Mile 9 Agency

Mile 9 Agency is a full-service agency with a unigue equation - nimble creative shop meets big thinking and impeccable execution. For more than a decade, we've been building client partnerships based upon creativity and innovation. Our work generates buzz, interaction and results channeled through traditional and new media.

Sure we're 9 miles from the Pacific Ocean but Mile 9 represents so much more. It's a metaphorical location where brave ideas become good business. At Mile 9 you'll find innovation, passion, and a fresh approach to your challenges. Exit here, or do a (legal) U-Turn and come on back. Get to know us. Together we'll unleash brave, Iconic and innovative work. What ill you be at Mile 9?

Attention: You are viewing a simplified version of this website. For an enhanced experience, install the Flash Player.

Services

Brand Strategy- Your Story's good. Can it be better?

Client Services - Did we mention the impeccable execution part?

Creative Developement - TV spots, storyboards, print, events-you name it.

TV & Related Content - Creative, production, post-production. A to Z. Enjoy the craft services.

Digital/Interactive - Your web would should be sticky, informative and intuiitive.

Experiential/Live Marketing - Take once-in-a-lifetime brand interaction to the people.

Media planning/buying - We analyze and spend wisely.

PR - Buzz. Buzz. And PR support for you and your campaigns.

Our Take

At our core is the creative spirit. We push each other to find solutions. Sure, we have the stereotypical ping pong table in the office, but we take our work and our client partnerships seriously. Our purest strength is our perspective. We’ve been on all sides of the desk, the street, the camera, the fence, and the coin. In the office you’ll find a nice mix of former network executives, brand managers, actors, directors, designers, AEs, artists, dreamers, and one small dog named Ted. We bring that perspective with us and, more often than not, it’s what gets us both there—to the buzz, the headlines, the awards, the ROI, or the pat on your back. Every creative team claims the “big idea”. Our thought is that all ideas are big ideas. From a POP display to a TV spot we think big. Our collective experience and instincts come in handy during our enthusiastic think tanks. We take a quick snapshot from the summit and then work our way down the mountain—integrating and problem-solving as we go. The results: unique, targeted perspectives. So, if you want a group of experienced and talented creatives, with equal shakes crazy and competence, then we’re the place for you. One thing is certain: your brand, your company, your product will never be the same.

Leaders

Jeff Smaul - Jeff is the President and founder of Mile 9. His mantra “Everything communicates” is evident throughout his 15+ years of agency work. Jeff has worked with such prestigious clients as ABC, Disney, ESPN Media Networks, NBC, Fox Cable Networks, Nestle Food Company, Atari, Sprint and Wells Fargo. Jeff combines his expertise as an art director with his strategic business and marketing insights to build a truly unique partnership with Mile 9 clients. Whether he is developing a brand or executing a marketing plan, Jeff believes every client deserves his personal "hands-on" treatment to ensure a successful campaign. His vision for Mile 9 is to be the nimble creative shop known for the big ideas and impeccable execution.

When not at Mile 9 — literally or figuratively — Jeff enjoys time in the backyard barbequing with his wife and two kids.

Dan Dieffenbach - Dan is the Chief Creative Officer of Mile 9. His journey brought him to Mile 9 from FOX, where he led marketing in the sports division for five years. As a FOX executive Dan led the creative charge for both the network FOX Sports and the cable division of FSN. He wrote and directed commercials and led high-profile marketing campaigns for NASCAR, the NFL on FOX, and the 18 regional sports networks promoting the NBA, MLB and the NHL.

A Seattle native, Dan packed up his car and headed for sunny Los Angeles after college. He began his career as a writer at SPORT magazine where he authored numerous cover stories, climbing to the top position for the magazine’s 50th Anniversary issue. From there, Dan received his “PhD in marketing” during a three-year stint at Nike in Oregon which included campaigns for the Final Four, Brand Jordan, Cross Training and other top sport and advertising categories. Career highlights include writing and directing a feature film, numerous advertising awards, and laughing out loud. His “me time” is spent with his wife and three boys, dominating rec league basketball and writing.

Johnny Surprise - As Vice President, Johnny has over 10 years of experience as an event production director, sports marketing manager and branding expert. Before joining Mile 9 he was the Sports & Entertainment Director for ASI Communications in Minneapolis. His previous positions include Director of Sales & Marketing for D&H Consulting, where he assisted Fortune 500 companies restructure operations to maximize revenue. He also spearheaded the sports marketing department for Professional Event Solutions in San Diego and worked with the University of Minnesota. He has coordinated logistics and sponsorship fulfillment for several Super Bowl Game, The NCAA Final Four, Ironman Triathlon World Championships, and the Jim Rome World Tour. Additionally he has worked with notable national brands including Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, SEGA, Red Bull, Ameriprise, and Fox and ABC networks.

Johnny is the father of two wonderful boys who help keep him in shape almost as well as the several Ironman Triathlons and marathons he has competed in over the past nine years.

Ashley Krueger - Ashley has been instrumental in creating and managing integrated campaigns for clients who want to grow their business and their brands. Her clients include FOX, ABC, MDA, TMC, ESPN, among many others.

Prior to joining Mile 9, Ashley was Director of Sales at AIU Online where she successfully implemented student recruitment strategies by identifying target consumers and managing resources to exceed the company’s expected performance quotas.

Additionally, Ashley worked at Nike, one of the world’s largest sporting goods companies, as a Marketing Associate in the Global Equipment division. Her primary responsibility was to grow sales in collegiate merchandise within the college bookstore distribution channel.

A University of Oregon graduate, Ashley holds a B.S. in Marketing & Sports Marketing from Lundquist College of Business and Warsaw Sports Marketing Center.

Contact

Contact Mile 9 Agency at

t: 818.876.7100

e: info@mile9agency.com