MINNEAPOLIS (July 23, 2025) — Independent, brand navigation agency Rise and Shine and Partners has received the Ad Age Small Agency of the Year GOLD Midwest Award. The recognition was announced during the annual Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards, held this year in Toronto.
“This exciting recognition validates our team’s hard work, strong client partnerships and ability to thrive in our highly competitive industry,” said Kevin DiLorenzo, President/CEO, Rise and Shine and Partners. “We’re passionate about the work we do, the team we’ve built, and the way we’ve grown. As an independent, we continually embrace change, invest in new technologies, enhance capabilities, and focus on our craft to drive success.”
Now in its 17th year, the Ad Age Small Agency Awards honor the most impactful independent agencies with 150 or fewer employees—highlighting their creative work, smart business practices, and commitment to cultivating thriving workplaces.
2024 marked a breakthrough year for Rise and Shine, with a 66% increase in total revenue and a doubling of both its team and client roster. The agency earned recognition on “fastest growing” lists published by Adweek, Inc. Magazine, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
Earlier this year, Rise and Shine was awarded “Best in Show” at Ad Fed Minnesota’s The Show, building upon its award-winning pedigree. Over the years, the agency has received national and regional acclaim for its effectiveness and creativity, including Effies, Clios, Cannes Lions, and recognition as “Best Small Agency in the U.S.” by the American Association of Advertising Agencies.
“Recognition for our work is a testament to the craft, care, and creative excellence that go into everything we make,” said Matt Burgess, Partner and Chief Creative Officer, Rise and Shine and Partners. “It starts with powerful insights and on-target ideas—and then it comes to life thanks to the trust and belief of the clients who partner with us.”
Additionally, with expanded services such as media planning and buying, Golden Hour Productions, an in-house production arm, and its proprietary Black Rabbit A.I platform, Rise and Shine has been able to offer and deliver deeper value to clients.
In early 2025, Rise and Shine acquired Adventure Creative Group, a fellow independent agency with a complementary culture and enviable client list—further solidifying its position as one of the largest independently owned agencies in Minneapolis.
“This award marks a standout moment in what’s already been a banner year for Rise and Shine. And furthers our belief that Our Brightest Days Are Ahead,” said DiLorenzo.
About Rise and Shine and Partners
Based in Minneapolis, Rise and Shine and Partners is an independent, full-service brand navigation agency with a 19-year pedigree of success in strategically and creatively guiding ambitious brands through complex, ever-changing marketing challenges. Learn more at riseandshineandpartners.com, or follow along on social @riseandshineandpartners.
