We Drive
Revenue & Reputation
From ChatGPT to The Wall Street Journal, TikTok to Shopify, Meta to Google – we power the earned, owned, and performance media channels driving influence.
Our Story.
We are the AI-first agency – a digital marketing and PR company engineered to move fast. With 30 years of search leadership, from SEO to AEO (AI Search Optimization) – we’ve built a company designed to build reputation, accelerate growth, and drive revenue across all channels.
$1B
Commerce Driven
$38B
Transactions Represented
70+
Tech Partnerships
#1
Top AI Search Agency
2025
Avenue Z takes the digital marketing and PR industry by storm with the launch of the industry’s first AI Search Optimization (AEO) solution – earning AI Breakthrough Award, Startup of the Year, InnoFire, ThinkAdvisor Luminaries, Money 20/20 RiseUp, and Global Recognition honors and press – with TechCrunch spotlighting leadership in AI optimization.
2026
Avenue Z acquires Shopify Premier Partner Varfaj, adding best-in-class eCommerce design, development and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) to our solution set. The combination creates a true full-funnel growth engine and positions the company at the forefront of agentic commerce.
1998
In 1998, before Google was Google, Jeffrey Herzog founded iCrossing to engineer a way to the top of search results for brands. The company scaled rapidly, acquiring numerous national and international agencies, positioning itself at the center of the digital marketing and SEO industry.
2010
Hearst Corporation acquires Herzog’s global digital marketing firm iCrossing – with 17 offices, $140 million in annual revenue. The deal, valued at ~$450 million, made waves in the marketing industry, marking a new starting point in digital transformation for the media industry.
2018
Herzog’s ZOG Digital was acquired by UK-based Investis Digital in 2018. The high-growth search and content marketing leader, which was founded in 2011, marked international validation of its PR performance model and ushered in a new era of digital influence through social media.
2023
Avenue Z was founded to address the convergence of marketing, AI technology (ChatGPT launched public access in November 2022), PR, and eCommerce. Akin to pioneering SEO in 1998 with Google’s launch, Herzog set out to engineer influence – building reputation, driving revenue, and top answers in AI Search.
2023
Over a span of six months, Avenue Z completed three strategic acquisitions – The Snow Agency, Designzillas, and Bevel PR – rapidly expanding capabilities across digital, commerce, and communications, and accelerating its evolution into a fully integrated, full-funnel growth partner.
2024
Avenue Z featured at the top of PRWeek’s Agency Business Report 2024, spotlighting its foundational growth, strategic acquisitions, and expanding capabilities with the agency’s rapid rise and growing impact on the digital marketing and communications landscape.
2024
Avenue Z forges key partnerships with TikTok Shops and Shopify, becoming a certified TikTok Shops Agency and Shopify Plus Partner. These alliances expand social commerce expertise, deepen platform access, and empower brands to increase revenue, elevate reputation, and engage consumers across discovery-to-purchase experiences.
2025
After engineering its own #1 AI search ranking, Avenue Z launches the industry’s first comprehensive AI Optimization (AIO / AEO) solution – uniting authoritative PR, strategic content and technical optimization to help first-mover brands compete in the new era of search and digital discoverability.
2025
2026
1998
2010
2018
2023
2023
2024
2024
2025
2025
Our Expertise.
AI & Emerging Technology
Precision messaging, thought leadership, and AI-optimized strategies that accelerate revenue, attract capital, and build market-defining reputations.
Finance & Fintech
Positioning to lead with trust, command market confidence, and accelerate adoption through strategic PR, AI optimization, that strengthens reputation and fuels revenue growth.
DTC & Consumer Brands
A full-funnel growth engine – we blend creative, commerce, and performance to accelerate AI-led buying and merchant revenue for DTC / consumer brands.
Revenue.
We Drive Revenue. Revenue is the multiplier. Reputation is the mandate. Influence is the ultimate outcome. Revenue is engineered through performance media, PR, and AI optimization across every channel – finely tuned with CRO and fueled with AI-accelerated content. This is the future of rapid, full-funnel revenue growth.
Reputation.
We Drive Reputation. Reputation is earned through credibility, built through strategic PR, performance media, and AI-optimized content across every channel. It establishes credibility, reduces friction, and strengthens conversion – fueling revenue growth that compounds into sustained influence and enduring market leadership.
Our Leadership.
Jeffrey Herzog
CEO
Whitney Hart
Chief Strategy Officer
Jon Snow
Chief Innovation Officer
David Corchado
Chief Technology Officer
David Conforti
Chief Growth Officer
Thomas Stern
Chief Revenue Officer
Rachael Zahn
Chief Brand Officer
Brett Higginbotham
Senior VP, Finance
Lisette Ortiz
VP, People
Bristol Jones
VP, PR, Head of Miami
Libbie Wilcox
VP, PR, Head of New York
Alex Zamora
VP, Growth
Dianna Gatto
Group Vice President
Tina Fleming
VP, AI Strategy
James Antonucci
Senior Director, Performance Strategy
Alita Giacone
Director, Pursuits
Nick Osler
Director, Marketing Technology
Melena Gurganus
Director, AEO
Serge Wheaton
Creative Director
Maddie Miranda
Director, Client Services
Cameron Beardmore
Director, Performance Operations
Spencer Tait
Associate Director, PR
Annie Zeigler
Associate Director, PR
Amir Eldick
Assoc. Director, Paid Search
Sarah Chung
Senior Associate, PR
Andrea Rodriguez
Associate Director, LATAM Lead
Kate Murphy
Senior Associate, PR
Tamar Terell
Editorial Director
Our team in the Press.
How to Go Viral: Building an Affiliate Influencer Army
Convergence Marketing: Balancing Automation With Human Relationships with David Corchado
David Corchado on AI and Strategic Innovation: AItech365 Interview
Forbes tests prediction platform as engagement strategies move past search
Shopify (NASDAQ:SHOP) Stock Price Up 8.4% – What’s Next?
Pro Rata Premium: First Look
Digital media company acquires e-commerce developer
Avenue Z Acquires Varfaj, Creating a Full-Funnel Shopify Growth Engine for DTC Brands
20 Ways B2B Salespeople Can Still Assist Self-Serve Buyers
AppLovin Is Suddenly Surging. Is It Sustainable?
Below the Radar: How a Former U.S. Air Force Orthodontist Is Architecting Influence in the AI Era
Avenue Z Expands NYC Office to Match Strategic Communications & AI Optimization Demand
AppLovin’s Ad Product Growing Fast, Taking Market Share
Ecwid Vs. Shopify 2025 Comparison
Back to School Collab: Chipotle and Urban Outfitters
Bringing On A Business Partner? 20 Considerations Before Committing
5 Top Agencies Providing GEO Audits to Boost Your AI Search Visibility
From Visibility to Influence: Why Website Optimization is the New Brand Equity
Avenue Z’s CMO Named to Orlando Business Journal’s Most Influential Leaders Class of 2025
Want to Be Found in AI Search? Focus Where AI Looks with Johnny Hughes
Avenue Z Named Top South Florida Public Relations Firm in 2025
New Research Reveals Top 100 Fintech Brands Ranking in AI Search
Avenue Z Receives 2025 Global Recognition Award for Demonstrating World-Class Achievement
Avenue Z Wins 2025 AI Breakthrough Award for AI Search Optimization Solution
Avenue Z Announces Strategic Promotions Fueling Next Phase of Rapid Growth
AI at Cannes Lions 2025: From Hype to Hands-On with Whitney Hart
How AI is Influencing Advertising with Jonathan Snow
Leadership Isn’t What It Used to Be (And That’s a Good Thing) with Jonathan Snow
Why Your B2B Sales Pipeline Needs AI Optimization Now with Jeffrey Herzog
Avenue Z Wins Business of the Year H. Wayne Huizenga Startup Award
Why AI Agents Are Already Rewriting Your eCommerce Brand Strategy with Jonathan Snow
How to Successfully Deliver Bad News to Stakeholders with Nneka Etoniru
Owning the Narrative: How Businesses Can Adapt to the New Media Era with Jeffrey Herzog
DeepSeek’s Security Risks: What Business Leaders Need to Know with Johnny Hughes
Avenue Z Featured in TechCrunch: Leading the Charge in AI Optimization
Mastering Your Next Media Interview: 18 Tips for Success
Legacy Media Isn’t Dead, It’s Ready for Repositioning with Jeffrey Herzog
AI Slop is Everywhere We Look — Here’s How Businesses Can Avoid the AI Slop Cycle with Johnny Hughes
Breaking the Pinkwashing Cycle with Nneka Etoniru
Digital media company more than triples Miami office space
Why Every Brand Needs an Influencer Strategy with Johnny Hughes
How Leaders Can Align Competing Board Interests with Jeffrey Herzog
The Fine Line Interview with Nneka Etoniru
How Social Commerce Data Can Transform Brand Strategies with David Corchado
How to Win Black Friday \ \ and Cyber Monday This \ \ Year with AI
11 Brand Strategies to Ensure Product and Service Quality Control
TikTok: It’s Time To Be On It. Learn How with Jonathan Snow
How to Go Viral: Building an Affiliate Influencer Army
Convergence Marketing: Balancing Automation With Human Relationships with David Corchado
David Corchado on AI and Strategic Innovation: AItech365 Interview
Forbes tests prediction platform as engagement strategies move past search
Shopify (NASDAQ:SHOP) Stock Price Up 8.4% – What’s Next?
Pro Rata Premium: First Look
Digital media company acquires e-commerce developer
Avenue Z Acquires Varfaj, Creating a Full-Funnel Shopify Growth Engine for DTC Brands
20 Ways B2B Salespeople Can Still Assist Self-Serve Buyers
AppLovin Is Suddenly Surging. Is It Sustainable?
Below the Radar: How a Former U.S. Air Force Orthodontist Is Architecting Influence in the AI Era
Avenue Z Expands NYC Office to Match Strategic Communications & AI Optimization Demand
AppLovin’s Ad Product Growing Fast, Taking Market Share
Ecwid Vs. Shopify 2025 Comparison
Back to School Collab: Chipotle and Urban Outfitters
Bringing On A Business Partner? 20 Considerations Before Committing
5 Top Agencies Providing GEO Audits to Boost Your AI Search Visibility
From Visibility to Influence: Why Website Optimization is the New Brand Equity
Avenue Z’s CMO Named to Orlando Business Journal’s Most Influential Leaders Class of 2025
Want to Be Found in AI Search? Focus Where AI Looks with Johnny Hughes
Avenue Z Named Top South Florida Public Relations Firm in 2025
New Research Reveals Top 100 Fintech Brands Ranking in AI Search
Avenue Z Receives 2025 Global Recognition Award for Demonstrating World-Class Achievement
Avenue Z Wins 2025 AI Breakthrough Award for AI Search Optimization Solution
Avenue Z Announces Strategic Promotions Fueling Next Phase of Rapid Growth
AI at Cannes Lions 2025: From Hype to Hands-On with Whitney Hart
How AI is Influencing Advertising with Jonathan Snow
Leadership Isn’t What It Used to Be (And That’s a Good Thing) with Jonathan Snow
Why Your B2B Sales Pipeline Needs AI Optimization Now with Jeffrey Herzog
Avenue Z Wins Business of the Year H. Wayne Huizenga Startup Award
Why AI Agents Are Already Rewriting Your eCommerce Brand Strategy with Jonathan Snow
How to Successfully Deliver Bad News to Stakeholders with Nneka Etoniru
Owning the Narrative: How Businesses Can Adapt to the New Media Era with Jeffrey Herzog
DeepSeek’s Security Risks: What Business Leaders Need to Know with Johnny Hughes
Avenue Z Featured in TechCrunch: Leading the Charge in AI Optimization
Mastering Your Next Media Interview: 18 Tips for Success
AI Slop is Everywhere We Look — Here’s How Businesses Can Avoid the AI Slop Cycle with Johnny Hughes
Breaking the Pinkwashing Cycle with Nneka Etoniru
The Fine Line Interview with Nneka Etoniru
TikTok: It’s Time To Be On It. Learn How with Jonathan Snow
How to Go Viral: Building an Affiliate Influencer Army
Convergence Marketing: Balancing Automation With Human Relationships with David Corchado
David Corchado on AI and Strategic Innovation: AItech365 Interview
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