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Inauspicious beginnings Modem Media, an interactive marketing company, was formed in October, 1987 by G.M. O'Connell and Douglas Ahlers on the day of the stock market crash. A few weeks later, executives at Dow Jones -- the first company with which Modem Media attempted to establish an account -- dismissed their sales pitches categorically. To make matters worse, the company's sole PC suffered irreparable damage when it burst into flames when Ahlers tried to install a larger hard drive! At the time, the pair worked out of Ahlers' parents' condominium in Norwalk, CT. From these inauspicious beginnings, Modem Media went on to become the premier interactive advertising agency in the U.S., concentrating early in its career on software development and the design of interactive media on CD-ROMs and web sites. Its first client was General Electric. Other big names like Godiva Chocolates and J.C. Penney followed. The company's first work involved building "electronic malls" online for its clients, where customers could shop without leaving their homes. In March 1994 AT&T named Modem Media "Interactive Agency of Record," an honor that testified to the company's market superiority over its competitors Young & Rubicam and McCann-Erickson. A true merger In November 1996, Modem Media merged with True North Technologies, creating the largest online advertising agency in the industry. An IPO was planned in 1997 for TN Technologies (Modem's holding company) but was put on hold. True North picked up the successful web shop Poppe Tyson in December 1997, and in May of the following year, Modem Media agreed to merge with cousin Poppe Tyson, adding Eastman Kodak, Johnson & Johnson, and Sony to its clientele. The resulting company, originally called Modem Media.Poppe Tyson, enjoys an even greater lead between it and the competition. Expanding, and profiting 2000 could prove to be a banner year for Modem Media. Riding an unprecedented wave of revenues and profits, Modem Media has opened offices in Munich, Paris, and Sao Paulo. These international offices will join a domestic stable that saw first quarter 2000 revenues rise 130 percent over first quarter 1999 and an additional 246 employees added to the company payroll. Core accounts include Coca Cola, IBM, Intel and General Motors, in addition to many Internet companies including Buy.com and Swell.com.
"There are loads of opportunities at Modem Media for all people," say insiders. What the company is looking for are "smart, enthusiastic people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done." "We are growing and always looking for smart people who understand the interactive space," one employee says. Engineers advise, "See our client list and read about us in several online magazines like Advertising Age." The company invites individuals interested in employment at Modem Media to check out the company's web site at www.modemmedia.com. It seeks bright, motivated people who know something about, and are interested in the rapidly growing interactive industry. Says an insider: "We want smart, enthusiastic people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done."
A fantastic place to work Modem Media is, according to one employee, a "fantastic place to work." What is notable about the company is its relaxed, low-key working environment: the corporate culture is "energetic" and "great" and co-workers are "smart and friendly." Says one contact: "There is a certain loyalty that's created by being surrounded by individuals who all believe in the same thing as you and have similar goals." The "average age of employees here is 28 or so" and "people generally socialize with each other." What's more, the dress code is "casual" and "work hours are somewhat flexible." Make that, "A fantastic place to work really hard" At the same time, however, one employee admits that "we do stay late and work when we have to." Says another employee, "The working environment is very busy, very hectic, but at the same time, extremely rewarding." The company is "full" of "intelligent, motivated people" who "work hard" and "take pride in what we do." The ever-changing Modem Media As far as the company's attitude toward women and minorities "everyone is equal here," says one contact. "It's a non-issue." Overall, employees at Modem Media seem to "enjoy" their jobs "very much." One employee puts it: "My experience has been great for so many reasons. I've contributed and learned so much since I've been here." Another says: "If you like an atmosphere that is always moving and constantly changing, then this is something to look into." So if you want "a huge opportunity filled with interesting challenges," Modem Media seems to be the place.
Human Resources
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