WhoIs: Christine Fruechte And Colle+McVoy
March 31, 2008
In February, we mentioned that Christine Fruechte had ascended to the top spot of agency, Colle+McVoy. At the time, we couldn’t find a lot of folks who has either worked at the agency or knew some background on Christine. Now, we have some info. First, the agency just got dropped from a review for creative/media duties for the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, which has an estimated ad spend of $10-12 million. The shop also helped sandwich shop Ebert & Gerbert’s celebrate their 20th by blowing out their candles via a cannon from 180 feet away, so you know, they’re busy.
Now for Christine.Her father is a psychic entertainer and she’s been on stage with the Amazing Kreskin and Doug Henning.She’s a native of St. Paul and attended the University of Minnesota. Hey, she’s a home town gal, though she once worked at an agency in Honolulu. Christine was studying art when she stumbled into an course on advertising. Like many who have come before her, she took up the advertising torch and ran with it. She has son named… Kermit. Right, and a son with a less comical name, Jack. She’s giver spending time on the boards of Free Arts Minnesota and Cultural Jambalaya and as an active member of the Young President’s Organization.
Her advice? “The best way to predict the future is to create it. Believe in yourself and be a person of action and integrity.”
March 31, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I work at C+M and Christine is pretty much nothing more than an overly-positive, pretty-faced placeholder for an agency lacking true leadership. Christine arrived from Kerker, which could best be described as a smaller Colle + McSuck. Our design department is pretty much the only thing that makes us look decent to the rest of the world while tons of shit is produced inside the Minnesota nice factory on a daily basis. We also like to think of “innovative” new media to use before actually coming up with a big, or even good, idea first. But hey, at least we’re not laying off people anymore.
April 1, 2008 at 6:12 am
she is pretty.
April 1, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Wow. Things are good then, Tool Hater?
April 1, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Things are marginally better. Instead of not winning any awards we’re starting to win the ones that don’t matter like Effies in softball categories like ag and petcare where there really isn’t any real competition. However one of the creatives told me the agency recently got shut out of the local design show which isn’t a good sign for the rest of 2008, meaning we may have peaked last year. That’s when our best designer responsible for all the cool Erbert’s stuff left. The only thing we have left is one really good writer who fortunately is a higher up. Meaning we’ll probably become the next Olson. Lots of effective work based on large media buys with small ideas. Dano beware: Pretty, but gaunt and wears her pants WAY too high up!
April 1, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Tool, this is interesting. Because I have to say, from the outside looking in, I thought Colle McVoy was doing really well. I used to work in Minneapolis and I thought that place was blowing up. Fetrow seemed be doing good things.
But yeah, like you’ve said, the design and art direction are definitely the strengths. There seems to be a lotta fake crap done for the local Show. And no, not a ton of big ideas.
Still the work looks fun. And it’s doing better than Fallon, Carmichael and Martin Williams, isn’t it? I mean, seems like Colle and Mono are the only places to be in that town right now. What the hell happened to Hunt Adkins?
Don’t get me started on OLSON.
April 1, 2008 at 8:23 pm
These comments are funny to me, because Colle McVoy, OLSON, and even Kerker would be considered elite creative shops if they were in another ad market besides Minneapolis.
Imagine Colle McVoy in Detroit, KC, or Houston? People would be falling all over themselves with praise.
April 1, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I don’t know if any of ‘em would be considered “elite.” To me, Colle is by far the best of the bunch you’ve mentioned. I really like their work. And I hope they continue to grow. But until they break on the big stage, I don’t know if they can be considered “elite.” I can’t imagine they’d argue with this either.
April 1, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Agreed, I wouldn’t call any of them elite either. I just mean they’re elite in relation to other regional agencies in other parts of the country. Was making a comment on the high creative standards in the twin cities.
April 1, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Well considering how everything is homespun MN I don’t think C+M could survive in any other state. We’re like a lot of other average at best mid-sizers. Like Barkley in KC. McKinney in Raleigh. TM in Houston. BBDO in Detroit. I will say that probably the best work we’ve done is promoting ourselves much like OLSON has been so successful at doing. Along with them we’re kind of the Dane Cook’s of the industry. We rarely come up with actual good jokes, but we make it sound like we do. Probably explains why there’s been a lot of “talent” transfer between here and there the past year. Fetrow is a really nice guy but he came here to cash in and became top dog by default. Same with Bob Barrie’s new place I hear, another veteran cashing in. brew’s pathetic first showing with Sun Country (I think it was them) was a shocker. Imagine going from ECD of Fallon to not even being able to get work in the local show! Serves him right though, I just read on another post that pretty much everyone hated him. calls himself a mentor but according to people who worked with him was a mercenary, only cared about himself. You have to wonder if he was just a hack who coasted on his art directors ideas and loyalty to Fallon and tacked his name onto BMW Films? M/W missed on a huge opportunity with the Timberwolves. That account can’t pay that much so it was sad to see they didn’t tell them to go f themselves. mono, much like Pocket Hercules, are doing the same style of work at the agencies they left, Fallon and CL respectively, but not as good. It’s like they left to do their own thing but only know how to do one thing except the well known clients/ large budgets/guidance are gone. CL’s still the best creatively in my opinion with their Harley and jack links work but Porsche was a big hit. Hunt Adkins pretty much sold out by taking on a bunch of global tech clients but then managed to make a respectable creative comeback with Schwan’s and finally getting recognition for their American Cancer Society stuff which was typically too weird for award show judges but supposedly very effective according to their president who I saw give a speech about it. You’re right the bar is really high in Minneapolis which is why I’m being such a dick. Then again maybe it’s because I’m on the inside looking out.
April 1, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Colle + McVoy in Rochester New York = elite.
April 1, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Ha. Thanks for the lay of the land, Tool. I guess I’ll look forward to another Show book full of Schell’s beer coasters and Colle McVoy party announcements.
Think you’re a little hard on Mono. I think those cats are doing some really interesting work. They seem to be the most forward thinking of the agencies in town — a pretty good handle on design + writing + technology/new media. But that’s me. I was wondering how Carmichael’s doing. Seems kinda quiet. Wasn’t sure what kind of shape they’re in these days.
Seems like an interesting time in the Twin Cities. All the old guard are kind of wobbling. Ad agencies, in general, are kinda struggling. But it seems like the design scene is really thriving. Lots of cool little places popping up.
April 2, 2008 at 12:15 am
Actually when it comes to design mono is really doing nice stuff, you’re right, I can’t hate them for that. And the design community overall definitely seems to be as strong as ever. I wouldn’t expect another C+M sweep of the show anytime soon though. The honeymoon phase is over for both those trophy clients. There’s only so many free subs we can convince them to give away in order to satisfy our craving for pushpins before they go out of business one would think. We haven’t thrown the party in a couple years, probably because everyone realized our new space is still boring cubicle land with the same people in them but Olson had one last year with a llama because of how crazy born again christian they are. I think it’s something only places that want people to think they’re good do. I remember throwing up a little in my mouth when I read Olson’s manifesto about being the agency of the future and then reviewing some of their Cub Food work. But hey, you have to hand it to them: they really know how to have pun over there.
April 2, 2008 at 12:23 am
Oh, and when you say fake crap you are very much correct. When the creative team behind an alt media “concept” are the ones also being photographed “interacting” with it, then yes, that would be the definition of fake. But hey, all it cost for the eventual award is their lunch hour so who am I to throw sour grapes? I am however STILL trying to figure out how our animated t-shirt thing applies to E&G’s being subs worth discovering. Again, novel technique before novel idea.
April 2, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I’m still going to maintain that Colle and Olson’s portfolios beat 90% of any other comparable agency in this country. Colle’s way stronger than Barkley, TM, and BBDO Detroit, that’s not even a comparison in my opinion.
M/W seems to be on the outs for awhile now though, i can agree with that.
Mono, Brew, and Pocket Hercules are just starting up, so in my opinion i think it’s a little early to be writing their biographies.
And Tool Hater must have like a oil tanker full of awards and 40 years of world-class experience to bash barrie and bildstein based on agencies they just opened like 15 minutes ago. I’ve never heard anything but great things about both their talent and their personality. You’d be hard-pressed to find an art director in the world who’s consistently produced as high a level of work as bob barrie.
April 2, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Minnesota Nice, I prefer not to get personal, but I must point out you must have drank too much Minnesota cool-aid over the winter. What has OLSON ever done besides some good Pistons work occasionally over the past couple years (pretty sure we just hired the creative responsible for all that too). Like them, you too must be the hated redhead step-child in town. I was just looking through the latest CA Annual and THE lamest selection probably ever in the history of CA (which I’m told is supposedly on par with The One Show respect-wise) was a truck alt media ad by Olson for surprise, a grocery store. Well at least it was a surprise until I saw their ex-ECD was one of the judges. The idea would have been cool probably 10 years ago. The art direction however-like most everything else they do- never. And do yourself a favor and get educated as my opinions are: Barkley is doing some amazing LOW-BUDGET TV (Cannes Lion winners I believe) for Sonic drive-in. Considering this place’s lack of edginess has led to 0 great spots in our entire existence that puts the debate to rest right there. mono’s been around for like 5 years, PH like 2 and so has brew that in my opinion is more than enough time to show you still have the chops or not. I agree, Barrie is great…at art directing white space, it would seem (is it me or does all his “high level” stuff all look the same?) Yeah, he’s good. Who isn’t in this town? Not many. I’m just saying, I don’t expect his place to do anything but suckle whatever milk is left out of United’s one remaining tit. With the stuff coming out of Asia and S. America these days, this town wouldn’t be hard pressed to find many who can do what he does. Plus actually have interactive and non-traditional abilities. Me on the other hand: yes, boatloads of experience. Awards – 0. Why do you think I work here?! And as I mentioned, I’m on the other side of the aisle kid, but know enough to hang out with the fun people in this business who really know what’s up. P.S. Just saw a nice spot out of BBDO Detroit featuring a homage to Spy Hunter. I’m totally sure we’ll be doing something even better than that in the next, say, 50 years. Unfortunately it won’t be by any of the people currently here.
April 5, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Let’s break it down this way…
With Fallon, Carmichael, and Mithun on serious down-turns the spotlight has shifted to places like Olson and Colle+McVoy. As clients look for Midwest talen, the Colle+McVoy’s no longer have to struggle to compete with the Fallon’s. They’re all at parity.
Colle+McVoy is an interesting story for many reasons. For example how is it that an ECD can be an ECD without any interactive experience
But, I digress…having been at Colle+McVoy for several years I think we’re on the upswing. Billings are up, new talent is coming in, and we’re being invited to pitches that were previously unatainable.
What will make or break them is how they finally solve their digital conundrum. They’ve brought in good talent. Adam Kmiec is smart, Jason Striegel is outstanding, and the list goes on an on. However, good talent sans leadership will screw you every time. Right now they don’t have good leadership in that area, which means you have people who have been designing print for years taking the lead on digital projects. Not good.
April 7, 2008 at 12:28 am
c’mon, get your facts straight. her kid’s name is NOT kermit. legitimate criticism is fine. but leave her family out of it. would you have dragged the kid’s name into this blog post if she were a man?
April 7, 2008 at 3:29 am
Tool Hater, interesting points of view on the agency. Your perspective intrigues me…especially because I also currently work at Colle+McVoy. As you describe the lack of leadership and potential poor standing in 2008 awards shows, I understand your frustrations.
However, every agency has shit to deal with…same circus, different clowns. No place is perfect. So, before you take the stage and begin bashing an agency that has not let you go as-of-yet, (what with your years of experience and 0 awards, for shame), perhaps you should take a moment and consider what life is like at other shops.
As it has apparently been awhile, let me refresh you. A lot of ego-driven creative work—what with ECD’s entering the picture from a variety of larger cities, usually brought in due to holding company issues, and pretending they know how to solve the world’s problems in Minneapolis. (After all, what do people in Minneapolis know, we’re fly-over advertising country.)
Or, what about over-anxious holding companies that don’t believe the shops in Minneapolis should have the larger billing clients for whatever reason, so they push their New York agency partners in the creative pitches instead (IPG, Publicis)…or 0 new business wins year over year, or a big new piece of business in the agency, which is then followed by a loss of that business within 6 months? This is reality for many shops in Minneapolis.
The fact is, Colle+McVoy is doing a lot of things right and/or better than other shops in town now: agency promotion, fast-moving work, work that actually gets produced (sorry, CL), and, above all, little-to-no internal bullshit. I’m sorry, but as someone who has worked at other shops in town, this is a safe-haven of “everyone get together and come up with an idea”. I don’t care what the title is, what department they are in. Get the work done.
Things that need to be fixed: agency integration of digital, the world of the traditional creative and digital teams blending together, just to name a few. Howeve all agencies are dealing with this now. Its not like Colle+McVoy is the last one to the party. We’re with everyone else trying to figure out how it fits together.
So, Tool Hater, while I understand your frustrations, (to a point), perhaps its time you take a time-out and visit one of our neighbors in town for a refresher course. You’ll boomerang back like the others have. There is a reason for it.
April 7, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Colle + McVoy has gone from 0 to SuperSnarky in less than a week… they must be doing something right.
April 7, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Tool Hater – I question if you truly work here or not.
Most telling to me – the assertion that C+M has somehow peaked as far as producing awards-worthy work. The first thing one notices when looking over a neighbor’s shoulder today is that things have only gotten stronger since C+M submissions went out for entries in 2007.
April 7, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Oh Colin… still hating after all these years?
April 12, 2008 at 12:27 am
Tool Hater…I believe that you do indeed work at C+M. I believe I know who you are. I also believe if you think you can do so much better, then you should branch out on your own…put your money where your mouth is.
April 21, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Tool Hater, et al
For all the shit you guys are giving Fallon, maybe you’d be surprised to know they won more national creative awards last year than all other Mpls shops combined.
Just sayin’.
April 21, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Don’t knock Colin. His Dyson print was loved internally but killed by the client. Probably would have won a Kelly.
-mm
April 24, 2008 at 12:54 pm
To all my children named in this: You’re not anybody in this business unless you’re hated on by a bunch of nobodies. Especially anonymous nobodies.
Remember the words of Wise Lebron: “Playa Haytas. Elevators.”
April 25, 2008 at 2:52 pm
What if you’re a nobody hated by a bunch of somebodies?
April 25, 2008 at 4:01 pm
We’re all important in our own minds, MM. How do you think I got to be Papa?
Although there’s always somebody better than you no matter who you are or what circle you jerk in.
April 25, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I was just made aware of this site’s sad existence by a buddy in Chicago who was checking out Colle for a planning position. You’ve all done a very good job of scaring him away, especially considering he used to live here and was thinking of coming back. Your loss. And mine, too.
I knew about Adrants and AdFreak and the Paul Tilley death by blog story (ironically because of Jim), but jhc! And as usual I’m the last to know when it’s my name being dragged through the mud in cyberspace. But that’s fine, as anyone who actually knows me will tell you: I DON’T BLOG. I have neither the time, the interest nor the inclination. And lord knows especially after my experience with e-mails. The only blog I’ve ever written years ago is on my poorly updated myspace page. The topic: how I don’t get the point of blogs.
They used to be called “personal diaries,” but for whatever reason people want to send them out to the entire world these days. Although when done anonymously I’m sure they suit the purposes of this great state of passive-aggressiveness quite well. So I’m making an exception in order to ask that you keep my name out of your petty flame wars. And before someone takes the next step of pretending to be me in order to stir up somebody else’s bees nest for no other reason than furthering their own agendas. Because as a freelancer now, I don’t have any. Thanks.
Colin
May 5, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Resume: Speaks for itself.
May 14, 2008 at 4:40 pm
[...] There is a little brouhaha going on over at Agency Spy because of a post about Minneapolis shop Colle + McVoy (a shop whose work was cited in the post and attributed to Adrants running with first, that I [...]
May 14, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I am late to it, but I sort of feel bad about Colin Corcoran: http://dailybiz.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/anonymous-fun-at-agency-spy/
May 16, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Hey Tool,
Quit your silly crying and get back to work. I know who your ass is so if you haven’t got a f’n way out of your agency’s dilemma, stay put and shut the fuck up. Your days are numbered anyway, so get your baggage ready and place them next to the door. You’ll need them pretty quick.
THH
June 2, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Hey ToolHater!
Get a hobby.
This is a small interconnected market! Methinks your negative and unproductive rantings may not serve you well in the future!