HLK
HLK is a brand agency in St. Louis' Soulard area, independent since 1977 and owned by seven partners, with a second office in Denver. It works in complex, regulated categories such as agriculture, healthcare, energy and finance, delivering branding, campaigns and digital products for clients including Bayer, Ambetter and Marriott. Nobody pays to be ranked.
Why it’s hereNearly 50 years independent, partner-owned, with enterprise agriculture and healthcare accounts such as Bayer and Centene. Number 9 of the marketing agencies in the Midwest.
Who leads itEric Karlovic, Chief Executive Officer.
Work they can showPivot Bio. Named marketing and product brand PR agency of record in June 2025 to lead strategy, creative and demand generation ahead of three product launches in 2026. Sentry. Named brand and media agency of record for the mutual insurance company.
Estimated: $8,000–$25,000/mo, typical for Midwest marketing retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
A fit forAgriculture, healthcare, insurance and financial brands (Bayer, Pivot Bio, Centene, Sentry, Commerce Trust) that want an independent agency of record for brand, media and PR out of St. Louis or Chicago.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MO
- Founded
- 1977
- Led by
- Eric Karlovic, Chief Executive Officer
- Known for
- brand strategy · agriculture · healthcare · digital · campaigns
- Named clients
- Bayer, Channel, Envu, Ambetter, Coinstar, Marriott, Masterbrand, American Cancer Society, Centene
- Best for
- Agriculture, healthcare, insurance and financial brands (Bayer, Pivot Bio, Centene, Sentry, Commerce Trust) that want an independent agency of record for brand, media and PR out of St. Louis or Chicago.
- Selected work
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$25,000/mo, typical for Midwest marketing retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1141 S 7th St · Saint Louis, MO · 63104 · 314-571-6300
Sources hlkagency.com, clutch.co · LinkedIn ↗
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