A Look at Some of Our Favorite Ad Campaigns and Why They Worked

Spoiler: A great campaign isn’t just loud—it’s smart.

At KMK Media, we love a good campaign. The kind that turns heads, starts conversations, and, most importantly, gets results. Whether it’s on a billboard, a TV screen, or your social feed, a well-executed campaign is part strategy, part creativity, and a whole lot of teamwork.

Over the years, we’ve helped launch some pretty cool campaigns—from animated TV spots to state-wide volunteer recruitment pushes—and we’ve learned a thing or two about what works (and what just makes noise).

So, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing a few of our favorites; why we loved working on them and what made them perform like pros.

The Four Rivers Sanitation Authority “Your Bill is Changing” Campaign

The Challenge: Let people across Northern Illinois know that their wastewater bills are switching from quarterly to monthly, without anyone panicking.

The KMK Solution: We created a bright, fun, animated TV commercial that explained the change in plain language with cheerful visuals and a lighthearted tone. Think upbeat, not boring.  We also used a version of the TV spot in social media ads.

Why It Worked: Utility billing isn’t the sexiest topic, but this spot made it approachable, clear, and even a little entertaining. That’s a win in our book and FRSA’s too, thanks to fewer confused calls and a better-informed public.

Medical Reserve Corps of Illinois “Call for Volunteers” Campaign

The Challenge: Recruit medical and non-medical volunteers across the entire state of Illinois. No big deal, right?

The KMK Solution: We leaned into bold, hopeful visuals; photos of real volunteers in action, vibrant colors, and crisp messaging that made people feel the impact they could make and we complimented it with a strategically placed ad campaign.

Why It Worked: It gave people a reason to click, apply, and help. The visuals and messaging worked together to make volunteering feel meaningful and accessible and it led to a noticeable uptick in sign-ups statewide.

Pearson Plumbing & Heating “The Pearson Guys” TV + Digital Ads

The Challenge: Differentiate Northern Illinois plumbing and HVAC company in a sea of similar-sounding competitors.

The KMK Solution: Enter The Pearson Guys, a quirky, memorable crew featured in TV spots, digital ads, and social media. The visuals were sharp, the lines were punchy, and the tone? Unmistakably Pearson.

Why It Worked: People remember the ads. And when your pipes burst or your AC dies in July, that top-of-mind brand recall is exactly what you want. The Pearson Guys became local legends—and Pearson became the first call.

 Rockford’s IRONMAN 70.3 “Race Ready” PR Campaign

The Challenge: Help the Rockford region shine on a national stage by supporting the launch of its first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 race.

The KMK Solution: While we weren’t in charge of cheering at the finish line, we made plenty of noise behind the scenes with a strategic public relations campaign. We crafted media pitches, press releases, and prepped the region to show off its best side.

Why It Worked: The buzz was real. Local and statewide news outlets picked up the stories, spectators knew where to be and when, and Rockford looked race-ready. Design doesn’t always mean visuals; sometimes, it’s about designing the right message at the right time.

So, What’s the Secret Sauce?

A great campaign isn’t just about looking good or sounding clever, it’s about connecting the dots between your message, your audience, and your goals. Whether it’s an eye-catching ad, a media blitz, or a video that gets people talking, successful campaigns are rooted in strategy, creativity, and a clear purpose.

At KMK, we don’t just launch campaigns, we build them to work. If you’re looking to boost visibility, drive action, or simply tell your story better, we’re here to help you make some noise (the good kind).

Let’s create a campaign people won’t forget.