HLK

AI isn’t slowing down, and neither are we. At HLK, we see AI as more than a copilot. It’s a catalyst for what’s next. Reshaping how we think, work and create. From custom GPTs trained for the year 2030 to proofs of concept that reimagine what’s possible, we’re moving fast to meet this moment with curiosity, creativity and courage. Read how we’re approaching the AI era with innovation and intention: https://lnkd.in/gzQ4PBi8  #HLKConnect #AI #Innovation #AgencyLife #HLK

We’re honored to share that HLK has been short-listed in the 10th Annual Shorty Awards! 🌟 Empty Not Closed for ArchCity Defenders is a finalist in Short-Form Video, Social Justice and Social Movement Campaign categories. 🌟 Channeling Good for Channel Seed Brand is a finalist in the Business to Business category. These nominations recognize the power of creativity to drive change, move people and inspire progress. We’re proud to see our teams and partners celebrated among such impactful work. Voting for the Audience Honor is now open through Oct 21. Every vote helps amplify this work. Vote here: https://lnkd.in/gjJBmbRe #ShortyImpactAwards #HLKAgency #ChannelingGood #EmptyNotClosed #SocialImpact #PurposeDrivenWork

We’re growing our creative team at HLK! Based in our Chicago or St. Louis office, we’re looking for passionate creatives ready to shape bold ideas into beautiful, strategic work that moves brands forward. 📌 Art Director (2) – Visual thinkers who can turn insight into impact. 📌 Senior Art Director – A creative leader with an eye for craft and storytelling. 📌 Senior Designer – A design expert who knows how to make ideas shine. 📌 Production Artist – A detail-driven executor who brings concepts to life flawlessly. If you’re collaborative, curious and ready to help build living, breathing brands, explore these roles and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gSNNRmFw A link to your portfolio with campaign work is required for all creative roles. #HLKMoves #Hiring #CreativeJobs #ArtDirector #Designer #AgencyLife #HLK 

What’s next after one year of growth? Even more room to create it. HLK Chicago has expanded from a 4,000 sq. ft. office with 10 team members to 5,800 sq. ft. with 28 HLKers strong – all focused on creating what’s next for our clients and partners. The expansion isn’t just about square footage. It’s about making room for fresh ideas, stronger collaboration and new opportunities to deliver meaningful work. Here’s to one year in Chicago and the growth still to come. #HLKChicago #HLKGrowth

We’re kicking off the week with big news: HLK Chicago is celebrating one year — and officially expanding. From 4,000 to 5,800 sq. ft., the new space gives us more room for collaboration with our growing team and more momentum for the ideas that move our clients forward. Here’s to year two and everything ahead. #HLKChicago #HLKExpansion #HLKGrowth

At HLK, MOVES is about building stronger bonds across the agency and uncovering new ideas that move our clients and their brands forward. This year, our tech team brought that spirit to life with the Connections App — a playful experiment that let attendees scan QR codes to uncover surprising facts about their colleagues. What started as a fun way to break the ice became proof of how technology can spark interaction, strengthen connections and inspire future applications for clients. From reimagining networking at events to creating new ways for customers to engage, HLK’s tech team is constantly testing, learning and innovating to move brands forward. Built by Andrew Severs, Megan Hamlin, MSPM, Chris Vuletich, Michael Pringle, Bob Sherron and Jason Yingling Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/ggduq2JJ #HLKMoves #Innovation #AgencyLife

Driving safety doesn’t stop with the individual behind the wheel — it starts with a company’s culture and leadership. Earlier this year, we teamed up with Sentry to flip the script on Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Instead of focusing only on the dangers of distracted driving, we encouraged leaders to build a culture of safety through Sentry’s “Focused Driving Awareness Month” campaign. The campaign reminds business leaders, executives and fleet managers that safety starts with them. When their professional drivers are given the freedom to focus on nothing but the road, it leads to safer outcomes for everyone. With National Truck Driver Appreciation Week here, it is the right moment to connect these ideas. Celebrating truck drivers means more than saying thank you — it means empowering them with safe, distraction-free drives. See how we helped Sentry change the conversation: https://lnkd.in/gBhkQksv   

At HLK, MOVES is more than an internal conference — it’s where we challenge each other to think differently, spark new perspectives and explore ideas that move brands forward. This year, Danielle Magoc, Natalie Boesch and Michael Pringle led Empathy by Design: Experiencing Barriers to Build Inclusive Campaigns, an interactive workshop that put HLKers in the shoes of people navigating permanent and temporary disabilities. From deciphering low-contrast type to moving through spaces blindfolded, each challenge revealed how design decisions — sometimes small, sometimes structural — can either include or exclude audiences. Why does this matter for brands? Because inclusive design isn’t optional. It’s essential. With 1 in 4 U.S. adults experiencing some type of disability and more than 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a significant disability, accessibility is key to building campaigns that resonate, strengthen trust and expand reach. Workshops like this sharpen our skills, deepen our empathy and directly impact how we move clients forward. Because empathy-driven thinking and quality-first design aren’t just good practices — they’re powerful tools for building more meaningful connections. #MOVESThatMatter #HLKMoves

We’re excited to welcome these new faces to HLK! 🌟 Olivia Rindone, Brand Planning Director (CHI) Olivia is a strategist with experience building campaigns for both legacy and challenger CPG brands. She is passionate about unlocking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo and working alongside creative teams. Kyle Weiner, Senior Brand Planner (CHI) Kyle joins HLK with experience in communications, marketing and advertising roles at agencies of all sizes. Most recently, he led brand strategy for the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Caitlin Reitz, Assistant Account Manager (STL) Caitlin is a Mizzou graduate with a degree in journalism and an emphasis in strategic communications. She most recently worked at VML as a campaign specialist and is excited to bring her experience to HLK. Caterina DeSantis, Junior Art Director (CHI) Cat is an Indiana University Bloomington graduate who started her career at Young & Laramore, leading content creation for the Dum-Dums TikTok account. She’s eager to bring her creativity and passion for advertising to the HLK team. Natalie Hale (Turner), Account Manager (Springfield, MO) Natalie returns to HLK after interning with the team in 2021. With four years of account management experience on brands including Imo’s Pizza and Bayer, she’s excited to rejoin HLK from Springfield.

Our HLK Bayer Traits and Channel Seed team was proud to be on the ground at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. From Channel Fest to media hours, national interviews and farmer conversations, the week was full of opportunities to immerse ourselves in our clients’ business. We came away with new insights, stronger connections and a fresh perspective to keep the work moving forward.