“Throughout the process, Jake McDonald was always available and equipped to answer our questions and provide guidance. With the help of Jake and the Calder team, we evaluated numerous strategic partners and ultimately found partners who were the right fit for us. Working with Jake was instrumental to this process and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
– Bob Dion, Partner, DHD, Chicago, IL (Client)
Calder Capital is pleased to announce the addition of two sales and marketing executives to the Davis Harrison Dion leadership team.
Founded 45 years ago, Davis Harrison Dion is a full-service advertising agency located in Chicago, Illinois. DHD’s clients benefit from expertise across five key areas: advertising, marketing, creative strategy, media buying and planning, and digital advertising. Sue Harrison and Bob Dion, the long-standing owners of DHD, built a firm known for its expertise and dedication to delivering strategic marketing solutions. The ownership duo engaged Calder to find growth-minded partners who could join their team and play a key role in shaping the continued success of the firm.
In January 2025, Harrison and Dion grew their partnership by bringing on two sales and marketing executives. These executives bring decades of experience in managing sales and marketing teams in the transportation industry. They also offer a fresh perspective that has proved valuable to the DHD team. The addition has already led to internal improvements and the opportunity to service their clients at a higher level. Sue and Bob will continue to lead the company alongside their new partners.
Harrison stated, “Bringing new partners into the firm we have led for decades is not an easy process, but these recent additions bring a renewed sense of energy. They are individuals with unique leadership backgrounds that will shape the path going forward for DHD.” Dion added, “Their added expertise expands opportunities for our clients and employees and we are excited to continue to watch their contributions unfold.”
“This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team that has provided outstanding marketing solutions to clients for multiple decades.” said one of the new partners. “Our team’s commitment to client success and strategic innovation is inspiring and we look forward to playing a driving role in the next phase of DHD’s story,” shared the second new partner.
Jake McDonald of Calder Capital served as the lead Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor for the transaction. Calder’s team ran a robust process, presenting a multitude of options that would enable DHD to achieve its goal of finding a growth partner.
“The new partners are fantastic additions, who bring the expertise to contribute to the continued growth of DHD on many levels,” said Calder Capital’s Jake McDonald. “Their additions position the company with additional resources to achieve their strategic goals. It was our pleaseure to search for these new growth partners, I am certain they will help our clients reach their goals. I’m excited to continue following DHD’s journey. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
“Joining the DHD team marks an exciting milestone for us, and we truly appreciate the professionalism and dedication that Jake McDonald and the Calder Capital team brought to the process,” stated the new partners in a joint statement. “Although Jake represented Sue and Bob, he was instrumental in facilitating this process for all parties involved.”
Reflecting on the process of sourcing new strategic partners, Harrison shared, “Bob and I are excited to welcome the addition of our new partners. We look forward to working alongside them to continue advancing the agency, in the interest of our clients and team.” Dion stated, “Throughout the process, Jake McDonald was always available and equipped to answer our questions and provide guidance. With the help of Jake and the Calder team, we evaluated numerous strategic partners and ultimately found partners who were the right fit for us. Working with Jake was instrumental to this process and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Max Friar, Managing Partner of Calder Capital stated, “this process aligns with our mission at Calder Capital: facilitating transactions in a manner that creates win-win opportunities for all parties involved. We are honored to have played a role in forming this new partnership.”
Calder Capital served as the exclusive Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to the seller, Davis Harrison Dion.
About Davis Harrison Dion:
Davis Harrison Dion, founded in Chicago, Illinois, is a full-service advertising agency with expertise across advertising, marketing, creative strategy, media buying and planning, and digital advertising. The company has built a strong reputation for client success and long-term industry relationships. To learn more, please visit https://dhdchicago.com
About Calder Capital:
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a cross-industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with offices across the United States. Calder provides valuation, sell-side, and buy-side services. We are nationally recognized for excellence in advising $1-100M enterprise value transactions in manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services. Calder serves business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial buyers, and investors. Learn more at www.CalderGR.com.
