message from the president

Glancing Backwards, Looking Forward

While most of our time has been devoted to telling the stories of other brands, this year It’s been gratifying to take some time this year to reflect on our own story.

At the beginning, I was fueled by the very real need for work and the unyielding drive I felt to do things better.

But did I have a carefully crafted business model? Did I even know if it was possible to run our own business—let alone from a rural community a half-day drive from a major metropolitan area?

No. So I may be as surprised as anyone to find us here at this milestone. Not because I didn’t always have a yearning to run our own company. And not because I didn’t believe that exceptional communication is a game-changer.

But because the start of anything is always filled with as much uncertainty as possibility.

But looking back now, those early days of uncertainty have been replaced with a sense of inner calm—a knowing that although the world is always changing, the essential things that we cared about could be trusted. That whatever came our way, we could adapt and grow from.

I’m also profoundly moved as I reflect on the vital role others have played in making this milestone possible.

I am keenly aware that nothing achieved in life is done alone. My family and friends have given unwavering support. Michael, my husband and business partner, has been my greatest cheerleader.

Our team has been comprised of bright, talented, good people who care about their work. They have been both my teacher and inspiration, and this milestone is first and foremost a tribute to their contributions.

Our clients have run the gamut from small businesses to billion dollar organizations, and in all of those we’ve encountered bright, creative people who valued quality work and brought their own rich creativity to our partnership.

I’m clearer about a lot of things now into our third decade, too. I’m as certain as ever that communication is at the bedrock of business success.

I know you don’t have to be perfect to be successful.

And I know that living balanced, whole lives produce the best work.

As I stand here on this side of this adventure, I am overwhelmed by one emotion: gratitude. I am thankful for the people, the creative opportunities, the chance to build our own team and to do work we care so much about.

To each of you who have lit our way, thank you. We are excited about building on this milestone to create the next chapter!

DeLona