By Godfrey

A feature piece from our Spring 2026 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication.

For more than 75 years, Godfrey has operated from Lancaster County as a full-service B2B marketing communications agency serving complex industrial and manufacturing sectors. Founded in the late 1940s by Tom Godfrey, the agency began by handling local accounts and national print advertising for Lancaster-based companies with growing customer bases. Over time, it expanded into new markets and industries, adapting alongside changes in media, technology, and client needs.

Today, Godfrey partners with industrial and technical clients to build strong, differentiated brands, enter and expand into new markets, launch products and services, and create qualified sales opportunities aligned with revenue goals. Its capabilities range from strategic planning and brand messaging to creative development, public relations, SEO, and digital demand-generation programs tailored for complex B2B environments.

Leadership continuity has played a significant role in the agency’s longevity. In 2019,
President Stacy Whisel and Senior Vice President and Partner Erin Michalak purchased the business, becoming the fourth generation of ownership. Each owner or ownership group throughout the agency’s history began as employees. That progression, from team member to owner, reflects the agency’s emphasis on shared responsibility and long-term commitment. In June 2024, Godfrey was certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Whisel describes Godfrey as an organization guided by a clear vision, core purpose, core values, and strategic anchors. “Nothing gets done at Godfrey with just one person,” she says. The agency prioritizes empowering talented teams, delivering strong client experiences, and maintaining a growth-oriented mindset. Its purpose is to champion the world-changing work of B2B industrial manufacturers, telling the stories of companies whose products and services often operate behind the scenes but support essential infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and industrial systems.

Lancaster County has been home since the agency’s founding. According to Whisel, the local business community has contributed meaningfully to the agency’s longevity. She points to a shared long-term partnership mindset among financial institutions, local vendors, and fellow business leaders. That culture of collaboration and curiosity is especially visible at local business events and within the Chamber community.

The agency’s internal team reflects that same long-term approach. Several employees have been with Godfrey for five, ten, and even 30 years. Whisel attributes that tenure in part to Lancaster County’s strong work ethic and pride in craftsmanship.

Looking ahead, Godfrey is navigating industry shifts, including a more geographically
dispersed workforce and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in marketing. While team members now work from multiple states, the agency continues to anchor its culture in Lancaster County, bringing employees together in person and engaging with a local business community that values learning and shared growth.

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