Fred & Associates is the Chicago media agency that provides marketing expertise back by innovation and anchored by experience. The women-owned, award-winning, independent agency was founded by Jen Brady, a marketing leader with over two decades of experience.
FRED is working to bring consumer recognition to products made by women, but also helping companies like Tootsie Roll, General Mills and Charles Schwab to name a few. If you want to work with an agency that is not doing the same thing year after year, then FRED is the Chicago agency of your dreams. Keep reading below to find out more!
Inside Fred & Associates
In Chicago Since: 2005
Core Services: Marketing Campaign Activation (Media Planning and Buying)
# of Employees: 5
# of Four-Legged Employees: We had fish but they went to the fish tank in the sky. Our building is a ‘green’ building but they don’t allow 4 legged friends (it’s a historical landmark building – the Wrigley Building)
1. Their origin story…
After working in the digital advertising and media world at some of the best companies (Pets.com and Starcom) and with some of the best brands, FRED & Associates opened its doors to service clients with a focus on transparency, candor, and innovation. Plus, we don’t like drink nor serve the Kool-Aid.
FRED is the childhood nickname of its founder, Jen Brady.
2. What you’ll find inside:
Huge Cut Out of Tootsie Roll’s Mr. Owl.
3. The meaning of #agencylife…
Having fun with co-workers, working for respectful clients, and doing kick ass work that makes us proud.
“Never Never Never Give Up AND When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”
Chicago Creative
4. Why Fred & Associates loves CHI Town:
The scrappy energy.
5. Most admired Chicago brands:
Allstate, BMO Harris, Chicago Blackhawks
6. Most admired influencer in Chicago:
Pete Hassen, VP Marketing, Chicago Blackhawks
7. The best restaurant in Chicago:
Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf
“It’s nice when you find a place that combines hard work, integrity & fun to create an environment that doesn’t feel like ‘work’.”
– Sharon Sirott, COO
Partners in Crime
8. What they do for their clients:
Develop and activate amazing media programs for our clients.
9. Want to work with Fred & Associates? This is what they look for in potential partners…
- Mutual respect.
- Intelligence.
- The drive to Challenge the Norm.
10. Clients love Fred & Associates because…
We always find a solution and always deliver value (brain power and negotiated added value/rates).
11. Who they helped:
Avery Products, Tootsie Roll, AMITA Health, Metropolitan Capital Bank, Northwestern Medicine, General Mills, Charles Schwab
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