The ownership of a longtime advertising agency has changed hands.

PS Media Inc.’s new owner and president is Tony Moser, who’s been with the business for almost eight years.

Moser bought the Kennewick-based business, established in 1999, from Mark Showalter and Dave Praino. The deal was finalized Oct. 14. Terms were not disclosed.

Praino and Showalter worked together at KNDU-TV when they started dreaming of starting their own business

“As cliché as it may sound, PS Media was first envisioned on the back of a cocktail napkin. I had two small children and a stay-at-home wife, so it was pretty scary, but I’ve never looked back,” Praino said.

PS Media offers marketing services ranging from rebranding to media placement, to social media and digital marketing, and web and video production.

Praino said it’s been a good run.

“What I’m proudest of is the relationships we’ve built over the last 23 years. We’ve made solid friendships with customers and employees to the extent that it hasn’t ever felt like work. It’s always felt like we are all on the same team working toward the same goals,” he said.

Moser, 47, of Kennewick, was an easy pick to be the business’ successor, Praino said.

“Tony gets it. Tony knows what needs to take place for PS Media to continue to be successful. The customers love him, the vendors love him, and the staff love him. Plus, he’s the most gifted producer I’ve worked with in my more than 40-year career,” he said.

Moser, a 1993 Kamiakin High grad, earned an associate degree in film and TV from Seattle Central Community College in 2000.

He grew up in the Tri-Cities and moved to Los Angeles to work in the movie business (He also did stand-up comedy for about 15 years.), but said he was tired of earthquakes, traffic and how expensive everything was so he returned home.

Moser has been producing/editing videos since high school but has been at it professionally for about 23 years.

During the pandemic Moser approached PS Media’s longtime owners about selling the business to him.

“I figured it was my next step. I’ve been video producing and editing for so long. I always like to look for the next challenge. The next step is being an owner,” he said.

Moser admits he doesn’t have much experience running a business, but he is confident he can learn. He’s keeping Praino and Showalter on the payroll as consultants to help with the transition.

His goals are to double the number of employees and what the company brings in. He also wants to get more involved in the community as far as charity work to get PS Media’s name out.

“If you’re making some money, you should give it back,” he said.

He currently serves on the board for Safe Harbor Support Center, a Kennewick-based nonprofit which works to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing a safe environment for children and teens when there are no other alternatives.