New Beginnings
It’s the time of year for contemplation and renewal as we close out 2020 and look forward to 2021. As we all know, 2020 was a unique and challenging year unlike anyone expected. While not an easy one, there is still much to be grateful for.
As an entrepreneurially minded, nimble consultancy we were thrilled to be recognized by the Financial Times as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2020. We could not have done it without our fearless leader, Founder and CEO, Jonathan Tofel.
Growth, especially in the midst of a pandemic, is a team effort and we have been blessed with and are thankful for a fantastic rock steady core team of Caragh McLaughlin, Julie Beck and Julia Wing-Larson. The Mission Field team helps us accomplish all of the amazing work and thinking and we couldn’t do it without them: Aimee, Andy, Ben, Beth, Carol, Christine, Connor, Dan, Eric, Jillian, Julie, Karen, Keith, Kelly, Kevin, Marie, Marissa, Melinda, Monty, Rob, Samuel, Scott, Susan. Thank you!
We would also like to thank our fantastic clients who engaged with us and pivoted to new ways of working in this crazy year. Together we’ve accelerated virtual learning platforms, managed to keep testing in the retail environment and continued to find meaningful connections with the consumers that lead our thinking and development. Our clients fuel our passion and keep us engaged in the ever-wonderful work of product innovation.
Here are some of the silver linings amidst the chaos.
Necessity is the mother of invention…and its unlocked even more entrepreneurial spirit and creativity! Here are just a few of the pivots we’ve made to make sure that we can keep learning and helping our clients:
We pivoted from in-home and in-person research to virtual and continue to shift back & forth as needed.
We’ve conducted audits of our manufacturing partners via Zoom and attended production runs in a parking lot, awaiting samples at a safe distance
Our retailer partners have gone above and beyond to work with us on testing your innovations while also managing dramatic shifts in shopping behavior
We have loved getting to know all of you better with the upside of seeing glimpses into your homes and meeting your kids & pets on video calls
Although a lot has changed in consumers’ lives, what hasn’t changed is their demand for new products, especially when they are from brands they trust
However, despite these silver linings, we know that many families are struggling with the effects of the pandemic including lost income and the lack of consistent access to free meals at school for their kids.
Because so much of our work revolves around connecting people with food, we want to help address food insecurity this year. To do this we are making a holiday gift of $5,000 to No Kid Hungry. We hope you’ll join us in helping in whatever way you can, too.
As we move into 2021, we have some exciting changes to announce! Julie Beck has been promoted to Managing Director. Congrats Julie – we’re so thrilled to have you on the team!
And lastly, a new year brings a new look and feel for Mission Field. Check out our updated website where you can learn more about our EMBR (Energize, Make, Burst & Roar) offerings, our team and case studies.
Wishing you and your families a happy, healthy end of 2020 and bright new beginnings for 2021,
Carolina Fryer, Managing Director