Minneapolis Agency Little & Company Announces Joe Cecere as New Owner
By The Minneapolis Egotist / /
Monica Little, founder and chair of 44-year-old Minneapolis-based design-led brand agency Little & Company, today announced that she has sold the agency to Joe Cecere, an agency co-owner and leader for over 20 years.
“I believe that leaders are chosen, not assigned,” said Monica Little, founder and chair of Little & Company. “If you have a title but no one is behind you, you’re not a leader. From the beginning, I liked the way Joe operated; he’s a great leader. I have some very dearly held ideas about how you run a company, treat people, and give back to the community. Joe shares all of those feelings, and I’m delighted to sell my company to an employee that has helped grow the company to what it is today.”
Cecere joined the agency in 1999 as vice president, creative director, becoming the president, chief creative officer in 2011. As president and chief creative officer, Joe has guided the creative vision for Little and inspired a culture of inventiveness within the agency’s walls. His natural affinity for beautiful design combines seamlessly with sharp strategic expertise, fueling creative solutions for a growing list of clients including General Mills, PepsiCo, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Pacific Foods, and Bremer Bank.
“I am proud to build on the incredible success and reputation Monica has established for Little in Minneapolis and around the world,” said Joe Cecere, chief executive officer of Little & Company. “We represent impeccable brands, and our single largest asset is our team. I want to continue to provide a flexible and supportive environment that generates creative thinking and allows us to solve complex problems on behalf of our clients. I am energized to lead this agency into its next chapter.”
Joe’s award-winning designs have been featured in the HOW Design Annual, Communication Arts and Art Directors Club, among others. His speaking engagements have included the AIGA National Conference, the HOW Design Conference and the Advertising Federation of Minnesota. And under Joe’s leadership, Little has been named a four-time Minnesota Best Place to Work and recognized as a Small Agency of the Year by Ad Age.
“I think Joe is set up for success here,” said Little. “I feel like I’m giving my baby to him, but I’m very confident that he will move the company forward as the world continues to change. I’m proud of all that we have accomplished. One of the best things we’ve done over the years is hire really good employees. We’ve had a lot of success and fun doing it.
Comments
Mike Gray January 24, 2023
In a business where great agency brands morph meaninglessly, or worse suddenly disappear, or worse slowly disappear, it is special and rare, to see one preserved for the future by a such great leadership – both Ms Little and Joe, who I had the privilege of working with early in his career. Best of luck!
Hungry Courage January 17, 2024
“ We represent impeccable brands, and our single largest asset is our team. I want to continue to provide a flexible and supportive environment that generates creative thinking and allows us to solve complex problems on behalf of our clients. I am energized to lead this agency into its next chapter.”
Doesn’t sound like someone who would reduce PTO and remove flexible work agreements unless to next chapter is turning over the entire workforce, but that’s exactly what has happened.