Mod Op, a full-service digital marketing agency known for combining creativity, data science, and innovation to drive client growth, has acquired Ascend Marketing, a tech-enabled marketing services firm specializing in account-based marketing (ABM), marketing automation, and advanced data-driven customer experiences.

The acquisition strengthens Mod Op’s end-to-end B2B marketing framework, enabling clients to unify strategy, creative execution, automation, and analytics under a single partner.

Enhancing Data-Driven Marketing and Customer Engagement

“Brands increasingly demand marketing that connects strategy, creative execution, and automation,” said Eric J. Bertrand, CEO of Mod Op. “Ascend’s expertise allows us to deliver measurable, end-to-end growth and helps innovative companies move faster from insight to impact.”

Ascend Marketing brings a proven methodology that blends journey mapping, intent data, automation, and ongoing optimization to improve lead quality, accelerate pipeline velocity, and nurture customer relationships. Long-term clients include Verizon, Nokia, and RingCentral, with services spanning:

• Customer and prospect experience strategy – Personalized marketing journeys that enhance engagement.

• Data, architecture, and analytics – Advanced data enablement and insights for revenue impact.

• Marketing automation – Implementation and optimization of platforms like HubSpot and Adobe Marketo Engage.

• Account-based marketing (ABM) and demand generation – Targeted programs that accelerate pipeline and revenue growth.

As a SOC 2-certified partner, Ascend ensures high standards of data security and compliance, critical for enterprise clients managing sensitive CRM and customer information.

Leadership and Strategic Alignment

Following the acquisition, Ascend executives join Mod Op’s leadership team. Laura Stevenson becomes Executive Vice President, and Rich Herbst, founder of Ascend Marketing, assumes the role of EVP, Client Solutions. Both emphasize the shared vision of connecting strategy, execution, and data to drive measurable outcomes for B2B clients.

“Mod Op shares our vision for using data and automation to deliver better results, and joining forces lets us scale our impact,” said Herbst.

Part of Mod Op’s Growth Strategy

The acquisition builds on Mod Op’s prior expansion moves, including purchases of Image Media, Evans Hunt, LAM Design, RTO+P, Crenshaw Communications, and Context Creative, reinforcing its full-service, future-ready agency model. With offices across North America and Panama, Mod Op serves clients like Nestlé, Duracell, ExxonMobil, VTech®, LeapFrog®, DoubleVerify, and Baha Mar.

Together, Mod Op and Ascend aim to provide B2B brands a unified marketing ecosystem, covering every touchpoint from first engagement to renewal and expansion.

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