Independent list · re-checked September 28, 2026 · published by Primortul LLC

BarkleyOKRP

BarkleyOKRP is an independent advertising agency formed in 2024 when Kansas City's Barkley (founded 1964) merged with Chicago's OKRP. It has more than 600 staff, an in-house production unit called The Bananary and a media arm, MissionOne Media, with $1.1 billion in billings. The agency is a certified B Corp and describes itself as holding-company free. Nobody pays to be ranked.

Why it’s hereThe largest independent agency in Kansas City, with 600-plus staff, $1.1 billion in media billings and national accounts such as Burger King and Macy's. Number 9 of the advertising agencies in the Midwest.

Who leads itKaty Hornaday, CEO.

Work they can showBurger King. Ran the Million Dollar Whopper promotion, an AI-assisted contest where fans designed their own Whopper for a $1 million prize. Red Lobster. Built a comeback campaign fronted by the chain's CEO, which the agency describes as Red Lobster's biggest launch ever. Frontier Airlines. Created the brand campaign built around a 30-year-old customer promise.

Estimated cost

Estimated: $8,000–$30,000/mo, typical for Midwest advertising retainers; not a quote.

Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.

A fit forNational consumer brands in restaurants, retail and travel that want an independent agency of 600+ people handling creative, media buying and production under one roof.

barkleyokrp.com ↗Get matched — free, no obligation
Based in
Kansas City, MO
Founded
1964
Team size
500+ people
Led by
Katy Hornaday, CEO
Known for
integrated campaigns · media · brand strategy · restaurant and retail · in-house production
Named clients
Burger King, Macy's, Frontier Airlines, Red Lobster, Smoothie King, Jiffy Lube, Planet Fitness, Dairy Queen
Best for
National consumer brands in restaurants, retail and travel that want an independent agency of 600+ people handling creative, media buying and production under one roof.
Selected work
  • Burger King. Ran the Million Dollar Whopper promotion, an AI-assisted contest where fans designed their own Whopper for a $1 million prize. source ↗
  • Red Lobster. Built a comeback campaign fronted by the chain's CEO, which the agency describes as Red Lobster's biggest launch ever. source ↗
  • Frontier Airlines. Created the brand campaign built around a 30-year-old customer promise. source ↗
Recognition
Estimated cost

Estimated: $8,000–$30,000/mo, typical for Midwest advertising retainers; not a quote.

Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.

Office
1740 Main Street · Kansas City, MO · 64108 · +1 816 842 1500
BarkleyOKRP homepage, captured September 28, 2026
barkleyokrp.com · homepage on September 28, 2026

Sources barkleyokrp.com, en.wikipedia.org, adage.com · LinkedIn ↗

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