Black Rocket Hired to Launch OurHouse.com

OurHouse.com hired advertising agency Black Rocket to create and execute its new ad campaign. Billings were not disclosed.

OurHouse.com, a provider of home improvement products, information and services on the Internet, said its decision was based on Black Rocket’s current work with Internet companies and its understanding of their marketing needs.

“It was a simple decision,” said Philip Airey, founder and chief executive officer of OurHouse.com. “Black Rocket is a company full of innovative ideas and the Internet advertising know-how we require.”

Attempting to separate itself from other online hardware services, OurHouse.com provides an extensive “how-to” library, online chat sessions with contractors and home improvement experts, and product-use guides.

OurHouse.com is backed by Ace Hardware and offers merchandise from suppliers and inventory from Ace Hardware’s 17 warehouses.

Ace Hardware also allows OurHouse.com customers convenient in-store returns and exchanges. Black Rocket was formed in 1996 by John Yost, Bob Kerstetter and Steve Stone.

Its first client was Yahoo Other clients include Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Online (previously known as Discover Brokerage), Wired Magazine and Petstore.com.

“We are a very selective agency and we know the people at OurHouse.com. They bring the smarts and expertise to deliver on an amazing consumer business proposition,” said Yost.

“We look forward to a great partnership.” OurHouse.com will formally launch in November 1999.