Specs
Who Executive creative director Craig Mikes (l.) and president Bryan Christian
What Full-service agency
Where Austin, Texas
Some of Proof Advertising's most creative work takes place at Proof Annex, its bar running through Austin's main drag on 6th Street that is also home to the agency's headquarters (which is technically on 7th Street). Bearing the motto "Nothing watered down," Proof handles clients including Subway, Hyatt Resorts and the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, representing $100 million in traditional media spending in addition to creative, account and digital services. While its work with Subway Canada prompted the opening of the Proof+Grey office earlier this year—a partnership with Toronto's Grey Canada—the 4-year-old shop's roots remain tied to Texas. "Austin's definitely got the credibility [in advertising] these days—it's basically our best calling card for recruitment," noted ecd Craig Mikes. That, and its own bar, which not many agencies can claim.