The ongoing evolution of DAC

For 50+ years, we’ve delivered powerful outcomes by connecting brands with their audiences, no matter where they are.

Our heritage in digital

The world has changed since we first opened our doors as a print directory advertiser. Since then, we’ve successfully navigated countless changes—some subtle, many fundamental—to become one of the world’s leading full-funnel media agencies. Yet our goals and values remain the same: We still invest in our people, approach complex challenges with fresh thinking, and connect brands with local audiences to drive powerful outcomes.

Founded in 1972, DAC became a leader in directory advertising, particularly in the Yellow Pages. We grew into one of North America’s largest directory agencies by developing innovative solutions to connect businesses with customers through strategic placements in printed directories.

As the internet transformed consumer behavior, DAC expanded across North America and began shifting from traditional directory advertising to online directories and search engines. This period laid the foundation for our digital evolution and set the stage for our transition to a digital media agency.

We led our clients through digital transformation, investing in our skills and expanding our services to include SEO, paid search, and content strategy. Our expertise in performance media, fueled by proprietary local landing page technology, established DAC as a digital leader. This decade also marked the beginning of our Brand-to-Local approach, which has become a cornerstone of our media and marketing strategies.

With eight offices across North America and the UK, DAC was recognised by Forrester as one of the world’s most significant performance marketing agencies. We continued to innovate, launching proprietary platforms like TransparenSEE, which solidified our leadership in local presence management and enabled us to deliver measurable success for our clients.

Now with 12 offices across Canada, the US, and Europe, DAC has grown into a 600-strong team of award-winning calibre, including Marketing Agency of the Year and Integrated Agency of the Year at the 2023 US Agency Awards. As AI enablers, we are harnessing the power of machine learning across our technologies and processes. Our latest AI-powered operating system, IRIS, leverages our proven Brand-to-Local approach to deliver powerful outcomes for brands around the globe—and continues the journey we first started more than 50 years ago.
A word from our CEO

A word from our CEO

Our services and platforms are unique, but it’s our people that truly set DAC apart.

 

We hire the brightest minds and invest in them. We give them the support and freedom to do what they do best. And we celebrate their success as they drive growth, delight clients, and transform their future—and ours.

 

Norm Hagarty CEO and Managing Partner

Our blueprint
for brilliance

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm

We rise to each challenge with contagious enthusiasm that drives us to excel.

Execution

Execution

We execute with excellence to drive performance and achieve meaningful results.

Curiosity

Curiosity

We continually expand our knowledge, fueled by an insatiable curiosity.

Courage

Courage

We propose original solutions to perplexing problems with unwavering courage.

We’re all about building and growing relationships

200

client partnersfor over 50 years

200

awards and accoladesover 50 years

200

employeesthat have been with DAC for 5+ years

nogif nogif
nogif

The faces of DAC

Our team has cultivated a culture where curiosity sparks innovation, courage pushes boundaries, and enthusiasm fuels daily achievements. It’s this dynamic mix that keeps DAC moving forward, delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients day in and day out.

Where differences make us stronger

Where differences make us stronger

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) fosters a workspace where everyone belongs and every voice is valued. By embracing different perspectives and experiences, we deliver stronger results for our clients. At DAC, bringing your whole self to work isn’t just welcomed—it’s what drives our success.