The Distillery Project celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022 by growing revenue 71% to $9 million and expanding staff from 22 to 34 employees. (The agency was founded in 2009 as Work-Chicago before changing its name in 2012.) During a time of uncertainty and cost-cutting across the industry, The Distillery Project boasts that it has consistently awarded 7% to 10% annual bonuses for all employees.

The agency’s model of distilling its process to its most simple and creative form yielded multiple wins in 2022. The Distillery Project became Dole’s lead U.S. agency, lead agency for building supply company Ferguson and did first-time work for Consumers Credit Union and Kohler. 

For Kohler, The Distillery Project sought to make its home generator a household name alongside more widely known brands. In a 60-second spot, a thunderstorm plunges a neighborhood into darkness, but a Kohler generator brings one home’s lights back on. Playfully set to “The Power” by Snap!, family members groove around the house going about their typical evening activities as neighbors, drawn by the light, begin flooding in, culminating in a dance party.

The Distillery Project took a similarly saucy approach to advertising Dole’s pineapple juice. A collection of 15-second social spots revealed the secret to getting that irresistible glow (spoiler: it’s juice). 

A particularly cheeky spot shows a woman lounging with a glass of pineapple juice by a pool. “What is it about Rebecca?” a narrator asks, describing her past life of failed dates. Up pops another woman beside her. “Hello, Daphne. So long, fellas,” the narrator says as the women leap into the water. The tagline: “Let your glow show.”