From Adweek · Seth Simons · · 40s
When Agencies Break Rules
Elite Media's founder shows how breaking industry rules can pay off.
In brief
Elite Media's founder shows how breaking industry rules can pay off. Elite Media's founder Chris Crawford built a successful agency by ignoring Madison Avenue norms and focusing on community impact. Originally reported by Adweek.
Breaking industry rules
Elite Media's founder Chris Crawford ignored Madison Avenue norms to build his agency in Harlem.
“If you have a small agency, there’s no way you can super-service a partner if you’re constantly thinking about all of the other people you can connect to”
Early success with Stomp the Yard
Crawford sold Stomp the Yard to Sony after creating a WWE-level college step competition platform.
“We had something they could invest in that could drive their business, but we had to create that vehicle”
Community focus
Elite Media helps Harlem schools with educator self-care grants after burnout concerns.
“For the first time, they didn’t lose the educators they were losing each year”
Ethical business model
Crawford refuses work with tobacco, alcohol, gambling, or predatory lending companies.
“You’d be surprised that when you say a hard no, it can refine everything in your life as to what truly is a yes”
Here's the gist
Elite Media's founder Chris Crawford built a successful agency by ignoring Madison Avenue norms and focusing on community impact.
