Three Decades of
Zehnder Excellence
From great idea to “how did we live without this” reality, the secret to our three-decade history of driving unprecedented growth for brands isn’t the comprehensive services we offer. It’s our method of applying them.
We’re not solving for x. We’re not even solving for y. The point where most marketing ends (if it gets there at all) is just the beginning when you’re working the right equation.
Z: the beginning of beyond. Let’s go.
Let the good times scroll
Thirty years encompasses a lot. A lot of innovation. A lot of firsts. A few regrettable haircuts. Scroll through time to sample the past, present, and even a hint of our future.
Highlights
- Officially launched in New Orleans with a staff of 1.5 (counting a dog). Zehnder’s inception came as a personal challenge and some indelible mission notes on a napkin: “Do great work. Have fun. Make a difference. Earn a fair profit.”
- Created the first-ever augmented reality app for a music festival, helping Voodoo Fest attendees easily access information and track shows. We’ve since built mobile marketing experiences for Disney, SXVW, Microsoft/Bungie, Hyundai, Sony, Cirque du Soleil and more.
- Built our own customized AI search agent, “Agent B.O.B.,” this program uses a cutting-edge, data-driven approach that harnesses the power of Agentic AI. It integrates strategic insights, advanced analytics, and new technologies to deliver actionable insights beyond traditional reporting.
Founding CEO Jeff Zehnder with his trusty companion Milo. 
Utilizing new Layar® technology. 
Artificial Intelligence. Real Reporting.
1996
- Officially launched in New Orleans with a staff of 1.5 (counting a dog). Zehnder’s inception came as a personal challenge and some indelible mission notes on a napkin: “Do great work. Have fun. Make a difference. Earn a fair profit.”
Founding CEO Jeff Zehnder with his trusty companion Milo.
2000
- Achieved true vertical growth as our New Orleans office gained a second floor! Also made notable investments into IT infrastructure.
New Millennium holiday vibes in Zehnder’s office.
2001
- Won our first National Addy award for work done on behalf of the Nature Conservancy of Louisiana.
- Weathered the difficult post-9/11 landscape, making the decision to sacrifice profits in order to keep our valuable team intact for the future.
Earning respect for respecting our elders. 
United we stand.
2002
- Took our talents to the fast lane (and our minds out of the gutter), forming the first-ever Zehnder bowling team.
Not quitting our day jobs.
2003
- Added digital video capabilities, significantly expanding the range of services we were able to offer clients.
Filming, green screen and editing brought in-house.
2005
- Quickly mobilized to open a new location in Baton Rouge in order to avoid an extended closure following Hurricane Katrina.
Fresh start in the capital city.
2007
- Completed a thorough overhaul of our Interactive department, enhancing digital capabilities for websites and branding opportunities.
An innovative approach to programming.
2008
- Became one of the first agencies in the Southeast to create a dedicated Social Media department, harnessing the fledgling technology to help our clients connect with new audiences, spread their stories, and grow their brands.
Follow a leader.
2009
- Refreshed the brand of Chicago’s legendary Drake Hotel by showcasing their iconic style and history.
- Created the first-ever augmented reality app for a music festival, helping Voodoo Fest attendees easily access information and track shows. We’ve since built mobile marketing experiences for Disney, SXVW, Microsoft/Bungie, Hyundai, Sony, Cirque du Soleil and more.
Where some guests are larger than life. Utilizing new Layar® technology.
2010
- Welcomed team members in our third Zehnder location with the launch of a new office in Nashville.
- Launched Fireball Whisky, built relationships with important brand ambassadors in core distribution markets, helping pioneer the early stages of what’s now known as influencer marketing. The result? More than 750 million social media impressions, engaging over 7.5 million users in just 5 years.
- Revitalized Louisiana Seafood after the Gulf oil spill, boosting their sales and overall industry morale en route to winning 4 National Addy Awards.
Music City milestone. Creating a buzz. 
Creating fresh perspectives.
2012
- Rebranded the Beaches of South Walton into Visit South Walton, spurring the highest visitor rates and economic impact in the destination’s history. This led to an ongoing relationship with Walton County Tourism, boosting brand awareness by 67% and making “South Walton” a household name.
- Created our one-of-a-kind Listen Hub® – a dedicated research suite where we harness the power of data to transform our clients’ business. Our specialists generate reports and track performance to optimize strategic decisions. This department was recently renamed Analytics and AI, reflecting Zehnder’s enhanced use of artificial intelligence and predictive analysis.
- Pitched and won SuperBowl XLVII on behalf of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and host city New Orleans.
Find Your Perfect Beach. Monitoring every metric. Hometown touchdown.
2013
- Launched a throwback campaign for the original Burger King® flagship in Jacksonville, Florida. Our creative helped an international chain reconnect with its hometown roots by celebrating all the achievements their “City of Invention” had shared with the world.
- Rebranded Hyatt Regency Chicago, demonstrating how their incredible array of amenities and F&B outlets makes them a vibrant destination for travelers and locals alike.
Crowning a true classic. A Legend is Reborn.
2016
- Rebranded Piccadilly Cafeteria, working to maintain its homestyle roots while appealing to younger diners looking for fresh, modern options. This helped generate a 245% increase in traffic on the new website and $1.4 million in estimated publicity value.
- Launched 30A Company’s “Dumpster Diver” apparel line, featuring shirts made almost exclusively from recycled plastic. The exciting initiative created a casual fashion trend while helping find a better use for potential beach litter.
Sharing a taste of the “homestyle goodness.” Making sustainability more stylish.
2017
- Developed the “Return on Relationships” campaign for Origin Bank, spotlighting the authentic relationships between real business customers and Origin bankers. The client’s resulting growth was so strong that the bank went public on the Nasdaq® stock exchange.
Personal connections create a public offering.
2018
- Pitched and won Super Bowl LIX for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and host city New Orleans.
Not just any given Sunday.
2020
- Adapted to the new-world landscape of Covid-19, sending our whole staff to work from home but forging even stronger relationships through video conferencing and fun team activities.
Socially distanced jam session.
2022
- Added a fourth Zehnder location with the grand opening of our new office in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
- Launched Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for Green River Distillery, one of the largest product launches in recent whiskey history
“Working” by the beach. “The Whiskey Without Regrets.”
2023
- Became the first Louisiana agency to switch to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), empowering our team to guide the agency’s innovation, reputation, and future success.
Full-agency retreat in New Orleans.
2025
- Merged PR and Social Media to form a new Integrated Communications department. This cross-functional approach allows us to align with industry best practices, ensuring the most comprehensive, digitally-focused services for our clients.
- Created “Labor of Love” to help Woman’s Hospital in Louisiana share their 400,000th baby delivered with the whole community through an integrated campaign of PR, Creative, Social and Media.
- Launched Spelunker Mountain™, our very own video and photography production studio, providing à la carte services from our team of award-winning photographers, videographers, and editors.
Sharing a cohesive message. 
A major milestone delivery. 
Height of Exploration. Depths of Discovery.
2026
- Built our own customized AI search agent, “Agent B.O.B.,” this program uses a cutting-edge, data-driven approach that harnesses the power of Agentic AI. It integrates strategic insights, advanced analytics, and new technologies to deliver actionable insights beyond traditional reporting.
Artificial Intelligence. Real Reporting.
Highlights
Officially launched in New Orleans with a staff of 1.5 (counting a dog). Zehnder’s inception came as a personal challenge and some indelible mission notes on a napkin: “Do great work. Have fun. Make a difference. Earn a fair profit.”
Created the first-ever augmented reality app for a music festival, helping Voodoo Fest attendees easily access information and track shows. We’ve since built mobile marketing experiences for Disney, SXVW, Microsoft/Bungie, Hyundai, Sony, Cirque du Soleil and more.
Built our own customized AI search agent, “Agent B.O.B.,” this program uses a cutting-edge, data-driven approach that harnesses the power of Agentic AI. It integrates strategic insights, advanced analytics, and new technologies to deliver actionable insights beyond traditional reporting.
