About
who we are
DVS is a full-service Marketing & Advertising Agency with a strong focus on Strategy + Innovation.
Our Passionate Perspective & History
The strength of DVS, and what makes us unique, is our passionate perspective and people. We believe that Strategy + Innovation delivered by people with a passion is what makes a successful agency, not just a cool location or the latest equipment. Although we have those too!
Since 1993, starting out in 640 square feet of space in Wyoming, Michigan, we’ve grown exponentially in size, staff, and capabilities. Our successful evolution is the direct result of our ability to listen. Each stage of that evolution was the result of a client saying, “can you do this” or “we have this problem, can you help?” Our answer has always been yes, together we can do that.
Always evolving to satisfy your needs, DVS is a full-service Marketing & Advertising Agency, with a strong focus on Strategy + Innovation and a specialization in small & medium-size businesses.
Our Purpose
To improve people’s lives through better communication and have fun while doing it.
Mission
To help organizations achieve their goals through better communication.
Brand Promise
We create compelling experiences tailored to connect you to your audience.
Our Values
Start by Listening
In order to truly understand each client's unique needs, we start by actively listening. In order to do that we set aside what we think is needed and actually listen to you!
Have a Servant Attitude
We exist to improve other people's lives, and we accomplish our goals by first helping others accomplish theirs.
Go Above & Beyond
We don't leave well enough alone. We continually learn, share, innovate, and deliver above & beyond the norm.
Act with Integrity
We are accountable and do what's right, even when it costs us. Reputation outweighs profit every time.
Be Adaptable
We embrace the ever-changing nature of our chosen business and are agile in our work. No two clients or projects are identical, so our approach, while structured, is ever adaptable.
Take Initiative
Nothing happens without someone stepping up and doing it. We are the doers who make things happen.
Meet the Team
Paul’s an innovator with a cheery disposition, a mind for marketing, and is always up on the latest tech. Need a solution for delivering your message, updated daily, across 48 states, without the internet? Ask Paul. He’s also been DVS’s fearless leader for over 20 years!
Paul E. La Vigne
President & Chief Strategist
Coe is passionate about expressive illustration, modern design, and helping companies tell their brand story. Outside of work he can be found making loud music, enjoying good bourbon, and playing with his daughter Daphne, though not all at the same time.
Coe Lacy
Creative Director
Sarah enjoys creating structure and keeping everyone on schedule. She believes that binge watching Netflix should count as a hobby, and that everyone could benefit from keeping a bullet journal.
Sarah Meier
Operations Manager
With a background in strategic planning, Lyndsie thrives on solving problems, creating goal-driven campaigns, and telling clients’ stories. She is passionate about purposeful communication, and also about finding the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Recipes and recommendations are welcome.
Lyndsie Post
Senior Strategist
If you ever need a bodyguard, give Bob a call. In his spare time, Bob teaches 4 different types of martial arts, attends hacker conventions (for our safety of course), and drives the smoothest car you’ve ever seen.
Bob Tofel
Digital Marketing Specialist
Alex is our resident social butterfly and green thumb. With an affinity for big ideas, small details, and intentional communication, her goal is to help every person, brand, and garden thrive. When she’s not tending her plant jungle or exploring downtown Grand Rapids, you’ll probably find her on her front porch with a cup of coffee.
Alexandra Wagner
Account Manager
As an unashamed bibliophile and word enthusiast, it’s rare to see Mary without a book in her hand. When she’s not exploring local library shelves, you can find her enjoying the capricious Michigan weather with her faithful German Shepherd, Dakota.
Mary Meadows
Content Specialist
An award-winning writer with a penchant for puns, Amy is passionate about sparkling prose and compelling brand stories. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find Amy researching her 130-year-old house, knitting socks, or admiring her cat.
Amy Hinman
Content Specialist
If Phil were a character in Dungeons and Dragons, there’s no doubt he’d be a wizard. Not only is this guy casting spells that make our videos magical, he even has his own secluded cave/office.
Phil Gibson
Senior Video Editor / Colorist
Corey is our photo / video / audio / digital imaging guru and his ability to blend creative & tech is legendary. When he frames a shot, the camera gets chills. Naturally, Corey’s also the most easy-going person in the office.
Corey Bowman
DP & Senior DIT
Jane’s been in the numbers game since she was in high school. She can give you solid advice on nearly any topic and she’s been DVS’s book-balancing backbone for over a decade!
Jane Phillips
Chief Administrative Officer
Don is DVS’s resident dollars, db, and code maestro. He can be pretty intimidating but we know that, underneath that cool exterior, Don’s a chill fellow who loves chocolate cake and a good puzzle.
Don Schaafsma
CFO & Database Wizard
A few of our Partnerships & Certifications
Our staff, and we as an agency, have more certifications than prudent to list here. So here are a few of the key ones.
Google Ads Display
Google Ads Search
Google Ads Shopping
Google Ads Video
Google Analytics
HubSpot Content Marketing
HubSpot Digital Marketing
HubSpot Email Marketing
HubSpot Marketing Software
HubSpot Reporting
HubSpot SEO
HubSpot Social Media Marketing
Our Space
As a marketing and advertising agency, we understand the importance of aesthetics and providing an environment of creativity! Which is why when it comes to our space we go to great extents to make it our own. Overlooking the southend of downtown Grand Rapids, our headquarters is located in a 100+ year old former Steelcase factory. In this building we are surrounded by traditional West Michigan architecture, yet have all the modern technology and innovation at our fingertips.
401 Hall ST SW STE 489
Grand Rapids, MI 49503