Martin Agency Names Shockoe Building After Retired Leader

John Adams feted for leadership at advertising firm.

The Martin Agency has honored its retired chairman, John B. Adams, by renaming its Shockoe Slip headquarters after him.

During an event celebrating his service, the advertising agency unveiled a plaque with his name on the side of its red brick offices.

Adams, who retired Dec. 31, became president of the internationally known company in 1992 and was named chairman and chief executive in 1995. He led the agency through some of its biggest changes and successes in advertising, including the gecko and caveman spots for the insurance firm Geico.

“He knew about the building renaming, but not when we would do it,” company spokesman Dean Jarrett says.

The feature story of this week’s Style profiles Adams, his rise through the industry and his next chapter.

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