St. Louis Ad Agency Announces Opening of Second Midwest Office

St. Louis Ad Agency Announces Opening of Second Midwest Office

September 24, 2024

HLK’s expansion into Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood will broaden scope and fuel strategic growth.

HLK, a full-service creative agency, announces the opening of its second Midwest office in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood. The expansion supports the agency’s commitment to growth and paves the way for new business opportunities in the Midwest and beyond. 

“Expanding into the Chicago market has been on our radar for quite some time, and we knew this was the right moment to make the move,” said Eric Karlovic, CEO. “The city is full of untapped potential for both creative talent and new client relationships. This is just one of many steps forward to come in our long-term growth strategy, allowing us to deliver even more creative solutions to our clients.”

The new office, located at the epicenter of the West Loop’s dining and business scene, sits at the corner of West Washington Boulevard and North Morgan Street. 

The space was strategically designed to maximize employee collaboration and creative agility. HLKers will have access to flexible workspaces, brainstorm rooms, communal meeting spaces and a rooftop patio.

Shelby Georgis, co-chief creative officer, will head up the HLK Chicago location. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Georgis has lived in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood for 14 years, establishing strong ties to both cities.

“Chicago has always been a cultural and business hub of the Midwest, making it the perfect location for HLK’s expansion,” shared Georgis. “With 15 HLKers already here, opening this office in the West Loop gives us a permanent space to deepen connections and foster creativity.”

HLK’s seven partners — Eric Karlovic, CEO; Joe Leahy, co-CCO; Shelby Georgis, co-CCO; Alison Berry, COO; Ben Bocklage, CSO; Emily Kircher, CMO; and Brad Overby, CFO — recently inaugurated the second location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

“This is more than just an office opening — it’s the start of a new chapter for HLK,” said Karlovic. “Chicago gives us the perfect launchpad to explore new markets and push the boundaries of what we can help our clients achieve now and for years to come.”