Hanson Dodge: Independent Milwaukee Agency After Comet Merger

Originally published December 2010. Updated June 14, 2026.

Hanson Dodge is an independent Milwaukee-based full-service advertising agency that absorbed Comet Branding + PR in a merger effective January 1, 2011, integrating Comet's social media and public relations capabilities into Hanson Dodge's brand and creative platform. The combined firm — now branded simply as Hanson Dodge — is led by President Stacie Boney, employs roughly 100 staff, and serves national clients including NOW Foods, KEEN Utility, Ruffwear, the Utah Office of Tourism, VISIT Milwaukee, and Weiman.

The Comet Branding Merger

Comet Branding owners Al Krueger and Sara Meaney joined Hanson Dodge as equity partners on January 1, 2011 and continued to run the social media and PR division of the combined firm. The deal positioned Hanson Dodge — then operating as Hanson Dodge Creative — to serve active-lifestyle and consumer brands across paid, owned, and earned channels. Founding clients of the combined entity included Wilson Sporting Goods, Trek Bicycle Company, Wolverine Boots, Thule, and Kmart. The integration completed Hanson Dodge's evolution from a specialist active-lifestyle creative agency into a fully integrated independent firm.

Hanson Dodge in 2026

The agency rebranded from Hanson Dodge Creative to Hanson Dodge and was named an Ad Age Best Place to Work three years in a row through 2023. Stacie Boney joined as President in 2016 after 32 years at BBDO and now leads the firm. Recent leadership additions include Mike Roe as Chief Creative Officer and Angie Rothen as Chief Technology and Security Officer. Hanson Dodge has been active in client wins for NOW Foods (first-ever national agency of record), the Utah Office of Tourism, and PurposeBuilt Brands. The firm operates from Milwaukee's Third Ward and remains independent.

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