Richard W. Rodriguez
Ken Schaefer has spent three decades building one thing with relentless purpose: an agency that makes life better for its people, its clients, and its city.
His entrepreneurial spark lit early. While a student at Stephen F. Austin State University, he launched a gelato company. “That experience ignited a lifelong passion for building things,” he says.
After graduation, Schaefer joined Procter & Gamble, then moved to Ogilvy & Mather, managing the Shell Oil account. Eventually, Fort Worth called. As director of marketing at Justin Boots, he fell in love with the city — and in 1995, founded Schaefer Advertising Co.
His standard was simple: “Create smart work for good people and serve with excellence, integrity, and purpose.” Over 30 years, that clarity has grown Schaefer into a full-service, integrated marketing firm of 40-plus associates, partnering with institutions such as the Fort Worth Zoo, TCU, the City of Fort Worth, and Alcon.
After the sudden loss of business partner Bobby Blanchard in 2014, Schaefer led the agency forward — stronger and still independent. His “Make Life Better” philosophy fuels the firm’s culture, mentoring programs, and community service, including more than $4 million raised for local education and civic initiatives.