Greatest Common Factory is a advertising and production company that make things that work and make things better. With decades of big agency and big brand experience, GCF delivers the expertise you get at a large agency but with the personal touch and nimbleness of a boutique firm. Want to take you brand to the next level? Check out the guys and gals at Greatest Common Factory.
Inside Greatest Common Factory
Location: Austin, TX
In Austin Since: April 26, 2011
Core Services: Strategy, Content, Production
# of Employees: 12
# of Four-Legged Employees: 1
Company Mantra: “Make Things Better.”
Does your agency have a cool origin story?
We were founded on a desire to find a better way to get brands to market from strategy through production in an environment that minimizes agendas, politics and silos and maximizes cooperation, creativity and results. In other words, we saw some crazy crap and decided to do something about it.
Most Interesting Physical Thing in Your Office?
A large smiling cloud that lights up, and Tyler.
What does #agencylife mean to you?
Mutual respect and having a life beyond the agency.
John Trahar
“All of our clients know what they are doing, it’s our job to make it look that way.”
– John Trahar, Founder & Creative Lead
Partners in Crime
In 10 Words or Less, What We Do for Our Clients:
We untangle their Christmas lights and make them look great.
3 Characteristics We Look for in Potential Clients:
- Are seeking positive change.
- Have a product or service that endeavors to make things better.
- Are smart and willing to be pleased.
Our Clients Love Us Because:
We make the things that help solve their problems through a process that is actually enjoyable.
Clients We’ve Helped:
Nike, SafeAuto, hopdoddy burger bar, The Salt Lick Barbeque, Mama Fu’s, A+ Credit Union, The Austin Ad Fed, Golfsmith, Academy Sports & Outdoors
Austin Access
The #1 Thing We Love About Austin:
It’s a perpetual work in progress so it’s open to change.
How does your agency help Keep Austin Weird?
We made up a new model for an agency based on where we wanted to work.
What are your most admired local brands?
Austin Beerworks, Whole Foods Market, Yeti Coolers, Tito’s Vodka, Alamo Drafthouse, Yellowbird Sauce and too many restaurant brands to list.
Image Credits: T.Tseng
What are the top things your team will be doing at SXSW this year?
Drinking beer with interesting people. Eating brisket with interesting people. Absorbing as much music as possible, or swimming.
During SXSW, what is the…
- Hidden Gem: Living rooms/taprooms.
- Most Overhyped: Itself.
Which is your favorite Austin food trucks?
East Side King, Micklethwait Craft Meats, Saigon Le Vendeur.
Saigon Le Vendeur
Image Credits: @thesmokingho
Keeping Austin Weirder
The marketing and design scenes play a huge part in Austin’s creative culture. But how many agencies and design firms do you really know in the city? From advertising agency, Door Number 3, to branding studio, Creative Tonic, we will give you a detailed looked at the designers, marketers and creatives keeping Bat City super weird.
So sit back, relax, as we take you on a trip through Austin’s creative scene…
Stay up to date on all the content during our #AustinSpotted Activation by visiting the Austin Content Hub.
- 50 Largest Marketing Companies in the World - January 3, 2018
- Top 20 Most Important Women in Marketing - December 4, 2017
- Ask The Expert: How To Assess The Health Of Strategic Agency Partners - November 14, 2017