Leadership Built on Grit, Growth and a Refusal to Stand Still
PITTSBURGH – October 13, 2026 – John Gatesman, founder and CEO of independent integrated marketing communications agency Gatesman, will be honored with a Pittsburgh Business Times 2026 C-Suite Award on Wednesday, October 14. The recognition comes as the agency marks 20 years of building bold ideas, lasting partnerships and a business with the grit to keep moving forward.
The C-Suite Awards recognize executives whose leadership and business acumen help guide their organizations to success. Gatesman will join fellow honorees at the ceremony at Acrisure Stadium’s UPMC Club. For John, the honor reflects leadership grounded in ambition, resilience and an unwavering belief in exceptional people.
“Building a business that lasts for 20 years takes resilience and a refusal to stand still, but no one does it alone,” said Gatesman. “It takes people who challenge you, clients who trust you with their business and a team that keeps raising the bar. This recognition means a lot to me, especially as the agency continues to grow, evolve and prove what we can do.”
Founded in Pittsburgh in 2006, Gatesman has grown into an agency with offices in Pittsburgh and Chicago serving clients nationwide. Through economic disruption, changing media habits and new technology, John has helped steer the business by investing in talent, embracing change and staying close to clients.
That competitive spirit runs through the agency’s positioning, “Prove You Were Here,” which puts business impact at the center of its work. It is also reflected in a year that has included recognition as a 2026 Ad Age Best Place to Work and new assignments with Cincinnati Metro and PA Brews.
“John has an instinct for talent and the confidence to let people do what they do best,” said Shannon Baker, President of Gatesman. “That strength coupled with his genuine passion for the business has made a lasting impact on our agency and deserves recognition.”
The award adds another milestone to Gatesman’s twentieth year. The ambition keeps growing.
"We’re not slowing down or getting comfortable,” Gatesman added. “We still have a lot we want to accomplish for our people, our clients and the agency. I’m as driven today as I was when we started, and I’m excited about what comes next."
For more information, please visit gatesmanagency.com or keep up with #TeamGatesman on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
About Gatesman:
With offices in Pittsburgh and Chicago, Gatesman offers expertise in strategy/branding, advertising, public relations, social media, digital and analytics. Gatesman is a partner in AMIN Worldwide, an alliance of over 50 independent marketing agencies, IPREX, a global communications network and most recently the Ad Age Small Agency Network. Gatesman is also proud to be recognized as one of Ad Age’s Best Places to Work, reflecting its commitment to a strong, people-first culture.
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