MikeWorldWide, known for its quality service as one of the leading public relations agencies in the state — and for the big sign on its building on Route 3 — announced Wednesday that it is moving out of its longtime headquarters.
Don’t be alarmed — the firm is not going far. By the end of the month, MWW aims to be in a new building at 500 Route 17 S. in Hasbrouck Heights, near Route 46 and Interstate 80, a building that is better suited for today’s workplace.
This is a classic commercial real estate story of a company not needing the same footprint as it has for years. It’s one that is playing out in every corner of the state.
MWW officials said the firm initially sought a different space in a building it has called home for more than three decades, but it could not come to an agreement with the landlord.
CEO Michael Kempner, who founded MikeWorldWide in 1986, said staying true to the area — and the firm’s clients — drove the decision.
After an exhaustive, months-long, statewide search, the agency chose to keep its main office in the Meadowlands because of the region’s proximity to New Jersey’s economic and population centers, as well as its transportation network, making MWW accessible to all points north, south, east and west, he said.
“While we continue to grow as a firm and extend our national and global reach, we will never forget our roots nor waver in our commitment to New Jersey, where I founded this company more than 35 years ago,” he said. “Our new office keeps MWW at the center of the action in New Jersey and the greater metropolitan area, allowing us to further enhance our client services and attract new talent.”
Bill Murray, the firm’s national director for public affairs, said the Hasbrouck Heights location allows MWW to maintain its high level of client service while providing employees with added flexibility and opportunities for collaboration. It also reflects the reality of an evolving workforce environment that values work-life balance and connecting people more and more through technology rather than shared office space.
“New Jersey is home to many of our team members, as well as clients and some of the largest, most successful brands in the world. We are here to serve them,” he said.
“As is true with many organizations, we have learned since the pandemic to adapt and work differently to get the job done. Embracing remote and hybrid work has led to increased production and employee satisfaction, and many of our clients have opted for virtual rather than in-person meetings to stay connected. Our new Hasbrouck Heights location gives us what we need to support our employees and deliver for our clients.”
Meadowlands Chamber CEO Jim Kirkos said he was thrilled the company was staying in the area.
“Keeping MWW’s powerful brand visible is incredibly important to us here at the Meadowlands Chamber,” he said. “Not only is MikeWorldWide a great longstanding member, their expertise and guidance to us has been invaluable. We are all delighted they will remain our neighbors.”
The firm, which describes itself as working at the intersection of consumer brand marketing, technology and corporate reputation, has more than 225 employees. It has a second New Jersey office in Trenton, not to mention offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Denver, Los Angeles and London.
None, however, has that iconic sign.
On two sides of the building, it is visible to cars on Route 3 and the New Jersey Turnpike. And, while it seems like it has been part of the landscape forever, it only has adorned the building since 2013, when it was put up before the Super Bowl came to town.
Now, it’s coming down — by the end of the month, if not the end of the week.
A sign of the times indeed.
