Tampa marketing company merges with Orlando video production firm

Roger West Creative and Code, a Tampa-based marketing agency, has merged with Digital Brew, an Orlando-based video production firm, both companies say in a Wednesday announcement.

The two firms now form a holding company named Roger and James, with the older brands remaining. Together, the two companies have 45 employees in Tampa and Orlando offices, and more than 150 clients throughout the U.S., the new company says. Financial terms of the merger weren't disclosed. 

The merger is a result of a 10-year partnership between Roger West Creative and Digital Brew, one that has included numerous shared projects and clients, company officials say.

Founded in 2007, Roger West Creative is a three-time member of the Inc. 5000. The company says it is most proud of five consecutive designations as a "best place to work."

Founded in 2011, Digital Brew of Orlando is a video-production company that specializes in storytelling through live action video and 2D or 3D animated content. A 20-time Emmy-winning company, Digital Brew says it prides itself on its filmmakers, designers and animators making complicated topics easy to understand.

Michael Westafer, the founder and CEO of Roger West Creative, has been named CEO of Roger and James.

Digital Brew founder and CEO Michael Cardwell will be president.

The video content that Digital Brew produces, from animated explainers to live-action, is in high demand "as a key strategy to connect with audiences, attract talent, build brand awareness and drive sales," company officials say.

Clients have a single source for brand development, lead generation and production services, say Roger and James, and the integration will benefit clients.

"By joining forces, we're able to offer cost efficiencies to clients while delivering top marketing services and video production," says CEO Michael Westafer in the statement. "We'll provide clients with the latest marketing strategies, all under one roof and with a unified approach to meeting their goals."

Michael Cardwell, president of Roger and James, says clients will see a return on marketing investments from the merger, and they will see results from campaigns and strategies.

The company has plans to integrate teams, service delivery and operational management in 2024.