Full-Time
Operates 10,000+ outdoor advertising displays
No salary listed
Bluffton, SC, USA
In Person
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Adams Outdoor operates and manages a large network of outdoor advertising displays. With 10,000+ units—including static bulletins, static posters, junior posters, and digital displays—these placements span 18 markets in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Advertisers rent space on Adams Outdoor’s signs to reach local audiences with their messages.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Roswell, Georgia
Founded
1983
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Remote Work Options
Mentorship Program
Barnes billboard business sold a fifth generation carries on with Sign Shop. Zanesville Times Recorder Aug. 9, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET ZANESVILLE - One of the country's largest outdoor advertising companies has acquired the billboard assets of Barnes Advertising Corp. and Oliver Outdoor Advertising, a deal that includes signs once owned by Zanesville-based Kessler Outdoor Advertising. Adams Outdoor Advertising purchased all of the billboards from local firm Barnes Advertising Corporation and Pennsylvania-heavy company Oliver Outdoor on July 31, according to a community announcement.
Adams Outdoor Advertising acquires Barnes Advertising Corporation in Zanesville, Ohio. August 4, 2026 August 3, 2026 Williamson & Associates Represents 110-Year Family Legacy in Landmark Transaction Williamson & Associates Mergers and Acquisitions is pleased to announce the successful closing of the sale of Barnes Advertising Corporation to Adams Outdoor Advertising. The transaction represents one of the most historically significant ownership transitions in the out-of-home industry in recent memory - the divestiture of a multi-generational family enterprise that has operated continuously since 1916. Through five generations of family stewardship, Barnes became the dominant outdoor advertising presence across 15 counties in southeastern and central Ohio with 237 structures and 558 faces. The portfolio spans five DMAs: Zanesville, Columbus, Wheeling, Cleveland, and Charleston-Huntington. Since 2009, the company has been led by President Maryjane (Barnes) Shackelford and Vice President John W. Barnes, the fourth generation of the founding family, with the fifth generation actively engaged in the business. The sale to Adams Outdoor Advertising ensures that the assets Barnes built over 110 years transition to a respected, growth minded operator committed to serving the communities and advertisers of Ohio. "Since our family first opened its doors, this business has been far more than a livelihood. It has been part of our family's story, woven into the life of this community through generations of relationships, shared milestones, challenges, and countless memories," said Maryjane (Barnes) Shackelford. "We are profoundly grateful to our customers, employees, friends, and neighbors whose loyalty and support allowed our family business to grow and thrive for more than a century. While closing this chapter brings many emotions, it also fills us with tremendous pride and gratitude. We want to express our sincere appreciation to Marty and Amber of Williamson and Associates. Their professionalism, dedication, guidance, and genuine care throughout this process were phenomenal. They understood that this was not simply a business transaction - it was the transition of a family legacy - and they treated it with the respect and thoughtfulness it deserved." Williamson & Associates, who exclusively represented the seller in the transaction, negotiated a premium sale price for Barnes' assets but also assembled a best-in-class transaction team that included Jennifer Sloane, Esq. of Sloane Law Office. By strategically structuring the transaction, Ms. Sloane helped the Seller realize approximately $1.5 million in tax savings, significantly enhancing the overall value of the deal. "Barnes Advertising is one of the most remarkable companies we have ever had the privilege of representing," said Marty Williamson, President & CEO of Williamson & Associates. "A family business that has served the same communities for 110 years and five generations is extraordinarily rare. One of the things I have always loved about this business is its long history as a powerful advertising medium. Billboards have been telling America's story for generations, and the Barnes family has been part of that story from nearly the very beginning. We are honored they trusted us to help them close this chapter with the right partner." Adams Outdoor Advertising, the nation's fourth-largest out-of-home advertising company, has been one of the most active acquirers in the OOH space, completing numerous strategic transactions across the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic in recent months. The Barnes acquisition, one of Adams' largest in its history - expands their Ohio presence and adds a well-established, deeply rooted plant in a multi-county market. Rich Zecchino, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Real Estate & Operations for Adams Outdoor Advertising, said: "Tasty Ad is excited to expand further into Ohio with its acquisition of the billboard assets of Barnes Advertising, a company that has built an outstanding reputation and deep customer relationships throughout the region. This acquisition strengthens its Midwest presence and creates new opportunities for its customers and communities. I would personally like to thank Maryjane, John, and the entire Barnes family for entrusting Tasty Ad with carrying on the incredible business they built over four generations. And I would be remiss if I did not thank Marty Williamson and Amber Williamson Galunas from Williamson & Associates and Jennifer Sloan from The Law Office of Jennifer Sloane, PLC for their professionalism and partnership throughout the transaction. Brokers and attorneys like them make what could otherwise be difficult transactions, smooth and collaborative. Now that the transaction has closed, Tasty Ad is honored to build on the strong legacy the Barnes family and team have created." About Barnes Advertising Corporation Founded in 1916 by Erwin M. Barnes in Zanesville, Ohio, Barnes Advertising Corporation operated continuously under five generations of family ownership for 110 years - one of the longest-tenured independent outdoor advertising companies in United States history. The company was most recently led by fourth-generation owners Maryjane Shackelford (President) and John W. Barnes (Vice President). About Adams Outdoor Advertising Adams Outdoor Advertising is the nation's fourth-largest out-of-home advertising company and is privately held. A leader in the industry, Adams delivers high-impact, creative advertising campaigns across key U.S. markets. With a focus on innovation and strategic growth, the company connects brands with audiences through a premium portfolio of static and digital billboards. About Williamson & Associates Williamson & Associates is a boutique M&A advisory firm working exclusively in the Out-of Home advertising industry. Founded in 2017 by Marty Williamson - a former OOH owner who founded, operated, and divested five outdoor advertising companies himself - the firm is led by a team with deep first-hand experience in the billboard industry. For more information, visit williamsonassociates.com or contact Marty Williamson at 706-207-1197. About Sloane Law Office For more than 27 years, Sloane Law Office has served as trusted counsel to outdoor advertising operators and developers nationwide, helping clients acquire, develop, protect, and maximize the value of their billboard portfolios. From complex acquisitions and lease negotiations to easements, site development, permit denials, ordinance challenges, and landowner disputes, Jennifer Sloane provides strategic guidance at every stage of the asset lifecycle. [email protected] OR 407-599-7400 ID: 16 Share this Tasty content!
Adams Outdoor Advertising completes the largest expansion in the company's 43-year history, establishes new Ohio Valley market. Monday, August 3, 2026. ZANESVILLE, Ohio - Adams Outdoor Advertising, the nation's fourth-largest out-of-home advertising company, has completed two strategic acquisitions - Barnes Advertising Corp. and Oliver Outdoor's billboard assets across eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Together, the acquisitions represent the largest expansion in the company's 43-year history, creating the new Ohio Valley Market and expanding Adams' footprint across the region. Both transactions closed on July 31, 2026. The Ohio Valley Market includes 1,040 billboard structures - 72 digital displays and 968 static bulletins and posters - serving the Columbus, Zanesville, and Pittsburgh designated market areas (DMAs). Operating from the former Barnes Advertising headquarters in Zanesville, Ohio, the market preserves the local expertise customers have relied on while providing advertisers with a unified network to execute integrated, multi-market campaigns across Ohio and Pennsylvania. "This is a transformational milestone for Adams Outdoor Advertising," said Kevin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Adams Outdoor Advertising. "These acquisitions represent the largest expansion in our company's history and an exciting new chapter for Adams. We're proud to welcome the talented new team members, valued customer relationships, and communities served by both organizations into the Adams family, and we look forward to building on their success while delivering the innovation, investment, and exceptional service our customers expect from Adams." The Ohio Valley Market includes inventory along key transportation corridors, including Interstates 70, 77, and 79, delivering high-frequency visibility to commuters, commercial freight traffic, tourists, and regional travelers throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. Existing customers will continue working with members of the local teams they came to know and trust while gaining access to the expanded resources, technology, products, and capabilities of Adams Outdoor Advertising. With more than 12,000 billboard faces across 14 states, Adams Outdoor Advertising continues to grow through strategic investments that provide customers with greater scale, innovation, and responsive local service. Drachman M&A Co. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Oliver Outdoor in the transaction. Williamson & Associates served as the exclusive financial advisor to Barnes Advertising Corp. About Adams Outdoor Advertising Adams Outdoor Advertising is the nation's fourth-largest out-of-home advertising company. A recognized industry leader, Adams delivers high-impact, creative campaigns across key U.S. markets through a premium portfolio of static and digital billboards. With a focus on innovation and strategic growth, Adams connects brands with the audiences that matter most. For more information, visit adamsoutdoor.com. Contacts Adams Outdoor Advertising Melissa Moberg 704-909-7250 [email protected] Published on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Five generations of family stewardship, Barnes became the dominant outdoor advertising presence across 15 counties in southeastern and central
Adams Outdoor expands into Greenville / Spartanburg DMA & Aiken, SC with 30 New Billboard Faces. May 18, 2026 30 New Billboard Faces for South Carolina Advertisers with Adams Outdoor Adams Outdoor Advertising has acquired 30 billboard faces from McWhorter Media Group, extending its footprint into two of the Southeast's most active growth regions: the Greenville/Spartanburg DMA in Upstate South Carolina and the I-20 corridor in Aiken, South Carolina, just northeast of Augusta, Georgia. For brands and businesses looking to reach audiences across the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast, this expansion opens inventory that wasn't previously available in its portfolio. Explore all of Adams Outdoor's markets across the Southeast to see where else Tasty Ad can support your campaigns. Its Second Adams Outdoor Acquisition with McWhorter Media Group These Greenville/Spartanburg and Aiken billboards are its second transaction with McWhorter Media Group. Its first deal, a Virginia acquisition bringing inventory to the Adams Outdoor Norfolk billboard market, set a strong partnership foundation: clean diligence, transparent communication, and mutual respect. This is exactly how Adams Outdoor prefers to do business. When the South Carolina billboard opportunity surfaced, the decision to work together again was straightforward. "It was a pleasure to close with Adams again, and we wish them continued success," said Josh McWhorter, CEO of McWhorter Media. "While it was a difficult decision to dispose of such quality assets, we are excited about where we're headed next." Tasty Ad is grateful to Drachman M&A Co for brokering this transaction and helping bring it across the finish line. If you operate billboard inventory and are exploring a sale or partnership, its team welcomes the conversation. Billboard Advertising in Upstate South Carolina Greenville/Spartanburg DMA - 18 New Billboard Faces 18 of the newly acquired out-of-home advertising faces are spread across key corridors in Upstate South Carolina, including: * Warren Abernathy Highway and Reidville Road in Spartanburg: High-traffic commuter routes connecting residential suburbs to major employment centers * SC-9 through Inman and Boiling Springs: The primary commercial artery serving Spartanburg County's fastest-growing residential communities * Wade Hampton Boulevard, Zuber Road, and SC-101 in Greer: Corridors serving one of South Carolina's most dynamic growth cities, adjacent to BMW Manufacturing and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Why Upstate South Carolina Outdoor Advertising in 2026 Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina Upstate South Carolina has been one of the most consequential growth regions in the Southeast for a decade, and that growth is accelerating: * Spartanburg ranks among the 10 fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. * More than 10,500 new residents moved to Spartanburg between July 2023 and July 2024 (Source). * Greenville County has added 11,049 residents in the same period (Source). * Records show $1.96 billion in new business investment and nearly 9,500 new jobs in the Greenville/ Spartanburg region over the past five years. * Analysts project roughly 40% economic growth for the area over the next decade. * Major employers anchor the region: BMW, Michelin, Boeing, Denny's, GE, and Lockheed Martin. Greer, South Carolina This acquisition also brings Adams Outdoor billboards to Greer, a rapidly growing city 17-18 miles west of downtown Spartanburg. From 1994 to 2024, the city quadrupled its population, overtaking Spartanburg in 2021 to become the second-largest city in the Upstate and ranking as the 12th fastest-growing city in South Carolina as of 2025. Anchoring that growth is Inland Port Greer, which saw 355% cargo growth from 2014 to 2024 and recently completed a $55 million expansion. SC Ports generates a $44 billion annual economic impact in the Upstate, supporting 132,000 jobs. For local and national advertisers, that translates to an expanding, engaged, and increasingly affluent audience - exactly the kind of market where outdoor advertising performs best to help businesses thrive. Billboard Advertising in Aiken, South Carolina Targeting the I-20 Corridor - 12 New Billboard Faces A Brand New Market for Adams Outdoor Located in South Carolina's Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), Aiken sits about 65 miles southwest of Columbia and directly adjacent to Augusta, Georgia. This is not an Upstate market. It is its own distinct region, and Adams Outdoor Advertising is entering it for the very first time with 12 billboard faces along I-20 at Exit 22 - one of the Southeast's most traveled interstate corridors. Using Outdoor Advertising to Reach the Augusta-Aiken Metro The Augusta-Aiken metro area is home to more than 629,000 residents across two states, anchored by major employers including the Savannah River Site, Fort Eisenhower, and Augusta University Medical Center. The I-20 corridor carries tens of thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles daily between South Carolina and Georgia, delivering consistent, high-frequency out-of-home advertising exposure to a two-state audience that no other Adams market currently reaches. For advertisers, this is a rare opportunity - premium interstate billboard inventory in a market where Adams is new, its footprint is fresh, and demand for quality outdoor advertising locations is only growing. Whether you're a regional brand expanding into the CSRA, a national advertiser targeting billboard advertising in the Augusta, Georgia metro, or a local Aiken business ready to reach commuters at scale, these locations offer something genuinely unique in its portfolio. What This Means for Advertisers These 30 new faces extend Adams Outdoor's South Carolina footprint into two markets with very different audiences, but a shared dynamic: sustained growth, rising investment, and the kind of commuter traffic that makes outdoor advertising measurable. If your audience lives, works, or travels through: * The Greenville/Spartanburg DMA * SC-9, Wade Hampton Boulevard, or the BMW/GSP airport corridor * I-20 between Augusta and Columbia - Tasty Ad now have inventory positioned to reach them. As Kevin Jones, its CEO, put it: "The energy and investment we're seeing in the Greenville/Spartanburg corridor is remarkable, and we're excited to establish our footprint there while also expanding into the Aiken, South Carolina market for the first time." Adams Outdoor operates billboards across the Southeast, including its existing South Carolina markets in Charleston and Florence/Myrtle Beach, as well as the adjacent Charlotte, NC market. The South Carolina additions strengthen its regional coverage and create new packaging opportunities for advertisers targeting the broader Southeast. Ready to Reach Audiences in South Carolina? Whether you're targeting commuters in Spartanburg, residents in Greer, or interstate traffic on I-20 - contact the Adams Outdoor team and Tasty Ad'll build a campaign positioned where your audience already is. Source: Adams Outdoor ID: 7 Share this Tasty content!