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Steve McKee
Co-founder of McKee Wallwork + Co., author of Power Branding and When Growth Stalls, SmartBrief columnist, Speaker
Steve McKee is a prominent marketing strategist and the co-founder of McKee Wallwork & Company, a marketing advisory firm based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established in 1997, the firm specializes in revitalizing companies that are experiencing stagnation or decline, often referred to as "stalled, stuck, and stale" businesses. Under McKee's leadership, the company has garnered numerous accolades, including being named one of the Southwest Small Agency of the Year by Advertising Age and making the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in its first year of eligibility.124
Professional Background
Before founding McKee Wallwork, McKee held various positions in notable advertising agencies, including roles as an account executive and president at Strascina & Partners. His extensive experience in marketing has allowed him to assist hundreds of companies across diverse industries in achieving growth and overcoming challenges.12
Authorship and Thought Leadership
Steve McKee is also an accomplished author, having written several influential books on business strategy and branding. His notable works include:
- "TURNS: Where Business Is Won and Lost"
- "When Growth Stalls: How it Happens, Why You're Stuck and What to Do About It"
- "Power Branding: Leveraging the Success of the World's Best Brands"
These publications explore critical themes such as change management, branding effectiveness, and strategies for overcoming business stagnation.134
Recognition and Influence
In addition to his firm’s achievements, McKee has been recognized for his contributions to the field of marketing through various awards and honors. He has served as a columnist for Businessweek.com and currently writes for SmartBrief on Leadership. His insights have been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and USA Today, along with appearances on networks like CNBC and Bloomberg.24
Current Endeavors
Recently, McKee has shifted focus towards mentoring emerging leaders within his company while continuing to share his knowledge through speaking engagements and writing. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in business and aims to inspire others with his experiences in navigating both challenges and successes throughout his career.23



