Lifestyle/event marketing agency MKTG’s design prowess is evident throughout its sleek offices in lower Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood.
On the walls are two pieces from seminal pop artists Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring. “Twenty-five years ago, I had my first office and a $500 decorating budget,” said Charlie Horsey, the agency’s CEO. “The Haring is about having fun, and the pointing Lichtenstein is about accountability.’’
Also on the wall is a certificate signed by Mickey Mouse and Scrooge McDuck, certifying that Horsey graduated from Disney University in 1988, with a “Mousters Degree.” Earning that diploma entailed working at Disney World and donning a Disney costume.
Shoutouts to his hometown St. Louis include a St. Louis Cardinals logo inside of the pocket door leading into his office. “Sometimes, I have to hide it,” he said with a laugh.
New executives of parent company Denstu climb Mount Fuji as a rite of passage. Horsey ascended in June with hundreds of co-workers: “Five and half hours up and 2 1/2 hours down, and we wrote postcards at the top, wishing our clients well.”
Across the hall, there’s a full tavern setup, in tribute to client Diageo, along with a coffee bar. Horsey insists his routine is more caffeine- than alcohol-infused, but his ability to draw a perfect Guinness pint is impressive nonetheless.
MKTG Chief Creative Officer Ben Roth handled much of the office design.
PHOTOS BY PATRICK E. MCCARTHY
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CEO Charlie Horsey held accountable by Roy Lichtenstein
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A variety of textures and lighting add to the open
environment at MKTG’s headquarters.
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Global brand communications director Stephanie Rudnick chooses a figurine for the day.
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Hometown shoutout to the St. Louis Cardinals.
At right: MKTG Chief Creative Officer Ben Roth commissioned local artist Andrea von Bujdoss to paint a staff entrance with something powerful and thought-provoking for employees to see as they come and go each day: “What Tomorrow Holds.”
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Horsey earned his “Mousters Degree” in 1988.
At left: A fierce Mickey Mouse stands watch in the office.
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Disney University participants.
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A pint is never far away with offerings from client Diageo across the hall.
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A subtle, overhead reminder of the firm’s call letters.
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Horsey joined employees on a Mount Fuji excursion in Japan and met with Dentsu President and CEO Tadashi Ishii.
Photo: COURTESY OF CHARLIE HORSEY
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