Third Street promotes Phil Robinson to partner

Phil Robinson promoted to partner at Third Street

Attention agency Third Street announced it has promoted Phil Robinson to partner/head of digital, chief creative officer David T. Jones. Robinson joins Third Street’s founding partners Sean Smith, president, and Jones in the role.

Robinson was the first person the shop hired when it launched 12 years ago—before it had any clients. Just out of college, he sat in the front row and was totally attentive at the agency’s Career Day presentation at Indiana University when other grads were asleep in the back. 

“The night before the Career Day presentation, Phil had met with a big-name ad agency exec from Chicago,” Jones said. “As a graduating senior, this was his ‘Path Forward,’ but the more the exec described what large-agency life would be like, the more unsure Phil was that that’s where he belonged.”


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The recent grad, lacking in professional experience, found the scrappy startup more to his liking, and the gamble paid off for both parties. Robinson began as a content producer at Third Street, then progressed to account manager and director of relationship marketing before heading up the shop’s digital department. His skills include account management, social media (strategy and implementation), analytics, SEO, competitive analysis, brand development, event marketing and creative thinking.

“From his first day through this day, there isn’t a Third Streeter or client partner of ours with whom Phil hasn’t made a positive impact,” added Smith. “His knack for connecting dots, creating solutions, and a relentless drive to leave things better than he found them has been an instrumental part of our collective growth. His ascension to partner is a direct reflection of his value within our virtual walls and the value he adds to our clients’ success.”

The name Third Street is about a philosophy, not a physical location. “Most brands travel the main street with predictable results. Others take a side street, with limited upside,” the agency’s website notes. “We believe there is a third street; a place that brings together the best of both: a unique path that commands attention and discovers emerging revenue.” It defines “Attention Agency” as one that brings the right kind of attention to brands and products.


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