Chamber member Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology has been in the spotlight a lot lately. Red Caffeine recently participated in the semi-finals of the James Tyree Emerging Business Leadership Award where Kathy Steele, President of Red Caffeine, gave her three-minute “Shark Tank”-style pitch. They were humbled to share the stage with so many worthy semi-finalists and thrilled to be announced as one of the top two most popular vote winners the night of the event. This was the first of several accolades.
Kathy Steele was selected as one of twelve women who have made a difference in their western suburban communities and are role models as both professional and civic-minded leaders. She was honored to be named to the list of 2016 Women of Distinction by Suburban Life Magazine.
For the second year in a row, Red Caffeine sponsored the BTB Golf Outing, which raised more than $120,000 for families battling cancer, including Summer, the 9-year-old cousin of Red Caffeine Vice President Julie Poulos. Some Red Caffeiners golfed, some manned two “Caffeinated Karaoke” holes, videotaping golfers lip synching to Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” and selling raffle tickets for gift baskets donated by I Have a Bean Coffee and fellow Tyree Award semi-finalists Tiesta Tea.
Named one of the “Best Places to Work in Illinois” through a workplace analysis and competition administered by Best Companies Group and the Daily Herald Business Ledger, Red Caffeine was recognized as one of the 30 best in the “Small Companies” category for its employee engagement and fun company culture. Defining features include open-book financial management, quarterly bonuses, celebratory outings, “Thirsty Thursdays”, weekly “Culture Club” lunches, and entertaining softball team — the Brew Crew.
Lest you think Red Caffeine is all fun and games, they also received three Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts 2016 Communicator Awards (one Gold and two Silver) for client projects.