Looking Back on 2024
Highlights from thunder::tech's silver year
2024 was a year marked by significant events. The Presidential election year brought its usual noise for marketers to compete with, but add in the Paris Summer Olympics, a solar eclipse (at least in our neck of the woods), thunder::tech’s 25th anniversary and so many other notable moments, and we get a remarkably active 365 days.
In honor of our agency’s silver anniversary, we turned the lens inward and reinvested in our brand. While we regularly run through our branding strategy practice for clients, I’m grateful we dedicated the time and effort to conduct the exercise on ourselves.
As part of this brand strategy effort, we conducted voice of customer (VOC) research that clarified the unique value our team brings to the table and where clients want us to take them next. The insights were clear: thunder::tech is where brands come to break out of their competitive set, fueled by our integrated marketing approach and boundary-pushing ideas. In essence, we make brands boom.
This year wasn’t just about celebrating ourselves—it was about championing our clients and driving their success. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights that made 2024 truly unforgettable:
It was a year where our geographic footprint continued to grow, especially in Chicagoland, Michigan and Northwest Ohio, alongside broader national expansion. As we continue to build momentum, one thing remains clear: thunder::tech is the leading marketing agency for midsize brands, no matter their location.
Finally, 2024 was a year of gratitude. We celebrated, gave back and shared our thanks with the many people who mean so much to thunder::tech. We had a variety of initiatives at work this past year:
In 25 years, we’ve had the privilege to serve 1,000s of brands and help them navigate the incredible shifts in marketing, media and technology since the beginning of this millennium. Thank you to my inspiring t::teammates, our amazing clients, long-term partners and so many friends that have been a part of this milestone year at thunder::tech.
Happy holidays to you all and I look forward to seeing you in the new year!
In honor of our agency’s silver anniversary, we turned the lens inward and reinvested in our brand. While we regularly run through our branding strategy practice for clients, I’m grateful we dedicated the time and effort to conduct the exercise on ourselves.
As part of this brand strategy effort, we conducted voice of customer (VOC) research that clarified the unique value our team brings to the table and where clients want us to take them next. The insights were clear: thunder::tech is where brands come to break out of their competitive set, fueled by our integrated marketing approach and boundary-pushing ideas. In essence, we make brands boom.
This year wasn’t just about celebrating ourselves—it was about championing our clients and driving their success. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights that made 2024 truly unforgettable:
- Racking up the miles: From Eugene, Oregon, to Miami, Florida and everywhere in between, we clocked record travel to support our clients in cities like New Orleans, Indianapolis, Detroit, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Louisville, Toledo, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and D.C. If there was a project to tackle, we were there to make it happen.
- Honoring legacies: We had the privilege of helping two clients gear up for their 100th anniversaries—a century of success deserves nothing less than exceptional strategy and execution.
- Expanding our Destination practice: We welcomed several new accounts, including a floating National Historic Landmark (one of only a few in the country)!
- Our second Olympics: The support for our clients on the global stage in Paris with social media strategy, e-commerce initiatives and website enhancements was nothing short of exhilarating.
- Launching new tech: Our latest product, managed by thunder::tech, was designed to streamline brands’ digital infrastructure and provide peace of mind for their technical operations.
- Rebranding the retail world: Our CPG and Retail category practice grew, including a full-scale rebrand of a midsize retailer—stay tuned for the big reveal in 2025!
It was a year where our geographic footprint continued to grow, especially in Chicagoland, Michigan and Northwest Ohio, alongside broader national expansion. As we continue to build momentum, one thing remains clear: thunder::tech is the leading marketing agency for midsize brands, no matter their location.
Finally, 2024 was a year of gratitude. We celebrated, gave back and shared our thanks with the many people who mean so much to thunder::tech. We had a variety of initiatives at work this past year:
- We donated our marketing expertise to support two key cities where we operate. In Downtown Cleveland, we partnered with our DMO client, Destination Cleveland, to create stunning murals that enhance our cityscape. In Detroit, we lent our skills to Life Remodeled, an organization dedicated to building stronger, more vibrant communities.
- Our blow out summer party to celebrate the agency’s anniversary milestone was one for the books. We rented a dinner cruise boat to take teammates, their family and friends out for a gorgeous night and watch one of Cuyahoga’s breathtaking sunsets.
- Our right::angles philanthropic committee was busy this year spearheading multiple projects, including initiatives supporting the Cleveland APL.
- In celebration and support of the place thunder::tech began, our founder and CEO established a scholarship in perpetuity to support students attending John Carroll University.
In 25 years, we’ve had the privilege to serve 1,000s of brands and help them navigate the incredible shifts in marketing, media and technology since the beginning of this millennium. Thank you to my inspiring t::teammates, our amazing clients, long-term partners and so many friends that have been a part of this milestone year at thunder::tech.
Happy holidays to you all and I look forward to seeing you in the new year!
:: Jason Therrien, President & CEO
About the Author
Jason Therrien is the President and CEO of thunder::tech. He is a fan of entrepreneurs and trailblazers, a proud dad and he liked scotch before Mad Men.