A CEO’s Thank You – 20 Years In Business

Today, Outlook Marketing Services, Inc. (Outlook) is officially celebrating its 20 year anniversary.  When we started in July 1995 the technology industry was booming, and we were enjoying a strong wave of growth and innovation.  Opening the business felt right and we had one client lined-up.  I had the loving support of my wife and family, and I was ready to jump in.  The hardest part to the start of Day 1 was assembling a very small desk, which was housed in a conference room in a shared office in a Chicago suburb.  Four (long) hours later, Outlook was up and running.

Our Past Prepared Outlook for an Exciting Future

Reflecting on the past two decades in business and what comes to mind are the opportunities where we’ve played a significant role for our clients. From helping a Swedish ERP software company enter the U.S. market and go public on the Swedish stock exchange to unveiling a fuel cell prototype to the world.  We’ve also developed a new message platform and positioning for one of the largest custom software development companies in Japan and launched countless new technologies such as RFID, extranets, exchanges, supply chain solutions, mobile applications, cloud and so much more.  Along the way, we’ve worked through some very difficult times too—Y2K, the internet bubble bust, 9/11 and the financial crisis/recession.

We launched Outlook with a concentrated focus on the technology industry including hardware, software, services and VAR companies to help them drive brand awareness, demand generation and sales enablement.  We’ve since expanded on our technology and industrial focus with the addition of healthcare and financial services practice areas.   We also created deep service offerings centered on Social & Customer Engagement, Message Development & Market Insights and Content Development aligned with campaigns, desired customer experiences and measureable results linked to the marketing spend.  Outlook’s current client roster ranges from Fortune 1000 brands to emerging social technology platforms as well as other cloud, SaaS technology and B2B innovators.

But, it’s About People

To our clients: I’m so appreciative and honored to work with our clients.  I would like to thank our clients for their belief in us and our abilities to help them achieve their goals and vision of success, while always challenging us to be better.  The Outlook team is continuously enriched by the people that we’ve met and worked with at our client organizations.  Many of these people have also become friends and advisors, allowing us to grow and learn individually, and, as a company.  Thank you for your unwavering commitment and great relationships.

To our team members: To be in business for 20 years requires having incredible people in your organization.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to work every day with a group of talented, passionate and caring people.  Your willingness to give of yourselves and help each other is very special and is deeply admired.  You are the best.

To our partners: I would also like to thank the design, programming and global partners we collaborate with to deliver incredible work that makes a positive, sustainable impact on our client businesses.   You are fused with our team and we are proud to work with you.

Thank you for a special 20 years and here’s to celebrating the next successful chapter together.

Jeff

Jeff Rappaport is CEO and President of Outlook Marketing Services