Who’s Made The Cut? B&T’s Best Of The Best Top 10 Industry Entrepreneurs, Presented by Finecast, Part Of GroupM Nexus
B&T’s Best of the Best lists continue with our look at the best industry entrepreneurs. These are the people who take a risk and start out on their own, trying to do something new and different with a fresh look at the industry and disruption on their agenda.
These lists are designed to spark debate and shine a light on those whose businesses are forging a new path. Naturally, with an arbitrary cap at 10 businesses (that’s right, we’ve got some joint founders on here) there will be some people who have missed out, not because they were not worthy but because we had to draw the line somewhere.
We’ve already had our 10 best creatives and, in the coming weeks and months, we will be revealing the best in the following disciplines: Content Producer, Data Scientist, Commercial Director – Creative, Recruiter, Commercial Director – Media, Film Director, Public Relations, Strategist – Creative, Technologist, Consultant, Strategist – Media, Project Manager, Executive Leader – Creative, Mentor, Executive Leader – Media, Media Director, Developer, Casting Director, Industry Association Chief, Experiential Producer, Social Change Maker, Journalist, HR, Planning Director – Media, and Marketer.
B&T released our list of the best creatives in adland last week, with Howatson+Co’s ECD Gavin Chimes topping a star-studded list.
But, without any further prevarication, here are the best entrepreneurs around. If we’ve missed anyone (yes, even you) let us know below.
10) Mike Fraser, Stephen Graham and Konrad Spilva
Founding partners, Shadowboxer
Set to turn three years old later this year, Shadowboxer’s growth has been remarkable. The Melbourne-based creative consultancy was founded by the trio with five foundational clients despite facing off against the likes of AKQA and dentsu’s Isobar. The company has since grown to more than 30 members of staff and brought over some big industry names to help head up its functions. Plus, while some agencies like to boast of barista coffees and office pooches, Shadowboxer goes one step further with a profit-sharing scheme that allows staff to take a bonus or reinvest it into the business.
9) Michelle Akhidenor
Founder and CEO, The Peers Project
Audio is a boom market at the moment but, when Akhidenor founded The Peers Project back in 2018, it was in the doldrums. Despite that difficulty, Akhidenor put her experience as a former podcast host to work creating an agency that works with a range of brands from Fortune 500 companies to venture-backed startups. Akhidenor’s fresh look at audio measurement and focus on diversity and inclusion has seen the company grow its annual revenue four-fold since launch and it is set to grow another 200 per cent by the end of this financial year.
8) Jaimes Leggett
Founding partner, Today the Brave
Leaving one of the biggest gigs in adland to start out on your own might seem like an insurmountable challenge but Leggett has made serious progress in just over a year with his new agency. Stressing that bravery is not bravado, Leggett and the team have brought on some huge clients including News Corp, Coposit and Zambrero and he told B&T that there are yet more still in the works. Today might be brave but tomorrow definitely seems bright.
7) Veronia Cremen
Founder, Vonnimedia
Getting on the shortlist for B&T‘s 30 Under 30 awards is not easy – but getting on the list for three separate categories is truly special. Working in the social media space, Vonnimedia was founded in 2019 and now manages more than $5 million in annual digital advertising spend. Founded in late 2019, the firm had an initial focus on brands local to Cremen’s hometown in Sutherland Shire but it now lists the likes Schwartzkopf Professional and NRL official merchandiser My Team Shop among its list of clients. But, not content with running just a single agency, Cremen has expanded with new firms Creatoroo which delivers video content made by creators to convert products and services for brands and, most recently, VM Studio as a content production subsidiary of Vonnimedia. Not bad for a 26-year-old.
6) Nat Taylor
The Aunties, Poppet Content
In 2021 Taylor co-founded The Aunties, a support network that inspires and champions women and marginalised genders in creative industries. Now, she’s trying pastures new with Poppett Content, a new production company that looks to put work with integrity and a focus on people at the fore. And the firm is already getting started on its mission with a pending B-Corp certification and prioritising low-carbon footprint production – she said the firm aims to be a “gamechanger” in the market. From looking at her previous work and hugely respected position within the industry, we certainly wouldn’t look to bet against Taylor, Poppett or The Aunties.
5) Marilla Akkermans
Managing director and founder, Equality Media
Akkermans founded Equality Media back in 2018 with the vision of it becoming a force for good. The indie full-service shop has certainly set about its task in the right way, producing work for non-profits such as MEGT. However, the company’s focus on being a force for good has manifested itself in other ways. For example, the firm has rolled out a flexible 32-hour four-day work week with a dedicated “life management day” every week. But that doesn’t mean the staffers are spending more time in the pub, with the company reporting a 68 per cent reduction in time spent in meetings and an 11 per cent uplift in active tasks. It has also recently announced menopause/ menstruation leave for five days per year, gender affirmation leave for 10 days, cultural or ceremonial leave for two days, and even two days “pawternity” leave every year to care for pets.
4) Dalton Henshaw
Founder and CEO, Bullfrog Media
Henshaw’s Bullfrog has gone from strength to strength in recent months. The former AFL player started the agency back in 2019 and, despite launching straight into the pandemic, it has picked up an enviable range of clients ranging from AIA Insurance to Linktree and Bose. It has also grown rapidly from just five staff to more than 35 and it has started nabbing the bigwigs from more established agencies. Earlier this year, Saatchi & Saatchi’s head of creative Simon Bagnasco and its chief strategy officer Alex Speakman upped sticks and joined the indie agency. Bullfrog is doing good, as well. It counts Oxfam Australia as another client and recently launched a pro-bono residency for woman-led startup businesses. It’s safe to say that Henshaw’s entrepreneurial eye is setting Bullfrog up for a very impressive future.
3) James and Luke Course
Directors, Gawk Outdoor
Being an entrepreneur is all about spotting a gap in the market. The Course brothers spotted such a gap in the regional Victorian out-of-home market. While it might not seem the sexiest market in which to operate, the brothers have seen the business grow rapidly and are dedicated to ending the “us/them” perception between metro and regional markets. In fact, such is the size and potential of Gawk’s market, it has managed to turn over more than $4 million per year, with the company erecting 90 of the 98 new billboards in regional Victoria since 2018. A raft of awards have followed for the brothers, ranging from a B&T 30 Under 30 gong for James and an OMA Rising Star award for Luke.
2) Chiquita King, Ant Melder
Founders, Cocogun
The former DDB and M&C Saatchi duo set up indie creative agency Cocogun in 2019 with the simple task of using creativity to change the world. But in a relatively short space of time, the firm has certainly had a good crack at it. Recent work for Anti-Slavery Australia and purpose-driven car insurer Stella caught the eye while a brand campaign for MissingSchool tugged on the heartstrings. They recently won an award for the firm’s anti-slavery initiatives, as well. But it seems as though there is still plenty ahead for Melder, King and the shop’s talented range of creatives.
1) Matt Herbert, Connor Archbold
Founders and co-CEOs, Tracksuit
Brand equity had previously been considered a fluffy metric by the hard-nosed beancounters within big businesses. But B&T 30 Under 30 winner Herbert and business partner Archbold are putting technology to use, helping brands keep track of their equity. The technology-based firm has seen a remarkable level of growth in its two short years of existence. It now tracks more than 1,300 brands around the world and is valued at more than $45 million. In fact, it even counts the likes of Mark Ritson as its backers. But the pair aren’t finished. They’re now looking to take on the big market research firms and demonstrate how important brand equity is to a company’s bottom line and expand into Sydney, New York and London. You’ll certainly be hearing a lot more about Herbet and Archbold in the pages of B&T.
Please login with linkedin to comment
Best of the bestLatest News
Zitcha appoints Josh Forsyth as sales lead to drive retail media growth across APAC
Following global expansion and continued strong local demand Zitcha appointed Josh Forsyth as APAC sales lead. Lead image: Josh Forsyth, sales lead, Zitcha. Australian-headquartered Zitcha, which operates across four continents in countries including the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa, is looking to Asia as the next major emerging retail media market. In […]
Moët Hennessy NZ Adds Special PR To Agency Roster
Special PR has been added to Moët Hennessy’s roster of communications agencies in New Zealand following a competitive pitch. Special PR will be responsible for integrated communications for Moët Hennessy across its luxury brands, including Cloudy Bay, Whispering Angel, Veuve Clicquot and Glenmorangie. The scope of work includes media relations, influencer marketing, content creation, events […]
Dylan Alcott, Ellie Cole & Kurt Fearnley To Headline Nine’s Paralympics Coverage
They say Olympics is more aspirational & Paralympics is more inspirational, but B&T is here for goalball & murderball.
The Monkeys, Howatson+Co, VML Australia Win Big At The One Show’s Awards
A top showing saw Australia ranked fifth globally, well above our friends over the Ditch.
Readers Are Looking To Books For Escape – Should They Look To Adverts, Too?
Are you or someone you know a bibliophile? That's a lover of books & not an 80s paper filing system. Read on here.
TV Ratings (19 May 2024): Nine’s Travel Guides Goes Head To Head With Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife
Love travelling to Kuta to watch the lads from the Currawong Goannas footy club whoop it up? Travel Guides is a must.
Sky New Zealand Initiates Process For Advertising Sales Representation In Australia
Sure, on the surface they pretend to despise us, but this news offering proves the Kiwis love of all things Australian.
Opinion: Queer & Present Danger – Australia’s Battle For LGBTQ+ Recognition Through Communication
Aside from this absolute cracker of a headline, Think HQ's Blake Mason piece is very important.
Val Morgan Digital Partners With Audigent To Connect Brands With Passionate Audiences At Scale
Cinema advertiser Val Morgan announces partnership with data platform Audigent. Neither commenting on the new Mad Max.
International Olympic Committee Launches “The First Effect” Campaign, Via Deloitte Digital
The Paris Games are a mere 64 days away. Let this ad be the trickle before the Olympic ad storm.
‘Marketing In The Cockpit, Creativity, Partnerships, Failure And Dream Big’ – Josh Faulks’ Five Takeaways From RESET
Missed AANA RESET or worse, accidentally doze off during said conference? Relive the highlights again here.
Nine Promotes Nikki Rooke To Replace Richard Hunwick As Director Of Sales – Total TV
Nine names Nikki Rooke as Richard Hunwick's successor. Yet to politely mention the boxes in Richard's former car spot.
Thinkerbell Wants To Make Every Day A “Lovely Day For A Guinness”
As the weather cools, probably more of us are thinking about a Guinness. Especially those of us with constipation.
The Unexpected Guest Wins oOh!media’s Inaugural Indigenous Business Grant
Here's a top initiative recognising Indigenous businesses. Yet kangaroos remain un-thanked for their tireless work.
Indie Creative Agency Dig Wins Bendigo Bank, Launches New Campaign
Hate your bank? Why not take the debt, poor credit record & maxed out Visa over to the friendly folk at Bendigo.
Made This Launches Mercedes-Benz Van’s New Online Store Through Massive LED Show
Is the downside to driving a Mercedes-Benz van that all the other delivery drivers think you're a bit of a wanker?
News Corp Launches Indigenous Sport Week Editorial Campaign
News Corp launches a new campaign to show the importance of Indigenous Australians to the sports we all love.
New “Population: Unexpected” Boomtown Brand Positioning Celebrates Regional Australia, Via Thinkerbell
Mark this as opinion, but surely the greatest advertisement for living in the regionals is living in Sydney?
Cairns Crocodiles, Presented by Pinterest: The Most-Shortlisted Agencies
This list of most nominated agencies for Cairns Crocs comes from lots of hard work & a shimmy of sassy showboating too.
Samsung Ads’ “Behind The Screens” Event: Showcasing Market Leadership In Connected TV
B&T was front row at Samsung's 'Behind The Screens' event. Here we go behind the scenes of 'Behind The Screens'.
UM Hires Former Carat Client Partnerships Head To Lead Optus Account
Matt Evans says "yes" to the Optus gig at UM but not before saying "no" to his previous employer asking him to stay.
Roy Morgan: Written News Reaches 97% Of Aussies
New study reveals written news reaches 97% of the population. The other 3% still think Bob Hawke's the prime minister.
‘Blair Is Mr Happy, Beau Is Mr Dopey, I’m Mr Grumpy’ – Top Gear Australia Hosts Reveal What It Was Really Like Filming
Top Gear features the cars you could never afford to drive. It's a bit like the bogan's Gourmet Traveller, really.
Nine’s Total TV Sales Lead Richard Hunwick To Step Down
Nine's Richard Hunwick calls time after 15 years. Hoping for a last trip to the Olympics before getting the gold watch.
Yahoo Academy Culminates With Pitch-Off For Musicians Making A Difference With Trip To Cannes In Cairns On The Line
B&T happy to support the Musicians Making A Difference initiative. Particularly any that encourages more Watusi.
TV Ratings 16/5/24: Nearly 2 Million Tune In To See Sky Blues Win In Women’s State Of Origin
B&T does make jokes about the Budget reply speech but, to his credit, Mr Potato Head rated OK last night.
Binge Launches “Scene:Scents” Sensory Entertainment Campaign, Via Thinkerbell
There's now scented candles to pair with BINGE shows. We're hoping Rex Hunt's Fishing Adventures doesn't hear about it.
Jolt Partners With Veridooh For Verification Of Its EV Charger Placements In UK
Although B&T's an avid supporter of EV cars, we'd definitely miss the smell of petrol and the service station pie.
Nine Ad Manager Named Principal Sponsor Of CommBank SmallBiz Week
CommBank's SmallBiz Week is coming to Melbourne on the 29-30 May. B&T's as confused as you are on how that's a week.
Pet Circle & Seven Communications Partner On “Pawtition” To Get Pets On Public Transport
B&T's concerned about the fleas, urine & faeces on public transport - and that's just from fellow passengers!
‘A Win-Win’ – How The Matildas Helped CommBank Become A ‘Globally Iconic Brand’ For The First Time
CommBank's sponsorship of the Matildas is a sport marketing masterclass. The opposite to Nick Kyrgios & his sponsors.
VML Australia Dominates The One Show With 5 Gold Pencils
VML Australia flying the flag at the One Show Awards in New York. Not that we need more flag waving at the moment.
Social Soup: Consumers Looking For “Informative” Not “Funny” Social Content When Making Buying Decisions
In a further blow to ventriloquism everywhere, new research says consumers prefer information over funny videos.
GIO Unveils New “Protect Precious” Brand Positioning & Campaign, Via Ogilvy
Insurer asks what's precious in our lives in new work. Which is better than asking is this business highly flammable.
Digitas & Heckler Singapore Launch Animated Symphony For Riot Game’s Valorant Champions Tour Pacific
Stony silence between you and the graphic arts team at Friday drinks? This gaming news could be an ice breaker.
Wavemaker Global CEO Toby Jenner Appointed Global President, GroupM Clients
Wavemaker’s Toby Jenner continues his career trajectory. But is it enough to move him up to the first class lounge?