• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, August 20, 2017

Lots of people believe there is a connection between health and wealth.

Many spend their careers—and much of their health—creating wealth and savings. Then they have to spend what they’ve put away saving what health they have left. Or so the old adage goes. 

Now, Kansas City ad shop Barkley is connecting the two spheres — it’s just created a new health and finance group. 

As part of the effort another Kansas City agency — healthcare and financial sector specialist Meers Advertising — is becoming part of Barkley to help activate the new practice.

Terms of the arrangement weren't disclosed. 

Barkley Health & Finance will be led by Sam Meers and Allisyn Wheeler, both formerly of Meers Advertising. Meers becomes EVP of Barkley Health & Finance, focusing on servicing his existing client base. Now it has the ability to provide a broader range of services available from Barkley in the strategy, creative and design disciplines, as well as other capabilities Barkley offers.

Clients include Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Whole Person, American Century Investments and Lead Bank. 

Wheeler will become SVP of the new group. Presumably, Meers and Wheeler will be adding new clients to the group as they grow it. 

“By 2020, healthcare spending is projected to be nearly 20%  of our GDP, and there’s an incredible amount of emerging technology in financial services,” stated Dan Fromm, Barkley President and COO. “We see amazing growth and opportunities to connect with modern consumers in both of these areas, and this group will help us build the biggest possible future for our company.”