60 is the new 30!

Davis Newman Payne Marketing Communications has been cooking up marketing magic since the day Harry Truman was President and first said "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"

Was he in the kitchen when he said this? We're not sure. But we are certain that for the past 60 years DNP has been helping our clients' brands—and revenues—sizzle. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, DNP has delivered brand-building marketing strategies, world-class customer service and breakthrough creative solutions for our clients across the country. And we'd love to cook up the same for you today!

DNP: The 1950's

The 1950's-Get this party started!

Founded by Charlie Davis, Sam Newman and John Payne in 1950, DNP opened its first office in the Fidelity Bank Building on Gay Street in Knoxville, Tennessee. The agency has grown from that trio to a staff of over 20 in a 24,000 square-foot office space with television production and recording studios. Over the years, DNP has worked with many household names and clients across the country. While so much has changed since DNP opened its doors, one thing hasn’t. DNP is still the agency for Home Federal Bank, our very first customer. 60 years and counting…

DNP: The 1960's

The 1960's-The Age of Adquarius

If you’re a fan of Mad Men, then you have a pretty good idea of what agency life at DNP was like in the 60s. Award-winning work done without a computer. Presentations done without Power Point. And major accounts landed over a Scotch and a Cigar.

DNP continued its steady growth this decade under local advertising legend, Bob McCabe. (Bob was so legendary the local ADDY club named an award after him). DNP also continued to do regionally recognized work for Home Federal Bank and laid the groundwork to become the agency of record for Kern’s Bread — an account that would totally change the landscape of the agency forever.

DNP: The 1970's

The 1970's-Disco Dies and DNP Thrives

The 1970s were a great decade for DNP. For starters, in 1972 our President and CEO Victor “Buddy” McLean joined the agency. The 70s were also the years that DNP created the memorable “Cheeper Dealer” ad campaigns for Reeder Chevrolet. DNP also became heavily involved in tourism advertising, introducing the Park Vista Resort on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

DNP: The 1980's

The 1980's-What is this “computer” you speak of?

The 80s marked the era of parachute pants and personal computers. At least one of those things changed everything about how our agency did work. And DNP did some serious work this decade. Highlights included marketing programs for: Ober Gatlinburg, Sheraton resort, State of Tennessee Tourism, Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, the 1982 World’s Fair and Gatlinburg Place IMAX Theater. In the mid-80s we developed and implemented a program for the State of Mississippi Economic Development Group in association with Coca-Cola. And we signed on some of East Tennessee’s biggest brands, including Food City, Mayfield Dairy, and Children’s Hospital, to name a few.

DNP: The 1990's

The 1990's-Making a Splash

This decade marked a time of steady growth with our agency. One of the main reasons was our growing presence within the marine industry. We worked with some of the boating industry’s biggest names, including Sea Ray and Boston Whaler, whom we still work with today.

DNP: The 2000's

The 2000's-Marketing to Millenials

60 years after we first opened our doors, DNP continues to evolve. We are blending tried and true marketing principals with innovative digital approaches. Major events that take place exclusively through cyberspace. Mobile technologies that puts a company directly in touch with its customers. And whatever is coming around the corner next. That’s what will make the next 60 years just as exciting as the first 60.