1980
Kit Sutorius establishes Sutorius Advertising while serving as VP of Creative at an international exhibit house.
1985
Kit commits fully to entrepreneurship, creating a sister agency, Rocky Mountain Airport Advertising, to Sutorius Advertising.
1988
Sutorius Advertising is rebranded to Avocet Communications and unveils its first logo.
1989
Lori Jones joins Avocet, working from Kit’s home office.
1990
A pivotal moment for the firm: After becoming a finalist for a major regional rental car client, Kit and Lori build the agency’s first office in just one weekend. This milestone legitimizes the business, kickstarts hiring, and sets the stage for future growth.
1993
Lori is promoted to VP of Client Services and becomes a minority owner. Avocet becomes the first Colorado agency to host a seminar on the “World Wide Web” and email marketing, attended by over 250 marketing professionals.
1995
Avocet enters B2C marketing, winning a highly competitive bid for CDOT’s iconic safety campaign initiatives.
1996
Growth accelerates: Revenue climbs, a VP of Operations is hired, and the team grows to nine employees. Strong vendor and partner relationships are established.
1997
Avocet wins several of awards from BMA and PRSA, including being named one of Colorado’s Best Places to Work.
2000
During the dot-com bubble burst and 9/11, Avocet adapts, providing national presentations on growth strategies during recessions.
2003
Avocet embraces digital transformation by adding content creation via social media platforms.
2004
The agency expands service lines, strengthens strategic offerings, and begins developing proprietary IP-based solutions. Avocet is consistently listed as one of the Top 100 Family-Owned Businesses in Colorado. Lori is promoted to President, taking a larger leadership role in driving the agency’s growth and innovation.
2007
Avocet diversifies its client portfolio, landing major integrated marketing communications (IMC) programs for Big O Tires, Papa John’s, Arc Thrift, Massage Envy, and others. The agency embraces digital advertising, incorporating platforms like YouTube, programmatic ad buying, and emerging digital channels, further enhancing its ability to deliver innovative, results-driven campaigns.
2013
Lori purchases a new building for the agency. The agency also continues its winning streak of national Davey and Communicator Awards, celebrating excellence in creative and integrated campaigns.
2015
Kit retires, and Lori becomes sole owner, making Avocet 100% woman-owned. Industry accolades roll in like hotcakes, with the agency earning titles like Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses, Women to Watch, and Fastest Growing Business.
2016
Avocet launches the Integrate & Ignite podcast, hosted by Lori, one of the first marketing-focused podcasts globally.
2020
Amid the challenges of COVID-19, Avocet demonstrates resilience by landing 16 new clients, resulting in only a 15% YOY decline without layoffs. The agency also strengthens its PR and Crisis Communications expertise, managing a multitude of internal and external communications projects for clients navigating the pandemic’s uncertainties.
2021
Avocet partners with clients achieving major milestones, including IPOs for York Space and Solid Power and acquisitions of Aircraft Performance Group, Roccor, and Redwire.
2024
The Integrate & Ignite podcast evolves into StrategyCast, reflecting the agency’s dynamic growth and modern direction. Avocet earns international EcoVadis certification and is recognized with the Colorado Green Business Silver Award, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
2025
Celebrating 45 years: Avocet continues to thrive, growing its legacy of bold, innovative solutions for life-changing brands.
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