In planning out the theme for our conference this year, we were fortunate enough to partner for a second year with Echo-Factory, an award-winning marketing and advertising agency based right here in Pasadena.

The company was founded by Mike Schaffer 10 years ago – when the recession hit – with a mission to help good companies be better.

Back in 2008, Echo-Factory was based out of a commercial garage in Upland, located about 30 miles east of Pasadena. They then moved to an office space in Rancho Cucamonga before finally settling in Pasadena on Colorado Boulevard.

While its location changed a handful of times throughout the past decade, Echo-Factory maintained a simple formula that has allowed it to thrive: do its best work for clients and products that the company believes in.

Mike noted that Echo-Factory only works with clients it believes in, and that TEDxPasadena is a perfect example of that.

“Connecting with other people to share and discuss ideas is so important, especially in this day and age, and nothing makes us prouder than to support that effort right here in our own community,” he said.

“Positive change doesn’t just magically appear—it takes the hard work and dedication of inspired minds coming together around a shared value or belief,” he added. “Supporting and being a part of conversations that spark change is critical for forward movement.”

Echo-Factory helped us tremendously with our theme for this year by providing us with creative and strategic brand consultation. But in addition to that, the company is in the midst of some exciting stuff, like working with Tabasco to revamp their in-store displays and outreach. It’s also leading marketing efforts for a new premium cinematic VR platform called Positron – which Mike says is going to be a game-changer for audiences and movie makers – and is working with the owners of a Pasadena-based luxury float company called Just Float on a comprehensive rebranding effort.

Anyone interested in chatting about their business is welcome to drop by Echo-Factory’s office at 36 W. Colorado Blvd., Suite 200. You can come in simply to say hi as well! Mike notes that the office has a kegerator with Last Name Brewing beer that visitors are welcome to sample.

Apart from meeting Echo-Factory folks at the office, you can always catch a few of them at the Friday Coffee Meetup each week at Cross Campus.

You can learn more about Echo-Factory on its website here. Also be sure to connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!