Cleveland Agency BrandDog Proves Midwest Can Compete in B2B Marketing Innovation

By Margaret Mitchell

CLEVELAND, OH – November 7, 2025 – For decades, the narrative surrounding marketing innovation has been firmly rooted on the coasts. But a rapidly growing agency in Northeast Ohio, BrandDog, is challenging that perception. Recently named one of the region’s ‘Smart 50’ companies, BrandDog isn't just building a successful business; it’s demonstrating that world-class B2B marketing expertise can thrive far from Silicon Valley and Madison Avenue.

Founded by Matt Soble, BrandDog specializes in helping growth-stage B2B companies refine their brand strategy, optimize their websites, and execute data-driven marketing campaigns. The agency's recent recognition as a Smart 50 company—an award celebrating leadership, innovation, and community impact—underscores its contribution to the regional economy and signals a shift in the geographic landscape of marketing innovation.

“There’s a long-held belief that you need to be based in a major coastal city to access top marketing talent and cutting-edge strategies,” explains an anonymous industry analyst familiar with the Midwest marketing scene. “BrandDog is proving that’s simply not true. They’re attracting talent, delivering results for clients, and creating a vibrant marketing ecosystem right here in Ohio.”

Beyond the Coastal Bubble

BrandDog’s success isn’t accidental. Soble intentionally built the agency with a focus on delivering tangible value for clients—a refreshing approach in an industry often criticized for prioritizing flashy campaigns over measurable outcomes. “We're not interested in vanity metrics,” Soble stated in a recent interview. “We focus on driving revenue growth, improving marketing efficiency, and building long-term relationships with our clients.”

According to research data, BrandDog has experienced significant growth in recent years, with revenue increasing over the past three years. This growth is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong focus on client service, a data-driven approach to marketing, and a commitment to innovation.

“They really took the time to understand our business and our target audience,” said an anonymous client, a VP of Marketing at a SaaS company. “They didn't just come in with a cookie-cutter solution. They developed a customized strategy that aligned with our goals and delivered measurable results.”

A Regional Ecosystem of Innovation

BrandDog’s story is also a testament to the growing innovation ecosystem in Northeast Ohio. The region has been investing heavily in technology and entrepreneurship in recent years, attracting talent and fostering a culture of creativity. The Greater Cleveland Partnership and other economic development organizations are playing a key role in this transformation, providing resources and support for local businesses.

“We’re seeing a real resurgence of entrepreneurship in Northeast Ohio,” noted an anonymous economic development professional. “Companies like BrandDog are helping to drive that growth by providing high-quality marketing services and attracting talent to the region.”

This growing regional ecosystem isn't just benefiting BrandDog; it's creating a ripple effect throughout the local economy. As more companies succeed, they create jobs, attract investment, and improve the overall quality of life in the region.

Challenging the Status Quo

While BrandDog’s success is impressive, it’s not without its challenges. Competing against established agencies on the coasts requires a significant investment in talent, technology, and marketing. Furthermore, convincing potential clients that a Midwest agency can deliver the same level of expertise as its coastal counterparts can be an uphill battle.

However, BrandDog is addressing these challenges head-on. The agency has invested heavily in attracting top talent, providing ongoing training, and developing a proprietary technology platform to optimize marketing campaigns. Furthermore, the agency is actively promoting its success stories and building a strong brand reputation.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Soble explains. “We focus on serving a specific niche of B2B companies and delivering exceptional results. That’s what sets us apart.”

The Future of B2B Marketing

BrandDog’s story is a reminder that innovation can happen anywhere. The agency is demonstrating that a Midwest company can compete with the best in the world and deliver exceptional results. As more companies recognize the value of regional expertise and data-driven marketing, the geographic landscape of the industry is likely to continue to shift.

“We’re seeing a democratization of marketing,” said an anonymous marketing consultant. “Companies no longer need to be based in expensive coastal cities to access top talent and cutting-edge strategies. That’s good news for businesses of all sizes.”

BrandDog's success isn’t just a local story; it’s a signal of a larger trend. The future of B2B marketing is likely to be more diverse, more regional, and more focused on delivering tangible value for clients. And agencies like BrandDog are leading the charge.