Company: McKinsey Development, Warrenton, VA
Company Description: McKinsey Development, Inc. is a full service creative agency located in Warrenton, Virginia.
Nomination Category: Marketing Professional / Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Marketing or Advertising Agency of the Year

Nomination Title: MKD: Bringing Human Back

Tell the story about what this nominated consultancy or agency achieved since January 1 2012 (up to 525 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

When McKinsey Development (MKD) opened its doors in 2009, some local business owners wondered what a full-service integrated marketing agency founded by a twenty-something would do some 50 miles west of Washington, D.C. in the Virginia countryside. Founder Crystal McKinsey had a vision: bring the full-service agency experience to businesses that didn't think they were big enough or innovative enough to have it. Four years later, the local business community sees what Crystal and her team saw from the beginning.

McKinsey Development's combination of client-focused, results-driven services and a human touch that ensures every client feels like the firm's only client has helped the firm grow into a notable force. The measurable results speak for themselves: MKD has helped a regional healthcare provider boost revenues into seven figures, doubled leads for an independent health and fitness provider, and helped a nonprofit raise $90,000 through a single-night fundraising gala.

The results have been achieved by picking the best strategies for the client's needs. While the firm has a strong digital marketing pedigree--partner Michelle Winner won a CLIO for national consumer brand website project—the company is dedicated to matching a broad range of innovative tactics with desired client goals.

Part of MKD's success comes from investing in its people. Staff members are given four hours per month of paid company time to dedicate to volunteering for causes that mean something to them. Each Friday, the staff gathers for a weekly "MKD U" educational session, where developing industry trends, topics, and tools are discussed. MKD also has an intern program that welcomes both traditional students as well as adults looking for everything from creative outlet to a career shift.

MKD also invests in its community. It has several pro bono clients and makes itself available on a project- specific basis to local nonprofits, such as Fauquier Habitat For Humanity. Staff's support of the arts has led MKD to back a local community theatre during each of the last two seasons with title sponsorships. The firm gifted over $50,000 of in-kind work to non-profit organizations in 2012 alone.

MKD also takes pride in hiring from the local area, bringing jobs to residents of an area where most people travel east, into Washington D.C., or its close-in suburbs, to find rewarding work.

While its roots remain in the Virginia countryside, the firm's reach has expanded beyond D.C. The early 2013 opening of a satellite office in New York City--Crystal McKinsey's old stomping ground-- underscores MKD's commitment to providing personal service to clients in the market.

In four years, MKD has grown from a one-office, two-person organization to one that has two locations, 15 full-time equivalent team members, an impressive client roster, and revenue growth has the company on track to hit seven figures by year five. Most importantly, however, we've earned something we value more than any award or contract: we have the trust of our clients and our community.

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Provide a brief (up to 125 words) biography about the leader(s) of the nominated consultancy or agency:

Crystal McKinsey has extensive experience in developing and expanding organizations through effective marketing and business development campaigns.

She founded McKinsey Development in 2009, and has steadily grown the company by adding clients from a variety of different industries and verticals.

Crystal categorizes the McKinsey Development approach to marketing as both engaging and theatrical. She believes every brand has a unique story that is brought to life through creative marketing element choreography and integration.

She balances her time at the firm between leading several award-winning accounts and maintaining agency standards of excellence across all division outputs.