CEO Among Senior Group Selected As Mentors For Training Program

John Colasanti, CEO and Founder of Minneapolis-based Solve, has been tapped to serve as a mentor for the newly formed Effie Academy by Effie Worldwide, the global authority on marketing effectiveness. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Effie Awards and is the inaugural year of the Effie Academy. Created to educate young marketing professionals on strategy and effectiveness, the Effie Academy is a rigorous, fast-paced certification program. Mentees come from a diverse group of the world’s top marketing companies and have been nominated by their leadership.

A dynamic team of industry leaders has been chosen to serve as mentors. In addition to Solve’s Colasanti, mentors come from BBH, Publicis Worldwide and IBM, among others. “The value of the Effie Academy for young marketers is that they will be able to advance in their careers with an effectiveness mentality, which leads to better work,” said Ricardo Fort, head of global sponsorships, Coca-Cola.

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Accomplished Business Development Director Calls It A Career

After a distinguished agency career, Roman Paluta, Director of Business Development/Partner at Solve, is going to focus on life beyond advertising, including working the land on his farm in Northern Wisconsin. Before joining Solve six years ago, Roman held a variety of positions at agencies including Leo Burnett in Chicago, Carmichael Lynch in Minneapolis and Bailey Lauerman in Omaha, where he led the agency to national prominence as President.

Extremely well-respected in industry new business circles, Roman’s been involved in a number of high-profile pitches, featuring many of the world’s most powerful brands. Successful pursuits include Porsche, IKEA, Subaru, Anheuser Busch, AMC Theatres, Disney, Founders Brewing, Raymond James, The V Foundation, American Standard, Sierra Nevada, Andersen Windows and just last month, Sunoco.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my career and have been extremely fortunate to work with some amazingly talented people,” said Paluta. “I’ll miss the camaraderie, teamwork and creative problem-solving, but am excited to spend time chasing new pursuits,” he added.

As reported by Adweek, Roman will work at Solve into the Spring. A successor will be announced shortly.

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Solve travelled to the Walt Disney World grounds in Orlando, Florida last week to attend new client Sunoco’s annual Dealer Meeting and Expo. As the agency’s work with the iconic fuel brand ramps up, Solve had the opportunity to immerse itself in Sunoco’s company culture, attend breakout sessions, and spend time with Sunoco’s wide network of dealers. Watch for Solve’s first campaign work for the brand to launch later this year.

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Agency Vet To Lead Account Group

Ryan Murray has been promoted to Director of Account Management at Solve, a new position at the agency. Murray, formerly Account Director/Partner, will oversee the Account Management discipline, including training, staffing and recruiting.

During his five plus years at Solve, Murray’s contributed significantly to the agency’s success, from running accounts including True Value, Indian Motorcycle, Président Cheese and Sunoco, to playing a key role in new business efforts, to leading the firm’s widely-recognized annual intern program. Before joining Solve in 2013, Murray worked at Fallon Minneapolis and in the film industry in Los Angeles.

“It’s impossible to reflect on Solve’s success without thinking of Ryan,” said John Colasanti, Solve CEO. “It’s exciting to imagine how he’ll use his well-earned, increased responsibility to impact the agency to an even greater extent going forward,” Colasanti added.

“Solve’s come a long way over the past five years, and I’m really proud to have been part of the rocket ship,” said Ryan Murray, Solve Director of Account Management/Partner. “My challenge now is to continue to fuel Solve’s growth by raising the bar even higher within the account group and helping the overall agency do great work that drives success for our clients,” Murray added.

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DesignRush Ranks Agency Among Best

DesignRush, an agency directory and ranking site, has released its 2019 list of Top 25 Digital Agencies. The list is based on a combination of expertise, best practices, clients and portfolio, and reflects the very best among global digital agencies.

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Solve has hired Emily Thamavong as an art director to join its fast-growing creative team. Thamavong joins the agency after stints at Wunderman and 360i in New York, where she worked on United Airlines, Best Buy, HBO and E*TRADE.

A graduate of The Art Institutes International, with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising, Thamavong enjoys painting, drawing and calligraphy outside of agency life. An avid coffee drinker and travel enthusiast, her creative super power is illustrating. “We’re incredibly excited to bring Emily’s design muscle to Solve,” says Solve Executive Creative Director and Partner, Sean Smith. “Her dedication to problem solving and penchant for detail will make her a valuable contributor to our team.”

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Agency To Partner With Iconic Fuel Brand

Following a national agency search and competitive review, Solve has been awarded the account for Sunoco Fuels. Based in Dallas, TX, the Sunoco brand is synonymous with quality and excellence. Sold at over 5,000 Sunoco-branded retail locations in 30 eastern and southern states, Sunoco has been powering American drivers and communities for over 130 years. As reported in Adweek and Campaign, the assignment also includes the brand’s APlus convenient stores, one-stop shops offering everything from fresh hot coffee to ice cold drinks, groceries, snacks—even fresh hot foods and delicious craft beers at select locations.

Sunoco is especially well-recognized among racing enthusiasts worldwide and is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of racing fuels, distributing gasoline to more than 500 racetracks worldwide. It’s the official fuel of NASCAR, NHRA and 50 other racing series in the United States.

“Solve impressed us with their thinking, creativity, and ego-less culture” said Fred McConnell, Director of Marketing, Sunoco Fuels. “With a strong brand and new leadership, our business is poised for aggressive growth. Solve is just the right partner to help take us to the next level.”

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Successful “Inspired Days” Campaign Continues Into 2019

Inspired Closets, a premium brand within the $9 billion home storage and organization category, is introducing a new TV spot within its ongoing national campaign this week from AOR, Minneapolis-based Solve. As reported in The Drum, the television spot features a woman rehearsing her introduction, seemingly prepping for a blind date. The story unfolds to reveal she’s in fact going to meet her adoptive son for the first time.

The television commercial was shot by Harrison Schaaf of award-winning production company Whitelist, based in Los Angeles, and will be part of the brand’s multi-media, multimillion-dollar campaign in 2019. The national campaign includes broadcast, print, digital and social content, and dealer support materials.

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Solve has hired Julia Gaede as Account Manager. She joins the agency from Elmwood, a brand consultancy and design firm located in New York with headquarters in the UK. During her time with Elmwood, Gaede worked on a range of CPG brands for clients including Kimberly-Clark, Procter & Gamble, Mars and Heineken. Before joining Elmwood, she interned at PR firm Ruder Finn, working in the tech and financial sectors for clients including American Express, MetLife and Goldman Sachs. Prior to moving to New York, the Cincinnati native attended Washington & Lee University in Virginia, where she graduated with a BA in Philosophy and Politics.

“Julia has shown the ability to consistently deliver exceptional work in fast-paced and changing environments,” says Solve Account Director, Partner Ryan Murray. “We’re pleased to have her join our team,” he added.

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Solve Helps Président Expand Spreadable Cheese Portfolio

Président Cheese is introducing an innovative new line of spreadable cheese called Gourmet Pairings™. Featuring smooth and creamy spreadable cheese with a gourmet topping, the line’s three debut flavors are Feta With Roasted Red Pepper, Blue Cheese With Caramelized Onions, and Aged White Cheddar With Apple Chutney. The desirable combinations make the art of pairing more convenient for those entertaining at home or simply looking for an accessible, yet indulgent snack. Made with authentic ingredients, Président Gourmet Pairings contain no artificial flavors or colors. A targeted social media-centered campaign from Solve launches this week.

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