Media Matters, founded in 2005 when then-new moms Josy Amann and Taji Zaminasli grew tired of the big agency grind, has a long history with the kind of remote work that dominated during pandemic life. In fact, the company has been utilizing a “virtual workplace” for the past 16 years, long before the coronavirus sent so many people home to completely recalibrate their work style. For Media Matters, it was familiar territory, valuing the flexibility in hours and hiring remote work can bring to a company.

See all of Ad Age's 2021 Small Agency Award winners here.

Like many businesses, 2020 was a difficult year for Media Matters. Some  40% of its clients paused spending in March of last year. While the circumstances were less than ideal, this didn’t stop Media Matters from adding new clients to its roster, including Shipt, Hitachi and Intercom. The momentum continued into 2021: Chime, Alteryx, Nutanix and Proactiv are among its most recent client acquisitions. Media Matters anticipates more than doubling annual billings this year, jumping from $62 million in 2020 to a projected $150 million in 2021. 

One of its most successful campaigns over the last year includes working with grocery delivery Shipt, taking advantage of the newfound massive market for grocery delivery in 2020. The company advertised during podcasts and binge-able programs, meeting consumers where they were during the early days of quarantine. Shipt also partnered with regional grocery chains, tailoring campaigns to consumers. The results: New visitors to the site increased 35%, and new users 55%.

Philanthropy and charitable giving are at the heart of Media Matters’ mission. The shop has partnered with Boys and Girls Club, the Alzheimer's Association, and the American Heart Association, among other nonprofits, prioritizing giving back even during the pandemic.

See all of Ad Age's 2021 Small Agency Award winners here.