Why do our campaigns achieve such great results?
Because we create fully customized Internet marketing campaigns and responsive websites that incorporate the best strategy to generate leads — instead of the other 1,000 ways that are less than the best. Furthermore, we execute using a proven, detailed, systematic and documented process that ensures all work is done properly and at the proper time.
Straight North specializes in online lead generation for small- and middle-market companies, and we have particular depth in certain industries, including manufacturing, logistics, business services, construction, technology, automotive and health care.
If you don’t see your industry represented in these case studies — don’t worry! Our in-house team of over 60 marketing professionals has seen it all since we opened the doors in 1997. The principles of sound Internet marketing and responsive Web design apply to virtually every business.
To discuss your needs, please call us now at 855-883-0011.
- Experts in professional SEO, PPC management, display advertising and email marketing
- Among all Internet marketing agencies, we’re the only one that generates, validates and reports online sales leads in real time
- Local online marketing specialists
- Proprietary lead tracking technology
Straight North Today
The history of Straight North began in 1997, when current Straight North President and Creative Director Kevin Duffy opened Duffy Design Works, a graphic design agency. Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Duffy Design Works served middle market firms, specializing in collateral communications and producing everything from sales brochures to annual reports to large-format trade show graphics. Over the time of its existence, the company built a strong reputation for doing high-quality work and conducting business with professionalism.
In 2008, Duffy and David Duerr, an entrepreneur and investor with expertise in marketing and executive management, joined forces to co-found Straight North, absorbing Duffy Design Works’ graphic capabilities, and adding greater concentration to Internet marketing services and website development. Duffy and Duerr’s vision was to create a full-service agency helping the underserved middle market. Duerr, also a firm partner, currently serves as our CEO. Straight North established its headquarters in Oak Brook, IL, a suburb west of Chicago.
In 2009, Straight North, already gaining momentum in the marketplace, took a major step forward by acquiring Whoast, Inc., a rapidly growing Internet marketing firm in Chicago founded by current Straight North partner and Chief Operating Officer Aaron Wittersheim. Launched in 2005, Whoast, with current Straight North partner and Vice President of Sales Ian Stevenson managing business development, had built a strong portfolio of clients in SEO, PPC campaign management and web development. Combining the Whoast team, strong in technical skills, with the Straight North team, strong in creative skills, significantly expanded our capabilities, enabling us to successfully take on more complex and larger-scale Internet marketing campaigns and Web development projects.
Also in 2009, Joseph Cahill, current partner and Chief Strategy Officer, joined Straight North, bringing significant direct marketing, strategic planning and organization-building skills to our business. With a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, Cahill had been a consultant at Andersen Consulting and Waterstone Consulting, as well as one of three executives to start FLOR, a direct marketing company.
In 2010, we expanded capabilities further by acquiring Word Sell Inc., a Chicago-area consultancy specializing in social media and content marketing. Word Sell founder, Brad Shorr, was brought on as Director of Content Strategy to organize content strategy and production, as well as to improve social media marketing and blogging capabilities.
In 2013, Straight North, now with corporate headquarters in nearby Downers Grove, IL, increased our national Internet marketing presence through the acquisition of Ephricon Web Marketing, the largest SEO firm in Charlotte, NC. Now known as Straight North, the Charlotte office remains our hub for services in the Southeast U.S. In addition to expanding Straight North’s physical footprint, the Ephricon staff brought tremendous expertise in Internet marketing strategy, adding a level of innovation and creativity to client campaigns that few agencies can match.