Our story

Search Optics was founded in 1998 and began as one of the brightest rising stars in online strategy and digital marketing solutions for automotive dealerships. We honed our position in the market by constantly raising the technological bar and giving our clients maximum visibility online. Then we set out to discover the next revolution, the next step to take us over the top.

Since our company’s beginning, and what remains to be true today, is that pioneering tech expertise partnered with actual human logic, heart, integrity, and hands-on experience is our calling card. When we say that we have more knowledge, resources, and commitment, it’s not just a talking point. It’s a reality.

We get to know our clients in person and find out what works for their world. Then we customize a one-of-a-kind strategy, which we actively manage and continually optimize based on actionable performance metrics. It is this premium level of human interaction and high-touch service — which we call class-leading marketing technology backed by real people — that has led us to make more of our client’s top brand performers.

In 2022, Search Optics became part of Advance Local which owns and operates the nation’s leading local media groups, software and data platforms, and marketing agencies. As part of Advance Local’s Automotive division, home to ZeroSum and Hoot Interactive, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible as we develop new products and services for our clients.

Our leadership


Dave Cox
Chief Operations Officer
Christian Fuller
Sr. Vice President, Business Development
Alli Gillick
Sr. Vice President, Product & Operations
Curtis Daneker
Sr. Vice President, Sales
Jeff Davis
Vice President, Marketing Services
Matt Cook
Vice President, Finance & Accounting
Mike Young
Vice President, Sales
Kirk VanSickle
Vice President, Sales