Trio Solutions Inc. (TRIO), a marketing communications agency in Mount Pleasant, has expanded its team and line of services to handle the agency’s growth and new market opportunities. With the addition of five team members, including an equity initiative partner, two interns, leadership promotions and the grand opening of The Creative Lab at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, TRIO is staking its claim in the Charleston-area marketing landscape.
Agency president Jenny Dennis and senior director of client services Abbie Linnerud have been recognized for their tenured leadership with the promotion of partner and associate partner, respectively. Dennis and Linnerud have been instrumental in implementing the world-renowned entrepreneurial operating system (EOS) within the company and supporting Jessica Munday, founder and CEO, with the day-to-day operations of the growing agency. Originally established in 2001 and with clients nationwide, TRIO is now one of the longest-running full-service marketing agencies in the Charleston area.
In addition to leadership promotions, TRIO added graphic designer Marissa Cook to the agency’s growing creative team. Kerry Welch, a seasoned media and PR professional with over a decade of experience, joined TRIO after several years with local agencies such as South City PR and Touchpoint Communications. Local photographer and marketing specialist Grace McCormack was brought on to manage TRIO’s new Creative Lab, a media production studio, as a content specialist and support the agency’s growing content development needs. Crystal Correia joined TRIO as an office administrator, overseeing back-of-the-house operations and managing TRIO’s annual CreateAthon program.
TRIO recently contracted Shaniequa Washington, a well-respected influencer and former Walmart executive who led teams of 400-600 people, to join the team as its equity initiative partner. Dennis and Washington imagined the role together and created its place on the team to ensure TRIO had the in-house expertise to help itself and its clients build more inclusive and equitable communities, ultimately contributing to their overall success and social responsibility.
As part of the agency’s long-standing internship program, TRIO welcomed Jayden Simmons and Laura Brownrigg. Simmons is a master's-level communications student at the University of South Carolina and currently supports the creative team as a copywriting intern. Brownrigg recently graduated from Saint Louis University with a bachelor's degree in marketing. She is involved with various marketing projects for TRIO and its nonprofit and for-profit clients.
“In less than two years, TRIO will be celebrating 25 years of being in business,” shares Munday, who started TRIO in 2001 with a desire to work hard, enjoy life and make a difference—a philosophy that is still the cornerstone of the agency’s culture. “Being in this industry is not for the faint of heart. Succeeding in the marketing field calls for a rare combination of resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to nurturing and protecting clients' brands. It's a field for those who can adapt quickly, think creatively and stay determined in the face of constant change. TRIO has clearly demonstrated it has what it takes to succeed.”
“When we opened our doors, social media wasn’t a thing. We built websites on dial-up connections, and client files were passed around in job jackets,” reflects Munday. “Today, we’re investing in AI technology, constantly challenging ourselves and committed to being the best agency in Charleston. None of that would be possible without our team and collective commitment to providing transformative marketing to our clients.”
“I’m excited about our growth and happy to welcome our newest team members and acknowledge the hard work and dedication from our entire team, especially our leadership team.”
This month, TRIO is also announcing the grand opening of “The Creative Lab by TRIO” at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. The dedicated space has creative tools and talent to help professionals and first-timers execute audio, video and photography-related projects. The space is open to the public, and sessions can be booked online at trio-solutions.com.
“TRIO is an outstanding agency, and it’s been the opportunity of a lifetime to help lead our team,” shares Dennis. “As a female-owned agency with an all-female leadership team, I’m proud of our work and how we constantly challenge ourselves to excel in our industry. Despite the challenges, whether it be the economy or an ever-changing landscape, we always remain dedicated to our mission, delivering exceptional results for our clients while supporting and uplifting each other. Our commitment to excellence and collaboration sets us apart and drives our continued success.”
As TRIO approaches its 25th year in business, its history entails a steady growth year over year, a significant achievement in an industry where most companies do not survive past their first ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since its inception, TRIO has supported more than 300 companies, employed 50 full-time employees and 25 interns, and donated over $1.5 million in pro bono marketing services to 80 Lowcountry nonprofits since 2007 through its annual CreateAthon philanthropic program.
