Smith & Jones

Specialties

Smith & Jones is the marketing communications agency exclusively focused on hospitals and health systems that compete with academic medical centers. We imagine an America where healthcare is truly personal, where everyone has local access to a superior customer and clinical experience, and as a result, people live healthier lives. We contribute to that vision by helping our clients create meaningful and desirable healthcare brands, align their internal teams, engage new and existing patients, and drive downstream revenue. Together, we change the outcomes.

History

Established in 1985.

What is it that makes one brand or advertising idea wildly successful while so many others fall far short of expectations? Is it magic? A secret ingredient? Pure luck?

At Smith & Jones, we’ve found that the difference between an idea that’s just «creative» and one that’s destined to work lies in one word: insight. Those subtle but significant truths about the brand, the consumer, or the competitive space that we can exploit and turn to our advantage.

Why is insight important? While brilliant creativity may be appealing on the surface, it’s a drain on resources with little or no benefit if it fails to elicit the desired outcome.

By looking beyond raw data and obvious answers for key insights, we can uncover new opportunities in the competitive environment. We can discover what really influences our target audience and understand exactly how to move them toward a purchase decision. It helps us identify what we need to accomplish, and choose the correct strategies to reach our stated

Meet the Business Owner

Mark S.

Business Owner

Throughout his 25+ year career in brand development, Mark has played a leading role in discovering and implementing brand building programs for a number of hospital systems and large physician practices.

A co-​founder and President at Smith & Jones, Mark’s chief thinking responsibilities include translating insight into strategy and ensuring that all brand communications reinforce our clients’ brand positions. Under his direction, this firm’s work has won Best of Show in the Healthcare Advertising Awards, as well as being recognized by The Aster Awards, the American Marketing Association, One Club, New York Festivals, The London International Awards.

He is a frequent guest lecturer on brand building at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management and the Executive MBA program at The University at Albany.

Mark serves on the Board of Directors for the Albany chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization.