From what we’ve been told by spies, San Francisco-based agency Engine Company 1 made the decision during the holidays to let go of president/partner Wayne Buder and creative director/partner Vince Engel (pictured, l-r). While both are still listed on the agency’s People page, Buder has already updated his status to reflect that he’s no longer with the agency as he’s now listing himself as a “business therapist.” Engel, meanwhile, has yet to do the same and calls to Engine Co. 1 regarding his status have been left unanswered thus far.
Engine Company 1, which has worked with the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Pacific Life, Doc Martens and EVault, was formed in 2009 when Buder and Engel’s own shop called, of course, BuderEngel, merged with Grant Scott and Associates. Buder and Engel’s time together dates back well over a decade, when the pair worked together at Leagas Delaney’s San Francisco office as managing director and CD, respectively. Buder has also logged time on the operations/account side at the likes of Y&R, Doner and FCB’s Technology group during his 30+ year career while Engel has served as a CD at Lowe and basically spent the entire 90’s serving as a creative at W+K . We’ll keep you posted on the latter’s status if and when we find out more.