Sons now co-own different local firms that dad had formed

BY BOB RAYNER
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Oct 15, 2005

Two sister companies — run by brothers with a little help from their dad — just completed an amicable separation.

David N. Martin started Martin Branding Worldwide Inc. in 1999 and BrandSync a year later. The businesses offer brand-consulting and advertising services. Two of his sons work in the business.

Martin Branding Worldwide has reorganized as a full-service ad agency, owned by one son, David H. Martin, and his partner, Jake Crocker, a former president of the Richmond Ad Club.

The agency specializes in "brand development and developing corporate identities," the younger Martin said, as well as advertising, public relations and graphics.

The elder Martin will serve as a senior consultant. "I've assumed a more active role," he said.

The agency, with offices on Willow Lawn Drive, employs six people. It boasts about $6.5 million in capitalized billings. Clients include QubicaAMF Worldwide, Dominic's of New York, Markel Corp., Davenport & Co. and Williams Mullen.

BrandSync, which was owned by Martin Branding, is now an independent company owned by Rich Wolford and Rob Martin, another son of David's.

That company, with four employees and new digs in Carytown, offers brand-consulting services, with a focus on private equity and venture-capital clients.

Martin, the dad, said he will be working with both businesses but expects to spend more time with Martin Branding.

Before the separation, most of the agency's clients came to it through the consulting business. Now, Martin Branding will be better positioned to pursue new clients, its owners said.

Still, the two companies plan to work together frequently.

Neither has ties to The Martin Agency, Richmond's largest ad firm. David N. Martin was a founding father but left in 1988.