The Next Era for Jeffrey Scott Agency Brings Forward New Ownership
(FRESNO, CA) – Jeffrey Scott Agency (JSA), the region's most tenured marketing firm, announces a shift in ownership – resurfacing a 47-year-old question, “Who is the real Jeffrey Scott?” JSA was established in 1976 and has since made downtown Fresno its home. Husband and wife, Bruce and Wendy Batti, acquired the company in 2008 after having worked at the agency for over 30 years. As president, Bruce managed day-to-day operations, with Wendy as the chief financial officer. Together, they guided over $25 million in annual capitalized billings – only furthering JSA’s reputation, success and reach throughout the region.
Under Bruce and Wendy’s 15-year leadership, JSA has grown to be the largest and most tenured marketing firm in the Central San Joaquin Valley, employing 35 full-time team members who specialize in creative production, social media, media buying, public relations, brand management and crisis communications across digital and traditional landscapes. JSA’s client list spans across multiple industries, resulting in national and local campaigns from retail, banking, automotive, healthcare, product packaging design and real estate to government contracts, transportation, public information and education campaigns. JSA’s longevity and core belief system has also led it to be known as a true community champion – donating decades of time and talent to community-based improvement projects and initiatives.
With this strong foundation in place, Bruce and Wendy set out on a path paved with the intent of defining their next chapter, which inevitably led to transitioning JSA to new ownership. Throughout this process, their north star remained clear – to ensure continuity between what was and what is to come for the agency, and making sure that connection remained strong for clients, employees and the community JSA works hard to serve.
“The truth is, Jeffrey Scott has meant a lot of things to a lot of people in the agency’s 47 years,” said Bruce Batti. “Our clients know us well, we answer when the community calls, and our core values are built by JSA employees – a group of folks whom I couldn’t be prouder of. In that same vein, as we looked toward JSA’s future, it only made sense to look within our own building, inside our own DNA, at those who have been instrumental in the agency’s trajectory of growth and success.”
To that end, Jessie Irwin, who has been JSA’s VP of creative and Marcus Young, an executive VP of the agency have begun the transition of co-ownership beginning July 1, 2023. In addition, Cat Figura, who has worked with the agency for over 30 years, will become chief operating officer and carry on JSA’s legacy from media to staff to clients in the years to come.
Jessie is celebrating her 10th year at JSA. And in that time, has been in charge of the agency’s creative product – a role she will continue to fill. She has received national, regional and local recognition for creative direction; is currently president of the American Advertising Federation, Fresno; and also continues to support Fresno State students in creative fields by teaching at the university or volunteering as a mentor.
“One of Jessie’s greatest strengths is her ability to play on both sides of the aisle, carrying a strategic voice for clients while managing the creative process,” said Bruce Batti. “She is also well-connected in the community, and like so many of JSA’s long-term employees, values and views the agency’s non-profit work as one of its most distinguishing marks.”
Marcus ran JSA’s San Francisco office for 10 years before running his own firm, Town Kryer (TK) in Berkeley, California, for a sequential decade prior to rejoining JSA through a company merger earlier this year. Marcus specializes in senior living, financial services, real estate as well as crisis communications, brand management and was recently honored with an Edward R. Murrow award for Excellence in Journalism for his role as executive producer for the ABC News Podcast After the Weather with Spencer Christian. He is currently leading the crisis communications work for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital on the Central Coast as well as managing the day-to-day for several non-profits and some of the biggest names in senior living.
“Marcus brings a strong understanding of JSA and has over 20 years of experience in the arena, inevitably bringing even more regional business opportunities to both agency locations,” said Bruce Batti. “And while this new ownership duo are talented in their own right, Jeffrey Scott has always been much larger than any one, or two individuals.”
Moving forward, the agency will maintain its current client base – as well as management team and staff – a third having been with JSA for 10-plus years.
“JSA has always been a creative shop; especially now with anyone’s accessibility to data and AI-everything — a strategic, creative idea will always win and set JSA apart,” said Jessie Irwin. “JSA is poised with a creative team that is ready to take on all the ways that new media and content will reach people, and I’m proud to keep leading this arm of the agency that embraces it fast and first for our clients.”
“We have our eyes focused on the future of the agency,” said Marcus Young. “While we will continue to grow the business in the San Joaquin Valley, we will also be looking to expand into other regional markets which Town Kryer already has a foothold in including the Bay Area, Southern California and the Central Coast.”
“Needless to say, my confidence level is exponentially high with this group,” said Bruce Batti. “I can’t wait to see where they take JSA as I pass the baton and in turn, gain the privilege of cheering them on.”