Client-First, Full-Service Marketing Agency in Omaha
We're not a vendor—we're an extension of your team. Canary & Coal offers tailored, effective marketing and advertising strategies from an experienced team that knows how to get the best returns in an evolving media landscape. Our clients' success is our top priority.
Who We Are
Canary & Coal is an Omaha-based agency with regional and national reach. Our agency is rooted in direct response marketing, and we leverage our incredible network and tailored marketing strategies to better serve our longstanding client relationships. With a relationship-driven approach and quick turnaround times, we prioritize you and the success of your business first.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Cheri Duryea
Vice President of Media Buying & Strategy
With more than 25 years of integrated marketing experience, Cheri Duryea has led strategic marketing initiatives across financial services, real estate, retail, technology, franchise relations, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors for local and national brands. Her expertise spans the full marketing ecosystem, from traditional media buying and direct mail to out-of-home, digital, and data-driven campaign strategy, delivering measurable results for both local and national brands.
Having worked as a client, agency partner, and strategic vendor, Cheri brings a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective to every project. She has extensive experience in database and campaign analysis, broadcast and print media buying, direct mail strategy and list brokerage, and the development of integrated marketing programs that align brand, message, and performance. Her ability to connect traditional and modern channels results in cohesive campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and conversion.
Cheri is an active leader in the Omaha business and nonprofit community. She is a member of the Nebraska chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth and has previously served as President of the Omaha Network and President of the Women’s Fund of Omaha. She has also held board positions with Heartland Family Service and other nonprofits, reflecting her ongoing commitment to community impact and leadership.
Sophie Ford
Digital & Design Manager
Sophie Ford is the Digital and Design Manager at Canary & Coal, a role she has held since 2020—after joining the agency in 2018. She manages strategy and execution across paid and organic social media and produces the full range of content that comes with it, including written, graphic, photo, and video content. She also brings a graphic design background to visual marketing materials including posters, flyers, reports, and other branded collateral. Her client work spans agriculture, fintech, travel and tourism, nonprofit, food service, and healthcare.
Sophie holds dual bachelor's degrees in Graphic Design and Public Relations and Advertising and from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has lived across two continents in cities, villages, suburbs, and on a farm. Understanding different audiences, different contexts, and different ways people relate to a brand comes a little more naturally when you've moved through a few different worlds yourself.
The Hurrdat Umbrella: Canary & Coal & Lukas Partners
In 2026, Canary & Coal was acquired by Hurrdat, joining the Lukas Partners public relations firm to fill out a broad, full-service marketing ecosystem that can meet the diverse needs of businesses in any industry across the country. The acquisition expands Canary & Coal's reach within a larger dynamic organization and expands Hurrdat’s capabilities to include traditional media buying, out-of-home advertising, and direct mail.
Our Story
2013
Duryea Strategic Marketing is founded by Cheri Duryea, with a focus on traditional advertising.
2018
Duryea Strategic Marketing begins partnering with Canary & Coal, a respected firm known for its social media and digital marketing services.
2019
Canary & Coal is purchased by Cheri Duryea and the two companies merge into one under the Canary & Coal name, providing expanded digital and traditional marketing capabilities.
2026
Canary & Coal is acquired by Hurrdat, a full-service marketing agency in Omaha. Through this relationship, clients now benefit from a fully integrated approach to marketing and advertising.
What We Can Do for You
We offer a full suite of marketing capabilities, from traditional, digital, and social media to event planning and direct mail. Explore our services and check out our past work.
Let's Work Together
Get in touch today to begin leveraging our full-service marketing agency's capabilities—and watch your business grow!