ICOM, one of the world’s largest global networks of independent advertising and marketing communications agencies, is expanding its presence across Canada with the approval for membership of Rethink, a top B2C Canadian creative and digital agency.
Rethink is Canada's only B2C independent agency with a national presence and with offices in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. The agency, which handles some of Canada’s most recognizable consumer brands, will work in tandem with ICOM’s long-time Canadian member Quarry, recognized as one of the premier, technology-savvy B2B agencies in North America.
Ken Whyte, Quarry president and ICOM North America regional director, said Rethink adds valuable experience to the ICOM network. “Together our two agencies provide strong coverage across all communication sectors throughout Canada and are well prepared to meet any needs of our ICOM partner agencies around the world and their clients wherever they may be.”
Rethink was founded in 1999 in Vancouver by Chris Staples, Ian Grais, and Tom Shepansky and has grown to more than 130 employees and US$16 million in gross income, handling clients such as A&W restaurants, IKEA home furnishings, Molson Coors Brewing Co., Scotts Canada lawn care products, and Shaw Communications, the country’s second largest telecommunications provider.
The agency’s name is actually its one-word business model. “We know that the most powerful business solutions most likely come from unlikely places,” said Shepansky. “So we continually rethink how to deliver strategic and creative ideas that solve our clients’ business problems."
Today, Rethink has evolved well beyond the three founders and now has managing partners driving day-to-day business in all three offices.
“One of the advantages of ICOM is the philosophy of shared learning among agencies, as we continually work to provide the best to our respective client bases,” said Whyte. “Rethink is one of those agencies that can 'up' our collective game, not only in North America, but around the globe.”
ICOM Board Chairman Bob Morrison, also chairman & ceo, Morrison, Atlanta, Ga., USA, echoes Whyte’s sentiments: “The addition of Rethink to ICOM brings new strength and capability to our global alliance of formidable independent agencies and helps further reinforce our ability to serve the biggest brands in the world, in any country in the world.”
Membership in ICOM provides agencies the same benefits of a multinational global agency network while at the same time allowing ICOM members to remain independent. Agencies have immediate access to shared international resources and databases. Principals are encouraged to develop ongoing relationships with other member agency owners like themselves in a non-competitive environment. Agencies applying for membership are carefully vetted to assure they share the same values, goals, and philosophy of other ICOM members.