Those who work there like to think of SHIFT as a “leading edge culture,” starting with its early embrace of social through it recently achieving a Google Analytics Certified Partnership (the first PR agency to do so!).
Embracing learning and a “no fear of failure” attitude can be seen in how staff proactively strive to expand their horizons. For example, various staff across multiple offices came forward asking to get deeper into SHIFT’s ever expanding marketing technology capabilities, proactively learning tools like Moz and AdWords.
SHIFT is also a firm believer in giving back. That takes various forms, from holiday drives for organizations like Cradles to Crayons and crisis fund drives for events like Hurricane Katrina and the Japanese Tsunamis. It also takes shape in its volunteer program, where each SHIFTer is provided with eight hours of company time to engage with worthy organizations like the West End House. One of SHIFT’s most dedicated volunteers is SF office manager Peter Bayuk, who volunteers over 20 hours a month of his own time to make a difference.
SHIFT has seen its presence in Austin grow from concept to startup space to full running office in less than a year. SHIFT officially launched in Austin in January 2015, with longtime SHIFTer Matt Trocchio establishing the office with a few intrepid team members like Kim Diesel, Ty Achilles and Emily Mong by his side. Since then the office has already doubled in size and is making a name for itself in the local Austin scene. From hosting a sold out “Masters in Marketing” event in January to taking in the sights and sounds of the Austin Scene, SHIFTers are embracing all things weird.