The Story

In 1995, Big Communications started small when John Montgomery founded the agency from his downtown loft on Morris Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama. John combined his know-how in the entertainment industry with his experiences in the advertising industry  and built an agency from the ground up that has a reputation for creating big ideas and delivering even bigger results.

From tourism and healthcare to entertainment and retail, Big’s team of 16 employees work together to create marketing, media and public relations campaigns for clients in a wide range of industries.

Most recently, Big added even more to its list of industry experience when Ford Wiles joined as partner and Chief Creative Officer . Having spent over twelve years building brands for companies like The Home Depot, Saks, Captain D’s, Verizon Wireless and Intuit, Ford brings a unique perspective to big thinking.

Big Communications continues to foster the belief that big ideas and creative thinking can, and should, come from every department, Big is proud to be the proof that when you work together and dream big, big things happen.

The next big thing, might just be the idea we create for you.

case histories

  • John Montgomery

    Code name President. John lives in the now and thinks in the next. He’s never met a stranger and has been known to spontaneously ideate during initial introductions. He founded Big in his downtown loft over 14 years ago with one pair of scissors, a fax machine, and a single PMS color. (Pantone 165 a.k.a. look at me orange)

    Ford Wiles

    Somewhere between way too much coffee and not enough sleep is your next big idea, and that is exactly where you’ll find Big’s Chief Creative Officer – dissecting brands, studying consumers and inspiring creativity. He came to Big to consult on one project and wasn’t allowed to leave. Before Big he spent years building brands for the Home Depot, Saks, Verizon, Captain D’s and Intuit to name a few. His free time is spent stealing new ideas from his kids.

    Robin Oliver

    This PR superhero shape shifted from print journalist to Vice President of Public Relations in a single bound. She has a knack for making news in areas spanning from event promotion to corporate PR. When she isn’t busy generating stories for your brand, she’s probably out doing Deacon stuff or goat watching. Don’t ask about the goat thing, it’s rather strange.

    Rachael Wingo

    Counts the beans. Sleeps. Recounts the beans. As Big’s Business Manager Rachael keeps Big in the business of coming up with big ideas. And with kayaking, camping, hiking, volunteerism and a newfound passion for snowboarding ~ she’s also in the business of having fun.

    Donna Brown

    Could you manage the needs of 30 clients, 7 creatives, hundreds of vendors and multiple ‘need-it-now’ account executives? And do it all while drinking decaf coffee? Big’s Creative Services Manager, Donna Brown can and somehow manages to do so with a smile.

    Satina Richardson

    We call her Senior Account Executive. The American Advertising Federation Birmingham calls her Ad Women of the Year. Her clients call her often. When Satina isn't writing marketing manifestos or providing AE therapy to the rest of the Big account team, she's serving on a local charity board or traveling. But don't worry, she still manages to thoroughly evaluate every new reality show, including "Mad Men," which sometimes seems too close to reality.

    Brian Curtin

    The force is strong with this one. This designer, editor, photographer, motion graphic specialist, filmmaker is also our favorite in-house model. He spends his weekends break dancing and making sci-fi action films. How does he get it all done? Two words. Red Bull.

    Libby Sexton

    Meet Big’s resident new media enthusiast. If it has a funny name and is a social network, she’s on it. Twitter, Delicious, Technoroti, Digg, and Plurk just to name a few. When she’s not promoting her PR clients through new media outlets, she’s off line spending time at the lake, cheering on Ole Miss and avoiding spicy foods. She thinks they’re just plain mean to her taste buds.

    Matt Harris

    This preacher's-son-turned-art-director proves that small-town charm and a razor-sharp eye for design are a winning combination. Award- winning, actually. Matt's poster designs have taken home national accolades, and clients love his well-thought-out creations. When he's not here churning out masterpieces, he enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, playing Playstation 3 and hanging out with his soon-to-be wife Shannon.

    Danielle Kimbrough

    She thought she was just coming to Big for a short internship, but that was years ago. We lured Danielle into our world with interesting PR projects and event planning. Because after you’ve coordinated a media event/donut eating contest between circus clowns and local cops, why would you ever want to work somewhere else?

    Sally Baio

    Media Director by day – Rock Star by night. Sally spends all day shredding through spreadsheets for high profile clients such as Nationwide Insurance, managing multiple state media buys, and still has the energy leftover to put on concerts with her band, The Hearts. Sure she can hit a high note, but her true talent is stretching your media dollar.

    Jessica Rosser

    Homegrown. Her no nonsense approach to advertising, smart strategies and grassroots thinking - mixed with that sweet Southern demeanor - cook up a mean media brew. Plus as our resident sports enthusiast, Rosser is the one to confer with for your pics in the NCAA tournament. Just be prepared to split your winnings as a consulting fee.

    Jessika Mejia

    When she’s not designing award winning work for clients, you can find Jessika crafting away. Considering that she can turn tshirts into scarves and newspapers into necklaces, you should see what she can do for your logo.

    Bethany Boulahanis

    This missionary has traveled everywhere from the Philippines to Nicaragua – helping people everywhere she goes. Not to worry, when she is not off saving the world, Bethany is here rescuing us from typos and bland copy.

    Shannon Broom

    With a love for all things mid-century modern and a taste in movies that Netflix describes as "visually striking cerebral films of the 60s," this thrill-seeking art director is anything but ordinary. But that's just one of the reasons we love her. Because when it comes to good taste, Shannon has it. Whether she's throwing a party, crafting your next logo or directing a photo shoot, she makes it fabulous. Every. Single. Time.