We are often taught that first impressions and image is very important, but to Russell and Kathy Bynum image is everything. For 30 years the husband wife team through their company Bynums Marketing and Communications, Inc. has been assisting businesses, corporations and non-profits of all sizes develop a positive image.
They help their clients build strong brands at the community, regional, and national levels. Assisting companies across numerous industries, their clients range from banking and healthcare entities to clothing and aviation corporations.
A sample of their clients consist of their first; Nu/Hart Hair Clinics who still utilizes the logo they created, the former Sheridan Broadcasting Company, First Niagara Bank (formerly National City, Integra and Union National Banks), the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cornerstone Television, The U.S. Small Business Administration, the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, U.S. Steel, Highmark, Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc., Three Rivers Youth, the Women’s Walk for Peace, the POISE Foundation, Macedonia Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church, Brown Chapel Church and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Currently located downtown Pittsburgh at One Oxford Center, the business was started as an idea when Russell was working at a small ad agency and design studio. Bynums Advertising Service operated as a home based business providing graphic design and copywriting services. Later incorporated as Bynums Marketing and Communications, Inc. they now operate as a full service, African American owned firm.
In addition to creating a positive image, Kathy, vice president, identifies Bynums as providing marketing and communications services that help businesses and organizations increase their sales, market share, and increase awareness. Their services include marketing research, marketing planning, branding, audience development, advertising, public relations, crisis management, specialty items, website design and ethnic and African American marketing. Their motto is; Release the Power of Creativity.
“We are grateful for our success over the years,” said Russell with Kathy shaking her head in agreement. With the industry changing so drastically over the years they explain that they have kept up by taking classes, continuously reading to stay on track of trends, brainstorming with the staff and always trying to think outside of the box.They also pointed out that their daughter Crystal worked with them for eight years and still works on certain projects. She has her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and undergraduate degree in Communications both from Geneva College. The Bynum’s youngest daughter Anita, a Duquesne University student majoring in music education also helps out at times.
“Even though some of the mechanics of the industry is being changed by the infusion of technology, I still like to draw and come up with creative ideas,” said Russell, president and Creative Director of the business. “Computer driven designs are ok, but originality comes from creative thinking.” His responsibilities as president include overseeing branding and design work, coordinating creative services, and assisting clients with crisis public relations. “With over 35 years of experience, Russell is known for infusing established companies with new, profit-generating ideas and helping new organizations emerge successfully,” said Kathy.
Russell is a graduate of La Roche College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design. He is Chairman of FLM-Haiti serves on boards including the African American Council on the Arts, Daniel’s Den and the Pittsburgh Advertising Federation.
After 30 years of operating their business, the Bynums say that their goal has always been to encourage more racial diversity in advertising, graphic design, and related industries. “We started this business because we saw a need for Black advertising businesses in this area like there were in other cities,” said Russell. “In 1985 the only Black in the industry that I was aware of was Walt Simms. He was my role model.”
Russell pointed out that even today there is a need for more agencies like his in this region for numerous reasons. “If there were more minority owned advertising, graphic design, and related businesses there would be more opportunities for employment.” He said there would be additional venues for larger businesses to reach the minority community as well as more businesses for majority corporations to do business with.
For people thinking to start a business in any industry Russell advises them to have a mentor in their field. “I have always worked with an advisor who can relate to what I am going through,” he said noting that experience is the best teacher.
“It is important that Blacks go into businesses of all areas,” said Russell. “The more businesses we own the more opportunities can be provided and doors can be opened. We can create more hiring and buying power.”
Agreeing with her husband, Kathy said that throughout the years they have employed up to15 full time and part time employees plus freelancers. “We have also utilized independent contractors and freelancers for various contracts and projects. The people we use include designers, printers, writers, photographers, research assistants, event help, visual artists, event designers, lighting designers, musicians, voice over talent, actors, poets and singers.”
As vice president, Kathy is responsible for branding, marketing planning, idea development, and writing. She is a songwriter and pianist and has written numerous songs for community plays. She is a graduate of Duquesne University with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
The Bynums are longtime and active members of Brown Chapel AME Church.
To celebrate their 30th anniversary year, the Bynums are planning a variety of activities which will include a free brainstorming session and cake celebration for a select group of businesses. A “FUNraiser” to benefit Bynums’ Creative Scholarship Fund is also planned. The will be managed by the POISE Foundation.
