Hawke Media buys Rocket55 in its biggest deal yet

Hawke Media has acquired Minneapolis agency Rocket55, giving the fast-growing marketer a larger Midwest foothold and adding local talent, client relationships and digital capabilities. The deal is Hawke Media’s 26th acquisition and its largest to date.

Why it matters: - The acquisition expands Hawke Media’s Midwest presence and adds a Minneapolis base to support national growth. - Growth-stage and mid-market brands can tap broader marketing capabilities without building large internal teams. - Hawke Media gains more scale, more specialized talent and deeper service coverage across channels.

What happened: - Hawke Media announced the acquisition of Rocket55 on October 13, 2026. - Rocket55 is a Minneapolis-based digital marketing agency founded in 2008. - Hawke Media described the deal as its largest acquisition to date. - Rocket55 becomes Hawke Media’s 26th acquisition.

The details: - Rocket55 brings 18 years of market experience in Minneapolis and across the Midwest. - Rocket55’s core capabilities include search engine optimization, paid media, web development, RevOps, content and digital strategy. - Rocket55 has also expanded into AI visibility while keeping a human-led approach to strategy and client relationships. - Hawke Media says the combined organization can support individual marketing channels and integrated, cross-functional programs. - The companies said the combination gives clients access to specialized talent, technology and full-service marketing support. - Rocket55’s roster of strategic acquisitions at Hawke Media includes Normal Bear, PRP Group, SimplyBe., We Are Unicorns and Blue Light Media. - Hawke Media said the acquisition strengthens its national footprint.

Between the lines: - Erik Huberman, Hawke Media founder and CEO, called Rocket55’s reputation and team a key reason the acquisition was the company’s biggest deal. - Steven Ayres, Rocket55 founder, said he chose Hawke Media because of its entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and focus on technology. - Kristen Findley, Rocket55 COO, said the deal preserves client relationships while giving the team access to a national network of specialists and technology. - The move reflects how agencies are consolidating to meet demand for broader services and faster adaptation to changes in marketing.

What's next: - Hawke Media will use Rocket55 as an immediate base in Minneapolis. - The company will lean on the region’s marketing talent pool as it continues expanding. - Clients of both firms will be served through Hawke Media’s larger infrastructure and Rocket55’s local expertise. - More acquisitions remain likely as Hawke Media continues building scale and capabilities.

The bottom line: - Hawke Media just made its biggest acquisition yet, and the deal gives it a stronger Midwest platform plus more firepower for national clients.