Year-End Reflections
A Celebration of Growth, Creativity, and Connection
As the year draws to a close, we at Zeus Jones reflect on the moments that have defined the past twelve months. It’s been a year of continued evolution, creating, and connecting. The threads of impact, innovation, and inspiration run through everything we’ve done, embodied in a collection of work and achievements that make us proud. Here’s a look back at the highlights of 2024, a year that was not without its struggles, but reminded us why we do what we do.
🏆 Honors and Milestones
For the second year running, we were named a Top Impact Company, a recognition that underscores the heart of our mission: to help brands make meaningful, lasting change in the world. This honor coincided with our 17th anniversary. We’re deeply grateful for the clients, partners, and team members who have been part of our journey to date. We also celebrated a Webby Nomination for our collaboration with Endlesss and Lazerbeak in the delightfully unconventional category of Weird, a testament to the joy of exploring uncharted creative territories.
⚡ The Work That Defines Us
This year saw the release of some of our most impactful and resonant case studies, each reflecting our belief that brands can be catalysts for good. We were excited to share the stories behind our work with Sprig by Kohler, the partnership launch of Target x Ulta, the Land O’Lakes Rural American Mindset project, the game-changing efforts of Dimensional Energy, and the global refresh of the Ecolab brand.
Our diversity of clients allows us to continually evolve our expertise and pressure test across industries, from our home professional soccer team of Minnesota United FC to the life-changing mission of NMDP, the chance to create a viral candy sensation with Nerds, and to continue to impact how some of the best marketers in the world, like General Mills (GMI), practice brand building. These collaborations reminded us that meaningful work can take many forms but always begins with shared ambition to do something great.
💡 Exploring Ideas That Inspire
Through our WithinSight Substack posts, we’ve delved into the ideas and brands that inspire us. Highlights include our ongoing exploration of Brand Anarchy and the emergent brands reshaping industries, as well as design spotlights on standout projects like Joshin’, OrisDX, Hazelden Betty Ford, and Marvin.
Our team’s thought leadership extended beyond the written word. In webinars like Modern Membership for the World’s Most Loved Brands, and Brand as Business Growth Engine, we engaged with leaders from Syndicate, Sweetgreen, Oobli, General Mills, and Miro, sharing insights on how brands can build lasting relationships and sustainable business models.
🤝 A Spirit of Collaboration
This year also saw us join Metabased, an initiative to build a decentralized, community-owned internet. It’s a bold and forward-looking step that empowers communities to create economic freedom. Meanwhile, interviews with visionary leaders like Joy Howard enriched our understanding of leading with authenticity and purpose.
💞 A Year of Belonging
In an increasingly divided culture, we believe belonging is more vital than ever. In our essay Reluctant Belonging, the Hellen team captured the complexities of connection in a way that spoke to many of us. Whether through the brands that inspire us, the stories we tell, or the partnerships we forge, we’ve sought to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
💸 Investing in the Future
This year marked a significant milestone for our venture capital fund, Demos. With the successful raise of our second fund, Demos continues its mission to invest in impact-oriented startups with our unique blend of capital and creative services. From early-stage ventures redefining industries to established players expanding their positive influence, Demos is committed to championing businesses that shape a more equitable and imaginative future. Learn more about our work at demosfunds.io.
🔮 Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, we do so with optimism and gratitude. We’re proud of what we’ve built, humbled by our recognition, and excited for the opportunities ahead. To all who have been part of our journey this year—clients, partners, collaborators, and friends—thank you for your trust, creativity, and belief in the power of brands to make a difference.
Here’s to another year of making impact together.
With gratitude,
The Zeus Jones Team