about us

Nista, Hancock & Knapp (NHaK) is a full-service advertising agency that shrewdly blends creative ideas and strategic planning to effectively deliver your message to the right place at the right time. Located in contemporary Downtown Long Beach, we bring fresh, creative marketing ideas to play - ideas designed around our core belief that a strong brand image is the lifeblood of every company. A strong brand is the product of a collective, synergistic program of integrated marketing elements that reinforce a consistently powerful message through various mediums. We develop, strengthen and distribute your message with efficiency by employing our experience and skills to maximize your marketing dollars.

Collectively, our team has over 30 years experience in the advertising community and comes from a diverse background with years of dedicated service working for prominent companies such as Disney, ABC, ESPN, Day Runner and Cohen Brown.

Our comprehensive menu of services include the development and implementation of Creative Marketing and Advertising Campaigns, Full Service Television, Radio and Print Production, Video Production/Editing, Copywriting, Special Effects, Graphic Design, Website Development, Trade Show Support and Management, Promotional Items, New Media (Document Customization/Automation), Media Planning and Buying and extensive Marketing Analysis for every element of each campaign.

the NHaK team

The Key Executives work closely together to accomplish the overall goals for each client and each campaign.

Jim Nista
Creative Director and Founding Partner of NHaK
Jim Nista, a graduate of Cal State University Long Beach, serves as the agency Creative Director. Mr. Nista is a digital graphics and design pioneer and has a long history working in marketing and advertising for many clients. Mr. Nista joined DayRunner, in 1991 to setup an in-house design and marketing facility, and worked as the company grew from a small operation into a 500 person company. In 1996, Mr. Nista moved on from graphics and marketing to help establish a television effects and computer gaming firm in Stuttgart, Germany. More recently, Mr. Nista has worked as Creative Director for in-house firms and several boutique advertising agencies. Together with long-term colleagues Matt Hancock and James Knapp, Mr. Nista founded Nista, Hancock and Knapp in 2002.

James Knapp
President and Founding Partner of NHaK
James Knapp, a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, has been the catalyst in bringing key clients to the agency. Although James comes from an extensive background in graphic design, his invaluable ability to connect with clients and build strong relationships naturally lead him to the important role of securing and managing larger accounts. By building trust and promoting effective communication, James has maintained lasting partnerships that have helped NHaK grow.

Matt Hancock
Sr. Designer and Founding Partner of NHaK
Matt Hancock, a graduate of Omaha Art Institute, leads the team of designers at NHaK. His vast experience includes developing customized programs that ultimately provide solutions to our client’s unique challenges. Matt’s technical background helps make NHaK a leader in the new technology arena.