Issue 2 2019

38 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2019 Nov18977 2020 Companies is a sales and marketing agency who employs over 11,000 highly-skilled brand execution and consumer engagement experts who specialize in sales, training, merchandising, advocacy, and experiential marketing events. Recently, we caught up with Steve Peters, President, who provided us with a detailed insight into the outstanding services the team provides to their clients. Unmatched Customer Experiences ince their inception in 1991, 2020 has focused on a number of industries including Consumer Electronics, Consumer Packaged Goods, Sporting Goods, Appliances, Home Services, Telecom, Retail Energy, Personal Computing and Audio. The firm works for the industry leaders in each of these categories and some of the largest brands in the world. 2020 is a specialist in identifying, assessing, hiring, managing, and developing talent to become the best activation experts in the industry. Going into further detail, Steve begins by informing us of the areas the firm specialises within and the types of clients that the team works alongside. “Here at 2020, our teams work with leading manufacturers to curate a customized go to market strategy. Every client is unique and has unique sales and marketing needs. We work with the client to develop the best strategy including consumer and retail activation and execution, social sentiment monitoring, territory optimization and design, new retail location concept and execution, interactive and immersive displays, etc. “Prior to any engagement, 2020 forms a go-to-market team responsible for discovery through deployment and execution. The diverse and cross-functional team has activated over 300 programs for renowned brands, flawlessly. The launch strategy includes talent acquisition, performance management, training, consumer engagement requirements, competitive benchmarking, systems, revenue modelling, process automation, net promoter scores, and return on investment.” As for what makes the firm the success as we know it today, Steve explains how the firm’s guiding principles of collaboration, team work, flexibility, as well as mutual respect, are just some of the key factors in how 2020 has grown over the years into becoming a leader within their respective industry. “Our diverse and involved leadership, passion for brands, and multi- industry experience elevates 2020 beyond its peers. Also, our teams utilize a proprietary solution, Pulse, built on the Salesforce.com platform, to schedule, train, track, report, and manage expenses all in one easy application built for mobile first. “In addition, one of our client’s mentioned that they had ‘…the pleasure to partner with 2020 Companies for over three years, running one of the largest activations in the country. The overall quality 2020 brings to the table is unlike anything I’ve experienced in my 20 years of retail. They continually bring new and innovative ideas to the table resulting in improved return on investment.’” “We work with the client to develop the best strategy including consumer and retail activation and execution, social sentiment monitoring, territory optimization and design, new retail location concept and execution, interactive and immersive displays, etc.” Providing the ability for the firm to deliver their exceptional services, is the dedicated and talented team which forms the backbone of 2020. When discussing the internal culture, Steve is keen to highlight the significant role the team play in the overall success of the firm. “At 2020, we have a tremendously talented and passionate team of employees. This dedication shines through our Field Success team. “For example, with each new project we activate our Field Success team which provides real time communications and help desk capabilities no matter the day and time. This solution ensures that everyone for the first month of new programs has unlimited resources to assist them in their day to day activities. “In addition to this, our Field Success organization is a perpetual group dedicated by brand and service focused solely on every activation expert. There primary purpose is to ensure they have every sales tool they need to win.” Looking ahead to what the future holds, Steve signs off by revealing the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for the firm, especially following their recent success in Acquisition Intl.’s Global Excellence Awards 2019 where they were righteously awarded the accolade Most Innovative Outsourced Marketing Solutions Provider 2019 – Texas. “2020 will continue to assist manufacturers and retailers through dedicated teams and ensure that retail standards are met for each client. Presently, we are exploring new ways to use AI and Social Sentiment to connect brick and mortar with social. Expect to see 2020 Companies crossing into new industries, expanding services with existing customers, and continuing to impress with innovation.” S