John Olson Dies At 56

John Olson, founder of the eponymously named Minneapolis-based ad shop, passed away over the weekend after a long battle with cancer. He was 56.

A note on the agency website stated that shop he founded two decades ago became a top-5 independent full service digital agency in North America, spanning six cities and more than 450 employees.

Olson founded his agency in 1992 after working at Campbell Mithun, also based in Minneapolis, for eight years.

“We already miss his energy, his insights, and his relentlessly innovative spirit,” the agency note states. “But we can’t indulge our sorrow for long. John was not one for lingering and famously declared “Olson’s legacy is the future.” John shaped that future based on his belief in both the market rewards of connecting brand communities and the human reward of simply connecting as people. He knew we were all stronger when we relied on each other.”

A digital wall is being created on the shop’s website where friends and colleagues can share memories, the agency said.

Current and former members of the Olson community and friends of the agency are invited gather at Olson’s Minneapolis office at the Ford Center on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. for a celebration of Olson’s life. Funeral services are planned for Tuesday. 

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1 comment about "John Olson Dies At 56".
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  1. Chris Vinson from Vinson Advertising, September 9, 2013 at 1:09 p.m.

    We'll miss you John. Thanks for all of the great work and innovation. Rest in peace.

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