The Community retained all partnerships in 2021 and grew them exponentially, leading to 19% year-over-year growth. It also notched big wins including TikTok, Samsung Global and Samsung U.S., Volkswagen and Planet Fitness that ultimately helped define the year. Due to this client growth, the agency hired 45 people in 30 days.
See all of Ad Age's A-List 2022 winners here.
The agency also tried to sharpen the blurred lines between work and home caused by the pandemic. In doing so, it brought on Jen Patterson, its first head of mindfulness, as an executive coach and mental health resource for all employees. Additionally, The Community refocused on the basics, protecting weekends and holidays, redesigning office layouts and solidifying its approach to flexible working for its employees.
Throughout 2021 the agency created new ways to continue growing its DE&I efforts. The Community has 30-plus nationalities on staff and 77% of its people identify as diverse. Its leadership team is 44% diverse. The agency has also launched a sponsorship program that pairs underrepresented employees with leaders and advocates to create more opportunities.
Creative highlights included a collaboration with several other shops that resuled in the "Oreo Thins Protection Program," meant to keep children from snacking on a handful of their parents' Oreo Thins. The camouflage packs helped disguise the snacks into looking like an old cookbook, a Ford owner’s manual and men’s XXL T-shirts. The campaign launched with famous parents including Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle Jonas.
