About
who we are
DVS is a full-service Marketing & Advertising Agency with a strong focus on Strategy + Innovation.
Our Passionate Perspective & History
The strength of DVS, and what makes us unique, is our passionate perspective and people. We believe that Strategy + Innovation delivered by people with a passion is what makes a successful agency, not just a cool location or the latest equipment. Although we have those too!
Since 1993, starting out in 640 square feet of space in Wyoming, Michigan, we’ve grown exponentially in size, staff, and capabilities. Our successful evolution is the direct result of our ability to listen. Each stage of that evolution was the result of a client saying, “can you do this” or “we have this problem, can you help?” Our answer has always been yes, together we can do that.
Always evolving to satisfy your needs, DVS is a full-service Marketing & Advertising Agency, with a strong focus on Strategy + Innovation and a specialization in small & medium-size businesses.
Our Purpose
To improve people’s lives through better communication and have fun while doing it.
Mission
To help organizations achieve their goals through better communication.
Brand Promise
We create compelling experiences tailored to connect you to your audience.
Our Values
Start by Listening
In order to truly understand each client's unique needs, we start by actively listening. In order to do that we set aside what we think is needed and actually listen to you!
Have a Servant Attitude
We exist to improve other people's lives, and we accomplish our goals by first helping others accomplish theirs.
Go Above & Beyond
We don't leave well enough alone. We continually learn, share, innovate, and deliver above & beyond the norm.
Act with Integrity
We are accountable and do what's right, even when it costs us. Reputation outweighs profit every time.
Be Adaptable
We embrace the ever-changing nature of our chosen business and are agile in our work. No two clients or projects are identical, so our approach, while structured, is ever adaptable.
Take Initiative
Nothing happens without someone stepping up and doing it. We are the doers who make things happen.
Meet the Team
Paul’s an innovator with a cheery disposition, a mind for marketing, and is always up on the latest tech. Need a solution for delivering your message, updated daily, across 48 states, without the internet? Ask Paul. He’s also been DVS’s fearless leader for over 20 years!
Paul E. La Vigne
President & Chief Strategist
Coe is passionate about expressive illustration, modern design, and helping companies tell their brand story. Outside of work he can be found making loud music, enjoying good bourbon, and playing with his daughter Daphne, though not all at the same time.
Coe Lacy
Creative Director
Sarah enjoys creating structure and keeping everyone on schedule. She believes that binge watching Netflix should count as a hobby, and that everyone could benefit from keeping a bullet journal.
Sarah Bouy
Operations Manager
With a background in strategic planning, Lyndsie thrives on solving problems, creating goal-driven campaigns, and telling clients’ stories. She is passionate about purposeful communication, and also about finding the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Recipes and recommendations are welcome.
Lyndsie Post
Senior Strategist
Tonya is a big fan of personal development. She embodies the definition of a “people person” and loves working with different personalities, especially those that allow her to practice her sarcastic sense of humor. When not carting her three boys around, Tonya enjoys a good glass of vino while writing, reading, and listening to podcasts.
Tonya Panchula
Business Developer
If you ever need a bodyguard, give Bob a call. In his spare time, Bob teaches 4 different types of martial arts, attends hacker conventions (for our safety of course), and drives the smoothest car you’ve ever seen.
Bob Tofel
Digital Marketing Specialist
As an unashamed bibliophile and word enthusiast, it’s rare to see Mary without a book in her hand. When she’s not exploring dusty library shelves, you can find her enjoying the capricious Michigan weather with her faithful German Shepherd, Dakota.
Mary Meadows
Content Writer
A passion for cooking, obscure hobbies, craft beer, and user centered design is what makes Joshua tick. Always thinking about his next project or gaming session, Joshua loves staying busy and mastering his craft.
Joshua Vander Klipp
UX Designer
Miles crafts digital experiences with precision and care, always with an eye for design. When not building websites that dazzle, he can often be found playing and watching esports, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or planning his next D&D session.
Miles Alquist
Front End Developer & Designer
If Phil were a character in Dungeons and Dragons, there’s no doubt he’d be a wizard. Not only is this guy casting spells that make our videos magical, he even has his own secluded cave/office.
Phil Gibson
Senior Video Editor / Colorist
Corey is our photo / video / audio / digital imaging guru and his is ability to blend creative & tech is legendary. When he frames a shot, the camera gets chills. Naturally, Corey’s also the most easy-going person in the office.
Corey Bowman
DP & Senior DIT
Amanda thrives on keeping things organized and appreciates a good excel spreadsheet. In her spare time you can find her playing soccer, scheming her next home improvement project, or hanging out with her collection of misfit animals.
Amanda Trigger
Traffic Manager
Jane’s been in the numbers game since she was in high school. She can give you solid advice on nearly any topic and she’s been DVS’s book-balancing backbone for over a decade!
Jane Phillips
Chief Administrative Officer
With a passion for numbers and an eye for detail, Taina enjoys solving problems and creating order. When she’s not bringing balance to the DVS universe, you can find Taina spending time with her three kids, enjoying Chinese cuisine, and catching up on the latest Marvel movie.
Taina Lett
Accounting Specialist
Don is DVS’s resident dollars, db, and code maestro. He can be pretty intimidating but we know that, underneath that cool exterior, Don’s a chill fellow who loves chocolate cake and a good puzzle.
Don Schaafsma
CFO & Database Wizard
At DVS we love working alongside our clients. So, while we have many of our team in-house, we also have another dozen employees who are embedded onsite at client locations.
Embedded Staff
Design & Project Management
A few of our Awards & Certifications
Our staff, and we as an agency, have more certifications than prudent to list here. So here are a few of the key ones.
Our Space
As a marketing and advertising agency, we understand the importance of aesthetics and providing an environment of creativity! Which is why when it comes to our space we go to great extents to make it our own. Overlooking the southend of downtown Grand Rapids, our headquarters is located in a 100+ year old former Steelcase factory. In this building we are surrounded by traditional West Michigan architecture, yet have all the modern technology and innovation at our fingertips.
401 Hall ST SW STE 489
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Ready to talk?
Give us a holla, shout, aloha, howdy, or hola.