Tegan Quarterly: Spring 2024

Hey there and happy spring!

Everything is blooming here in Dallas, and while it’s bittersweet trading in our barely used outerwear for short sleeves, we aren’t mad at all about the extra sunshine. (And hopefully, a few extra Lil T sightings!)

The past few months of the new year have been quite a ride. We’ve welcomed new client BFFS into the Tegan fold, launched an impressive line-up of projects, and even made some time to ski our way through the winter months.

Laura dominated the bunny hill on her first try, (no surprise there) and John, Aaron, Ryan, and Morgan have all been busy hitting the slopes from coast to coast with family and friends. It’s never too soon to start gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics as far as we’re concerned. Bonus: There were no emergency room visits.

Like everyone else in America, we had a blast cheering on the Chiefs and 49ers (but mostly the ads) in the Super Bowl and either living for (Laura) or rolling our eyes at (Kelsey) the unfolding Tayvis spectacle. True love or PR stunt . . . we may never know.

With spring in full swing, our calendars are filling up quickly with lots of exciting projects and opportunities we can’t wait to share. As always, thanks for coming along for the ride!

Cheers!

— Aaron and John

Cool things we did

Project Launches

Lyda Hill Philanthropies

We officially launched LHP’s new website in late February and it’s already breaking the internet. Our team loved bringing the catalytic vision of Texas philanthropic icon Ms. Lyda Hill to life in this redesign, which features bold, simplified layouts, clarified messaging, and an elevated user experience.

Hilton Care for All

We partnered with our friends at Hilton for a website redesign showcasing their groundbreaking “Care for All” initiative, a support platform designed specifically for Hilton team members to better care for themselves and those closest to them. The new platform is easily navigable and organized by caregiving needs, ensuring that folks can tap into the support they seek.

New client partnerships

People Serving People

Operating as the largest emergency shelter in Minnesota, this incredible organization provides resources and a support system for families experiencing homelessness in Hennepin County, MN. We’re teaming up with PSP and their Center of Excellence preschool to build two new sites that will connect with key advocate audiences and reach families in need.

BraveLove

This national, not-for-profit organization is using the power of storytelling to celebrate the bravery of birth mothers and challenge cultural stigmas surrounding adoption. Tegan will be leading a full site redesign, making sure their message is clear and compelling.

PBK

As one of the leading architectural firms in the nation, PBK crafts facilities that contribute to human achievement through purpose-driven design and exceptional service. We’re revamping the website with fresh designs and a unified message that better reflects PBK’s wide range of services across multiple industries.

petbar

Dallas’ favorite boutique pet grooming service is expanding, opening new franchise locations across the country faster than you can say “Woof”. As petbar’s new Agency of Record, we’ll be developing a communication strategy and marketing collateral tailored to highlight their unique offerings.

Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas

We are honored to welcome another respected leader in Dallas’ Jewish community into the Tegan family, proudly serving as the Federation’s Agency of Record. Tegan will work with their team to help boost their digital presence and increase education around their impact through social media and email marketing.

Dallas Independent School District

Serving over 139,000 students in 240 schools across the metroplex, DISD is on a mission to become the best urban school district in the United States. We couldn’t be more excited to continue to invest in the future of our Dallas community through this new partnership.

DMRE

We’re teaming up with the folks at DMRE, a Texas-based commercial real estate broker leading the way in land brokerage services for multi-family, residential, and industrial land. Tegan will be stepping in as an extension of their marketing team, providing ongoing support through research, strategy, and creative design.

Hot Industry Trends

Subway’s Footlong Snacks: Sweet and Savory Saviors or Just Another Hail Mary?

It’s no secret that Subway has been struggling for the past few years, shuttering hundreds of stores across the country. But just when you think you’ve witnessed the end of an empire, you see Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce out promoting Subway’s latest last ditch effort: The Footlong Sidekick.

Yes, you heard correctly. The teetering sandwich franchise is now venturing into the world of super-sized delights with 12-inch pretzels, cookies, and churros, and people are paying attention. But it’s not the first time Subway has called an audible to fight its way back into the public’s good graces.

In the early 2000s, on the heels of the SuperSize Me debut, a new wave of health-consciousness began to sweep across the nation. Subway quickly positioned itself as the healthier alternative to fast food, launching a slew of weight-loss campaigns with Jared Fogle as the poster boy. Things were looking rosy until the Fogle scandal hit in 2015, knocking Subway off its squeaky-clean pedestal. Yikes.

Despite legal battles and public skepticism, (Tuna-gate, anyone?) Subway has continued to fight back, revamping their menu with the Eat Fresh Refresh campaign in 2022. With a new lineup of high-powered athletes like Mahomes, Kelce, Peyton Manning, Steph Curry, and Simone Biles, Subway is still positioning itself as a healthier fast food alternative, but without the diet-culture vibes. Afterall, if a world champion can indulge in a hoagie-sized cookie, why not you?

Subway’s renaissance is the perfect reminder that adaptability is the ultimate secret sauce. Whether it’s pivoting after bad publicity or just keeping up with trends, brands should remember that the market landscape is always changing, and brands that don’t evolve will be forgotten. If companies LEGO and Apple like can master the power of reinvention, it shouldn’t be all that surprising that a dynasty like Subway couldn’t do the same—footlong churros or not.

Brands to Watch: Poppi

The whimsical prebiotic soda brand, Poppi, is making a big splash in the beverage market—and in our hearts. Let’s dive into what’s getting them the attention and what other brands can learn from their approach.

Generating Buzz:

With a flourish of color and a playful wink, Poppi knows how to make you look. They aren’t sitting back, waiting for attention; they’re actively seeking it out. From sending PR packages to influencers and enthusiasts to creating engaging pop-up events for product launches, they’re constantly on the radar of their target audience.

All the Touchpoints:

Poppi understands the importance of a comprehensive marketing strategy. Their “Soda’s Back!” 360 marketing campaign is a testament to this. By leveraging digital platforms, social media, and out-of-home advertising, they’re ensuring that their message reaches consumers wherever they are.

TikTok Domination:

Here’s the platform where Poppi really bubbles to the top.
They’ve mastered the art of user-generated content (UGC) by encouraging fans to create their own Poppi mocktail and cocktail recipes, tapping into the sober and sober-curious crowds. This not only drives engagement but also fosters a sense of community around the brand.

Relatable Brand Identity:

What sets Poppi apart is its relatable brand identity. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a lifestyle. (Hello Poppi merch 🔥) With its quirky, nostalgic, and vibrant persona, Poppi resonates with consumers—especially women—on multiple levels. It’s upfront about what it’s trying to do: making soda cool again—or maybe for the first time—through “joyful technicolor maximalism”. (La Croix could never). Plus, tapping into the trending interest in gut health, Poppi offers a refreshing way to feel good from the inside out. Pop cultured, indeed.

Tegan Approved!

It’s been pretty inspiring to watch Poppi crack the code when it comes to creating a brand that’s not only delicious but also playful, engaging and relevant. With their innovative marketing tactics and authentic brand identity, they’re definitely one to keep watching in the future.

We may not work for Poppi, (yet) but let’s just say our fridge is full and our door is wide open. And for the record, Strawberry Lemonade is the best flavor, hands down.

Employee Updates

Movers & Shakers

Laura celebrated her five year anniversary with Tegan in true Laura fashion: by earning herself a promotion to the role of Account Supervisor. We love this for Laura, but we especially love it for us. Morgan, who serves as the Communications Chair for AAF Colorado, pulled off another wildly successful ADDYs Awards, meaning she deserves a gold medal, a high five . . . and a day off.

Love & Marriage

Last December, our very own Katie Darden was posed with a pressing question that (surprisingly) didn’t involve a creative brief or website launch . . . and she said yes! It goes without saying that we’re absolutely thrilled for Katie and her new fiance, Alec. It’s also an official fact that Tegan’s unofficial matchmaking service is undefeated.