Business Details
41 Years
experience
Award-Winning Advertising Agency in Minneapolis
At Russell Herder, we combine decades of experience with the latest in strategy, techniques, and creative execution. Founded over 40 years ago, our ethics-driven team thrives on personal relationships with clients and their brands, delivering work that matters. We prioritize empathy as our core value, immersing ourselves in client needs and audience concerns to create impactful solutions. Recognized as a certified B Corp, we integrate social responsibility into our operations, earning accolades like the Leader in Giving award from Twin Cities Business. Our collaborative leadership model, guided by Carol Russell and Brian Herder, fosters innovation across disciplines.We attract top talent who balance professionalism with a culture of creativity, including road trips, happy hours, and pinball rivalries. Our team includes experts in digital marketing, public relations, UX design, and more, serving clients like Google, UnitedHealth Group, and Procter & Gamble. With a focus on measurable outcomes, we align strategic research, creative execution, and data-driven insights to drive client success. Our commitment to excellence has earned industry recognition through awards such as the American Advertising Awards and Telly Awards.
Services
Digital Marketing
Public Relations
Social Media
UX Design
Brand Planning
Creative Content
Web Development
SEO Audit
Paid Advertising
Employee Communication
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of experience in advertising and strategic communications
- Certified B Corp with a commitment to social responsibility
- Award-winning creative work recognized by Addys and Telly Awards
- Client-centric approach with personalized relationship management
- Multidisciplinary team of experts in digital, PR, and UX design
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
- Google Partner
What people say
Award-winning creative
Strategic insights
Client-focused approach
40+ years experience
B Corp certified
Services
Digital Marketing
Our digital marketing services combine strategic planning with data-driven execution to enhance brand visibility. We specialize in SEO audits, paid advertising campaigns, and web development that aligns with client business goals. By leveraging Google-certified expertise, we optimize digital touchpoints to increase conversions and long-term audience engagement.
Public Relations
We craft compelling brand narratives through comprehensive PR strategies that include media relations and crisis communications. Our team develops targeted outreach programs for B2B and consumer audiences, focusing on reputation management and influencer partnerships. With experience in both traditional and digital media, we amplify client messages across multiple platforms.
User Experience Design
Our UX design process creates intuitive digital experiences through user research and testing. We analyze consumer behavior patterns to develop website architectures that improve engagement metrics. Services include accessibility optimization, journey mapping, and data-driven interface improvements that enhance brand credibility and conversion rates.
Brand Planning
We develop brand strategies based on qualitative research and market analysis to create lasting differentiators. Our approach includes equity assessments, loyalty program ideation, and customer journey mapping that aligns with business objectives. This research-driven methodology ensures measurable brand growth and market relevance.
Creative Content
Our creative content services span brand identity development, copywriting, and multimedia production. We produce award-winning graphic designs, video content, and photography that resonate with target audiences. The team specializes in creating cohesive messaging across print, digital, and social media platforms for maximum impact.
People
Carol Russell
CEO
Carol Russell, a Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journals Top Women in Business honoree, leads Russell Herder's strategic practice with 40 years of experience in communications management. She holds a master's degree from the University of Minnesota and specializes in market research and strategic initiatives for NGOs and corporate entities.
Brian Herder
Chief Creative Officer
Brian Herder oversees creative strategy with expertise in emotional branding and cultural community engagement. With 40 years in advertising, he develops campaigns that combine artistic vision with business objectives, previously serving as a college instructor in creative disciplines.
Reggie Turner
Chief Financial Officer
Reggie Turner manages financial operations with executive-level expertise in organizational finance. A former Vice President of Finance for the National Black MBA Association, he brings experience from US Bank and healthcare organizations to drive fiscal strategy and growth initiatives.
Patrick Thornton
Director of Public Relations
Patrick Thornton leads PR efforts with background in healthcare, law, and government communications. A former journalist, he develops strategic messaging that builds brand reputation through media relations and crisis communications frameworks.
Erin Vasseur
Director of Client Services
Erin Vasseur connects clients with strategic solutions across industries including Google and UnitedHealth Group. With expertise in campaign management, she ensures cohesive execution across digital, print, and event-based communications to achieve client objectives.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We serve healthcare, government, professional services, destinations, and corporate clients with tailored marketing solutions.
Are you a certified B Corp?
Yes, we are a certified B Corp, integrating social responsibility into all aspects of our operations.
How do you measure campaign success?
We use data-driven metrics aligned with client goals, including ROI, engagement rates, and brand awareness improvements.
Do you work with national clients?
Yes, while based in Minneapolis, we serve clients nationwide with digital and traditional marketing expertise.
What creative services do you offer?
Our creative services include brand identity, copywriting, graphic design, video production, and digital ad creation.
