Twenty-five years. It's a milestone that carries a certain weight, a sense of accomplishment that's both humbling and exhilarating. When I look back at Moxie Sozo's journey, I see the faces of the people who built this agency
… and I see the
clients whose visions we've had the privilege to help form.
Those two elements have fueled our passion for this craft. Because for us, craft isn't just a word, it's how we approach our work. It's about sweating the details, obsessing over every idea, every word, every nuance. It's about bringing a level of artistry and intentionality to everything we touch, ensuring that each identity, each strategy, each website, and each asset is crafted with purpose.
This journey began in December 1999, when Leif Steiner, our founder, had enough of agencies unwilling to go the extra mile for their clients. He wanted to build an agency that cared, one that was never satisfied with what came before and embraced a fearlessness toward creativity. He assembled a small team of like-minded scrappy individuals, and together, they set out to make their mark on the world of branding, driven by a shared commitment to craft.
Early on, we established a reputation for our unconventional approach. We weren't afraid to challenge categories, to push the boundaries of design (yeah, with lots of faces and illustration, at times), and to inject a dose of "moxie" into every project we tackled. This attracted clients who were looking for something different, something bespoke, to make their brand unique.
Over the years, we've had the privilege of working with some incredible companies that let us create and evolve their brands – Adidas,
Aura Bora, Birch Benders, Gimme Beauty, Nickelodeon, TaylorMade Golf,
Organic Valley, Perfect Bar,
Samuel Adams, Visit Bend, and Warner Bros., just to name a
few, big and small (all important). Each project has been a unique adventure, a chance to collaborate with passionate people and craft something special — as of this writing, we're on project 5,560 and counting.
That's what gets me excited – seeing our clients' ideas come to life in ways they never would have imagined, with people in our office who care deeply. It's about more than just creating beautiful designs; it's about crafting brands that have a real impact on the success of their business.
And that's what I believe will continue to excite our clients and attract new ones. When
Charles Bloom, John Supsic, Nate Dyer, and
I purchased the agency in 2018 from Leif, we knew the agency landscape was always changing, but we couldn't lose what made
us … us. In a world of increasing automation and fleeting trends (I'm happy to give my opinion on this topic), the value of true craft, of the human element and artistry, becomes even more apparent.
We're not just here to create pretty pictures. We're here to help our clients build brands that connect with people on a deeper level, brands that stand the test of time. We're here to craft their success stories.
This commitment has been championed by the incredible people who have walked through our doors. The designers and account folks who burned the midnight oil, the strategists who wrestled with complex challenges, the interns (of which I was one, back in 2009) who brought fresh perspectives – they've all contributed to the legacy of Moxie Sozo. I would like to thank each and every one of you.
And as we celebrate our Silver Jubilee, we're reminded of the enduring qualities that have defined our journey: resilience, adaptability, and a touch of brilliance (although rarely mine – there are people much smarter than me here). These values, combined with our unwavering dedication to craft, will continue to guide us as we move forward, ensuring that Moxie Sozo remains a beacon of creativity and innovation for years to come.
This coming year, we'll be celebrating 25 years of bold ideas, lasting creativity, and a glimmer of what's next.
