Joe Martin, our beloved co-founder and chief creative officer, has just been recognized as one of Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty Under 40!
If you know Red Six Media, you definitely know Joe. But for those of you who don’t, settle in as we sing the praises of a guy who has given so much to his clients, employees, and the marketing and advertising industry in Baton Rouge and beyond.
🚨 Proud SIXERS alert 🚨
Here is a toast to Joe, who has been known to “give it the ol’ razzle dazzle,” “rub some funk on it,” and “fiddle with it” until it’s perfect for the last decade and a half here at R6 — although reports suggest he’s been doing it for much longer.
Joe is a Dallas native, and we do not hold that against him. That’s because Joe has earned his stripes many times over. He arrived at LSU in 2004, a dewy-eyed Architecture major on the verge of discovering his true passion: exceptional creativity and authentic stories told through unforgettable visuals. Joe graduated from LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication, starting him on the path that would lead him to found an advertising agency and turn it into one of the most respected advertising agencies in Louisiana.
From unforgettable ad campaigns to branding projects that have shaped the look and feel of businesses across the region, Joe’s creativity can be seen all over our community.
But Joe is more than a creative force — he’s a leader who brings humor, heart, and a touch of humility to everything he does. Whether he’s brainstorming big ideas with the R6 creatives, mentoring students, or working behind the scenes to keep our agency’s culture as sharp and colorful as our campaigns, Joe’s passion and energy are contagious.
Outside the office, Joe’s creative spirit spills into the local nightlife at his endearingly dingy dive bar nestled under the Mississippi River Bridge, Brickyard South. The bar has become a favorite neighborhood hangout. Much like Joe himself, Brickyard is warm, unpretentious, and full of character — a place where you can pull up a barstool, share a laugh, and feel at home.
A Baton Rouge Creative Leader
Joe’s recognition as one of the Forty Under 40 is a testament to his commitment to Baton Rouge and to the Capital Area’s booming creative community. Joe embodies that spirit. From partnering with local nonprofits to mentoring young talent at his alma mater LSU, he’s always looking for ways to give back.
So, if you see Joe roaming the halls at R6 or manning the bar at Brickyard, ask him what’s the secret ingredient to a perfect campaign (or a great Texas-style chili). Just don’t be surprised if his answer is “a little bit of razzle dazzle.”
Here’s to Joe Martin — a visionary, a mentor, a dive bar impresario, and now, officially, one of Baton Rouge’s brightest stars. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Your R6 family couldn’t be more proud. Cheers!
About Forty Under 40
Each year, the Baton Rouge Business Report selects forty young professionals in the community who embody the next generation of leaders. These individuals are driving transformation in business and the community and they represent a diverse range of industries. But they all have one goal in common — building a better Baton Rouge and Louisiana.
Joe is actually the third SIXER (as we affectionately call our team members) to receive the honor, joining his other Red Six Media co-founders Matt Dardenne (2019) and Kristen Rushing (2020) as one of the latest inductees into this prestigious class of leaders in the Capital City.
