September 15 2020

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TopSpot Turns 17!

While this year has proven to be challenging and very different from any other we have experienced, the resiliency our team has shown in support of each other and our clients has been admirable and consistent of what it means to be a TopSpotter. And it is because of this that we are so excited to celebrate our anniversary this year with new and long-standing Team Members.

In honor of our 17th anniversary, our TopSpotters shared their favorite memories and what makes them thankful for TopSpot. The thread that runs through all the responses is the love we have for our clients and our Team Members. From orientation to holiday events to working from home, it’s the support and community we offer that makes TopSpot the company that it is today.

We Love Our Work

I am thankful for having the opportunity to make a real difference in the businesses of our clients and helping our industrial clients grow their business in America.

Israel Perez, Senior SEO Specialist

Visiting clients in California. These are clients I never thought I would get the chance to meet in person. I have close relationships with many of them, and it was very exciting to meet them, have lunch with them, and learn more about their business than I ever would have if I hadn’t gone.

Bradley Parker, Team Lead

I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to work with a group of very gifted and kind people, all working towards a common goal of partnering with our clients to help them succeed and grow their businesses!

Marc Madrid, SEO Specialist

That even though we have become a large company, it feels like a small family business. They treat everyone with kindness and respect. And we deliver incredible results for our clients, that make a difference for them. So thankful to represent such an incredible company.

Kathy Hennessy, Sales Representative

I have so many memories I could choose from, but I admit I get a rush anytime we win an award for our clients. Our Teams work hard with our clients and for our clients to make sure they get the best possible results. Every time we win an award it’s exciting to know that others see TopSpot for the amazing work we do.

Nicole Wolfe, Content Manager

I’m very grateful that TopSpot has provided the ability to do something I’m passionate about from home while still being able to provide for my family. In these times not many have that opportunity.

Eshcole Peets, Web Developer

We Grow Together

I am thankful for a company that pushes me to be the absolute best version of myself. TopSpot encourages personal and professional growth and gives us tools to constantly improve. I continuously feel so grateful to be a part of a work culture where we are allowed to be curious, try new things and have fun with it.

Paige Stuhrenberg, SEM Specialist

I am most thankful to work for a company with such amazing people who challenge me everyday, push me outside of my comfort zone, and have been an integral part of my professional growth. Even though we don’t get to see each other in the office every day, one thing has remained consistent and that is teamwork and the support that we have poured into one another. Beyond thankful that I get to surround myself with so many hardworking, supportive, and amazing team members!  

Melanie Krpec, SEM Specialist

TopSpot encourages growth, both personal and professional, and for that I am so thankful! As a whole, it’s always about the people and connections at TopSpot.

Brittany Fietsam, Team Lead

I am thankful I have found a company that truly supports you and fosters growth. I’m appreciative of the sales team, my strategy manager, and my team lead for being resources and always sharing a new way to look at things.

Victor Salinas, SEM Specialist

I’m thankful for the people-first mentality. Our leaders are compassionate and push us to grow. TopSpot is full of great people.

Alex Sisavath, Analytics Specialist

I’m most thankful for my teammates, they are all so intelligent and they brighten my day even if just a little every day.

Taijh Toomer, Analytics Specialist

We Support One Another

When I moved to Dallas because of my husband’s job, TopSpot allowed me to work remotely. I’m still very grateful for their decision. On my last day working in the office, Tone made sure I have all the technical supplies I needed, Anita prepared a care basket for me and my family to enjoy during our move. It had mugs, journals, markers, etc. Even a stuffed animal for my son Kyle, which we are passing it on to our new baby, Archer.

Melody Tran, Senior Web Developer

I am most thankful for the relationships that I’ve been able to make, the confidence I’ve gained in not only myself but my teammates, and the skills I’ve been able to learn. TopSpot has taught me not only to believe in myself but with the support of everyone in the company, we can really make a difference.

Ayushi Sanchorawala, Conversion Optimization Specialist

I’m thankful for a company filled with kind, hardworking people that show up and work as a team but also have balance. I’m thankful for the constant strive to be better!

Kendall Thurston, SEM Specialist

I’m grateful for the design team’s dependable support and creative ideas!

Paula Santos, Web Designer

There is not a single team member that would not be ready to lend a hand, ear, or the second screen to help one another to advance a client.

Grant McCracken, Project Manager

I am thankful that TopSpot has been there not just for me but for my entire family through all of the many changes and life events over the last 11 years. Thanks to TopSpot I have never missed a doctors appointment for one my kids, I have made it to every school event and school field trip and I was able to be a foster parent to two amazing kiddos for two years! Thank you for all of your love and support!

Jessica Arias, Controller

We Love Spending Time Together

I don’t have just 1 favorite memory, but my favorite types of memories are the ones where we celebrate the milestones in the lives of our teammates. Birthdays, marriages, childbirth, major purchases are celebrated like we would a family member or close friend. Being a Houston transplant, these memories are the ones I cherish since TopSpot is my Houston family.

Mary Coleman, Senior Client Strategies Manager
TopSpotters spending time together during one of our monthly birthday lunches

My favorite TopSpot memory is all of the company lunches we would have together. This was a great way for the company to band together and take a break from work over lunch.

Arianna Sandoval, SEO Specialist

I just love the micro-moments of a day just chatting with colleagues in the kitchen while I am visiting Houston. I also loved the 15 year anniversary party. That was a blast.

Tim Doyle, Vice President of Sales

We’ve Made Some Great Memories

Working with my team to win a company-wide challenge that earned us a trip to Google/San Francisco. The collaboration and the amount of energy from the teams made being in the office a blast. It’s a trip I won’t ever forget.

Josh Blankenship, Client Strategies Manager

My favorite TopSpot memory was the Halloween Costume Party! Everyone participated which made it so much fun. There was a sense of pride and excitement for all of the teams to show off their coordinating costumes. It was just an overall very memorable and fun day.

Lily Buenavista, SEM Specialist

The Holiday Party last year was by far my favorite memory. Seeing everyone smile with their families, having local clients join us, and engaging in conversation outside of work brought me so much joy.

Grant McCracken, Project Manager

The Thanksgiving Potluck was a really great memory for me! It was such a memorable and successful event because TopSpot does a really great job at providing an environment where coworkers/teammates can bond and create lasting friendships!

Kristen Eide, Project Manager

Past Holiday Celebrations:

I always look forward to every year during the Holiday Party when TopSpotters and their friends and family come together to hang out and have fun!

Tho Nguyen, Web Application Developer

My favorite memory was when Anita and lots of other Topspoters came to help me with proposing to my (then) girlfriend (now) wife.

An Lieu, Lead Programmer

My favorite memory was getting to socialize with coworkers at the Holiday Party.

Jacob Thomas, Web Production Developer

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane with TopSpot

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  • 2003

    On September 15th, 2003, TopSpot was born. Bison Profab, which we still work with today, became our first official client.

     

    Founding Team Members include:

       
    “Bison ProFab has been a client of TopSpot for close to 17 years. We have been extremely satisfied with the work they have done and consider them a true partner in our business.”  

    Brad Pladson, CEO of Bison Profab

  • 2004

    2004

    TopSpot’s VP of Operations, Anita Valdez, becomes one of the 1st 100 people to receive the Google AdWords Certification.

  • 2005

    The TopSpot Team visits Google’s Headquarters for the first time. During this trip, we made connections and built relationships with people that would help TopSpot for years to come. We’ve also visited Google every year since 2007.

     


    Our Team’s Trips to Google Over the Years

  • 2006

    2006

    We hired our first Conversion Optimization Specialist and TopSpot was asked to participate in Google Website Optimizer Beta. This is a tool, many versions later, we still utilize today when implementing A/B and Multivariate tests for our clients.

     

    We also participated in MSN AdCenter Beta and Yahoo Beta. We are a Microsoft Advertising Select Agency Partner to this day.

  • 2007

    With a focus on analytics and reporting, TopSpot begins offering Call Analytics to clients and begins reporting on form and user behavior data via Insite Metrics.

     

     

    Sample Lead Summary Using Data from 2007 Platforms

     

  • 2008

    TopSpot announces that it is entering into a strategic relationship with Google to become an authorized reseller of Google’s AdWords advertising program.

    Read the original announcement

     

    TopSpot creates internal Search Engine Optimization and Website Design & Development teams to further their service offerings. To support this expansion, our first Customer Relationship Team (CRT) was created and led by Whitney Kane, TopSpot’s current Director of Client Services.

     

    Some of TopSpot’s First Website Launches Designed & Developed By Our In-House Team

  • 2009

    2009

    TopSpot makes the Inc. 5000 list for the first time, something we have now achieved seven times!
    View our history with Inc. 5000

     

    The TopSpot Team moves into offices on Woodway to accommodate 40 Team Members.

  • 2010

    2010

    TopSpot Participates in Relay for Life for the first time.

     

    “Looking back, there are a lot of great memories I’ve shared with TopSpot. One of my first favorite memories was the first year we participated in Relay for Life as a company and team. We all shared our personal experiences with how cancer has impacted our lives and the lives of others we love, raised money for a common goal, and bonded while staying up the ENTIRE night at the actual event. It was the first time I saw how much our business could really impact our community.”

     

    Beth Shockley, Director of Marketing

    TopSpotter Since 2008

     

    TopSpot’s first Blog Post was written. It was on Multi-Channel Attribution, which was not something that was discussed very often in 2010.

    Read the Blog Post

     

    VP of Operations, Anita Valdez, began Mentoring the University of Houston Bauer College MBA Team for the Google Online Marketing Challenge Global Competition.

  • 2011

    Anita speaks about call tracking and attribution at SMX West.

     

    TopSpot was asked to re-engage in Google’s new SMB Partnership Program.

    Read the Announcement

     

    TopSpot President, David Underwood, speaks at Google’s SMB Partner Summit.

     

    During Anita’s second year as a mentor, The University of Houston Bauer College MBA Team wins the Google Online Marketing Challenge Global Competition.

    Read the Announcement

     

    TopSpot begins hosting luncheons with Google for clients and businesses. Since 2011, we have hosted over 25 similar events in cities like Houston, Schaumburg, IL, Novi, MI, West Chester, OH, Basking Ridge, NJ, and Irvine, CA to name a few.

     

    Photos from One of Our First Co-Hosted Google Events

    View the Album on Facebook

     

     

  • 2012

    2012

    TopSpotting was invented!

     

    Definition of TopSpotting: In order to be “TopSpotting,” you must be proudly donning TopSpot gear and “Spotting” an item, place, or person.

  • 2013

    Dave is asked to join Google’s SMB Executive Group.

     

    TopSpot is named one of Houston Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for the first time.

     

    The 1st Annual Toppies is hosted.

    Definition of The Toppies: The Toppies are the TopSpot Awards celebrating our greatest resource, our Team! Team Members who represented TopSpot’s core values throughout the year are recognized and the coveted TopSpotting Photo of the Year Award is announced.

     

    Photos from the 1st Annual Toppies

     

     

    View the Album on Facebook

  • 2014

    2014

    TopSpot is recognized as number 45 on the inaugural University of Houston Cougar 100 list which celebrates the fastest-growing UH alumni-owned or led businesses.

     

    We were recognized by the Houston BBB with a Winner of Distinction award. We have received this honor every year since 2014.

     

    Our Team moved to a new office space (where we are located currently) to accommodate our 75 Team Members.

     

    Our 6th Customer Relationship Team was created.

  • 2015

    2015

    Awarded Best Local Search Marketing Initiative at The Landy Awards, the inaugural award ceremony from Search Engine Land.

    Read the Announcement

     

    Ended the year with nearly 90 Team Members.

  • 2016

    We hosted our first webinar. Since then, we have hosted multiple webinars every year for clients and prospects.

     

    Awarded the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor, at the 2016 Better Business Bureau Awards for Excellence.

    Read the Announcement

     

    Celebrated our first win at the Houston AMA Crystal Awards in the Google Analytics category which is focused on successful data-driven strategies. We have won this category 4 times since 2016.

     

    “I have so many memories I could choose from, but I admit I get a rush anytime we win an award for our clients. Our Teams work hard with our clients and for our clients to make sure they get the best possible results. Every time we win an award it’s exciting to know that others see TopSpot for the amazing work we do.”

     

    Nicole Wolfe, Content Manager

    TopSpotter Since 2019

  • 2017

    2017

    Alongside YPE Houston, the TopSpot Team raised over $60,000 for multiple Houston families who lost everything in Hurricane Harvey. 

    Read the Blog Post

     

    Became a Member of the Google Marketing Platform Certified Partner Track.

     

    Launched our proprietary form tracking tool, LOOP Analytics.

     

    We celebrated reaching 100 Team Members!

  • 2018

    Celebrated our 15th Anniversary with Team Members, Clients, Friends & Family.

     

    Photos from Our Anniversary Celebration

    View the Album on Facebook

     

    Named Best Large Integrated Agency at the US Search Awards.

    Read the Announcement

     

    Created our first Enterprise Team. We now have three!

     

    Has inaugural class of interns, Including Lily, who is now an SEM Specialist on CRT 3!

    Meet our 1st interns

     

    “I am so thankful for a management team that truly cares for their employees. Crafting new roles that take into account an employee’s strengths, goals and happiness is not something that all companies are willing to do. I’ve taken on a number of different roles here and my voice has always been ‘heard’. I am so proud to work for this amazing company!”

     

    Lily Buenavista, SEM Specialist

    2018 Intern and Full-Time TopSpotter Since 2019

     

    Switched domains from TopSpotIMS.com to TopSpot.com

    Read the Press Release

     

    Hosted our first Parents Day

     

    “Having my Mom and Dad attend Parent’s Day at TopSpot was my happiest memory. My parents live a few hours away and were so excited to see where I have been almost every day for the last few years. I honestly tear up every time I think about it.”

     

    Courtney Clark, Analytics Department Manager

    TopSpotter Since 2014

     

    View the Album on Facebook

  • 2019

    2019

    Traveled to Chicago for our third Chicago Client Appreciation Week.

    “I have a lot of great memories, too many to name, but one of them includes our trip to Chicago to visit clients during our Client Appreciation Week.”

     

    Erika Flores, Team Lead

    TopSpotter Since 2018

     

    Held our 6th annual charity kickball tournament where we raised over $1,500 for Texas Children’s Hospital. Over the years we’ve used this tournament to support the Ronald McDonald House, hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico, CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection), and more.

    View the Facebook Album from our 2019 Tournament

  • 2020

    2020

    We are grateful to absolutely everyone who has contributed to where we are today! The impact you’ve made on our lives, and the opportunity given to us to support each other through employment, strategies, services and general relationships is not something we have ever taken lightly.

    We plan on ending the year with 10 Customer Relationship Teams and 4 Enterprise Teams and are grateful for all of the people who have contributed to TopSpot over the last 17 years.