Nestled in the vibrant college town of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, The Variable embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. You don’t win Fast Company’s 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators three times without walking the talk.
Founded over 13 years ago by Chief Creative Officer Joe Parrish and Chairman Keith Vest, the agency was born to create something new, different, and agile in advertising.
Winston-Salem’s unique blend of educational institutions, including Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University and the North Carolina School of the Arts, provides The Variable access to a diverse and richly gifted talent pool.
But what makes this agency so different, geography aside, is its people. With varied interests outside of work (hello. cattle ranch owner), it’s clear that The Variable is cut from a delightful cloth.
We caught up with The Variable’s president, Jodi Heelan and SVP, Courtney Lewis, to learn about this gem in the Tarheel State.
Watch the interview
Agency stats
- Founded: 2011
- Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Best-known for
- Strategic Expertise: The Variable’s deep understanding of brand strategy ensures that every campaign is grounded in simple, clear, clever, and evergreen insights.
- Creative Acumen: The agency’s creative leadership fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation, resulting in impactful and enduring work.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Variable’s founders’ entrepreneurial backgrounds infuse the agency with a drive to constantly push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
Why the agency loves being indie
It’s all about agility, bravery, and a spirit of experimentation. The absence of bureaucracy enables the agency to make quick decisions, take creative risks, and deliver innovative solutions for their clients.
Why brands should work with this agency
- Decision-Making Partner: The agency offers an opinionated and collaborative approach, helping clients make informed decisions that drive business growth.
- Growth Catalyst: The Variable is adept at helping brands extend their growth phase through thoughtful and creative strategies.
- Cool People: The agency boasts a unique and diverse team of talented individuals bringing fresh perspectives to every project.
Why talent should put this agency on their list
- An Entrepreneurial and Innovative Spirit: The agency encourages employees to think beyond traditional advertising and explore new ways of working.
- Ownership and Impact: From day one, employees have the opportunity to make a real difference and contribute to the agency’s growth.
- A Fun and Creative Environment: The Variable fosters a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and yes-and-thinking.
Marketer shout out
- Kory Marchisotto, CMO, E.L.F. Beauty
- Andrew Katz, CMO, Athletic Brewing
“Jody’s a member of our board. I worked in private equity and for big tech companies before working here, and so the so many dicks issue is something that both of us are super familiar with. I think E.L.F. has done an amazing job of bringing to light a real issue in a way that is witty but smart and compelling and is getting people talking.” —Courtney Lewis
Learn more
- Agency site
- The Variable on Instagram
- The Variable on LinkedIn
- Jodi Heelan on LinkedIn
- Courtney Lewis on LinkedIn
Contact
Email: cl****@*********le.com
- About the Author
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Doug Zanger is the founder and editor-in-chief of Indie Agency News. He is also the founder of the Creative Bohemian consultancy, lives in the Pacific Northwest and is insufferable about it.
