Fastest Growing Companies #7: MediaStyle on a mission to build ‘a better Canada’

MediaStyle believes it’s as important for companies to have a strong social conscience as it is to maintain a robust balance sheet.

The media production and public affairs firm exclusively works with organizations that possess a clear social mission. Its clients include Canada’s Building Trades Unions, the National Association of Friendship Centres and Community Foundations of Canada.

“We produce great work and create change every day – our team’s passion for a better Canada is at the centre of every project and it’s why we are growing so quickly,” says Caitlin Kealey, managing director and partner at MediaStyle.

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MediaStyle produces marketing collateral, promotional videos and website content for clients, among other services.

Notably, it managed all media relations for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s closing events in Ottawa last spring. Thanks to the firm’s efforts, those events received coverage in international media outlets and were the subject of more than 20,000 articles.

MediaStyle makes a concerted effort to execute projects while not compromising its mandate to serve social enterprises.

Last year, the company joined B Lab, a non-profit organization that recognizes for-profit companies that seek to promote social change. As part of the program, MediaStyle had to pass stringent standards in terms of social and “environmental performance, accountability and transparency.”

“Our democratic business model demonstrates our commitments to sound sustainable business practices,” says Ian Capstick, founding partner and creative director. “We care deeply about our society and doing great work in a way that is profitable so we can continue to support other sustainable and ethical organizations.”

MediaStyle allocates a percentage of its net income to working in the community for free, partnering with local organizations for two years to help them achieve their objectives.

The team has also set up the Social Community Scholarship, which provides students, charities and small businesses with the chance to attend free workshops. The company is also planning to launch an impact incubator program for new social enterprises.

The firm is just as heavily focused on fostering community in its own space. Earlier this year, it launched The Commons, “the MediaStyle team’s way to share our skills with the largest number of people in a great learning environment,” says Ewald Friesen, managing director and partner.

Programming includes workshops, lunch-and-learns and special events showcasing the MediaStyle team’s expertise as well as insights from external speakers.

“In the past, we’ve hosted events and offered workshops, but this is our way of making open-space collaboration a larger part of the Ottawa communications community and make MediaStyle accessible to more people,” says Mr. Friesen.