Independents

Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency

IndependentsMay 19, 2026

Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency

Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.

Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea
Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, the new owners of Fruchtman Marketing
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Miami—Ellen and Michael Fruchtman, the founders of Fruchtman Marketing, are retiring and have sold the agency to another husband-and-wife team, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea.

The boutique firm will relocate from Ohio to Miami, though it will continue to operate with the same team and retain its hands-on, strategic approach and personalized client service, the company said.

It also will retain the name Fruchtman Marketing.

The Fruchtmans said the sale of the firm follows a year of planning, evaluation, and collaboration to protect the company’s standards and ensure continuity and a strong future for the 45-year-old company.

Michael is retiring now, and Ellen will stay on through the end of the year to help guide the transition. She will remain in an advisory capacity into 2027.

Erin Moyer-Carballea will serve as CEO. She will guide the firm’s long-term vision, strengthen the client experience, and expand its strategic capabilities.

She will work closely with the Fruchtmans over the next 12 months to engage with clients and lead key strategic initiatives.

Moyer-Carballea has more than 20 years of experience in brand strategy, content development, and digital innovation.

She has worked in leadership positions across entertainment, media, and global consumer brands.

Earlier in her career, she worked with major entertainment companies during a period of rapid digital transformation.

Her forward-looking perspective on storytelling, audience engagement, and multi-platform strategy will allow Fruchtman Marketing to expand its strategic offerings, the company said.

Carballea will serve as chief operating officer, leading operational strategy, financial performance, and the systems that support scalable growth. 

He has more than 20 years of leadership experience working in global technology companies across communications, software, and enterprise sales, with a focus on customer service and emerging technologies, including AI-driven systems, performance platforms, and customer segmentation. 

His expertise will enhance the agency’s digital capabilities, analytics, and operational infrastructure, enabling clients to access advanced tools and actionable insights, Fruchtman Marketing said.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Fruchtman Marketing is also promoting two leaders.

David Turgeon has been promoted to chief client officer, assuming expanded responsibility for client leadership and retail advisory. 

With more than 30 years of experience working with jewelers and retailers, Turgeon brings ownership-level expertise, having operated several retail businesses, including jewelry stores and a jewelry manufacturing company. 

He provides strategic guidance grounded in hands-on retail experience.

Shane O’Neill has been promoted to chief strategy and growth officer. 

In his 20 years with Fruchtman Marketing, O’Neill has led the agency’s digital and website division and will continue to drive strategic growth across client platforms through digital innovation and performance-driven initiatives.

Fruchtman Marketing’s leadership team, strategists, creatives, media specialists, and account managers remain in place, the firm said.

Its day-to-day relationships, service, and exclusive focus on the jewelry industry remain unchanged.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Ellen said.

“Michael and I care deeply about our clients and our team, and it was important to ensure this transition was right. Erin and Manny share our values and commitment, and we are very confident in the firm’s future. What will not change is the way we serve our clients. Our relationships, our accessibility, and our attention to detail will remain exactly the same.”

Moyer-Carballea added, “What Ellen and Michael have built is truly special. My focus will be on honoring that foundation while helping the firm evolve to strengthen our clients’ marketing and support the Fruchtman team’s execution for the long term.”

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