Our Story
We are a digital marketing, PR, AEO and eCommerce agency engineered to move fast. With 30 years of search and social media leadership – from SEO to AEO (AI Search Optimization) – from Content Marketing to the Creator Economy – we’ve built a company designed to build reputation, accelerate growth, and drive revenue across all channels.
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
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.
Next-Gen Strategies
30 years of search and digital marketing leadership mixed with high-impact PR, performance media, AI optimization, and a technology-driven approach.We are the agency for influence.
Our Expertise
30 years of search and digital marketing leadership mixed with high-impact PR, performance media, AI optimization, and a technology-driven approach.We are the agency for influence.
AI & Emerging
Technology
Precision messaging, thought leadership, and AI-optimized strategies that accelerate revenue, attract capital, and build market-defining reputations.
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.
Tech-Forward
B2B
Strategic positioning, demand generation, and AI optimization that help B2B technology companies simplify complex offerings, earn buyer trust, and accelerate growth.
Our Leadership
Rachael Zahn
Chief Brand Officer
Brett Higginbotham
Senior VP, Finance
Lisette Ortiz
VP, People
James Antonucci
Director, Affiliate
Melena Gurganus
Director, AEO
Serge Wheaton
Creative Director
Maddie Miranda
Director, Client Services
Danielle Lopez
Director of Content Marketing
Alita Giacone
Director, Client Operations
Spencer Tait
Associate Director, PR
Annie Zeigler
Associate Director, PR
Sarah Chung
Senior Associate, PR
Kate Murphy
Senior Associate, PR
Griffin Murphy
Senior Associate, PR
Nicholas Lockin
Growth Lead, CRO
Bo Yalenzian
Growth Lead, CRO
Jasmine Jimenez
Manager, Organic Social
Join our Team
We’re looking for driven, curious, and passionate people who want to shape the future of AI, PR, and commerce. If you’re excited to solve meaningful challenges, explore our open roles. We’d love to hear from you.
