Lauren Dixon

Founder and CEO of Dixon Schwabl

Lauren Dixon had $22.11 in her bank account and an unwavering desire to make her company a success. With no loans, grants or external funding Lauren bootstrapped Dixon Schwabl from a one-person operation headquartered in her home to a 75+ employee firm headquartered in Victor, New York. She used no external financing until she built the company’s headquarters in Victor in 2002.

As CEO of Dixon Schwabl, Lauren has full responsibility for agency performance with duties encompassing bottom-line factors such as long-range strategic planning, company vision and culture. She builds and provides day-to-day general and strategic oversight for a growing roster of more than 146 clients.

2007 marked the 20th anniversary of DS which now grosses over $130 million in revenue. The agency has been repeatedly hailed as one of the best small companies to work for in America. In 2008 DS officially captured the title of number one small company to work for in America conferred by The Great Place to Work institute.

Lauren’s career began at WHAM TV-13 as on-air reporter, anchor, and co-host of the nationally syndicated program PM Magazine. While at Channel 13, Lauren received national recognition with awards from the Associated Press and United Press International. Lauren followed her broadcast career at Channel 13 with a position as sales manager at WROC TV-8 in Rochester before founding Dixon Schwabl in 1987.

The idea of founding a company petrified Lauren but she received strong encouragement and support from her father who gave her two pieces of advice that she still utilizes today – always hire persons that are smarter than you and always motivate your employees to want to come to work every day.

Lauren has a bachelor of science from Kent State University, majoring in broadcast journalism. She has a minor in French, Spanish, Italian, and German.

A strong proponent of giving back to the community her company annually dedicates 7,500 pro bono hours to non-profits within the Rochester community. She created the Horses on Parade fiberglass animal parade in Rochester, one of the most successful charitable events in area history, raising $1 million that was distributed to 116 local charities.

Lauren believes in helping to build a better community by encouraging tomorrow’s leaders to learn and grow their careers in Rochester. DS has a comprehensive mentoring and internship program which has seen more than 800 Rochester area students holding internships at the company.

Lauren serves on several Rochester area boards including: Thompson Health Foundation, 2004-present; EnCompass, 2006-present; MCC Advisory Board Capital Campaign, 2006-present; YMCA Capital Campaign Co-Chair, 2007-present; Nazareth College Board of Trustees, 2007-present; Ontario ARC, 2005-present; and CMAC Board of Directors, 2007-present.

She is a frequent local and national guest speaker on topics such as advertising, marketing, philanthropy and company culture. She is married with four children, two of whom are actively involved in her company.