Reflecting on 2021… already?! Or, should I say, at last?
While in some ways it feels as though 2020 never left us, it also seems a lifetime ago that society shifted to work-from-home, cats-on-the-keyboard, “you’re on mute” mode. In taking a moment to reflect on the year past, Sagefrog has been fortunate not just to find our “new normal” but to be motivated by it. Somehow in the time-warp of the last 12 months, Sagefrog had one of our best years ever.
1. We Transitioned to a Hybrid Work Model
In finding our “new normal,” Sagefrog transitioned to a hybrid work model where our team members have the individual choice to work remotely or from our Doylestown office on a daily basis. It also features in-person client and team meetings as needed and planned team-building events each month to keep our circles connected. This model puts the power of choice in our employees’ hands, providing the best of both worlds: local, in-person structure with daily autonomy. While this was a significant shift for us, it quickly became a highlight of 2021 as employees and clients found it efficient, productive, and conducive to a high quality of life.
2. We Achieved Record Revenue & Team Growth
We achieved record-breaking revenue and team growth this year, adding 10 members to our team of full-time branding and integrated marketing experts. As a full-service marketing agency, we hired specialists in every department in our company: account management, digital, creative, content, marketing and sales, and administration. We’re so grateful to do the work we love, with people we love, for CLIENTS we love to work for. Thank you to our incredible clients for making this possible.
3. We Were Named a Best Place to Work in PA
A testament to the success and positive reception of our hybrid work model, Sagefrog was named a Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania by the Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Team PA Foundation, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – PA State Council and Best Companies Group. As a three-time winner of Philadelphia’s Best Places to Work award by the Philadelphia Business Journal, we’re proud to now be recognized at the state level.
4. We Enhanced Our Employee Benefits Package
To reward, support, and maintain the growth of our team, Sagefrog took a hard look at our employee benefits package. Our transition to a hybrid work model also prompted us to evaluate our package as new, work-from-home needs emerged. Our enhanced benefits now include a monthly work-from-home stipend, quarterly performance bonuses, summer Fridays, and wellness and counseling programs through our fully-paid insurance programs. Other benefits include competitive salaries, 401k with company matching and profit-sharing, generous paid-time-off, and ongoing training and education.
5. We Introduced Quarterly Performance Bonuses
To reward and incentivize our team for making record revenue and company growth possible, we introduced quarterly performance bonuses. Upon meeting or exceeding our growth plan each quarter, we share in the success as a company by giving each employee a percentage of our earnings. This benefit builds upon our culture of transparency as all employees know the numbers we’re aiming for each quarter. It’s been extremely well received and allows us to enjoy the success of our journey.
Other Highlights…
It turns out we had more than five high points in 2021. Beyond these five culture and growth highlights, our branding and integrated marketing services also received recognition:
- Top Branding, Marketing & Media Services Companies in Greater Philadelphia by PBJ
- 2021 Local Excellence Winner in Philadelphia, Allentown, and Trenton by UpCity
- Top Advertising Agency in the United States by DesignRush
- Top Marketing Agency in Pennsylvania and Top Digital Marketing Agency in Pennsylvania
- Top 100 Private Companies in Lehigh Valley by Lehigh Valley Business
What’s on the Horizon for 2022?
More momentum and milestones! As we continue to settle into all of our exciting “new normals” as a company, we’ll celebrate 20 years of success this March. We’re so thrilled to commemorate this anniversary, and we dedicate it to the incredible clients and Frogs who supported us along the way.
If you’d like to join Sagefrog’s journey, check out our open positions and apply. For help meeting your company’s growth goals, contact us about branding and integrated marketing. We’d love to talk.