It takes considerable courage to launch a new business during an economic downturn, but tough times often present an opportunity, particularly for firms that offer a genuine alternative to larger, more established agencies. Revive (which was named our New Agency of the Year for 2009 and did nothing to undermine that judgment in 2010) believes it can take advantage of just such an opportunity, drawing on the experience of founder Brandon Edwards (who grew the healthcare practice at California public affairs firm Davies), a commitment to building an outstanding workplace culture, and a unique expertise in the health service space.
From its Santa Barbara headquarters, Revive has the ability to manage national programs on behalf of hospitals, health systems, and health care providers, and is developing a complementary capability at the nexus of health and wellness, disease management, prevention, nutrition and fitness, helping clients targeting the space build market share, introduce new concepts, and ultimately enable better and healthier lives. In both areas, this new player has the credentials to compete with big full-service agencies and established specialists.
The new firm ended 2010 with revenues of around $3.7 million, enough to rank among the top 20 healthcare firms in the nation, with a professional staff of 14. The firm also opened its second office, in Nashville, hiring Kriste Goad, most recently a principal at Hall Strategies, as senior vice president and head of the new operation.
Highlights of the firm’s work include helping a southern California physician group fight for fair reimbursement from a major payor group offering a new contract; crafting a communications strategy on behalf of a grocery chain that was looking to put a major strike behind it; helping a company navigate the potential closure of a national dialysis center by regulators; and managing the fallout from an investigation of a Texas healthcare facility following unusual and unexplained deaths.
But perhaps Revive’s proudest achievement in 2010 was being named The Holmes Report’s Best Boutique Agency to Work For, based on an employee survey. “The quality of the work and the service we provide our clients is our top priority and the caliber is nothing short of stellar,” says one survey respondent. “We truly value each other, both our career and personal lives—fostering growth, high morale, and a true sense of both accomplishment and all-inclusive success.” Says Edwards, “In all employees at all levels, we value character, integrity, sense of humor, intelligence, healthcare industry knowledge, and a sense of dedication more than anything else. Working at Revive is really is more than a job, so if people are looking for one of those, we want them to keep looking. If they’re looking for a place to call home—if they’re someone interested in making a long-term commitment—we want to meet them.”