About

Merritt Fritchie

I was born in Lima, Ohio, but too many country roads and cornfields left me restless. So the first chance I had, I headed north, fueled by Motley Crue and Top Ramen. Along the way I snagged an English degree at Bowling Green before joining Al Jourgensen’s Ministry in Detroit. Just one night in the industrial Mecca was all I needed to make me want to stay put. Landing an internship at Campbell-Ewald didn’t hurt either.

After Campbell-Ewald I did stints at JWT, D’Arcy, BBDO, Goodby and Doner.

During that time I’ve won my share of awards: Cannes, Clio, Effie, and D show. Not to mention, pissed off Tom Hanks. (See: Ford Truck’s You’ve Got Mail.)

When I was hired by D’Arcy, my grandfather told me something I never knew about my family history. Theodore McManus was my great-great Uncle. When my grandfather was a little boy he and his Father would go up to visit him. Apparently my great-great grandfather was a good drinking buddy to have around. He didn’t do things typically, Theodore McManus, whether writing the first ever Dodge ad or this nice little piece of advertising history:

I’d like to think I’m doing my best to keep his spirit alive.

Oh, and the little punk in the picture with me is the best thing I ever produced- all sugar, and spice and Rob Zombie.

But I just know, the second best thing is right around the corner.