Photo by Ben Hensley | Founded in 2006, Archer & Hound specializes in both brand-related advertising and merchandise.
Written by Ben Hensley
After years of steady growth in both advertising and branded merchandise, marketing agency Archer & Hound has tripled its north Fresno office space.
Founded in 2006, Archer & Hound operates out of its corner office at Ingram and Fallbrook avenues. But as the company continued to grow, the need for space became an issue — especially after the 2024 acquisition of Fresno’s Butler Branding.
“We were really out of space,” said Archer & Hound CEO Dave Blanchfield. “This new space allows us to be able to expand our staff capabilities on both sides of the business.”
From about a 3,879 square-foot space, they’ve added an additional 7,729 square feet for around a 11,599 square-foot home.
While Archer & Hound’s teams often collaborate, having separation and space for the two departments was critical.
The three-month renovation created an open-concept space that includes a large office for collaboration, smaller breakout offices, two conference rooms, an on-site video room and workshop as well as staff facilities, kitchen and outdoor patio area.
“It’s a much bigger space than our other building,” said President Jessica Blanchfield. “A lot of our team likes to work in one big area — it just allows for collaboration and open conversation. It kind of gave us the best of both worlds.”
Jessica added that the advertising agency has always preferred to operate closely, opting for in-person over remote work.
“That’s important for us to keep,” Jessica said. “This space allows for us to do all of the workshops and the breakouts and all of the things that really happen on a day-to-day basis
Dave’s background is in branded merchandise, and both Jessica and Director of Operations Aaron Coyne come from an advertising background.
“That was my expertise. I had worked for another company here locally and gained my expertise and started building a book of business when we started going out on our own,” Dave said.
But the agency had always had its eyes on growing both sides of the business; and with that growth, the need for additional space, specifically in branded merchandise, became apparent.
“I think one of the differentiators for that side of the company is the connection to the agency,” Jessica said. “It’s less about just putting a logo on apparel and it’s more about really creating a product that enhances people’s brands.”
What the new office brings to clients
The expanded space at Archer & Hound will also bring new opportunities for clients. With in-house video options, clients and staff alike will be able to benefit from a “one-stop-shop” approach.
“We’re a very collaborative group,” he said. “Having that be in-house, as an example, just makes our team stronger.
Additionally, Archer & Hound often conducts client workshops. The added space will allow the agency to invite larger groups for collaboration.The expansion also provides the agency the opportunity to add to its workforce.
“In the event that we get to the point where new talent is needed we certainly have the room to be able to expand, but right now…it’s some breathing room,” Dave said.
Fostering success
Archer & Hound’s 2024 acquisition of Butler Branding allowed not only for expansion of the team, but a more streamlined approach to some of the leadership within the agency.
Coyne, who began at Archer & Hound as its creative director, transitioned to the role of director of operations after the acquisition, allowing him to focus his efforts on a role that feels more natural for his talents.
“Even when I was creative director, that’s just kind of the way I’m wired — I’m a supporter at heart,” Coyne said. “It’s very natural to me to make sure that everybody here…has everything they need to feel supported, the tools to do their job, the culture that feels inclusive and inviting so that all of those things just kind of go away and you don’t have to think about them.”
While the team at Archer & Hound continues to operate more efficiently in its new space, the ever-competitive Fresno market remains rife with agencies ready to jump at the opportunity for the next client.
At Archer & Hound, however, both Jessica and Coyne said that their goals remain the same — generating top-quality content and merchandise for the agency’s clientele
“Certainly, we know who the other players are in our space. We respect the heck out of them,” Dave said. “But I would say being ‘competitive’ — that’s not what we have our eye on. What we are intentional about is making sure that we’re growing a company that’s No. 1, gives the best service and the best product to our clients, but then also creates the best space for the people that work with us.”
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