BBDS Hires Executive to Handle Added I-R Work

Ingersoll-Rand’s security and safety unit has expanded its business with BBDS, adding $5-7 million in billings to the $70 million-plus shop, agency officials said.

The increased business led BBDS to hire Charlie Souhrada as management supervisor, a newly created position at the Chicago shop, said Stephen Congdon, vice president, business development. Souhrada will act as the liaison between the Woodcliff Lake, N.J., industrial firm and BBDS.

The agency, which has had creative duties for I-R unit Schlage Residential for 20 years, will now handle marketing for the client’s large commercial-security divisions. These units offer security systems to airports, businesses and schools. They also add a steady amount of additional business for BBDS.

The agency handles some duties for the Kryptonite bicycle lock brand, which I-R acquired in August. BBDS also picked up ad duties this year for Thermo King, a commercial refrigerator product.

Last December, the agency purchased I-R’s marketing division, which handles design, production and other services for the company.

Souhrada came to BBDS from business-to-business shop Slack Barshinger in Chicago, where he was vice president, partner and group account director. He was laid off this summer as part of a downsizing effort at the agency, he said.

Souhrada said his first task is to educate himself on security systems. “Given recent events, this is a very important area,” he said.

Souhrada has also had stints in marketing communications at Smith, Bucklin & Associates, an association management firm, and Marshall Field’s, both in Chicago.

BBDS has more than $70 million in billings. I-R media expenditures totaled $4 million in 2000, $3 million of which was spent on the Schlage division, according to CMR. Brands include Von Duprin, Recognition Systems and LCN. Some of these titles were handled by Power Creative, Indianapolis.