News

Brewery Leader Helps Shape 2017 Marketing Effort

Mike Stevens, who co-founded Founders in 1997 along with partner Dave Engbers, was at Solve to discuss sales and marketing plans for 2017. Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Founders, the fastest-growing craft brewer in the country and one of the most decorated brands among beer critics, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary next year. The milestone signifies the brewery’s place among the pioneers of the craft movement and will play a central role in 2017’s marketing campaign. Stevens shared some amazing stories about the brewery’s inception and the path leading to its current beloved stature among beer enthusiasts. He was also happy to pour pints of brewery-fresh All Day IPA to Solve staffers from the agency’s keg.

by

Theater Critic Graydon Royce Calls Shoals’ Performance As Booker T. Washington “Excellent Work”

Theater Latte Da opened its 19th season Saturday in its new permanent home, the Ritz Theater in northeast Minneapolis, with a poignant revival of Ragtime, a musical adapted from E.L. Doctorow’s sweeping novel. The show, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, is a string of vignettes stitched together to tell a larger parable. Longtime Minneapolis Star Tribune theater critic Graydon Royce offered a must-see endorsement of the production in his review of the opening night performance. Royce’s review gave a special nod to Solve team member Andre Shoals who maintains a blossoming musical theater career outside the Solve office. A preview of rehearsal can be seen here.

“Bravo! We’re proud of Andre’s creativity and work in our theater community,” said Solve CEO John Colasanti.

by

Brand Unveils Extensive Initiatives Including DreamWorks Trolls Film Partnership

True Value retailers, vendors and members of Solve’s agency team recently returned from Denver, after attending the fall version of the hardware retailer’s bi-annual meetup. The conference highlighted recent business successes, marketing plan upgrades and upcoming logistical improvements.

The gathering also provided a grand stage for Blake Fohl, Chief Customer Officer, to announce True Value’s partnership with the soon to be released DreamWorks animated blockbuster Trolls, starring Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick. The partnership is highlighted by exclusive Trolls themed paint and accessories. Look for Solve’s True Value Trolls co-marketing campaign debuting soon.

by

North Carolina State University Unveils Statue To Honor Legendary Coach Jim Valvano

Last week North Carolina State University unveiled statues of four legendary coaches, including Jim Valvano – founder and namesake of Solve client The V Foundation. The ceremony kicked off a day celebrating the coliseum renovation and the induction of a new class into the University’s Hall of Fame. The unveiling of Valvano’s statue was especially emotional for his close friends and family, including his widow Pam Valvano Strasser, former star player Derek Whittenburg and brother Nick Valvano. The statue of Coach Valvano perfectly captures his spirit and smile as well as the nets from the 1983 NCAA title game in his hand.

by

Porsche Destination Drives Making Multi-City Tour Across US

A team from Solve recently participated in an exclusive Porsche driving event called Porsche Destination Drives. This traveling event is stopping in five US cities offering invitees a unique opportunity to experience the driving dynamic of multiple Porsche models. From Sonoma to Long Island and Houston to Tampa, small groups of customers and prospects have a chance to participate in a variety of driving scenarios, ranging from lifestyle-city driving to high-performance auto-cross.

With close guidance from Porsche Sport Driving School instructors, attendees feel the true thrill of these cars. To cap off the day, every person receives an exhilarating hot lap, driven by a professional driver.

by