The Via Agency, Portland, Maine, now occupies the desired 20th position among the best workplaces of 2021. The idea of full-service advertising agency VIA conforms to a different viewpoint: that creativity, technology, and deep understanding of client needs are ingredients for becoming a catalysts for growth and cultural saliency. National brands that walk with VIA include ARM & HAMMER, Perdue, Chick-fil-A, and Unilever because success being built on commitment to new thinking, diversity, and inspiring work.

Leadership That Inspires Creativity and Growth

VIA is a creative agency led by CEO Leeann Leahy, who brings extensive global advertising experience to foster strategic growth. She and led VIA to double digit annual growths from 2016 to 2019. Previously, Leahy was Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Global Planning at Lowe Worldwide and President of Translation.

Many accolades have been thrown its way: Ad Age Agency to Watch 2020; Hatches; Clios; Effies. Leahy builds a fun, collaborative work environment in which creativity and risks taking are nourished, while building teamwork within the employees. Beyond that, this culture places VIA at the forefront of advertising, and encourages others to join the company as a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

An Affiliation to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  

One of VIA’s leading workplace strengths is its diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) dedication. The company spends millions in anti-racist initiatives like VIAlocity; a platform that helps brings in global talent. VIA’s operations are embedded with EDI, and EDI takes up 5% of employees’ time, working alongside organizations like Beyond Racial Equity. Externally, VIA aims to mirror the diversity of the communities it serves, ensuring its marketing strategies are culturally relevant and resonate with the diverse audiences brands aim to engage.

Innovative Services for a Changing Market

VIA looks further beyond the present; this innovative marketing way of hers makes it different from the other agencies. One of those new projects deals with predicting the future virality of ideas in the marketplace, helping reduce guesswork in marketing campaigns. Using data-mining tools, social listening technologies, and the quarterly reports the market will be feeding into the agency, VIA is helping its clients to anticipate what will trend in the future and position them for relevance in culture.

Such forward-thinking attitude manifests in the project done by VIA with Lowe's; it transformed Lowe's into a lifestyle and design brand rather than just a DIY warehouse store. The other example involves ARM & HAMMER, which created a movement for personal care in the post-pandemic society. As quickly as VIA analyzes where brands belong within the broader culture, it also ensures that they do more than just ride the trends; they shape them.

Culture of Trust and Collaboration

VIA has always been honest and collaborative with clients, achieving long-term relationships with several big brands. Its willingness to take seriously calculated risks and commit to delivering high-quality work has made it a partner in more than a decade. A client list that is a hundred percent referenceable, VIA considers quality meaningful, long-term partnerships as its method for continuing success.

On 2021, The Via Agency has defined itself as one of the best places to work—not just innovative and inclusive but also committed to client success and having an engaging, friendly working environment

About the Leader

Leeann Leahy, Chief Executive Officer of The Via Agency

 “We set certain KPIs for each of our clients at the outset of our collaboration. It is our responsibility to map the approach for achieving those KPIs within that framework. Certain brands enjoy exclusivity, while others embrace inclusion. For the purpose of creating the best plan, we must comprehend the distinctive qualities of each brand. "