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Company: Cascade Communications
Owners: Jennifer Fortney
Year Started: 2001
Employees: 1-10 (Emerging)

Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel.

In this episode we're joined by Jennifer Fortney, the founder of Cascade Communications, based in Chicago, Illinois.

Jennifer shares her captivating journey from her early days in music and broadcast journalism to establishing an integrated digital PR agency that emphasizes storytelling.

Learn about the significant turning points in her career, including her role in launching the Appletini and the spontaneous performance by James Blunt’s band that saved the day.

Tune in to discover how Jennifer's adaptability and creativity have shaped Cascade Communications and get inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit and the humorous, unexpected moments that have defined her career.

Enjoy the story.

Show Notes Insights

Adapt and Evolve with Industry Changes: Jennifer’s journey showcases the necessity of adapting to changes in the industry. From transitioning her agency to focus on integrated digital PR to incorporating social media and SEO into their services, staying flexible and open to new strategies is crucial for long-term success. Embracing digital transformation can help agencies remain relevant and competitive.

Value of Small Agency Flexibility: Jennifer explains the benefits of operating as a boutique agency, such as providing personalized attention and flexible solutions that larger firms might not offer. This approach allows for greater creativity and responsiveness to client needs. Boutique agencies can leverage their agility to deliver high-quality work and build strong client relationships, even with limited resources.