Agency Closes—Ending Nearly 40 Years in Baltimore’s Advertising Community

Harvey Agency in Medfield, Baltimore, constructed by JCP Construction.

A prominent name in Baltimore’s advertising scene has officially closed its doors. Humble & Wallop—formerly known as the Harvey Agency—ceased operations at the end of 2024, bringing a nearly four-decade legacy in the region’s creative industry to a close.

Founded in 1986 by Kathy Harvey, the agency began humbly in the basement of her parents’ home. Under her leadership, it grew into one of Baltimore’s most respected advertising firms, earning a roster of high-profile clients including CoverGirl, McCormick, Stanley Black & Decker, and Flying Dog Brewery. Harvey’s dedication to creative excellence and mentorship left a lasting impact on the local advertising community.

In 2020, Harvey was honored with the inaugural Katherine Mahool Fowke Iconoclast Award from the AAF Baltimore—a recognition that celebrates women who have redefined industries and broken barriers across advertising, marketing, business, and design.

After selling the agency to Matt McDermott in late 2021, Harvey turned her focus to Penwell African Safaris, a new venture inspired by her deep passion for African culture and wildlife.

McDermott—a seasoned creative, past president of AAF Baltimore (2019–2021), and 2022 Silver Medal Award recipient—steered the agency through a challenging chapter, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2023. That fall, he rebranded the firm as Humble & Wallop, a name chosen to reflect resilience and creative grit. Operating with a lean team, the agency earned $1.1 million in revenue in its first year under the new identity.

Despite those gains, the demands of running the agency solo prompted McDermott to prioritize his well-being and ultimately close the firm. He has since returned to idfive—another Baltimore-based agency where he spent nearly a decade—now serving as Vice President of Innovation and Growth. He brought with him several clients, including George Washington University and Schmidt Old Thyme.

Also joining idfive is Rick Bowman, a seasoned creative who joined the Harvey Agency in 2017. Now a Senior Art Director, Bowman brings his sharp eye and deep experience to the team.

The closure of Humble & Wallop marks the end of an era for an agency that helped shape the creative fabric of Baltimore.