Jay Howard, president, JHE Production Group

Four years ago, Jay Howard walked into his office in Harrisburg, N.C., and saw a new name above his outside the door. It simply said: Bert.

Howard may have founded JHE more than 25 years ago, but Bert, his 7-year-old German shepherd mix, is the top dog. He comes to the office at least one day a week and follows Howard everywhere. Bert’s such a regular that Howard’s employees created a nameplate for him outside Howard’s office.

The company, which got its start producing opening ceremonies at NASCAR races, has become a leader in experiential marketing. It operates mobile displays for Speed, Sprint, Ford and others.

Howard filled his office with Bob Timberlake furniture and lined the walls with mementos that highlight JHE’s work on everything from concerts to golf events.

“I wanted my office to feel like home,” he said.

ALL PHOTOS BY TIFFIN WARNOCK / STAFF