The Summit Group

Founded in 1982 by Bill Paulos, The Summit Group has established itself as Utah’s longest-running independently owned full-service marketing, communications, and advertising agency. Known for its gritty, problem-solving approach and bringing New York City-level talent to Salt Lake City and beyond, The Summit Group serves a diverse range of clients across technology, manufacturing, and e-commerce sectors. The agency excels in marketing strategy, creative services, content development, and distribution development and acquisition, consistently driving engagement, exposure, revenue, and business growth for its clients.

Inside the Enterprise: Who Is The Summit Group?

The Summit Group is renowned its unique blend of local insight and big-city expertise, which has been instrumental in transforming the marketing strategies of its diverse clientele, ranging from burgeoning e-commerce ventures to established manufacturing giants. Forging a path as Utah’s premier marketing and advertising powerhouse, The Summit Group distinguishes itself with a unique blend of creative flair and strategic acumen, adeptly catering to a wide spectrum of industries with bespoke, impactful marketing solutions.

Founder’s Motive: The Why Behind the Sale

Bill Paulos and Todd Wolfenbarger, after decades of nurturing The Summit Group into a sustainable, growth-oriented agency, decided it was time to divest and pursue other interests. They were not looking for just any buyer; they sought an exceptional one who would continue to foster The Summit Group’s growth and success, aiming to close the deal within three to five months.

Founder’s Vision: Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

The owners were intent on finding a buyer with a similar client base, who would value and leverage The Summit Group’s strong leadership team. They wanted a buyer who recognized the agency’s inherent value and potential for growth, and who would appreciate the creativity and passion of their team.

Setting the Stage: Preparing The Summit Group for Acquisition

The Summit Group was well-positioned for a successful exit, with a solid reputation built over forty years and a seasoned management team overseeing daily operations. Boasting an impressive client roster including Microsoft and Amazon, and based in a growing Western city with access to top talent, the agency was ripe for acquisition.

Attracting Suitors: Strategic Marketing of The Summit Group for Acquisition

Understanding the unique value of The Summit Group, the largest acquisition firm for agencies in the US partnered with them to find the right buyer. They conducted a thorough pre-listing valuation, recognizing the agency’s potential for exponential growth, and created compelling marketing materials that showcased the agency’s strengths and specialties.

Sealing the Deal: Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

The perfect buyer for The Summit Group was identified as Naushad Parpia, a successful entrepreneur with a strong background in sales and building startups. His passion for scalable businesses and proven track record made him an ideal fit to propel The Summit Group to new heights of success.

Unlocking Synergies: Positive Impacts Post Summit Group Acquisition

With Naushad at the helm, The Summit Group was poised to enter its next phase of growth, leveraging its strong client base and reputation for delivering results. This partnership promised to maximize the agency’s potential and continue its legacy of exceptional work.

Finding a New Home: The Merge Difference

Merge played a crucial role in this transition, expertly aligning The Summit Group’s needs with a buyer who shared their vision for growth and success. Their strategic guidance and understanding of the agency’s value were key in ensuring a seamless and beneficial acquisition, reflecting their commitment to finding the perfect home for The Summit Group.