Celebrating Michelle’s Retirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2025

Lakeland, FL – MADE announces Michelle Ledford will retire as President and co-founding Principal, effective February 28, 2025, after nearly eight years since the founding of MADE.

“Michelle has played a pivotal role in MADE’s success, and I’m grateful for the partnership,” said Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director Allen Reed. “Her strategic talents and my creative approach have complemented each other to help strengthen our clients’ brands. I know she’ll continue to make an impact in her next chapter just as she has here, and I wish her success in all she does.”

Michelle pursued her dream of owning an advertising agency in 2017 by launching MADE Brands with business partner Allen Reed. During that time, MADE’s talented team of marketing and creative professionals has consistently worked with clients to grow their businesses and build a strong foundation of brand assets. That impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, the agency earned recognition as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Rising Business of the Year and received accolades from Michelle’s alma mater, the University of South Florida, by being named to the USF Fast 56 Class of 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Senior Art Director and co-owner Cindy Joyce said, “We appreciate Michelle’s drive and dedication in helping shape MADE into the company it is today. Her leadership has contributed to our strong foundation, and we’re excited to build on that as we continue growing and helping our clients reach their goals. We’re also excited to see her pursue her passions, and we know the community will greatly benefit from her wealth of knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit.”

In addition to her leadership role at MADE, Michelle has been deeply committed to business development and community service. She has dedicated much of her time to organizations such as the Lakeland Rotary Club, serving as President in 2014, and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, where she served as Board Chair in 2019. She has also contributed as Class Chair and Day Chair for the Leadership Lakeland program.

Reflecting on her 30-year career in marketing and advertising, Michelle shared, “Co-founding and building MADE has been a deeply rewarding experience. I am very, very proud of the work we have done together on behalf of our clients. In my role as President, I was also able to develop and grow as an entrepreneur and business operator—skills I didn’t expect to love as much as I do.”

“Over the past eight years, my children have grown into adults living in different parts of the country, and we’ve been blessed with the birth of our first grandchild. As our family continues to grow and change, so have my goals, priorities, and desire to help others fulfill their own business and leadership visions in new ways.”

As she steps away from her role at MADE, Michelle is embarking on a new focus in business consulting and professional development. This next chapter aligns with her passion for business operations and her long-standing commitment to empowering future entrepreneurs, especially women in business.

MADE remains committed to building strong brands for companies throughout the United States. “As for MADE, our strength has always been in its people—not just within our team, but also in the relationships we’ve built with our clients, vendors, and community partners,” says Allen Reed. “That foundation remains strong, and the same creative thinking, collaboration, and dedication to great work will always define us. As I continue leading the company, that spirit will stay at the heart of everything we do. Change brings new opportunities, and I’m excited for what’s next.”