Over the past two decades, the landscape of public relations and marketing has evolved from a model that once relied heavily on traditional media to one that is increasingly data-informed, agile, and socially driven. Agencies that traditionally focused on media outreach have adapted into strategic partners handling brand identity, digital storytelling, influencer relations, and performance-based campaigns. This transformation has been especially significant in niche industries, where authenticity and community often play a larger role than reach alone. One such sector is the transportation and automotive aftermarket industry, where marketing requires a balance between cultural understanding and commercial success.
It was in this environment that Dan Kahn founded Kahn Media, Inc. in 2008. Positioned at the crossroads of automotive culture, digital innovation, and consumer engagement, the agency began as a small firm built on Kahn’s background in journalism and his passion for car culture. Over the following years, the agency expanded steadily, becoming a recognized name in both public relations and digital marketing, particularly within transportation, luxury, and outdoor lifestyle markets. As founder and CEO, Kahn has played a significant role in guiding the agency’s growth, helping it transition from a boutique PR firm to an integrated marketing agency with an impressive client list and broad recognition.
Under Kahn’s leadership, the agency has seen consistent success, achieving notable milestones along the way. Kahn Media has been ranked among the premier agencies in the San Fernando Valley region by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal for several consecutive years. This recognition reflects not just size or revenue, but the agency’s sustained performance and community presence within a competitive region. Additionally, the firm has appeared multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. based on revenue growth over a three-year period. Kahn Media’s inclusion in this list highlights its financial growth and its ability to scale operations while maintaining a focus on specialization.
In 2020, Adweek recognized Kahn Media as one of the fastest-growing agencies in the country, placing it among a diverse range of agencies—from creative boutiques to full-service marketing firms. This recognition considered not only revenue growth but also team expansion and the agency’s ability to serve large-scale clients while retaining niche expertise. By this time, Kahn Media had built a diverse roster of clients in the automotive and lifestyle sectors, including well-known brands like Maserati, Lotus Cars, Rolex, SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), King of the Hammers, Ringbrothers, RUF, and Optima Batteries. These partnerships showcase the agency’s credibility within the automotive performance and enthusiast sectors while demonstrating its ability to support brand messaging across various platforms.
What distinguishes Kahn Media in the competitive agency space is its hybrid approach to public relations. Rather than focusing solely on the traditional press release model, the firm integrates PR with content production, influencer marketing, social media strategy, and digital advertising. Campaigns are designed not only to generate visibility but also to align messaging with audience behavior across different platforms. For instance, the agency’s campaign for Cognito Motorsports, which earned a Hermes Creative Award, exemplifies how it blended visual storytelling and targeted advertising to engage a specific, loyal customer base. While the Hermes recognition primarily highlights creative execution, it also underscores the firm’s ability to deliver measurable outcomes through strategic content.
As of 2025, Kahn Media operates in multiple regions, with a core office in California and an expanded presence through its acquisition of TREAD Agency in 2022. TREAD, an experiential marketing and branding firm headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, focuses on the outdoor recreation industry. The acquisition marked an important diversification in Kahn’s business portfolio, expanding the agency’s reach beyond automotive into sectors such as hunting, fishing, overlanding, and outdoor sports—industries that share similar values-driven consumer bases to the automotive aftermarket. While both agencies maintain distinct branding, they operate under the same leadership, with Kahn overseeing both operations.
The origins of Kahn Media are closely tied to Kahn’s early career in automotive journalism and publishing. Before founding the agency, Kahn worked as an editor and contributor in the media space, covering car culture and aftermarket trends. This foundation in storytelling—combined with an early embrace of digital channels—shaped how the agency approached brand narratives from the beginning. Rather than focusing solely on volume of coverage, the firm emphasized cultural relevance, high-quality creative, and meaningful audience engagement. This approach has been especially important for clients in niche enthusiast markets, where authenticity is a key driver of brand perception.
In recognition of his contributions to the automotive industry and his advocacy for marketing innovation, Kahn was named SEMA Person of the Year in 2019. This annual award, presented by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket. Kahn’s work with SEMA includes serving two terms on its Board of Directors and chairing its Show Committee and youth engagement task force. These roles helped shape major industry events such as the SEMA Show and initiatives aimed at fostering younger participation in the aftermarket community.
Kahn Media has also maintained a visible presence in media coverage, with features in Forbes Councils, The Shop Magazine, Cars Yeah, and the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. While some agency-generated content may not meet Wikipedia’s standards for independent sourcing, the firm’s inclusion in respected business publications, including Inc. and Adweek, further solidifies its public record of achievement. Additionally, Dan Kahn has contributed thought leadership through his podcast Only The Strong Survive, where he interviews entrepreneurs, creatives, and public figures on topics related to leadership and business resilience.
In early 2025, Kahn released a book titled The New Rules of the Road: How to Navigate the Rapidly Changing Marketing Landscape, published by Advantage Books. The book quickly achieved recognition as a certified bestseller in Amazon’s PR and Marketing New Release categories. The publication expands on Kahn’s insights regarding brand relevance, digital communication, and the future of consumer engagement. Although the book is still new, its release aligns with Kahn’s broader professional story, where agency leadership, industry advocacy, and media contribution are all closely interconnected.
