Manifest, following its March 2024 acquisition by Aisle Rocket (ARS Advertising), has officially consolidated under a single brand: Manifest. The unified agency aims to redefine growth marketing by focusing on what it calls “the middle journey” — the crucial space between brand building and performance marketing.

The merged entity combines Manifest’s strengths in content strategy, brand journalism, and B2B storytelling with Aisle Rocket’s expertise in digital experience, marketing technology, and creative performance. Together, they’re shaping a model designed for agility, accountability, and full-funnel growth — independent of holding company control.

“Growth stalls in the messy middle — unless you know how to unlock it,” said Melissa Bouma, Partner and Chief Growth Officer. “By designing a multichannel approach built from the middle out, we make every layer — from awareness to conversion — work harder.”

The leadership team includes Ross Shelleman as CEO, Steve Slivka as Chief Experience Officer and Partner, and Bouma as Chief Growth Officer and Partner.

Shelleman emphasized that most consumer engagement happens in this “middle zone,” where education, trial, and trust drive long-term growth — not just clicks. “An addiction to performance media has led to underinvestment in brand,” he said. “The middle is where the most successful brands will win.”

With global ad spend surpassing $1 trillion and brands moving from siloed campaigns to integrated brand ecosystems, Manifest is positioned for scale. Backed by clients like Whirlpool Corporation, Fiserv, CDW, and Primrose Schools, and a strong 2025 pipeline, the agency is setting its sights on helping both legacy and fast-growth brands bridge the gap between purpose and performance.

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