We’re 25!
And we’ve got the stories to prove it.
This year, inferno hits a big milestone – 25 years of making things happen. Since 1999 we’ve been mixing authenticity, creativity, and expertise to fuel impactful marketing partnerships with everyone from global giants to small businesses. And it’s all thanks to the clients, vendors and communities who’ve been with us every step of the way. So, grab a seat as we take a stroll down memory lane.
We Opened Our Doors (and Cracked Open Some Champagne)
On September 15, 1999, Tim Sellers, Dan O’Brien, and Michael Overton decided it was time to shake things up and opened inferno at Kimbrough Place on Union Avenue. The rest, as they say, is history.
Cha-Ching! Our First Check Arrives
Thanks to Automotive Fleet Resources, we got our first taste of success (and paid the rent).
Adobe InDesign Hits the Scene
Adobe InDesign debuted in August, and our designers were never the same. We’re still geeking out over OpenType fonts and optical margin alignment.
2000
MOVIN’ ON TO CENTRAL STATION
We traded Midtown for Downtown in 2000, setting up shop on South Main in the newly renovated Central Station. The commute changed, but the coffee runs stayed the same.
Transnetyx Hires inferno
Our longest-running client! We’ve been collaborating with Transnetyx since 2000, and we’re still going strong. That’s a lot of meetings, folks.
West Coast Dreamin’
We were named Agency of Record for this West-Coast-based med device start-up. By working strategically with both Sales and Marketing, we helped them grow to become a world-leader in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Home Grown
What began as a simple assignment for the 12th largest relocation provider in the world, grew into a beautiful AOR relationship that saw Primacy grow to become the fourth largest provider globally. We only parted ways when Primacy was acquired by Cartus – the world’s largest provider of relocation services (more on that later…).
2001
FUELANTHROPIC TAKES OFF
We launched Fuelanthropic, giving every member of our team 40 hours a year to make the world a better place and support causes they love. Because saving the world doesn’t always fit into 9-to-5.
Seeing Clearly with Eclectic Eye
We’ve been helping this independent Memphis eyewear boutique look sharp and stylish since 2001. Talk about a shared vision for success.
Memphis Parks Partnership Begins
With the reimagined and redesigned Galloway Golf Club nearing completion, the city tapped inferno to rethink public golf in Memphis. The Links of Memphis brand was born, and work continues today with the recent redesigns and launches of Overton Park, Pine Hill and Audubon.
Safari and Myspace? What a Time to Be Alive.
Apple’s Safari launched and Myspace was born. We learned that nothing hurts like dropping down someone’s Top 8.
Skype – The Future of ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’
Skype’s debut made virtual calls a thing, and suddenly, “meetings” could happen in our pajamas – not that we do that sort of thing …
Partnering with Smith+Nephew Orthopaedics
We were named Co-Agency of Record for this medical tech leader, cementing our orthopedic expertise and the rest is a bone-afide success story.
2004
TIME TO PACK UP AGAIN – LOFTS ON TENNESSEE STREET, HERE WE COME!
We moved to the Lofts and haven’t looked back. Mostly because we love the exposed brick, and we’re tired of moving.
Fullen Dock Takes the Plunge with Us
We started helping Fullen Dock navigate the waters of advertising, PR, and interactive efforts to promote their services as an inland port and trucking/warehouse provider. Smooth sailing ever since.
Facebook Changes the Game
When Facebook launched, we didn’t just make friends – we made marketing history. Since its launch and ultimate expansion, Meta and all of its channels have become a big part of our day-to-day.
Banking on Success with Paragon
Our long partnership with Paragon began, helping to build trust in this home-grown, independent Memphis bank.
Smith+Nephew Goes Global, and So Do We
We helped concept and produce videos for the organization’s first global sales meeting, traveling the world and loving every minute of it.
YouTube Hits Play
By democratizing the creation and distribution of video, YouTube has provided a platform for marketers throughout the world. It now boasts more than 2.5 billion users annually, many enjoying the beautifully crafted stories inferno has filmed for our clients.
2006 ADDY AWARDS
THE ORDER OF THE GOLDEN PYRAMID
Excited to host the annual ADDY Awards show for the first time, inferno pulled out all the stops. “The Order of the Golden Pyramid” was formed – a mystic society that unlocked the secret to creative excellence in the field of advertising. Fezzes were worn. Secret signs were flashed. Awards were won. Fun was had.
Drones, Twitter, and Everything in Between
Drones weren’t just for the military anymore, and the social platform formerly known as Twitter (now X) launched, giving us a new way to tell the world our every thought – 140 characters at a time.
iPhone Debuts, We’re All in Awe
The iPhone changed everything. Suddenly, we could launch marketing campaigns from our pockets. Game-changer.
Grammy Work with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
It began with simple communications for regional Chapter 12 of the National Association of the Recording Arts and Sciences (GRAMMYs). It grew into promotion for the national HQ in Los Angeles, encouraging membership, promoting education, and even launching the highly ambitious GRAMMY U – providing a leg up for those beginning a career in the music industry.
Growing Pains? More Like Growing Gains!
Our team expanded, and so did our office at the Lofts. More space = more ideas.
AGENCY DAY 2007
SIX FLAGS – HERE WE COME!
Agency Day at Six Flags St. Louis was all about roller coasters and team bonding.
Pumping Iron with Desoto Athletic Club
We began our work to promote DAC in Southaven, MS – time to flex those marketing muscles.
The First Android Phone is Introduced
2008
INFERNOLYMPICS
Our internal competition, Playing with Fire, was born. It’s like the Olympics but with more coffee and fewer feats of human strength (Nerf javelin just doesn’t hit … the same).
March of Dimes Signature Chef’s Gala
We added another chapter to our Fuelanthropic efforts by supporting marketing efforts for this deliciously good cause.
Rebooting Sun Studio’s Web Presence
We revamped the iconic Sun Studio’s website. Legends deserve legendary design.
Chrome’s Here, and We’re Clicking with Excitement
Google Chrome hit the scene, and we’ve been browsing at lightning speed ever since.
2009
TENFERNO
We celebrated a decade of success with a party at Pearl’s Oyster House. Oysters and marketing – what could be better?
WhatsApp Helps Us Stay Connected, Free of Charge
WhatsApp became our go-to for global communication. Sorry, international charges, you’re not invited.
CB Richard Ellis – Real Estate with Real Impact
We helped this commercial real estate leader boost their Memphis presence. Location, location, location!
Accredo Culture Overhaul
We helped Accredo reshape their internal culture, setting new standards and making waves within the organization.
Brightening the Cartus Brand
We helped Cartus, the world’s largest relocation company, shine a little brighter after their purchase of Primacy Relocation.
Instagram Launches – Hello, #MarketingGoals
With Instagram, we started turning photos into brand stories. #Winning
Zooming into the Future
Zoom launched and suddenly, video meetings were more than just a novelty reserved for high-tech conference rooms. Since then, they’ve become a necessity and help us stay connected with our global client-base.
Memphis Jewish Home – A Legacy Revamped
We helped Memphis Jewish Home honor their legacy while embracing a modern approach to senior care. Tradition meets innovation.
AGENCY DAY 2012
THE CLINTON MUSEUM
We took a trip to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock because who doesn’t love a good history lesson with their marketing?
Benefit Recovery
The nation’s leading subrogation law firm partnered with us to expand their operations.
Campbell Clinic Joins the inferno Family
We began our long-standing relationship with Campbell Clinic, rethinking their digital strategy and much more.
Game Time – Working with the NFL
We teamed up with the NFL for a customer promotion with a global logistics brand, complete with a sweepstakes and a bit of star power from NFL Films and Howie Long.
A Hole-in-One with the FedEx St. Jude Classic
We refreshed the brand presence for this classic event, focusing on the fan experience both on and off the course.
Emory Healthcare Gets a Makeover
We helped Atlanta’s Emory Healthcare rethink their online presence – because first impressions matter.
Rolling the Dice Again with Caesar’s Entertainment
After initial work in 2007, we worked with the Horseshoe and Roadhouse casinos to strengthen their marketing game and increase foot traffic in Tunica, MS.
2014 ADDY AWARDS
CAMP ADDYWANNA
Our second time hosting the Memphis ADDY Awards, this time with a summer camp twist. S’mores, anyone?
Strategic Success with Cargill Cotton
We helped Cargill Cotton redefine their value proposition and elevate their brand strategy. Talk about a soft landing.
2014
FUELANTHROPIC DAY
To celebrate 15 years of business and community impact, previous Memphis mayor A C Wharton Jr. and Shelby County mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr. proclaimed September 25th Fuelanthropic Day in recognition of the $1MM and 10,000 hours of civic time donated to the community by the inferno Fuelanthropic initiative.
AGENCY DAY 2014
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
We took the team back to Missouri to enjoy a St. Louis Cardinals MLB game against the New York Mets at Busch Stadium.
Our First FedExFamilyHouse Gala
We started creating promotional materials for the FedExFamilyHouse Gala, helping raise funds for families in need. For us, it continues to be all about giving back.
TikTok Takes Over
TikTok launched, and suddenly, ultra-short videos were all the rage and attention spans took a nosedive.
St. Mary’s Episcopal School – 175 Years Young
We helped St. Mary’s celebrate their 175th anniversary with market research and positioning work. Now that’s a milestone.
Christian Brothers University
Higher education met higher expectations when inferno was tasked with increasing recruiting and enrollment at this esteemed university – founded in 1871 by members of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools.
AGENCY DAY 2017
TOTAL ECLIPSE –
TOTAL FUN
Cape Girardeau experienced 1 minute and 46 seconds of totality during this eclipse – and a busload of infernites to boot!
Elos Medtech Taps Our Expertise
We kicked off a partnership with Elos Medtech, a global powerhouse in medical devices with roots in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, China, and Memphis.
Grace Medical Gets a Glow-Up
When Grace Medical needed a brand refresh to showcase their expertise and innovation, they came to us to strengthen their brand and we’ve been keeping it in tip-top shape ever since.
ATEC’s Brand Story Reimagined
Drawing on our deep medical device expertise, we were tasked with reshaping ATEC’s brand story. We worked our magic to craft messaging that resonated with surgeons, investors, and patients alike – all while setting a powerful new tone for their new headquarters.
2019
TWENTY YEARS OF INFERNO MAGIC
We hit the two-decade mark and celebrated with a party and 20 years of great memories.
Anovo Gets a Makeover
After winning a competitive bid, we took the reins on Anovo’s rebrand. From creating visual media to strengthening their content strategy, we’ve built a partnership that’s all about enabling Anovo to continue their important work supporting patients diagnosed with rare diseases.
Sharing Stories that Matter for Communities Unlimited
We were honored to be invited to help Communities Unlimited tell the inspiring stories of the organizations they support. Our documentary-style videos brought these impactful narratives to life, capturing the heart of their mission.
2022 ADDY AWARDS
STEAL THE SHOW
For the third time, we had the pleasure of hosting the Memphis ADDY Awards. With a theme like “The Heist is On,” we made sure the night was full of thrills at the Emerge Building. It was a steal of a show!
A Fresh New Look for Ladd’s
We teamed up with Ladd’s to give their brand a fresh, modern makeover, all while staying true to their core strengths – exceptional service, unparalleled expertise, and top-notch solutions. The result? A brand that’s ready to tackle the Mid-South and Midwest like never before.
X, Formerly Known as Twitter
Laying the Groundwork with Mannington Commercial
We kicked off this year with a bang by becoming the Agency of Record for Mannington Commercial. Here’s to an exciting new chapter!
CHEERS TO 25 YEARS!
We’ve been reflecting on a quarter century of creativity, partnerships, and the community we’ve built.
Here’s to 25 more!