our story

1937: Thomas and Woodburn, Inc. founded by Ira A. Thomas.

1939: Ira Thomas Associates became Meek and Thomas, Inc.

1946: Marcus Advertising founded by brothers Don and Marvin Marcus in Beachwood, Ohio.

1950: Marcus Advertising was incorporated.

1952: Marcus Advertising began live telecast of the Gene Carroll Amateur Show, which became the longest-running show in local television.

1958: Marcus Advertising formed the first statewide television network for the Old Dutch Review Show.

1967: Ira A. Thomas retired; Ira D. Thomas elected president and treasurer.

1971: Meek and Thomas name changed to Ira Thomas Associates Inc.

1974: Marcus Advertising selected as the first agency for the Ohio Lottery. Kept client for 25 years – an industry record.

1976: Marcus Advertising originated first live lottery television show in the country.

1980: Marvin Marcus retired from Marcus Advertising.

1984: Harvey Scholnick joined Marcus Advertising as executive vice president.

1984: Ira Thomas Associates (Youngstown) merged with Gregory, Inc. (Cleveland).

1986: Ira Thomas Associates de-merged; re-established Ira Thomas Associates Inc.

1986: Marcus Advertising acquired Meldrum & Campbell agency.

1987: Don Marcus inducted into the Cleveland Ad Association Hall of Fame.

1988: Harvey Scholnick named president of Marcus Advertising.

1988: Marcus Advertising acquired Harlan Advertising.

1989: Ira Thomas Associates spun off Continental Communications Services, Inc. as sister company to provide desktop publishing and a variety of communications support services.

1993: Transition plan adopted at Ira Thomas Associates, naming James B. Nash, Mark E. Bachmann and Beth H. Hallisy as new management team.

1994: Ira Thomas Associates Inc. acquired R. J. McCallister & Company and merged with Continental Communication Services. Ira Thomas Associates Inc. was the surviving company.

1995: James B. Nash elected president, chief executive officer, of Ira Thomas Associates. Agency partners are now James B. Nash, Mark E. Bachmann and Beth H. Hallisy. Joseph J. Blaha named chief financial officer of Ira Thomas Associates.

2000: Ira Thomas Associates Inc. and Marcus Advertising merge to form Marcus Thomas LLC. The executive management team is comprised of Don Marcus, chairman emeritus; Ira D. Thomas, vice chairman; Harvey L. Scholnick, chairman/chief executive officer; James B. Nash, president/chief operating officer; Mark E. Bachmann, executive vice president; Beth H. Hallisy, executive vice president; Joanne J. Kim, executive vice president/creative director; and Joseph J. Blaha, chief financial officer.