our philosophy

No matter the size of the project, we strive to ensure that our commitment to quality service on ALL projects is never compromised. We approach each meeting, each phone call, every facet of every project on which we work, as if the account's future relationship with VIA Marketing hinges solely on that particular assignment...because it does.

Our organization is driven by service. Everyone rolls up their sleeves, digs in and works to meet the needs of our clients. The lines between owners, managers and staff are very gray. Every attempt is made to treat each person as an equal and respected member of the team and to give people responsibilities instead of tasks. This philosophy allows VIA to be very different and more importantly, it allows all employees to grow.

mission statement

VIA Marketing Inc. is an organization that works as a partner with our clients to help them promote their business. We recommend, design, and coordinate intergrated programs that include all types of advertising, including digital ads, targeted marketing, websites, promotional materials, and public relations with the goal of lead generation.

Business is conducted with ethical and moral integrity, keeping respect and appreciation for our clients and employees in the forefront of our actions.

our history

Created from the beginning as a full-service marketing and advertising agency, Julie Olthoff and a co-worker partnered to start what was then called Accent on Advertising. They began with a home office, an Itek typesetting machine, a copy machine, and a typewriter. Six months later the business moved to a larger space in Merrillville, Indiana and in 1989 moved to a newly constructed space in Marchall Square on Route 30 in Merrillville.

In July 1992, with seven employees on payroll, Julie became sole owner and president of VIA Marketing, Inc. She prepared a blusiness plan, changed the name, and positioned the agency as curator of the intergrated marketing mix. The following year VIA grew 34%.

VIA purchased Carle Communications, a Hammond public relations firm, in 2003 to increase public relations and event planning skills.

In 2011, VIA Marketing acquired Studio1 through a merger. Studio1 was a St. John graphic design company headed by Ryan Thiele. His company brought stronger Internet website design, marketing understanding, digital renderings and architectural sign abilities.