Growth, Creativity, and Advocacy: Inside Stoltz Marketing Group with Tracy Hitchcock

As ThinkNW expanded its remit and geography, Boise continues to come strong—with a compelling story about creativity and effectiveness. 

In our ThinkNW Member Check-In, Tracy Hitchcock, COO of Stoltz Marketing Group, shared her journey, the agency’s evolution, and the vibrant creative community in Boise. Stoltz has grown significantly in recent years, carving out a reputation for its creative work and its commitment to impacting important societal issues.

Stoltz Marketing Group: A Legacy of Growth

Founded over 27 years ago by Ken Stoltz, Stoltz Marketing Group is now led by Ken’s daughter, Jamie Ekman, who took the reins in 2018. Under her leadership, the agency has grown and redefined its ethos and approach. Hitchcock joined Stoltz in 2019, bringing a diverse background in biology, chemistry, food manufacturing, and nonprofit work.

Since Hitchcock joined, Stoltz has experienced remarkable growth—122% in AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) and a doubling of its team size. Despite a softer year in 2023 due to industry trends, the agency continues to aim for sustained growth and impact. 

Boise: A Flourishing Creative Hub

Boise has quietly become a thriving creative hub, attracting new talent from across the country, especially during the pandemic. As Hitchcock pointed out, the city has gained a reputation for being progressive, much like Salt Lake City and Denver, with a substantial influx of creative professionals. While larger cities like New York or San Francisco often get the spotlight, Boise has proven it can punch above its weight, delivering exceptional creative work at a fraction of the cost.

“We’re blessed here,” Hitchcock says. “Any time we put out a job opening, we’re getting 50 or 60 applicants. And after weeding through, we’re left with a great pool of candidates.” Boise’s appeal as one of the best places to live, coupled with Stoltz’s growth, means the agency has no shortage of talent.

Stoltz’s ability to offer top-tier talent and creative work at competitive rates has drawn clients from across the country. The agency doesn’t compete on price but on the value and unique perspective it brings—especially as part of the 1% of worldwide agencies that are women-owned.

Taking a Stand on Social Issues

One of Stoltz Marketing Group’s most distinctive aspects is its commitment to advocacy, especially around women’s health issues. As a women-owned agency, Stoltz has chosen to use its platform to support important causes, particularly in light of Idaho’s restrictive abortion laws.

The agency’s campaign, “Idahoans for Healthy Moms,” was created to educate the public about the real impact of these laws on healthcare, particularly for women who want to have families. Hitchcock explained that the campaign sought to shift the conversation away from the politically charged topic of abortion and toward the broader issue of healthcare for mothers and families.

“Idaho is one of the reddest states in the country, and there was some trepidation about alienating clients,” Hitchcock admits. “But we’ve found that standing firm on this issue has not hurt us. In fact, it’s only strengthened our position.”

The agency’s collaboration with healthcare professionals, including a compelling video featuring Dr. Jim Souza from St. Luke’s Health System, has helped elevate the conversation and brought attention to the challenges of Idaho’s laws.

Creative Excellence in Action

Beyond advocacy, Stoltz continues to deliver impactful creative campaigns for a wide range of clients. Their work spans industries and mediums, from nonprofits like Friends of Minidoka to larger brands such as PayPal. The agency’s ability to create bold, engaging campaigns that drive real-world impact is a testament to its talent and vision.

One significant project Stoltz is working on is “Beyond the Barbed Wire,” a web app experience for Friends of Minidoka that highlights the stories of Japanese Americans during World War II. The project offers a virtual museum experience, sharing powerful stories of resilience and survival during a dark chapter in American history.

Additionally, Stoltz is engaged in the financial tech space, creating employer branding and internal culture campaigns for major brands like PayPal. Hitchcock emphasizes how the insights gained from these projects feed back into Stoltz’s own company culture, ensuring it remains innovative and people-focused.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

For Stoltz Marketing Group, the journey of growth and advocacy is far from over. Hitchcock shared that the agency is already discussing expanding its “Idahoans for Healthy Moms” campaign to a statewide initiative, working with organizations like Idahoans United for Women and Families.

The agency also continues to develop innovative solutions for their clients while nurturing their own team. Programs like the “Returnship,” which helps professionals re-enter the workforce after a career gap, have earned Stoltz significant media attention. With a strong focus on team and culture, the agency’s future looks bright.

In a world where many agencies shy away from taking a stand, Stoltz Marketing Group proves that you can grow a business, deliver creative excellence, and be an advocate for change. As Hitchcock puts it, “It’s incumbent upon us to have a voice on these issues and support the organizations that are making a difference.”

For Stoltz, creativity is not just about making ads—it’s about creating real change.