What does a 25 year journey of independence look like?
For Venables Bell + Partners, it has meant evolving with intention, navigating change, and holding true to who we are. It has also meant committing to client partnerships grounded in trust and creating work that drives business and earns a place in culture.
In an interview with @campaign_us , our founder Paul Venables speaks to VB+P’s origin story, key milestones, and the partnerships that have shaped VB+P over the years, along with insights for other indie leaders.
Read more at the link in bio 🔗
Our latest @scout_motors spot, “Rivals”, celebrates those who can always find common ground. And sometimes it’s found on an optional front bench between two bitter rivals and their ref. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Max Malkin with @prettybirdpic , and shot in Minneapolis with local hockey players, it’s a rough-and-tumble, black eye wink at modern male bonding.
No actors. No Hollywood sets. No visual effects. And no stunt coordinators. Just real PG&E workers doing their thing on any given day of the week across California. We’re thrilled to roll up sleeves with our old friends at @pacificgasandelectric to celebrate all those who work tirelessly and proudly on the frontlines to deliver safe and reliable energy to millions of Californians across one of the largest and most complex regions in the country. Because on the frontlines, you always have your neighbors back. All 16 million of them.
A special shoutout to our founder, Paul Venables, for hosting and guiding the lineup of discussions at Unfettered. After 25 years of building VB+P, he continues to show what outstanding independent leadership looks like.
Swipe to hear more 👉
Video recordings of the inaugural Unfettered Independent Creative Agency Summit are now live and we’re reliving the magic. 🎥 ✨
Tune in via the link in bio ☝️and be inspired by the voices shaping the future of creativity in our industry.
Award season is here! We’re proud to have our very own Partner & CCO, Will McGinness, lending his creative eye to the Montage category at the 2026 AICP Post Awards! 🎥 #aicpawards @theaicp
THE SAN FRANCISCO WEEK CONVERSATION WITH VENABLES BELL + PARTNERS IS LIVE.
We sat down with founder Paul Venables and CCO Will McGinness to talk about building an agency during the dot-com crash and staying independent ever since.
They break down their leadership philosophy around leaving people better than you found them, how they create a fearless environment for creatives to take risks, and why independence allows them to focus on doing the right thing for clients.
We also get into the work, from long-term brand building with partners like Chipotle to launching new brands from the ground up, and what it feels like to operate inside San Francisco’s creative and tech-driven culture.
If you want to understand how an independent agency sustains optimism, develops talent, and stays relevant across decades, this episode captures it.
This episode was produced in partnership with Venables Bell + Partners.
Watch and listen via the link in the bio.
WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO WEEK: Venables Bell and Partners is our fourth stop.
They launched during the dot-com bubble burst and built one of the city’s most respected independent agencies from the ground up. Nearly 25 years later, they are still fiercely self-owned and rooted in San Francisco.
Inside the office, the philosophy is clear. Do right by people. Stay honest. Be fearless. Independence gives them the freedom to focus on the work and the relationships that last.
There is an extended video on YouTube where Geno and Jack spend time inside the agency, learning how the team leads with optimism, builds confidence in creatives, and stays tenacious in pushing ideas that are right for the brand.
Link is in the comments.
We also have a podcast to unpack what it is like working in advertising in San Francisco and how Venables Bell + Partners has stayed independent for nearly 25 years.
This content was produced in partnership with Venables Bell + Partners.
Join our founder Paul Venables, one of many independent leaders shaping the future of creative agencies at Unfettered. See the full lineup at the link in bio. Register now.
After 25 years running an independent agency, Paul knows this business never stands still.
That belief shaped Unfettered—a working summit created by Venables Bell + Partners alongside The Ad Club of New York / Andy’s Awards, Rick Boyko, and Kempner Communications.
Unfettered is a no-bullshit sanctuary for independent agencies and leaders who believe shared experience matters.
Discover how to build a creatively ambitious business that answers to clients and culture—not quarterly earnings reports.
The summit focuses on what’s actually working right now, creates space for real conversation, and is hosted by people who’ve earned their perspective the hard way.
We knew that in making a competitive piece for Chipotle, we had to do it carefully. “Choices,” our new national spot, is simple and positive, letting the visuals - and the music - do the work and bring viewers behind the scenes of Chipotle’s daily prep. Fresh chopping, hand-mashed avocados, and grilling are set side by side with the frozen, fried shortcuts common in the category. No names named. No voiceover. Just a track with the right swagger and a clear contrast that lands a simple philosophy: real food is better.
We couldn’t be more excited to kick off 2026 with an amazing new client! We’re honored to be named Lead Creative and Strategy Agency for @eatbanza , supporting their next phase of creative storytelling and strategic growth.
