Our Story
Four Generations of Innovation, One Premier Team
Our Mission
1905 New Media is an extension of your marketing team. As strategic collaborators, we take on challenges and amplify your expertise so you can focus on big-picture goals. Our integrated approach eliminates the hassle of juggling vendors or managing disconnected efforts. Everything you need, guided by one team.
We help businesses grow by harnessing modern technologies to deliver customized solutions and bring clarity to the complex.
Photo Courtesy of The St. Charles County Historical Society
Storytellers From the Beginning
In the year 1905, Ronald Thomson acquired The Daily Banner-News, the leading newspaper in St. Charles County. For generations, the Thomson family has understood that powerful storytelling could shape communities and influence outcomes.
1905
Ronald Thomson acquires the local daily newspaper, The Daily Banner-News, in St. Charles County, Missouri.
1922
Thomson purchased the building at 202 South Main Street in St. Charles. The Daily Banner-News was on the first floor.
1946
Mark Thomson takes over operation of the business from his father.
1959
The company expands with the purchase of The Cosmos Monitor, the competing paper in town.
1961
The company acquired the first offset web press west of the Mississippi.
1969
Mark Thomson sold The Daily Banner-News to Sun Communications, but retained ownership of the printing plant.
1972
A disastrous fire destroys the paper’s offices and printing operation. The newspaper staff operated out of the former St. Charles Hotel with composing in the dining room and the newsroom in the restaurant.
1973
The printing plant began operations at 601 N. Kingshighway, serving as the “paper’s printer” for local publications.
1978
The company shifts to commercial printing and officially opens as Thomson Printing on February 1 at 313 Droste Rd. in St. Charles, MO. with Mike Thomson at the helm.
2001
The company expands its operations with the addition of a digital printer and moves back to 601 N. Kingshighway.
2011
John Meilink Thomson joins and takes over Thomson Printing.
2015
Giant Hat acquisition expands the company into website design, e-commerce and app development. The company opened a second office in the Central West End.
2017
Hey There Digital is launched as a new digital marketing firm under the company umbrella.
2019
Sandbox Creative is acquired, expanding capabilities in branding and design to deliver marketing programs from concept to completion.
2020
The digital office relocates, opening its doors in Olivette.
2021
tSunela joins offering SEM and analytics specialties. Arco + Associates is acquired bringing public relations. The company rebrands as 1905 New Media.
2024
Enhanced creative strategy is added and the company expands to Chicago with the acquisition of Mauge.
2025
Agent Kirk, our proprietary AI-powered data aggregation application, launches to provide advanced marketing analytics, insights and strategic support.
2026
Lelander is acquired, bringing one of St. Louis’s most respected web and software development teams into the organization and significantly expanding custom application and AI-driven development capabilities.
Grounded in Our Values
Come as You Are
We believe in supporting individuals to bring their most authentic selves by fostering empathy, compassion and inclusivity. We embrace diversity and treat others with respect.
Disrupt the Status Quo
We nurture a culture of boldness, creativity and innovation. By challenging conventional thinking and experimenting with new ideas, we deliver solutions that drive progress.
Own Your Impact
We believe in clear, intentional communication that empowers people to make informed decisions. We hold ourselves accountable to high standards, take pride in our contributions and learn from mistakes.
Embrace the Big Picture
We are stewards of a generational legacy, prioritizing long-term relationships built on trust and mutual growth. We adapt with agility to meet the evolving needs of our clients and team.
Our Edge in Action
Today, 1905 New Media is a fully integrated agency with deep roots and forward-thinking ambition. Our fourth-generation, family-owned company serves businesses across St. Louis, Chicago, and beyond, with a portfolio of more than 200 clients and a team of nearly 50 specialists.
What began as commercial printing has evolved into several comprehensive services, including:
- Public Relations
- Creative Strategy
- Branding
- Commercial Printing
Our recent spot on the Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for two consecutive years showcases our ability to adapt and deliver in an ever-changing marketplace.
Transform Your Brand and Drive Results
When your brand feels outdated, your website underperforms or your marketing struggles to convert, we create strategies and tools that move businesses forward. Our process starts with listening and learning. We get to the heart of your organization’s challenges and the outcomes you want to achieve. From there, we craft customized solutions that bring clarity to complicated situations.
Everything we do is backed by deep expertise and a century of industry insight.
