Ahh, yes. 2012, I remember it well. The Hunger Games had taken over the media, One Direction was releasing some killer bops and people were strangely obsessed with mustaches. But do you remember what you were doing ten years ago?
As an agency, we have gone through many changes throughout the years, but we’re incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team here at thunder::tech, with many coming along the journey for the past decade. So, while you were once again trying to get Carlee Rae Jepson’s “Call Me Maybe” out of your head, what were our team members up to? Let’s jump in the time machine and see!
Joe Cola - 2010
What were you initially hired to do?
I was hired as an entry-level graphic designer, primarily focused on production.
What do you do at thunder::tech now? What growth or change has happened in the last 10 years?
Now I am the Senior Art Director, where I manage the Creative Department and the Graphic Design Team, leading creative strategy and solutions in a multitude of disciplines. Over the past 12 years, the agency has grown in many ways. First, it’s grown by head count, where we had 14 people when I started, to now close to 40. We’ve certainly grown by skillset and talent, where we now have dedicated specialists for a variety of disciplines.
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech?
I’ve really enjoyed seeing the growth of the agency in addition to the excitement and passion people bring every day. If I had to pick a favorite memory, it was probably when I became the Senior Art Director. I’d spent years growing and fine-tuning my creative skills. I always had a goal, even going through design school, to lead a design team and having that opportunity at thunder::tech has been very rewarding.
Kelly Rienzi – 2012
What were you initially hired to do?
Account Coordinator - blended my time between managing accounts and vetting new business opportunities.
What do you do at thunder::tech now? What growth or change has happened in the last 10 years?
Now I am focused on lead generation and sales/new client acquisition for the agency and it's phenomenal! I love getting to meet new people, learning about different businesses and finding solutions to achieve goals.
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech?
The people are definitely the best! Everyone at t::t is so talented, knowledgeable and passionate about their trade. As far as favorite memories are concerned, every time we all get together it's a blast. Be it virtual hangouts to Guardians games (yay for 2022 possibilities!), and not just the immediate colleagues, but everyone's families as well.
Matt Stevens – 2007
What were you initially hired to do?
I was hired as a graphic designer while also working with video and photos part-time.
What do you do at thunder::tech now? What growth or change has happened in the last 10 years?
Managing Producer - Now I'm fully doing video as well as a variety of miscellaneous stuff here and there.
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech?
The variety of things I get to work on! Every day is a little different.
J.P. Krainz – 2012
What were you initially hired to do?
Account Manager – manage day-to-day client relationships and projects.
What do you do at thunder::tech now? What growth or change has happened in the last 10 years?
Senior Director of Client Services – Focus on process and agency relationships to maintain client retention.
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech?
That every day is different, and we have the backing, process and leadership to do things that make us and our clients excited to come to work!
Bruce Williams – 2002
What were you initially hired to do?
Design and develop websites and occasionally make sub-par coffee.
What do you do at thunder::tech now? What growth or change has happened in the last 10 years?
I now work as VP of Development Department for thunder::tech which requires me to drive strategy in the areas of all things digital. I manage and grow our technical capabilities in how we serve our clients' interests and goals.
I strive to make sure to set up not only our clients for success, but also for our team members to perform at their very best and pursue their own professional ambitions and interests.
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech?
My top favorite memories are of working together with my many talented colleagues on the amazingly creative and exciting projects over the time I’ve been with thunder::tech. Other impactful memories that stand out are the times thunder::tech has provided myself and my family with celebratory gifts, world-class events, touching tributes and flexibility in my personal life.
I started as a wide-eyed, untested college grad and have grown into a grateful husband, father-of-three professional. I have thunder::tech, trusted clients, family, my t::t team members and peers to thank for it all.
Nicole Davis - 2010
What were you initially hired to do?
I was hired as Office Administrator in Operations. My main role included managing Jason’s calendar, updating the whiteboard with potential and new work, printing off the day schedules for meeting spaces, project entry and billings.
What do you do at thunder::tech now?
I became the Office Manager in 2014, and in 2021 was promoted to Operations Manager. I am now doing project entry, most accounting functions, management and upgrading of office space and recruiting as well as introducing and implementing new processes.
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech?
My favorite part about working at thunder::tech is that it is always changing. The people, the projects, the services are in a constant growth cycle. I have seen many people grow throughout their careers and watched as the departments evolve. The work provided to clients is always stellar, and our team never seems to say no to something before diving into some research to see what services need to be added to provide clients with the best outcome.
My favorite memory is when the whole office did a paper airplane contest to see who could build the best looking and furthest flying plane.
Marc Theodore – 2011
What were you initially hired to do?
Operations Manager – HR, facilities, recruitment, AP/AR assistance and vendor relations.
What do you do at thunder::tech now?
Vice President of Operations – long term agency strategy, executive leadership, legal and contract negotiations, internal accounting execution/oversight, P&L management, expense management and human resources.
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech?
Having a voice and direction in every aspect of the business. The ability to watch our team grow year over year and better themselves personally and professionally. We wouldn’t be where we are today without all of us working together. Also – when the Account Services Department dressed up like me for Halloween.
Jason Therrien – 1999
What were you initially hired to do?
I got the job by being willing to do it all. At first, I designed brochures and created advertising, built websites and watered the office plants.
What do you do at thunder::tech now? What growth or change has happened in the last 10 years?
I am still the President at t::t and have seen A LOT of change over the past decade. Our t::team has grown a lot as has the collective level of talent we have. The clientele has grown substantially both in number and in size and reputation. It is pretty awesome to see our work reach global audiences on a regular basis. And I can report that I still water the office plants!
What has been your favorite part about working for thunder::tech? Is there a favorite memory that you have?
There are so many choices from huge events and awesome brands to impactful work that changes the trajectory of an organization. But through all those opportunities, it’s been the people, both t::teammates and clients, that I have had the honor of working with. The ability to help invent the future with wicked smart and talented professionals across so many skill areas is just an amazing thing to get to do every day.
How much our team has developed and accomplished over the past decade is truly incredible and as an agency we are incredibly fortunate to be working with such talented individuals. Only time will tell what our team will achieve in the next ten years!
Do you want to join this group of passionate teammates and grow in your career? We are hiring! Check out our open positions and apply today.