News

Agency Employee Stars As Curtis In Musical Comedy ‘Sister Act’

A team from Solve enjoyed an evening of music and theater and witnessed coworker Andre Shoals in the well-reviewed production of ‘Sister Act.’ Based on the 1991 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, ‘Sister Act’ tells the story of nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier hiding as a nun after witnessing boyfriend Curtis cap an associate in the alley behind his club. Featuring the music of Alan Menken, ‘Sister Act’ is winding up its successful run later this month. “We believe strongly in celebrating creativity in every form,” said Solve Executive Creative Director Hans Hansen. “Our team is proud of Andre’s acting career and shared a great evening together.”

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Agency Wins Competitive Pitch For Famed Hotelier Brand

Following a competitive review, Solve has been hired by Radisson, one of the world’s most-recognized hotel brands. The move marks the agency’s first foray into the hospitality category. Part of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest hotel groups operating in over 110 countries and territories, Radisson is embarking on a significant brand journey. The agency will provide global brand positioning and identity, as well as target audience definition, connection strategy, media buying and messaging across traditional, digital and social channels.

“We’re delighted to partner with Solve. Their strategic and creative vision were impressive,” said Richard Flores, Vice President of Branding for Radisson and Radisson RED.

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Article Touts Agency’s “Great 2015”

Minneapolis Star Tribune business columnist Neal St. Anthony featured a story on Solve, summarizing the agency’s strong performance in 2015. Select passages from the article appear below.

• Veteran ad agency executive John Colasanti, who founded Solve with four partners in 2011, continues to build business as a local independent agency. Colasanti, who once ran Carmichael Lynch, reports that revenue was up about 50 percent to $7 million last year.
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• Solve added 12 employees to complete 2015 with 42 people.
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• Colasanti said he didn’t lose any existing clients and won new business from Green Giant, PepsiCo, Shopko, LeMond Cycling and Founders Brewing Company. It was also nice to keep existing business from the likes of Bentley and Porsche in the Solve garage.
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• “We’re off to a fast start in 2016 and forecasting a similar growth trajectory,” he added.

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Solve is pleased to announce the promotion of Conor Linnihan to Account Supervisor. Joining the agency as Account Manager in 2013, Linnihan has helped steward the agency’s work for brands including Bentley Motors, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and Founders Brewing. “Since joining the agency, Conor has consistently upped his game and earned this advancement,” noted Account Director Shawn Hansen. “He’s made significant contributions to each of his clients and to the agency. We’re expecting even more in the future.”

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High Priest Of Craft Beer Drops In On Agency, Raises Pint Glass With Founders Team

Visiting Minneapolis for key customer events, co-founder of Founders Brewing Dave Engbers took time from his busy itinerary to drop in and see the team at Founders agency Solve. Engbers shared his personal story of starting Founders Brewing with longtime friend and college roommate Mike Stevens. Founders Brewing named Solve agency of record in September 2015.

Craft beer enthusiasts Dave Engbers and Mike Stevens founded America’s fastest growing craft beer brand in Grand Rapids, MI in 1997. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival, and RateBeer and BeerAdvocate users often rate its beers among the best in the world. Founders Brewing is known for its complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics and tons of flavor.

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