Our Why
Guiding Brands with Purpose and Precision
Our Story
From Vision to Reality
Compass was founded with the goal of taking businesses through the complete marketing process: from start to finish. Our journey began with a simple idea: to be the compass that guides businesses through the complexities of marketing and advertising. Today, we continue to partner with businesses and organizations to build innovative, results-driven marketing strategies that amplify their brand, engage their audience, and drive measurable success.
Our Why
We believe that when businesses understand and own their story, they create meaningful connections that move people and communities forward.
That’s why we exist: to help brands find clarity, confidence, and creative expression through strategic marketing that’s grounded in purpose.
Our Mission
We empower organizations with strategy-first, purpose-driven marketing, bringing clarity to their message, consistency to their presence, and a focus on executing bold ideas that deliver real, measurable results.
Define. Design. Deliver
The Journey
Compass Marketing & Advertising Partners was created to guide businesses through the entire marketing process from start to finish – DEFINE, DESIGN, DELIVER.
The Marketing Journey
It all begins with a Discovery Session. From there, we work alongside you to DEFINE a strategic plan of action. Once the direction is clear, we DESIGN your story and showcase your products or services with intention and creativity. Then we DELIVER your message to the right audience, through the most effective channels.
After launch, we celebrate wins, evaluate results, and begin mapping the next opportunity.
We understand that every business is at a different point in their marketing journey. Whether you need help clarifying your strategy, a partner to manage media buys, or simply a standout billboard design. We meet you where you are and move you forward.
We are your Compass, we create your unique map and support all aspects of your marketing, across any platform, in any medium.
Define
We help you create your strategic goals, build your communication plan and DEFINE your campaign tactics.
Design
We DESIGN your brand and tell your story, creating a message your customers will react to.
Deliver
We DELIVER your message to customers through targeted and effective advertising channels – from traditional to online.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Positive Work Ethic
We bring dedicated energy and optimism to every project.
At Compass, work ethic means showing up with intention, consistency and care. We value hard work, follow-through and doing what we say we’re going to do. Our team is committed to meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations and contributing joyfully at every stage of the “Define, Design, Deliver” journey.
We’re not afraid to dig in and do the work, and we do it together, with pride, purpose and joy.
Communication
We foster clarity, collaboration and confidence through transparent dialogue.
Clear communication is our compass, guiding everything from discovery sessions to campaign launches and performance reporting. It keeps our team and clients aligned, informed and confident in the process. We build in regularly scheduled check-ins to create space for clarity, encourage accountability and maintain forward momentum.
Because to us, communication is how we build trust, solve problems and keep great ideas moving.
Boldness
We bring fresh thinking, strong creative and confident direction.
At Compass, boldness is smart, strategic and brand-aligned. We aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions, push creative boundaries or propose ideas that help our clients stand out in crowded markets. Boldness shows up in the courage to suggest what will work, not just what’s expected.
We help brands find their voice, and then use it confidently and consistently across every channel.
Curiosity
We ask better questions to uncover what truly matters.
We dig deep to understand your audience, your goals, and your challenges, asking “why” until we reach the insights that drive purposeful strategy. Our curiosity fuels layered thinking, reveals hidden opportunities and keeps our work grounded in meaning, not just trends.
It’s how we DEFINE before we design or deliver, and how we ensure every move has intention behind it.
Integrity & Trust
We honor our commitments and act with transparency.
Compass builds credibility by showing up consistently, working collaboratively and owning the results. Trust is intentionally earned.
We don’t just deliver marketing. We partner with you to build strategy rooted in who you are and where you’re going. That partnership often requires trust, vulnerability and openness. We take that responsibility seriously, treating your goals, your brand and your business insights with the highest level of confidentiality and care.
2026
- GOLD MEDAL for Consumer Campaign Regional/National
Title: Tiger Trails at the Topeka Zoo
Client: Topeka Zoo
Designer: Jennifer Goetz
- GOLD MEDAL for Branded Content & Entertainment for Online Film, Video & Sound
Title: Jayhawk Theatre Fundraising Video
Client: Jayhawk Theatre
Designer: Jeff Carson & Jennifer Goetz
- GOLD MEDAL for Voiceover Talent
Title: The Voice of the Jayhawk Theatre
Client: Jayhawk Theatre
Designer: Jennifer Goetz
- GOLD MEDAL & JUDGE’S CITATION
for Still Photography
Title: Envista Black – Better Together
Client: Envista Credit Union
Designer: John Burns
- GOLD MEDAL for Online/Interactive Campaign
Title: Envista Black – Built for Bold
Client: Envista Credit Union
Designer: John Burns
- SILVER MEDAL for Internet Commercial
Title: Envista Black – Hype Campaign
Client: Envista Credit Union
Designer: John Burns
- SILVER MEDAL for Still Photography
Title: Envista Black – The World is Yours
Client: Envista Credit Union
Designer: John Burns
- SILVER MEDAL & JUDGE’S CITATION for Websites / Microsites
Title: Zoo Lights 2025 Microsite
Client: Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
Designer: Carol Gallmeyer
- SILVER MEDAL for Internet Commercial
Title: Your GreatLIFE Starts Here
Client: GreatLIFE Topeka
Designer: John Burns, Christina Noland
- MOSAIC AWARD for Public Service Campaign
Title: Confidence in Every Smile Campaign
Client: Pathways to Oral Health
Designer: Jeff Carson, Christina Noland
- VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Christina Noland was honored with the Carolyn Terhune Volunteer of the Year award by the Topeka AdFed Board for outstanding volunteer service to the club.
2025
SILVER MEDAL for Integrated Brand Identity Campaign
Title: PARS Brand Identity Kit
Client: PARS Topeka
Designer: Christina Noland
SILVER MEDAL for Photography Campaign
Title: Roar & Pour Campaign Portraits
Client: Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
Photographer: Jennifer Goetz
SILVER MEDAL for Videography Campaign
Title: Relaxing Getaway to Kansas Parks
Client: Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
Videographer: John Burns
Scriptwriter: Tim Kolling
2024
- GOLD AWARD
Tara Dimick was honored with the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) by Washburn University. This award honors recent Washburn graduates who demonstrate leadership in career or civic endeavors and loyalty to Washburn.
- RISING STAR AWARD
Jennifer Goetz was honored with the Rising Star Award by Leadership Greater Topeka. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to the community.
