For nearly four decades, Callis has grown alongside the people and businesses of rural America. The agency’s story began with founder Cliff Callis’ belief that one simple approach could guide every decision: listen well, work hard and put people first. That philosophy has continued under President Megan Hartman, who has led the agency for the past several years. Megan is building on Cliff’s legacy while guiding Callis into its next chapter.
The Early Years: 1987-1996
Building a Foundation That Would Last
In 1987, Cliff left his family’s department store to start Callis Advertising, landing Bichsel Jewelry as the agency’s first client. Listening became his north star, shaping early relationships with Bichsel’s, C.W. Flower Co. and the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce. Those partnerships helped the young agency find its footing and gain visibility.
As the agency grew, Cliff carefully added team members and expanded into new areas like political work, community campaigns and economic development. Partnerships with Jones Intercable and the Sedalia Pettis County Development Corporation offered breakthrough opportunities and statewide recognition.
By the mid-1990s, the agency was carving out niches in tourism, construction and banking, helping organizations like Fischer’s Concrete, Septagon and First Community Bank build stronger brands. These were years defined by hustle, long days and a belief that Sedalia could support a full-service agency that delivered big-city results.
Nationally, personal computers and early digital tools were transforming the way small businesses communicated. Cliff embraced those shifts early, setting the stage for the agency’s next phase of growth.
The Growth Years: 1997-2006
Stretching Capabilities and Embracing Change
The mid-1990s and early 2000s pushed the agency into new industries and new levels of complexity. Cliff’s partnership with sister companies Sierra Bullets and Starline Brass changed Callis for the better.
We jumped in feet first and helped Sierra with major catalog and product development work and trade shows and then launched Starline’s products into the consumer market, helping them grow their business to new audiences. This relationship defined the agency’s outdoor marketing expertise for decades.
During this era, Callis also partnered with the Woodright Shop to produce a special-edition product for Sierra’s 50th anniversary, a project that tested the team’s creativity and manufacturing connections. At the same time, the agency diversified through Meridian Student Planners in partnership with PrintLynx, introducing a national product line that reached schools across the country.
The launch of ecallis.com in 1999 and the agency’s early entry into web development brought another turning point. This positioned Callis to support clients like L&L Insulation, ComputerLand and I-Land as they navigated emerging digital expectations.
In 1996, Callis became the agency of record for the Missouri State Fair, an iconic partnership that continues nearly 30 years later and includes a wealth of creative design work, digital marketing campaigns and community touchpoints.
Even as the country weathered the dot-com boom, Y2K concerns and economic uncertainty, the agency stayed focused on adaptation, innovation and serving its clients well.
The Refinement Years: 2007-2016
Strengthening Expertise and Deepening Community Roots
As industries evolved, so did Callis. Work with Zephyr Manufacturing opened doors in the janitorial and industrial markets, while long-standing partners like Dugan’s Paint & Flooring played a major role in sharpening the agency’s retail and home décor experience, especially during economic downturns that required clients to pivot.
This period also saw the agency expand its outdoor and energy portfolio with clients like Walther Arms, ProEnergy, Aquila and the Missouri Propane Education & Research Council (MOPERC), helping tell the story of clean, American energy across Missouri.
At the community level, Callis partnered on transformative local initiatives. The agency supported major public outreach efforts, from the City of Sedalia’s Use Tax campaigns to the successful Yes Yes initiative that ultimately led to the construction of the Heckart Community Center. Relationships with Bothwell Regional Health Center strengthened during this time as well, resulting in research-based branding, storytelling and fundraising initiatives.
Social media entered the scene, and while adoption took time, the agency embraced it, integrating new tools and strategies to help clients reach audiences in ways that previously hadn’t been possible.
These years reflect the agency’s commitment to learning, listening and supporting the communities and industries it serves.
The Visionary Years: 2017-2025
Carrying the Story Forward
The most recent chapter highlights a focus on core values: relationships, sincerity and doing work that aligns with what matters. Longtime partnerships continued to grow, including Bothwell, The Furnell Companies, Center for Human Services and MOPERC, while new ones formed with 10th & Thompson Car Wash, Parkhurst Manufacturing, Nucor and Wood & Huston Bank.
This era emphasized preparation, values-based decision-making and the power of strategic insights. It also brought new opportunities through expanded research capabilities, brand development projects, the launch of the OUTdrive podcast and continued work with organizations committed to improving life across Missouri.
Importantly, this is the chapter where agency leadership evolves. Cliff’s focus changes from client work to business development strategy and mentoring the team, while Megan Hartman, who has been part of the agency’s story for more than a decade, becomes president in 2021, carrying forward a culture shaped by Cliff’s experiences, humility and people-first approach.
Across the country, businesses have navigated major shifts, including pandemic challenges, changing customer expectations, rapid digital acceleration and the explosive growth of AI technology. Through it all, the agency has remained grounded in trust, community and clarity.
The Next Chapter
As Callis enters 2026, Cliff is exploring new opportunities beyond the agency and leaving the team in Megan’s capable hands. One thing is certain – we begin this chapter with the same clarity it started with – do good work for good people.
With Megan continuing to lead the team and the values that shaped the agency firmly in place, Callis is positioned for continued growth and meaningful work in the years ahead.
