Creating cultural excitement around brands is the specialty of Team Epiphany, whose experiential cred dates back to even before it opened its doors. Managing partner Coltrane Curtis founded the company 15 years ago after stints as an MTV VJ and editor at Complex Magazine. After the company landed Sapporo Beer as its first big client, Coltrane’s wife, Lisa Chu, joined him at the helm, bringing in skills she developed producing photo shoots for top fashion brands and hosting fetes for the likes of Sean Combs. 

Since founding, the company has gone on to lead award-winning campaigns for big brands across a variety of categories, including Audi, BET, Coca-Cola, HBO, Nike and more—all made possible by its diverse team. Sixty-five percent are women, 63 percent are people of color—a makeup also reflected in four of the company’s six VPs. 

Last year was a strong one for the agency, which posted $32 million in revenue and delivered more standout work. An event promoting HBO’s documentary about Muhammad Ali invited viewers to step into the prize fighter and activist’s shoes—in the ring and on the press podium. An integrated push for Espolon Tequila led consumers into a “newsstand from the afterlife,” as part of a Day of the Dead theme. A Coca-Cola sampling event immersed party-goers in a high-octane world to promote its new line of energy drinks.

—Ann-Christine Diaz