merit
Ashley Walters, Christian Jaekle, Michael Karamanoukian, Jenna Mason, Gail Kreimer, Andy Millard, Wally German
CMO, Marketing Director, Associate Growth Manager, Senior Content Strategist, Designer, Design Director, Director of Visual Engineering
Underdog
The TLDR: Our efforts helped Curiosity hit $22.6 million in revenue by the end of 2024, up 40% from 2023; spawned 562 pieces of original content, boosting our social following 31% from June '24; and attracted 24+ hires across creative, account, and strategy teams.
The best part of being an underdog? We have a perpetual fire lit under our ass. Part of this means constantly thinking of ways to make our people's dreams come true. Because, unlike holdcos, Marketing is where dreams come true, not where creativity goes to die. If our people have an idea that can make a difference, we have the connections, funding, and persistence to bring it to life.
From hard-launching our most iconic marketing asset (our new building) with an Extreme Makeover spoof that took 18 months to shoot, to a bingeable docuseries spotlighting our curious people’s curious hobbies, to formally unveiling Curiosity’s own Shark tank spinoff to secure a $25k investment – no other team in the industry hustles this hard to make Curiosity the place clients need to work with and creatives need to work at.
At this small shop in Cincinnati, new biz is a team sport, not a solo mission. We know great marketing fuels sales, sales fuels marketing, and both pour gasoline on our growth. That’s why we train everyone with a Curiosity keycard on our new biz process – so they’re ready to pitch, throw down on content, launch a passion project, or even star in a TikTok or two. Needless to say, we pour the same creative energy into our brand that we bring to our client work.
Here are a few examples of passion projects that celebrate our people. And, let's face it, would never be possible at a holdco.
Curious People series:
The brief was simple: Prove that we have the most Curious People in the world. We set out to make a series of short documentaries spotlighting our curious people’s curious hobbies. The result? A heart-warming showcase of what makes our weirdos, weirdos. The goal? Show clients the hearts behind the hustle, show future employees who they’ll be lunching with, and maybe – just maybe – make someone say, “Okay, I’ve gotta work there.” Episode one racked up over 8,700 views across social and YouTube, with episode 2 set to debut in early September. And yes, one of our James Beard-recognized Analysts (you read that right) is hosting a restaurant pop-up. Come one, come all.
Extreme Makeover: Curiosity Edition
How do you launch our new space in style? A six-minute spoof. Shot over 18 months, we set out to create a “move that bus!!” moment that captured the hearts of clients, consultants, and followers. With 12k+ views and hundreds of engagements, it wasn’t just a building launch. It was a brand moment dripping in humor and heart – and a few questionable outfits.
Cur Lab:
We launched Cur Lab, a Shark-Tank style initiative where employees pitch our partners and Former NFL lineman-turned-entrepreneur Dhani Jones, on their ideas to solve real-world problems, whether its the local lifeguard shortage shuttering Cincinnati pools, lack of baby changing tables in men's restrooms, or the inaccessible cost of the city’s bikeshare program, Cur Lab encourages people to dream big, then pitch, for a chance to land 25K in funding and week off from their typical clients duties to bring their solution to life. Pitch day is in September, stay tuned.
The secret to keeping marketing a team sport? Lining our people's virtual pockets with rewards that'll make 'em drop their cheese coney. Our internal incentive program, Cur Cred, hooks our people up with experiences money can’t buy for social engagement, penning thought leadership, and sleuthing out hidden advantages to use at our yearly, Survivor-themed Cur Cred Auction. What’s at stake? A meeting room into your own private office, a shopping spree with our CMO’s personal stylist, or getting a matching tattoo with our President. Yes, really.
With the power of the agency behind us, here's how our underdog spirit has manifested lately.
Released 12 episodes of the Question Everything podcast with VIP guests like Oliver McAteer from Mischief, PJ Pereira from Pereira O’Dell, and Lisa Marintelli VP, Marketing @ Stop & Shop.
Posted 4 episodes of Dot Fun Hot Ones (web-series where two employees enter a flaming arena of hot questions paired with hotter wings.)
Published 30 pieces of thought leadership – growing our monthly newsletter database to nearly 5,000 subscribers.
Jumpstarted a monthly social media program that shines a spotlight on and drives business to local, minority-owned businesses, like Pata Roja Tacos, Rad OTR vintage shop, Eliza Jane Bake Shop, BlaCk Coffee, Carl’s Deli, and more.
35+ press mentions
12 beautiful case studies designed for our website, plus a full-on website refresh
1 employee passion project funded and produced
Multiple noteworthy agency industry accolades.
