Otto & Friends is an LGBTQ+‑ and female‑owned full‑service agency ‑ specializing in public relations, digital marketing, and brand strategy ‑ with offices in New York City, the Catskills, and Buffalo.

We combine our years of big ad agency experience with a fresh perspective, delivering solutions accessible to big companies, nonprofits, start‑ups, and local shops.

Fueled by purpose, our team’s collective superpowers deliver award‑winning results that elevate our clients to new heights. And we do it all with quick wit, passion, and honesty.

Let’s work together.

Otto & Friends is an LGBTQ+‑ and female‑owned full‑service agency ‑ specializing in public relations, digital marketing, and brand strategy ‑ with offices in New York City, the Catskills, and Buffalo.

We combine our years of big ad agency experience with a fresh perspective, delivering solutions accessible to big companies, nonprofits, start‑ups, and local shops.

Fueled by purpose, our team’s collective superpowers deliver award‑winning results that elevate our clients to new heights. And we do it all with quick wit, passion, and honesty.

Let’s work together.

What We Do Is What You Need
Otto & Friends is equipped to work with you in a variety of ways. Whether you are a small business, non-profit or a Fortune 500 company, we can tailor our working relationship to achieve your goals - including retainer, project-based and consultation. Click through our services below to see how we can meet your needs.

MEDIA RELATIONS

MEDIA RELATIONS

We understand that the media can be a powerful tool for businesses, and we are here to help you use it to your advantage. We take the time to get to know your business and goals – as well as the competitive landscape and the current industry conversations – then we work with you to develop a media relations strategy with clear objectives and tactics that will help you achieve your desired results and build positive, long-lasting relationships with the media.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Our motto is “post with a purpose.”

We understand that social media is a powerful tool for businesses, and we are here to help you use it to your advantage. We will work with you to develop a social media and content strategy that is tailored to your business, your target audience, and your goals.

From ideation to campaign development to community management, our team provides strategic thinking and execution that integrates your social media presence with your website and public relations efforts, amplifying your voice across every channel.

BRANDING

BRANDING

You have a story to tell; a product to sell; an impression to make. It is uniquely you which means you need a strategy that is just as unique. We take the time to get to know you, interview key stakeholders about your brand’s perspective and voice, and work hand-in-hand to develop a strategic plan with clear objectives that take you to the next level. Together, we will clarify and solidify your brand’s priorities and equip you with the tools to communicate these through every aspect of your public-facing experiences.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

We have a deep understanding of the business development process and a proven track record of success in a variety of industries. Our team can help you get to the bottom of “who you are” using a variety of brand exploration tactics. These include market research, short- and long-term business planning, sales and marketing strategy development, customer relationship management and landscape intelligence and analysis.

WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Your own digital platforms are the first places many consumers will “meet” your brand, and according to statistics, you only have seven seconds to make a good first impression. We’re here to help you make the right first impression with an active, dynamic and polished website. Using our expertise in user experience design, search engine optimization and tech, we build websites that guarantee your first impressions will be memorable.

EXPERT POSITIONING & EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

EXPERT POSITIONING & EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

As a leader in your organization, you’re an expert in your field. We position you as someone your industry peers look to as their North Star. To do this, we use your expertise to connect you with people who need to hear what you have to say, across a variety of mediums. We prepare you to handle difficult questions, stay on message, and project a positive image.

PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS

PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS

Aligning yourself with like-minded partners helps you reach new audiences, grow your business, and boost your brand affinity. That said, sponsorship and partnership marketing can be complex and time-consuming. We dive in, research, reach out, and present relevant opportunities that help amplify your story, helping you to increase brand awareness, enhance your credibility, generate leads and sales, and improve ROI.

SEO/SEM MANAGEMENT

SEO/SEM MANAGEMENT

A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) strategy is essential to the success of your business. Our team will audit your site and through on-page and off-page optimization, develop and implement a strategy to increase your site visitors, build brand awareness and visibility, and boost consumer education, online leads, and sales.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

A company crisis is stressful and we are here to help you through it. An emergency can strike at any time, and when it does, it is important to activate as quickly as possible to protect your company's reputation and minimize damage to your business. We understand that every situation is different, so we will work with you to develop a crisis communications plan that is tailored to your specific situation.

We can also develop a crisis communications plan that outlines your response to a variety of potential crises, so that if things do go awry, you’re one step ahead and in a better position to navigate the situation.

INFLUENCER MARKETING

INFLUENCER MARKETING

There’s nothing like word-of-mouth to sell your product or service. We connect you with relevant experts, tastemakers, celebrities and social media influencers to add third-party perspectives and showcase your brand in front of new audiences. We understand that influencer marketing is a complex and ever-changing field which is why we take a data-driven approach. We use our proprietary influencer marketing platforms to identify and vet influencers, track their performance, and measure the ROI of our campaigns.

EVENTS & EXPERIENCES

EVENTS & EXPERIENCES

We believe in the power of the live experience. The best events capture the interest of consumers and inspire them to take action by engaging and evangelizing. It’s through this lens that we conceive, design, and execute events and real-world moments that create the link between digital and social, idea and action. Events can be a powerful tool for building relationships, generating leads, increasing traffic, and driving sales which is why we are committed to creating events that are both memorable and effective.

PURPOSE DRIVEN MARKETING

PURPOSE DRIVEN MARKETING

Consumers want to know what you stand for and see that support in action. As an agency, we play an active role in bridging cultures and lifting up the communities we, and those we care about, are a part of. We are committed to helping our clients – and one another – create a more inclusive and equitable world. Whether it’s facilitating conversations around racial equity and justice within the Black community, or validating the need for equality and support for LGBTQ+ youth, or reinforcing a commitment to responsible and sustainable operations, we develop strategic plans that are tailored to your specific needs, and we execute these plans with precision, attention to detail and sensitivity.

View Our Full Capabilities
We are proud to be an LGBTQ- and female-owned Tier 1 + Tier 2 Diversity Supplier, certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) as an LGBT Business Enterprise®.
Ad Council
American Theatre Wing
Autism Speaks
Broadway World
Buffalo Maritime Center
The Dragon Wagon
Four Freedoms Park
Gazillion Bubble Show
Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights Fund
Goethe Institut New York
Guidance From Gratitude
Higharc
Invisible North
Jason Mitchell Kahn & Co.
Little Dipper Farm
Lordstown Motors
Marriott International
Merchants Fleet
Mistr
Motto
Nike
OnePlus
Onward
Open Squash
The PERT Consortium
Poured
PridePromo
ProDanceSource
Queerencia
Revactin
Royal Caribbean
SeeMe Index
Straight Forward
Teague Theatrical Group
Tracey West
True Colors United
Tryst
Tutor Associates
Vanguard Theater Company
Vers
Video Out
Virgin Voyages

Our Clients

Past & Present

We pride ourselves on the diversity of our client roster.

The network that we have cultivated allows us to keep a pulse on ever-evolving conversations - earned, owned and digital - to strategically create a variety of potential avenues and angles to explore on an ongoing basis.

We believe that the audience for your story should not be limited to your primary industry. Our broad experience allows us to expand the network that we tap into regularly, no matter the discipline. Here is a snapshot of the clients we’ve worked with on projects big and small, project-based and long-term.

The Client Experience
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“As a small non-profit with a global reach, partnering with Otto & Friends was an excellent solution for our digital and marketing needs. Mark, Whitney, Eric, and Ryan quickly became an extension of our team and in just 18 months of working together, we have established impressive digital guidelines, a robust & effective marketing strategy, a true brand look and feel, and the burden of work has been greatly reduced for our staff. Working with O&F is a true partnership rooted in transparency, trust, and friendship – which makes them more than a valued partner or vendor. They are an integral part of our organization’s success.”

Jamie Reed
The PERT Consortium

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“Thanks to Otto & Friends, the Buffalo Maritime Center has taken a huge step forward in our goal of having a better online presence. We were in need of a refresh of our website and needed some help with social media, and the team at O&F listened to our needs, offered suggestions and solutions, and worked with us to help our personality that’s clear in our boat shop translate to the web. Working with O&F was a truly collaborative and inspiring experience, and we would highly recommend their team to help your organization or business get to the next level.”

Brian Trzeciak
Buffalo Maritime Center

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“Whitney, Mark, and Ryan are all genuine humans who are really good at listening and making you feel comfortable in a process that can be overwhelming. This team did an amazing job getting to know everyone on our team and I appreciate everything they brought to our new business.”

Venus Corriveau
Little Dipper Farm

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“I loved working with Otto & Friends on my rebranding project. They cared deeply that the spirit of my business was reflected in the new branding, and they were not afraid to make suggestions that would take the project to a higher level. I felt the passion they had behind the project. They were excited to be able to help me bring my vision to life and you can see it in the results. As a small business owner, their perspective was so incredibly valuable, as I gained insights in areas in which I might not have thought of if working on my own.”

Robbi Kearns
Guidance From Gratitude

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“It was a pleasure to work with Whitney, Ryan, and their team as part of LMC’s fast-paced start-up program. Their skill and expertise in planning and implementing social media, PR, and branding was essential and their collaborative approach was very productive. Their guidance and perspective was consistently on point, and I would highly recommend them as a partner to advance your corporate initiatives.”

Jeff Kenny
Lordstown Motors Corp.

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“The nature of this business means you enter a working relationship with an agency partner a bit cautiously, wary of potential competitiveness and jockeying. When we started working with Otto & Friends, those hesitations quickly disappeared. Ryan and team are collaborative, creative partners and allies in arms that put the work first, leading to happy clients and allowing us all to have a little fun along the way.”

Mara Worley
160/90

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Our Values
Our values are our North Star. They guide how we work as a team and how we ground our work with each client. They steer us to the Who, What, When, Where and, most importantly, Why of consumer behavior – and of our own.
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Authenticity

When we work and live as our authentic selves, we uncover valuable perspectives and truths from our experiences and communities.

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Transparency

True authenticity leads to transparency. We encourage our clients to be completely open with us. As your advocates and confidantes, we promise to do the same.

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Collaboration

On a foundation of authenticity and trust, we work side-by-side with you to help you achieve your goals.

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Balance

Work-life balance is embedded in our company culture. We’ve established a four-day workweek, year-round, so we can come to the table energized, focused and ready to achieve your goals.

Charities We Champion

Charities We Champion

Animal Care Centers of NYC Buffalo Maritime Center Catskill Center Delaware County Pride Destination Tomorrow: The LGBTQ Center of the Bronx Entertainment Community Fund The King Center National Urban League NYC Anti-Violence Project

Your Team

Ryan Hallett | Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Ryan Hallett | Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Ryan Hallett

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Ryan has nearly two decades of communications and marketing experience, working with brands and organizations like National Park Foundation, Target, TED, Levi Strauss & Co., Canon, The Walt Disney Company and others from the consumer, nonprofit, entertainment, tech and travel industries. Throughout his career, he has played an integral role in some of his clients’ most celebrated work, including The Gun Shop for States United to Prevent Gun Violence, #TheUnknowns for Canon, Vets Fight Hate for Southern Poverty Law Center and #StopTheRobbery for UN Women.

Along the way, he’s picked up over three dozen Cannes Lions, Effie Awards, PRSA Big Apple Awards, Shorty Social Good Awards, She Runs It Awards and Tony Awards for himself and clients, and has placed executives on the Forbes 30 Under 30 and HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds lists.

Ryan is an avid runner, having raced in the 2021 New York City Marathon and the 2022 Los Angeles Marathon. In 2023, he will add the Chicago Marathon to the list, as well as a return to the NYC Marathon. He is also a devoted Swiftie, has been since the beginning and will defend ‘reputation’ with everything he’s got. He splits his time between Harlem and the Catskills with his husband, Mark, and their dog - Otto.

Whitney Creighton | Chief Strategy Officer & Founder
Whitney Creighton | Chief Strategy Officer & Founder

Whitney Creighton

Chief Strategy Officer & Founder

Whitney has spent nearly her entire career in live entertainment marketing, working on over 75 properties on and off-Broadway, across the country, and across the pond. She began her profession in broadcast communications working in radio and managing live concert events. In 2003, she entered the theatrical space and spent five years as Marketing Manager for Paper Mill Playhouse, the award-winning, non-profit regional theater in Millburn, NJ. In 2008, she made the jump to commercial theater overseeing the marketing efforts for several Broadway and touring productions.

As the Associate Director of Content & Community at Serino Coyne, she led the interactive department at Broadway’s largest advertising agency. Her team of content creators provided cross-platform social media strategy, community management, video production, and more, to deliver comprehensive digital marketing campaigns for live entertainment brands and award shows, including the Tonys and the Oliviers. She is a proud member of the team that won the 2016 Webby and People’s Voice Award for their digital strategy and execution surrounding the 69th Annual Tony Awards.

After spending 18 years in NYC/NJ, Whitney returned to her hometown - Buffalo, NY - with a collective 23 years of marketing and digital strategy experience in the nonprofit, live entertainment, and experiential spaces. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Maritime Center and is an active member of the Amherst Central School District.

Whitney has a passion for people, podcasts, Netflix comedy specials, all genres of music, and a great cup of tea. Her heroes: Howard & Beth Stern, Glennon Doyle & Abby Wambach, and her parents.

Mark Seeley | Chief Digital Officer
Mark Seeley | Chief Digital Officer

Mark Seeley

Chief Digital Officer

With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Mark has consistently delivered passion and dedication to a broad spectrum of national and regional client industries - including technology, travel, entertainment and culture. Leading teams in the development and execution of 360° digital campaigns, Mark elevated the way companies like Marriott International, General Electric, One World Observatory and The Broadway League planned and launched digital strategies. A few times, he was able to tap into his love of theater and oversee the marketing campaigns for Tony-winning productions in the four biggest categories – Best Musical, Best Play, Best Revival of a Musical, Best Revival of a Play.

Before officially joining the Otto & Friends team, Mark served as Part Team Lead at LG Electronics North America, where he managed the strategic development and execution of award-winning organic and paid campaigns across LG North America’s social channels - highlighting LG’s full suite of products including home electronics, home appliances and mobile. Under his leadership, the team transformed the brand's social voice and implemented creative brand guidelines to establish a consistent tone and look across paid and owned platforms.

When Mark is not enjoying the musical sounds of Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston, on vinyl of course, he is planning the next family adventure with his husband, Ryan, and their dog - Otto.

Eric Tsuchiyama | Graphic Designer
Eric Tsuchiyama | Graphic Designer

Eric Tsuchiyama

Graphic Designer

Eric has worked extensively with the nation’s leading advertising agencies for live entertainment events. He has successfully launched and supported campaigns for 100+ productions, events, and properties including: Disney on Broadway (Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen); Lincoln Center Theater; Manhattan Theatre Club; New York Philharmonic; Park Avenue Armory; Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked; as well as The Tony Awards, Obie Awards, and Olivier Awards.

Eric is inspired to work on projects that encourage creativity, foster community, and inspire a love for our planet; he does this through his work with small businesses, personal brands, and political campaigns. He is also the co-creator of Sockz Studio, an award-winning production studio which uses found object art as the primary medium.

Eric finds himself at home in both New York City and Miami and is frequently found staring affectionately into nature.

Otto |
Otto |

Otto

Team Hero

Meet Otto! Otto is our Shih Tzu / Cairn Terrier mix who we rescued in 2015. He makes us happy, comfortable and feel at home. We named our company after him because we want our clients and collaborators to feel the same way when they work with us. Follow Otto on IG @ottoismynameo.

New York | Catskills | Buffalo
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