Some companies grow because conditions are favorable. Others grow because their choices are disciplined from the start. And it’s safe to say, 2025 exposed which agencies were reacting to multiple layers of disruption and which were leading through change. 

At Gatesman, we’ve always believed that when disruption is constant, clarity must be non-negotiable. This year tested every part of that belief — and strengthened it. In 2025, we didn’t just navigate change. We led through it. Not by reacting blindly to technology, the economy, or HoldCo turmoils, but by making purposeful pivots rooted in our values.

We started by facing hard truths. We challenged our own assumptions and let go of what no longer served our teams or clients. We didn’t cling to “how things have always been done.” Instead, we asked better questions and made braver decisions. We recommitted to our purpose. In a world that often rewards short-term wins, we doubled down on consistency, creativity and our own ability to compete — because trust is built in the moments no one is watching. 

Agility became muscle memory, and our compass never wavered as we continued to chase shared vision. We spent time reflecting more deeply on what truly unites us all and how we show up. Every shift we made was grounded in what we stand for: smart growth, honest partnerships, people who fight for every inch, those who turn pressure into proof. People who want to win, and make work that works for our clients.

So we did what came naturally and we empowered our people. Because the best ideas are already in the room — you just need to ask. We listened more, delegated boldly and invested deeply in the people doing the work. Because we recognize that nothing meaningful is ever built alone. 

We went on offense. While others played it safe, we made timely, strategic bets on new talent, innovation and client partnerships. We did this not in spite of uncertainty but because of it, proving that our mindset didn’t stay theoretical — it reshaped how we expand our capabilities to spark even smarter, more creative outcomes.This year marked a major leap forward in our ability to blend strategy, insight and bold execution:

• We formalized our Marketing Intelligence & Innovation discipline, under the leadership of Jenn Miller, to fuel better decisions through data, AI and unconventional thinking. This team pushes boundaries and redefines what it means to connect with audiences in real-time, relevant ways.
• We deepened our Brand PR capabilities under Beth Thompson’s expanded leadership — helping brands show up with clarity, character and consistency across earned, shared and owned channels. From reputation to relevance, we’re building future-proof narratives that move markets.

The Results? A Year to Remember.

• Proof of Culture
  
  • 87% team retention
  • 90^th percentile employee satisfaction (Gallup)
  • 15% internal promotions
  • 18,000+ Bonusly points exchanged in appreciation and recognition
  • 4 new team members
  • 15+ life milestones and celebrations
• Proof of Client Trust 
  
  • 100% client satisfaction
  • 65% clients expanded with organic growth
  • 4 new national accounts
  • 32 new industry awards for our work
• Proof of Industry Impact
  
  • A landmark research initiative: Women ReKnown
  • 6 national recognitions for individual team members
  • 20+ regional and national speaking engagements
  • 4 new board appointments in our community and industry
  • 18 thought-leadership bylines
  • Countless wins, lessons and agency-hosted events that connected professionals across industries and generations

2025 taught us that great leadership is intentional and shared. It gave us the chance to sharpen our skills, grow our team, stretch our creativity and strengthen our conviction. We spent the year building more evidence of our impact. Here’s to showing up again in 2026 with more creativity and more proof. Let’s go! 

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