Partner Bios
Bill Fogarty
Partner/Co-Chairman
Bill started his career in account service with Bozell in the Midwest. He subsequently managed two different offices for Bozell. And in 1980, formed Fogarty Klein Monroe in Houston with partner Rich Klein. In addition to his agency management duties, Bill plays an active role in account management with a roster of clients. Over the course of his career he worked with a wide variety of major marketers and brings his unique perspective and rich experience to a client roster spanning virtually every segment of the country.
Rich Klein
Partner/Co-Chairman
For nearly 16 years, Rich has carved a successful reputation on the client side as an expert in marketing and sales of national and regional consumer brands. Moving to the agency side in 1974, he successfully applied his experience on behalf of a range of clients at Bozell. In 1980, Rich co-founded Fogarty Klein Monroe. Rich is actively involved in developing ongoing client marketing communication programs at fkm and his credo is simple and succinct.
"We are a consummate team player that knows how to help our clients generate sales and profits."
Tom Monroe
Partner/CEO/Chief Creative Officer
If you could specify a background for a creative leader of an agency, Tom Monroe would be what every agency and client would love to have. Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of DDB Needham; Executive V.P., General Manager and Corporate Creative Director of Bozell; Principal and Executive Creative Director of Stern/Monroe. During his career, Tom has held some of the top jobs in Southwest Advertising, yet he still thinks of himself as a copywriter. And, as such, he has won virtually every regional and national award there is. Tom is a big thinker with big ideas. He's created some of the industry's most memorable campaigns for such national brands as Hunts, Pam, Chef Boyardee, Wolf Brand Chili and Advance Auto Parts.
"More importantly, I've had the chance to help build some of America's great brands. That's what gives me the most pride," said Tom.
Larry Kelley
Partner/Chief Planning Officer
Larry's really good at what he does. It's his passion. He loves to transform. He loves to transform brands that are life's necessities from "need" to "want." Larry's consumer behavior insights have earned him recognition as an industry thought leader including being awarded four EFFIES for advertising effectiveness. Larry has also been widely published and quoted in trade publications, Adweek and Ad Age as well as The Journal of Advertising. He also co-authored a media textbook entitled, "Advertising Media Planning: A Brand Management Approach" and a subsequent workbook that has been widely adopted.
Steve Speier
Partner/Chief Operating Officer
Steve has over 25 years of senior management in advertising, including ownership and management of two top-ten Houston agencies: Penny & Speier and Taylor Speier Group. The latter was merged into Fogarty Klein Monroe in 1999. He takes a hands-on approach to brand strategy, planning and account management with a simple philosophy:
"Learn each client's business and figure out ways to enhance it. Add value or go home."
Melissa Stevens
Partner/Chief Communications Officer
Melissa is recognized internationally as a communications innovator and for the originality and effectiveness of the campaigns she directs. Described as "a leader in the new era of public relations," she brings fresh perspectives to a wide range of public relations, social media, crisis communications and advertising issues, and develops inventive new ways to draw attention to each client's brand in today's media-saturated environment.
Jim Hradecky
Partner/Dallas Operations
Jim is distinguished by his ability to clearly and consistently see both sides of the coin – how to create work that is strategically on target, yet captivating and meaningful to consumers. Jim has worked in advertising for more than 25 years and has created advertising that successfully launched new products and transformed tired brands. His approach to brand development can be boiled down to one word: Engagement.
