Second Generation Takes Creative Helm of Independent Agency Laughlin Constable

Jon Laughlin half jokes that he’s worked at Laughlin Constable for 44 years but in some ways he is right. He and his brother Pat were born into the advertising agency world as their father Steve, a member of the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame, founded and was growing his new agency just as his sons were born. Now, the Laughlin family is again ready to help creatively lead the agency of 45 years, with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee, into the future. Today, Jon Laughlin and Pat Laughlin were named co-chief creative officers (CCO) of Laughlin Constable.

“For ten years, Jon and Pat have been part of our creative leadership team and as a result, I have continually seen leaps forward in our creative output. Under their leadership, we will continue to push innovative and creative boundaries to meet the needs of our clients across CPG, retail, healthcare, insurance, B2B and other industries,” said Mat Lignel, President and CEO of Laughlin Constable. “As we mark our 45th anniversary, the time is now to have Jon and Pat lead our creative team.”

Jon Laughlin graduated from Lafayette College and has worked for the firm since 2005. He has been involved with many clients during his time, most recently leading the Yuengling brand. He lists working with Jonathan Banks for a client campaign as a career highlight.

“I have had the privilege of learning from some of the best creative directors in the business, starting with my dad and most recently with John Maxham. They showed me how important it is to nurture the big idea, and always continue to craft the copy,” said Jon Laughlin.

Pat Laughlin, who also has been with the agency since 2005, holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. His notable work includes the award-winning Lung Cancer Alliance “Deserves to Die” campaign and the Jewelers Mutual “Obsessed” campaign, along with leading the Wisconsin Department of Tourism account, which in 2019 helped produce the best marketing return results in years for the tourism entity.

“This is an exciting time for us. Creative has always been at the heart of Laughlin Constable, and I’m most looking forward to combining our creative firepower with our deep digital roots to create work that’s both emotionally resonant and business driving,” said Pat Laughlin.

Owner Steve Laughlin remains Executive Chairman of the agency’s advisory board. John “Max” Maxham, who held the CCO position at Laughlin Constable for the last two years and helped mentor Jon and Pat Laughlin, is departing the agency to pursue a new opportunity.