Partners (from left to right) executive creative director Chris Wareham, CEO Teddy Hobbins, design director Brand Van Liere and creative director Doug Michschl have formed boatBurner.
Four Minneapolis advertising veterans have decided to cross the river into St. Paul and start their own firm called boatBurner.
Former Periscopers Teddy Hobbins, Doug Mickschl, Brandon Van Liere and Chris Wareham started the agency in February and recently moved their operation into the Northwestern Building at 275 Fourth St. E., near the St Paul Farmers Market in Lowertown.
The name boatBurner comes from a story of Alexander the Great who ordered his army to "burn the boats" when they were outnumbered in an effort for his soldiers to commit to only one option – winning.
"Times are changing rapidly. However, one thing will always remain constant and invaluable to clients —ideas," said executive creative director Chris Wareham, in a statement this week. "We believe brave ideas grow winning brands and companies," he added.
One of the agency's first clients was Shoreview medical device company Torax Medical. The firm helped the company rebrand its Linx device, which treats acid reflux, with billboards and other marketing.
