In the vibrant streets of Phoenix, the 2021 Rue 21 Pride campaign became a textbook example of how influencer-driven marketing can do more than just sell—it can spark genuine connections and amplify a brand’s voice on social issues. Led by The Lilac Agency, this campaign tapped into the undeniable power of social media influencers to showcase Rue 21’s exclusive Pride collection during Pride month.
By enlisting creators on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they elevated Rue 21’s message of inclusivity and diversity, turning a fashion collection into a celebration of pride.
What made this campaign stand out wasn’t just the flashy visuals or the brand exposure—it was the authentic, heart-felt stories influencers shared through TikTok videos, carousel posts, and Instagram Stories. These creators brought their personal Pride journeys to life, resonating deeply with the LGBTQ+ community. The result? A massive spike in impressions and engagement that not only met but exceeded expectations. It’s clear that influencer marketing, when done right, can transcend beyond brand awareness and spark real social impact.
And speaking of Phoenix, as influencer marketing continues to reshape the landscape, let’s dive into the top CEOs of the city’s best agencies leading the charge. These movers and shakers are the masterminds behind campaigns like Rue 21’s, shaping the future of how brands connect with diverse, engaged audiences.
Top 9 CEOs of Influencer Marketing Companies in Phoenix
The masterminds behind Phoenix’s top influencer marketing firms aren’t just running agencies—they’re redefining how brands connect with audiences. These CEOs have built powerhouse companies that craft viral campaigns, drive engagement, and turn influencers into brand ambassadors.
1. Brianna Doe
Brianna Doe is rewriting the rules of influencer marketing—literally. The founder of Verbatim runs a boutique agency that specializes in influencer partnerships, content strategy, and growth marketing, helping brands make an impact in a world where attention is fleeting.
Her insights don’t stay behind closed agency doors. Through Stop The Scroll, her podcast, and a LinkedIn newsletter with 200,000+ subscribers, she demystifies digital marketing for brands looking to cut through the noise. This thought leadership has landed her in Fast Company, CNBC, HubSpot, and on stage at Stanford, Sprout Social, and HubSpot conferences.
Recognition follows where results lead. She’s been named a Top 30 RevOps Leader, a Top 100 B2B GTM Female Leader, and a Top 50 Global LinkedIn Creator—an impressive feat for someone who’s worked with industry giants like Dropbox, HubSpot, and Sprout Social.
Outside of work, storytelling takes different forms—whether in a dark movie theater, watching stand-up comedy, or obsessing over the Oxford comma. A love for mentorship, film festivals, and food adventures with her fiancé and two dogs keeps life as dynamic as her career.
2. Brandon Tigrett
Leading The Tigrett Agency in Scottsdale, Brandon Tigrett merges commercial photography, storytelling, and strategic marketing to create campaigns that leave a lasting impression.
His agency is more than a marketing firm; it’s a content powerhouse. Offering everything from influencer partnerships to high-end video production, Tigrett ensures brands like Puma Hoops, Jollibee, LifeWTR, and Therabody stand out in competitive industries.
Creativity extends beyond his agency walls. A dedicated fitness enthusiast and whiskey aficionado, he brings a sharp eye for visuals shaped by years of portrait and active lifestyle photography. This keen sense of aesthetics influences every campaign, making storytelling the backbone of his work.
Tigrett’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Membership in the American Advertising Federation Phoenix underscores his reputation as a leader in branding and creative strategy. His philosophy? Marketing isn’t about pushing products—it’s about fostering emotional connections.
3. Chris (CJ) Johnson
Chris (CJ) Johnson has built one of the Southwest’s most formidable independent marketing agencies, trusted by brands like Red Bull, Microsoft, Apple, and BMW.
His agency, LaneTerralever, stands apart by putting customers first. Every campaign, whether in influencer marketing, brand strategy, or digital engagement, is tailored to create authentic, long-lasting connections. No cookie-cutter influencer deals—only partnerships designed for impact.
Under his direction, LaneTerralever has helped brands like the Arizona Cardinals, Lyft, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital forge deeper relationships with their audiences. AI in influencer marketing is another of his specialties, ensuring brands leverage technology to enhance—not replace—human creativity.
Beyond LaneTerralever, he is part of Experience Dynamic, a collaboration between his agency and Convince & Convert, designed to create seamless customer journeys. Efficiency, innovation, and data-driven decision-making are his trademarks.
4. Tatiana Bolaños
Tatiana Bolaños is reshaping the influencer industry. The Lilac Agency, founded in 2015, is more than a business; it’s a movement built on inclusivity, diversity, and mental health advocacy.
Her agency operates with a “mental health first, business second” mindset, treating talent as family rather than just names on a roster. Specializing as a multicultural influencer agency across beauty, fashion, LGBTQ+, and body positivity spaces, The Lilac Agency ensures every campaign resonates with cultural authenticity.
Brands like Gillette, Estée Lauder, Converse, and Amazon Prime trust her agency to bring representation into their marketing. Whether amplifying Hispanic Heritage Month or championing inclusivity with Rue 21, every project leaves an impact.
Bolaños leads with purpose. A proud advocate for the Latinx creators, she ensures underrepresented voices are heard—and valued. When not shaping the future of influencer marketing, she’s spinning, hiking, or vibing to reggaetón.
5. Becca Booker
Becca Booker turns influencer marketing into an art and a science. Leading Homemade Social, the boutique agency she founded, she specializes in crafting data-backed campaigns that engage Gen-Z and millennial audiences.
Her agency’s success speaks volumes. Known for targeted influencer strategies, social media management, and Facebook advertising, Homemade Social has helped brands like Derma Health Skin & Laser maximize exposure and engagement.
But her influence extends beyond marketing campaigns. She’s an advocate for female leadership, mental health in digital spaces, and creating work environments that balance ambition with well-being. In 2021, she expanded her agency and rebranded to reflect an even stronger vision.
She doesn’t just grow brands—she educates others on how to do the same. Speaking engagements and contributions to CanvasRebel Magazine make her a trusted voice in marketing circles.
6. Joe Maglio
Joe Maglio is turning McKinney into an advertising powerhouse. Since taking over as CEO in 2018, he has expanded the agency’s footprint to include key locations like Durham, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York—all while delivering award-winning work for Popeyes, Blue Diamond Growers, Little Caesars, and Samsung.
His background includes leadership roles at Havas, Publicis, and Ogilvy, giving him a deep understanding of brand storytelling. In 2023, he made one of his boldest moves yet: acquiring August United, a top-tier influencer marketing agency, fully integrating influencer strategy into McKinney’s DNA.
Under his leadership, McKinney has been named an Ad Age A-List Agency Standout and a 2024 Best Place to Work, with accolades from Cannes Lions, Effies, CLIO, and The Webby Awards. He’s also taken the helm at Barbarian, another Cheil Worldwide agency, expanding his impact even further.
His involvement with the 4A’s board and VCU Brandcenter keeps him plugged into the future of marketing, ensuring McKinney stays ahead of industry shifts.
7. Tyler Rathjen
Tyler Rathjen blends branding, PR, and influencer marketing into one seamless strategy. At the helm of Decibel Blue, he has transformed the agency into a powerhouse across Phoenix and Denver.
Rising through the ranks since 2006, he became a partner in 2016 and now leads an agency known for influencer campaigns with brands like PetSmart, Floyd’s 99 Barbershops, Cox Communications, and Baskin-Robbins. His Public Engagement™ programs ensure campaigns aren’t just seen—they resonate.
His track record speaks for itself. Driving 78% revenue growth for My Sister’s Closet, launching over 100 Dunkin’ Donuts locations, and earning OBIE Award recognition place him in an elite company.
Beyond marketing, he’s an advocate for education and community initiatives, serving on the board of Phoenix Suns 88 Charities.
8. Juan E. Galvan
A serial entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist, Juan E. Galvan has spent the past decade redefining the intersection of technology, marketing, and business growth. As the CEO of Kobe Digital, he leads a performance-driven agency that specializes in influencer marketing, web development, and video production, helping brands create high-impact digital experiences.
Juan’s expertise extends far beyond traditional marketing. He is also the Founding Partner of QLE Ventures, an investment group focused on scaling digital agencies and tech companies through mergers and acquisitions. His experience in lead generation, conversion optimization, and inbound marketing gives him a data-driven edge in influencer marketing, ensuring that campaigns don’t just generate engagement—they drive real business growth.
Under his leadership, Kobe Digital has developed a strategic approach to influencer marketing, offering brands insights into selecting the right creators, maximizing ROI, and leveraging social media presence for impact. His ability to merge creativity with analytics has made Kobe Digital a go-to agency for businesses looking to scale.
Beyond business, Juan is a lifelong entrepreneur who has acquired seven digital companies without using his own money, proving his ability to identify, invest in, and grow high-potential businesses.
9. Jonathan Heit
Jonathan Heit co-founded Allison Worldwide and turned it into a global leader in integrated marketing and communications. In January 2024, he took the helm as Global CEO, succeeding Scott Allison and ushering in a new era of growth, innovation, and digital transformation.
Allison Worldwide stands out for its cutting-edge approach to influencer marketing, blending brand transformation, reputation management, and AI-driven influencer strategies to create impactful campaigns. By integrating AI influencers and data-backed storytelling, the agency is redefining how brands engage with audiences in an evolving digital landscape.
With a presence in Phoenix, Allison Worldwide leverages its regional expertise to help brands connect with local markets while maintaining a global reach. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the agency continues to push boundaries, utilizing the latest trends in digital media, branding, and expert-building to deliver results-driven marketing strategies.
Jonathan’s career is a testament to his strategic vision and leadership, having served as Global President and COO before stepping into the CEO role. His deep understanding of digital media and positioning has made Allison a trusted partner for brands looking to navigate the modern marketing ecosystem.
Shaping the Future of Influencer Marketing in Phoenix
In Phoenix, the rise of visionary CEOs in influencer marketing is unmistakable. From carefully curated influencer campaigns like the viral Phoenix Fashion Week to groundbreaking strategies shaping local and national brands, these CEOs are not just following trends—they are creating them.
Leading firms such as Verbatim, The Tigrett Agency, and LaneTerralever have redefined how brands connect with their audiences, blending creativity, data, and authentic storytelling. As Phoenix continues to thrive as a hub for influencer marketing, these CEOs and their firms are undoubtedly at the forefront, driving the future of digital marketing in the region.
About the Author
Writer
Dan Atkins is a renowned SEO specialist and digital marketing consultant, recognized for boosting small business visibility online. With expertise in AdWords, ecommerce, and social media optimization, he has collaborated with numerous agencies, enhancing B2B lead generation strategies. His hands-on consulting experience empowers him to impart advanced insights and innovative tactics to his readers.
