The Brief History of Rich Rock Media
No limits. No constraints. Just bold ideas, wherever they’re needed most.
We cut our teeth in NYC and Chicago, grinding through the fast-paced world of top-tier advertising. So, naturally, the next logical move? Setting up shop smack between the two—right in the middle of nowhere, of course. And while we were at it, we figured, why not build a 6,000-square-foot office studio out here? Just seemed like a great idea at the time. That was a year before Field of Dreams hit theaters. Turns out, we were ahead of the game—just without the baseball diamond and ghosts.
We started with X-Acto knives and Kodachrome, hands covered in ink and film chemicals, slicing, splicing, and layering by hand—because that’s how it was done. There were no shortcuts, no quick fixes, just skill, instinct, and experience shaping every detail.
Then digital arrived, and everything changed. Some panicked. We adapted. We traded in the blades for pixels, the film for screens, and kept moving forward. Social media exploded—brands suddenly had to entertain, not just advertise. We adjusted again, creating content that wasn’t just seen but shared.
And now, we stand at the edge of AI, a tool that churns out more in minutes than some teams do in months. But here’s the thing—technology alone doesn’t create greatness. Experience does. As Doc Searls put it, “Technology works in synergy with an operator’s acumen, not in place of it.” AI can generate, but without strategic insight, it’s just noise. Data can inform, but without creative intuition, it’s just numbers on a screen. The tools change, but the principles of great storytelling, branding, and design remain the same—and that’s where we come in. From hand-cut layouts to AI-driven branding, we’ve rolled with the punches, course-corrected when needed, and always delivered. Because in the end, great creative isn’t about the tools—it’s about the people who know how to use them.
And just like that, the traditional brick-and-mortar model eventually felt a little too… well, traditional.
We’ve left the old ways behind—not because they were bad, but because there’s so much more ahead. The creative landscape is expanding faster than ever, and we’re moving with it, pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers. We don’t just adapt to change—we thrive in it. And if you think we’ve done it all, just wait—the real adventure is just beginning.
Innovate. Impact. Inspire.
Where Experience Connects the Dots
Every great campaign starts with a spark—and at Rich Rock Media, we know how to connect the dots to turn that spark into a story that moves people. With decades of expertise, we bring bold ideas and sharp strategies together, creating work that doesn’t just break through the noise—it sticks.
MISSION - Purpose-Driven Campaigns
Our creative work is rooted in your brand’s core mission, ensuring every idea aligns with your vision and values. By asking “Why does this matter?” at every step, we develop campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences, turning goals into tangible results. If an idea doesn’t support your purpose, it doesn’t make the cut—keeping your messaging focused and impactful.
ANALYZE - Strategic Insights for Impact
We take a detailed, research-backed approach to uncover the opportunities that lie ahead for your brand. Using a mix of data analysis, demographic studies, and competitive mapping, we uncover actionable insights. This foundation informs smart decisions, minimizes risks, and positions your brand to not only compete but to lead in its market.
STRATEGY - Vision-Led Planning
Every strategy we develop is crafted specifically for your unique needs, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. By collaborating closely with your team, we align goals with innovative solutions and actionable plans. Whether launching a product or refreshing a brand, our approach ensures each strategy is clear, creative, and poised for measurable success.
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CREATE - Bringing Ideas to Life
We thrive on challenging conventions to produce work that stands out and drives engagement. From initial sketches to polished campaigns, our process is hands-on and immersive. Whether it’s crafting compelling visuals, memorable narratives, or cutting-edge designs, we bring bold ideas to life, ensuring they inspire and deliver on your objectives.
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MEDIA - Expanding Your Reach
We transform concepts into multi-platform experiences that amplify your brand’s voice. From print and digital to events and installations, we leverage a variety of tools to ensure your story reaches the right audience. Whether it’s a sleek website, a targeted ad campaign, or a visually stunning exhibit, every medium is used to leave a lasting impression.
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ENGAGE - Building Meaningful Connections
Engagement isn’t just about visibility—it’s about creating lasting impressions that build loyalty. Our tailored approach prioritizes authentic, memorable interactions with your audience, cutting through the noise of crowded markets. By designing flexible, high-impact engagement strategies, we ensure your brand stays relevant, relatable, and top-of-mind.
Trusted by Amazing Brands
Get yourself ready for an awesome experience
and be a part of the international Rich Rock family.
We Work for Your Success
We are a different breed that believe in diverse teams to bring creative skills,
thoughts, and ideas to the table.
Richard Smaltz
Creative Director
Rochester Institute of Technology
BFA, Advertising, Photography, Film / Minor Psychology
Ansel Adams Scholarship Sierra Club
David Buehrle
Director of Design
Youngstown State University
BFA, Advertising
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Design, Art
DJB Communications, Owner