Philosophy Communication Takes Home Top Honors in 2017

WINNER

PHILOSOPHY COMMUNICATION

For its 15-year anniversary, Philosophy Communication produced short videos in which 15-year-olds tried to explain marketing, image and what it means to be 15. While the teens cheerfully struggled with how to verbalize these concepts, the Denver-based firm has no problem explaining what it does: It shapes thought.

Clients range from luxury appliances to agriculture to energy. The 16-employee firm also provides pro bono marketing, such as promoting the Dress for Success Power Walk and fundraiser last year, helping the nonprofit meet 98 percent of its fundraising goal.

To attract talented marketers, writers and designers, the firm offers three to five weeks paid vacation, three months paid maternity leave, a 401(k) retirement plan and catered lunches. There is also a 12-week “Path 2 Leadership (P2L)” program, in which coaches work with staff members to strengthen their leadership abilities.

“The program has allowed our team to lead from a creatively authentic place rather than a reactive place,” co-founder Jennifer Lester says. “We’re now better able make tough decisions, have honest conversations and better align with our team and clients. The situations where we were being too passive or too egocentric or too pleasing are now minimized because of the leadership strength our employees are given with the P2L program.”

Philosophy also celebrates work anniversaries and birthdays with cakes and luxury pajamas from their client, Sol. “Some may find the present a little unexpected, but this is exactly why it fits Philosophy,” Lester says. 

FINALISTS

AVOCET COMMUNICATIONS

Founded in 1980, woman-owned Avocet Communications helps clients increase customer count through integrated marketing communications solutions. The Longmont-based agency represents B2B, B2C, retail, social enterprises and entrepreneurial startups from around the country. The firm also works with nonprofits: It implemented integrated marketing programs for arc Thrift Stores and created websites and other materials for Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association and Colorado Cross-Disabilities Coalition. Recently, the Avocet team traveled to Arizona for team-building exercises, which included Top Golf and cooking.

NOVITAS COMMUNICATIONS

Novitas Communications is a boutique public relations firm specializing in corporate, financial and crisis communications, as well as issue advocacy. The nine-employee firm is located in Denver, which makes it easy for clients to meet with the team and talk about projects. The firm considers its clients to be friends and has hosted events such as a baby shower for a client. Novitas was founded on four core values: integrity, excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and partnership. Leadership encourages employees to help set the culture through staff retreats and incentivizes employees to help the firm reach its goals.