About Us
Quality without compromise
We were founded with the belief that the future of advertising deserves better.
The workforce deserves a better agency experience. The clients deserve better work. And it was time for the advertising industry to get its own refresh.
Quality without compromise
We were founded with the belief that the future of advertising deserves better.
The workforce deserves a better agency experience. The clients deserve better work. And it was time for the advertising industry to get its own refresh.
On a mission to be your MVP
We’re on a mission to be your most valued partner (MVP). Fundamental to our approach as an agency is our belief that being an MVP to our people means they will be an MVP to our partners.
We’ve learned by adding value to our people and our partners, any way we can, is a simple recipe that can only improve everyone’s experience – and if we can help you look good in the process, then we’ve succeeded.
On a mission to be your MVP
We’re on a mission to be your most valued partner (MVP). Fundamental to our approach as an agency is our belief that being an MVP to our people means they will be an MVP to our partners.
We’ve learned by adding value to our people and our partners, any way we can, is a simple recipe that can only improve everyone’s experience – and if we can help you look good in the process, then we’ve succeeded.
Our Values

1% Better

Attitude is Everything

Get Stuff Done

Find Your Balance

1% Better

Attitude is Everything

Get Stuff Done

Find Your Balance

1% Better

Attitude is Everything

Get Stuff Done

Find Your Balance
Fast Facts
01 Fully Independent
02 Headquartered in Dallas, TX
03 Agency and brand direct service provider
04 90% of business has been referred
05 90% of employees would recommend Arm Candy as a great place to work
Management
John Lods
Founder & CEO
After being exposed to Mad Men, John decided he would pivot from following his family into a career in healthcare to one in advertising. After stints at various agencies, he realized the advertising industry left a lot to be desired, so he ventured out and created a media intelligence agency in Dallas focused on creating a rewarding agency environment. John succeeded and has been recognized for his achievements in building a strong workplace, fostering entrepreneurship and his ability in sales. To this day, his family still has no idea what he does.
John Lods
Founder & CEO
Andy Von Kennel
President & Partner
Andy recently joined Arm Candy as President and Partner. Prior to joining, Andy spent 15 years working for prestigious agencies including Initiative, IPG Mediabrands, RAPP and PHD. Andy received his MBA from Southern Methodist University with concentrations in marketing and financial consulting. He received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from Kenyon College. Andy also graduated from the Omnicom University SMP (Senior Management Program).
Most people don’t know that Von Kennel loves to coach youth sports. He passionately believes in the power of sports to teach life lessons.
Andy Von Kennel
President & Partner
Marian Leonard
Managing Director
Marian has spent the last 25 years in the advertising industry. In her previous roles, she was the COO for Square One Advertising and on the executive team at Ansira. She helps agencies drive sustainable growth strategies and develop an immersive agency culture. She has helped companies achieve Inc. 5000 and Ad Age Best Places to Work status and has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ABC, Adweek and Forbes. Marian firmly believes that people are the heart of the agency.
When she is not wrangling cats at Arm Candy, she loves spending time with her daughter, husband and two rescue dogs.
Marian Leonard
Managing Director
Alysia Ehle
VP, Media Management
Alysia comes with a unique background in both media and data. With a PhD in Chemistry, she puts data-driven media solutions at the forefront of all strategic decisions — crafting media plans, data visualizations and strategies that are intended to drive a desired outcome. She has fine-tuned her media expertise running multimillion dollar campaigns across all digital and traditional channels for brands like Kendra Scott, Sam’s Club, Goodyear and Fairway Independent Mortgage.
When she’s not developing strategies or working in Excel, she’s either writing, parenting or on the Peloton.
Alysia Ehle
VP, Media Management
David Mahaffey
VP, Ad Operations
David is skilled in executing multi-channel media campaigns both online and offline to deliver impactful business results. He has experience leading teams that deliver end-to-end campaign strategy, execution and reporting across a variety of verticals, with a focus on programmatic media.
Through managing a variety of clients, he demonstrates proven proficiency in campaign management, audience ideation, business intelligence and the real-time bidding environment.
David Mahaffey
VP, Ad Operations
Carla Benitez
HR & Finance Manager
Carla is a dynamic HR professional with proven success implementing positive changes in the workplace. She holds a B.S. from the University of Texas at Austin where she served on the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Board. She recently graduated with her MBA from Southern Methodist University where she was the Treasurer for her cohort. She is also a certified yoga instructor. When she’s not working, she likes to binge true crime podcasts, paint, and make fresh juice.
Carla Benitez
Human Resources Manager
David Mahaffey
VP, Ad Operations
David is skilled in executing multi-channel media campaigns both online and offline to deliver impactful business results. He has experience leading teams that deliver end-to-end campaign strategy, execution and reporting across a variety of verticals, with a focus on programmatic media.
Through managing a variety of clients, he demonstrates proven proficiency in campaign management, audience ideation, business intelligence and the real-time bidding environment.
David Mahaffey
VP, Ad Operations
Carla Benitez
HR & Finance Manager
Carla is a dynamic HR professional with proven success implementing positive changes in the workplace. She holds a B.S. from the University of Texas at Austin where she served on the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Board. She recently graduated with her MBA from Southern Methodist University where she was the Treasurer for her cohort. She is also a certified yoga instructor. When she’s not working, she likes to binge true crime podcasts, paint, and make fresh juice.
Carla Benitez
Human Resources Manager