GOING NATIONAL

Bart Given reflects on TTG Canada’s expansion across Canada

We took it slow with the Toronto launch. I relocated for a few months, and Mags, Peter and I squeezed into a shared office space near the Canadian Olympic Committee offices. It often got tighter (and warmer) when Andrea and Bill were in town. Nearby were the beginnings of Canada’s LinkedIn team and Buzzfeed – but this was pre “We Work”. There was no collaboration on couches or high-tops. Truly was a box in the sky, but it was exciting and formative for our team. Collaborating was at its peak, and the investment of resources further solidified us as more than an agency for the COC, we were part of their team – and together the results were extraordinary.

As our team expanded, we located an office of our own, and after another brief stay in a shared space, we christened the Berkley Castle location with one of the best parties I’ve ever attended. Seriously, we flew the entire team in from Vancouver, and invited some of the best people in the industry. We expected the party to end at 9pm, but the combination of Colin’s mixology and Peter Judge’s energy – we closed our office at 2:15am. 

Most recently we moved our space to King West, as it’s a more conveniently located for our clients and staff – but the “Intelligent Office” and Berkley Castle will always be foundational to our growth into a National agency.

As we set-up the offices in Toronto, we agonized about making sure the new office felt the same as Vancouver and the amenities were equal. (We did acknowledge there was no way to replicate a mountain and ocean view…). Although striving for equitable resources was, and is, still important – in hindsight we tried too hard to make our 416 location feel like our 604.  If we could do it all over again, I think we would have given more flexibility to the team in TO to reflect the identity and personality of the market. Our values and approach can manifest without the proverbial “bricks & beams” of our Vancouver office. The people are the brand more so than the style of chairs or fireplace. 

It’s going to be interesting to see how Peter decorates the Calgary office.