2026 Fastest Growing Small Company

Industry: Media

Led by: Michelle Tyo-Johnson, Owner  and CEO

Headquarters: Green Bay

Number of Employees: 36

northcoastmediagroup.com

Longtime employee Michelle Tyo‑Johnson acquired the companies NorthCoast Productions and Made Ya Look in 2021, officially establishing NorthCoast Media Group as a woman‑owned media production company in a male‑dominated industry. Last year, Tyo‑Johnson added Appleton‑based Image Studios to NorthCoast’s portfolio, doubling the company’s size and significantly strengthening and expanding its creative capabilities.

Emerging technologies are a key driver of growth in the media industry. Tyo‑Johnson says NorthCoast’s ability to adapt has been critical.

“From digital photography and drones to today’s rapid advancements in AI, each wave has changed how we work and how the work is delivered,” she says. “We focus on understanding these shifts early and integrating them in ways that create real value for our clients.”

As NorthCoast continues to look forward, Tyo‑Johnson says growth must be seen not just as getting bigger, but becoming more valuable to clients and the community. With more than a year of Image Studios ownership now under her belt, she sees NorthCoast as a valuable storytelling partner for industries and organizations across Northeast Wisconsin.

“These … align well with NorthCoast’s ‘Strategy. Story. Stage.’ approach,” she says, “allowing the team to support clients through strategic marketing, meaningful content, multimedia production and live experiences that build connection and drive results.”