largest wins? Serving to Manny’s Deli, a Chicago establishment, skyrocket gross sales by 1,500% through the pandemic—all due to a single, heartfelt tweet. That marketing campaign earned FCS a Better of Tweets award from Twitter, proving that a mixture of authenticity and strategic social media advertising can create a severe affect.
Past shopper success, Emalfarb is a acknowledged {industry} chief, continuously talking at main occasions like IRCE, B2B Subsequent, and the Social Media Summit. His ardour for storytelling, neighborhood constructing, and data-driven methods cements his standing as certainly one of Chicago’s high influencer advertising CEOs.
2. Steve Ellis
Steve Ellis is redefining how manufacturers join with audiences within the creator economic system. As COO of Paramount Promoting, Ellis oversees technique and operations throughout CBS, CBS Sports activities, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and the Paramount cable networks, guaranteeing manufacturers keep forward in an ever-evolving media panorama.
A real pioneer in influencer advertising, Ellis was the mastermind behind WHOSAY, one of many first main influencer advertising firms, which helped set up the creator economic system earlier than it was even a buzzword. Paramount took discover and purchased WHOSAY in 2018, bringing Ellis on board to supercharge its promoting technique.
Beneath his management, Paramount Promoting launched CBS Sports activities Creator Studio, an modern initiative that connects manufacturers with sports activities influencers and offers advertisers direct entry to customized social content material that includes athletes. From the Tremendous Bowl to different main sporting occasions, Ellis ensures that manufacturers don’t simply promote—they have interaction, resonate, and drive significant conversations with audiences.
With two profitable firm exits and a observe report of main large-scale transformations—together with restructuring company gross sales organizations of 1,500+ folks—Ellis is thought for his skill to innovate, scale, and ship outcomes. His experience in gross sales technique, product improvement, and operational excellence makes him a go-to thought chief within the advert world.
3. David Zapata
David Zapata isn’t simply main a PR company—he’s redefining how way of life manufacturers make an affect. Because the Founder and CEO of Zapwater Communications, Zapata has constructed probably the most awarded boutique communications businesses within the nation, mixing PR, influencer advertising, and digital technique into campaigns that transfer the needle.
His philosophy? Ardour fuels success. Zapata ensures his workforce works on initiatives they really consider in, which has led to happier workers, stronger shopper relationships, and an company that constantly outperforms its measurement. That method has earned Zapwater industry-wide recognition, together with a number of PRWeek and PRovoke Media awards for creativity and innovation.
With places of work in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami, Zapwater has cultivated a various portfolio of world and trendsetting manufacturers throughout journey, hospitality, vogue, magnificence, and actual property. And beneath Zapata’s management, the company hasn’t simply stayed aggressive—it has expanded, buying boutique companies in LA and Miami to strengthen its attain.
Past awards and acquisitions, Zapata is a strategic powerhouse. His background spans political technique, Fortune 500 consulting, and main shopper model campaigns, giving him a singular edge in shaping narratives that resonate. Whether or not he’s guiding way of life manufacturers by way of digital engagement or mentoring his rising workforce, Zapata’s skill to mix storytelling with enterprise technique makes him a standout chief in influencer advertising.
4. Jonathan Saeidian
Because the Founder and CEO of Brenton Approach, he’s constructed a powerhouse company specializing in influencer advertising, digital technique, and performance-driven campaigns that assist manufacturers stand out in crowded markets.
With an preliminary funding of simply $2,000, Saeidian has remodeled Brenton Approach right into a seven-figure enterprise, proving that innovation and sensible execution beat huge budgets. His company’s influencer advertising division boasts a database of over 80,000 influencers, permitting manufacturers to pinpoint the proper creators to amplify their message. Whether or not it’s a luxurious relationship app breaking into new markets or a well being & wellness model producing 8 million social impressions in two months, Brenton Approach constantly delivers measurable outcomes.
Saeidian’s experience extends past influencer collaborations—he’s a development strategist at coronary heart. His background in enterprise improvement, digital advertising, and entrepreneurship provides him a pointy edge in crafting social campaigns that don’t simply generate buzz but in addition drive actual income.
5. Holly Sias
Holly Sias, the Founder and CEO of Socialite Media, has managed to supervise the growth of the enterprise into main U.S. cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, and Scottsdale. The company itself focuses on social media administration, influencer advertising, content material creation, and PR.
Her journey started with a Grasp’s diploma in Journalism, however as an alternative of chasing headlines, she found her ardour for serving to small companies thrive on-line. The inspiration for Socialite Media sparked when she observed a Chicago restaurant struggling attributable to its lack of social presence. She realized that many small enterprise house owners had been too busy operating their firms to grasp digital advertising, and he or she made it her mission to bridge that hole.
Beneath Sias’s management, Socialite Media has developed highly effective influencer advertising applications, together with Restaurant Revival, a 12-week initiative that pairs eating places with hand-selected influencers to drive visibility and foot site visitors. The company additionally curates unique influencer occasions that join manufacturers with high digital creators, guaranteeing most engagement.
Past advertising, Socialite Media is constructed on goal—supporting native companies, small companies, girls entrepreneurs, and feminine empowerment. Sias has crafted an company tradition that champions community-driven success, incomes Socialite Media a spot amongst Chicago’s high influencer advertising businesses.
6. Noreen Heron
For over 20 years, Noreen Heron has been a powerhouse in way of life communications, turning Heron Company into one of many nation’s main PR and influencer advertising companies. As Founder and CEO, she has constructed an company that does extra than simply create buzz—it drives actual enterprise affect for manufacturers throughout hospitality, health, retail, and extra.
With expertise spanning public relations, advertising, digital technique, social media, and influencer relations, Heron Company has helped over 75 resort manufacturers, main way of life firms like Orange Concept Health and Paper Supply, and numerous non-profits craft highly effective campaigns that enhance visibility and income. Beneath Heron’s management, the company has turn into a high influencer relations agency, excelling in strategic partnerships between manufacturers and creators that construct long-term engagement—not simply one-off sponsorships.
Heron’s observe report speaks for itself. She’s led campaigns for international manufacturers like Hyatt Lodges, Shake Shack, Smirnoff, and Fairmont Lodges, incomes {industry} recognition alongside the best way, together with PR Each day’s “Dynamic Doer” Award and the Each day Herald Influential Ladies in Enterprise honor.
Whether or not she’s securing main media protection, growing digital-first influencer methods, or creating memorable model experiences, Noreen Heron’s experience makes her a standout chief within the influencer advertising world.
7. Mike Heller
With regards to celebrity-driven advertising, few have formed the {industry} fairly like Mike Heller. Because the Founder and CEO of Expertise Sources, he has remodeled how manufacturers collaborate with influencers and celebrities, pioneering endorsement offers that really feel genuine, not transactional.
Heller’s journey began in leisure legislation, the place he negotiated high-profile offers for A-list shoppers. Seeing a possibility to bridge the hole between manufacturers and celebrities, he launched Expertise Sources in 2007, serving to firms faucet into the facility of influencer-driven advertising earlier than it turned mainstream.
Beneath his management, Expertise Sources has turn into a premier digital advertising company, specializing in superstar and influencer partnerships, model technique, PR, and social media administration. With a formidable roster of Hollywood stars, athletes, and social media influencers, Expertise Sources has been behind a number of the most buzz-worthy model activations in recent times.
8. Larvetta Loftin
Larvetta Loftin, the Founder and CEO of The L3 Company, has spent practically 20 years crafting culturally related campaigns that join manufacturers with Millennials, Gen Z, and numerous audiences in genuine, significant methods.
Her company is greater than only a full-service advertising agency—it’s a motion. Targeted on influencer advertising, PR, digital technique, and model engagement, The L3 Company has labored with a number of the largest names, together with Verizon, Bacardi, Toyota, McDonald’s, and CVS Pharmacy.
Past advertising, Larvetta is a storyteller, mentor, and advocate. She’s the host of “Black Companies Matter,” a podcast that highlights financial empowerment and the facility of entrepreneurship. Her insights on branding, advertising, and social affect have made her a sought-after speaker and a trusted voice within the {industry}.
9. Susan Reilly
With regards to mixing influencer advertising with strategic communications, Susan Reilly, CEO and Founding father of Reilly Join is in a league of her personal. With over 25 years of expertise in public relations, media technique, and disaster administration, Susan has constructed an award-winning company that delivers high-impact influencer campaigns with measurable outcomes.
Beneath her management, Reilly Join has mastered the artwork of full-service influencer advertising, from expertise sourcing and marketing campaign execution to compliance—significantly in regulated industries like well being and wellness. Whether or not it’s crafting genuine storytelling for magnificence and way of life manufacturers concentrating on girls over 35 or leveraging data-driven insights to refine messaging, Susan ensures each marketing campaign makes waves.
Her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Named among the many Prime 50 Ladies Leaders of Illinois by Ladies We Admire and acknowledged as a Prime Girl in PR by PRWeek, Susan’s affect extends past her company. As a Forbes Company Council member, she shares insights that form the way forward for digital and influencer advertising.
Past advertising, she’s additionally a sought-after communications coach, recognized for The Reilly Communications Coaching Technique™, which has helped company leaders, high-profile influencers, and {industry} consultants sharpen their media presence.
With a 2019 PRSA Silver Anvil Award beneath her belt, Susan Reilly isn’t simply main an company—she’s redefining the best way manufacturers join, have interaction, and affect.
Redefining Affect: How Chicago’s Prime CEOs Are Shaping the Way forward for Advertising and marketing
In an period the place social media dominates the dialog, Chicago’s main CEOs of influencer advertising companies are proving that affect isn’t nearly followers—it’s about technique, storytelling, and affect. These visionaries are redefining how manufacturers join with audiences, leveraging information, creativity, and genuine partnerships to drive actual outcomes.
Whether or not by way of viral campaigns, superstar collaborations, or purpose-driven storytelling, these {industry} leaders are on the forefront of a advertising revolution. Because the traces between media, leisure, and affect proceed to blur, one factor is evident: the way forward for advertising belongs to those that perceive—and grasp—the facility of affect.
Concerning the Writer
Author
Djanan Kasumovic, Head of Progress at Influencer Advertising and marketing Hub, drives innovation in digital advertising with experience in AI advertising and AI influencer methods. He’s instantly concerned in shaping content material methods for high shoppers like Viral Nation, NeoReach, Brandwatch, and extra, mixing inventive aptitude with data-driven insights to make sure folks not solely benefit from the content material however go away slightly smarter.
