TheBuzz
TheBuzz
A 22-year-old Honolulu ad agency has quietly changed ownership. Kit Warrington said she doesn't like to be the center of attention, but was gently persuaded that the ownership change was worthy of ink. Ms. Warrington goes to Washington
Warrington sold KWME to Kate Hogle, who joined the company three years ago as an account executive. Terms were not disclosed, but Warrington said she's moving to Washington State for personal reasons.
While she assumes a new role as consultant from a virtual office north of Seattle, she said nothing will change for the agency's clients or four remaining employees, and the company name will be retained. KWME stands for "Kit Warrington Media Expert," she said, explaining that its broadcast tower logo was patterned after the old KPOI AM tower, "I used to live across the Ala Wai from there."
The company's offices are now at 320 Ward Ave.
Warrington takes with her "wonderful memories with wonderful people.
"Everything I've learned, I've learned from media people and my clients," she said. "It's been a lot of fun," Warrington said.
She said it's difficult to leave, but "Kate and everybody else has worked with the clients for so many years," that "I feel real confident the clients will be well taken care of."
Zippy's Restaurants was a client of Warrington's before she started her business. They followed her. Marketing Director Charlene Kim said Warrington "has really supported our company in terms of bringing ideas, and suggestions, anything she feels would benefit, not just in our marketing area.
"She'll do whatever she can in order to ensure the success of our company." Kim said, "It feels like she's part of our management staff."
Warrington expects to leave after selling her Kalama Valley home, but will be back in August for the reunion of the original 12 Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs.
Kim said Warrington has also promised to return in October, for Zippy's 35th anniversary.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com