2024 Best of Business: Creative Services
Advertising agency
Gold | broadhead
broadhead doesn’t just home in on current trends when partnering with clients—it’s looking to the future to understand what they and their customers need. A data-informed and -led creative agency, broadhead’s sweet spot is developing effective marketing campaigns that integrate strategy, digital experience, design, and analytics to help clients succeed. The Minneapolis firm recently acquired Filament of Madison, Wisconsin, bringing its offices to five. It also grew its employees to 200-plus and evolved into one of the biggest independent marketing agencies in the country. broadhead recently received Inc.’s 2023 Best in Business award for its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Silver | Fast Horse
Bronze | Colle McVoy
Digital marketing agency
Gold | Br8kthru Consulting
Technology and tools may change, but Br8kthru Consulting ensures that core aspects of its operations stay constant. From its start in 2017, Minneapolis-based Br8kthru has emphasized treating clients like VIPs and acting as extensions of their teams. The firm builds long-term, trusted relationships that pave the way for powerful campaigns. Br8kthru’s structure allows its midmarket business-to-business clients to consolidate digital marketing initiatives under one roof. Then Br8kthru goes to work applying strategic thinking and robust technology tools that tailor solutions to complex challenges. Focused on continuous improvement and new methods, Br8kthru helps clients effectively connect with their customers.
Silver | broadhead
Bronze | Rocket55
Public relations firm
Gold | Fast Horse
With Fast Horse in the driver’s seat, public relations and advertising campaigns work overtime for a roster of clients, from Audi to Toro. The Minneapolis firm has perfected the art of creating nontraditional, brand-building campaigns that exude creativity and nail clients’ messages. Fast Horse melds strategy, creative, and amplification to achieve the sweet spot of earned media working alongside paid and social. As the 14-employee agency tells clients, “We’re hungry, seasoned, nimble, creative, strategic, and will run through (bleeping) walls for our clients.” This approach has garnered numerous accolades, including REGGIE Awards from the Association of National Advertisers for Fast Horse’s Edwards Desserts campaign.
Silver | Lola Red
Bronze | Skyya
