Our History

Kathleen Ritz founded RITZ Marketing in 2000.  A University of Chapel Hill graduate with an extensive education in Biology, Chemistry and Journalism, Kathleen’s love for the medical field would take the backseat for the first few years of her career. Her first job out of college was in radio sales. She quickly transitioned to television and earned the trust of several automotive groups in a short period of time.  

Her understanding of this industry, along with her leadership skills earned the respect of the Penske Automotive Group (2nd largest automotive group in the US) as well as the Detroit Area Honda Dealers Association. (So much so, they insisted she also take on the role of spokesperson for 15 dealerships in 6 markets.)  Since opening the doors to the firm, RITZ Marketing has been the agency of record for 38 automotive dealerships between Penske Automotive and The Detroit Area Honda Dealers, and several independent dealerships in the Charlotte Market.

The quick growth that RITZ experienced required a team for whom Kathleen trusted to maintain the same work ethic her clients were accustomed. She surrounded herself with the region’s crème de la crème of Account Executives, Production staff, Interactive Specialists and Media Buyers. This, in turn, enabled her to pursue clients within the industry for which she was also passionate, the medical field. 

Ritz Marketing has been fortunate to experience strong growth, even during trying times.  Listed in the Charlotte Business Journal’s Book of Lists as the largest marketing agency for media billing in 2009; Ritz Marketing also advanced from 9th to 5th in the category of Top Advertising and Marketing Agencies.