InnerWorkings

InnerWorkings operates as a global marketing execution firm, targeting a broad range of corporate clients with a comprehensive suite of services designed to streamline the production and distribution of branded materials. The company was established in 2001 by Eric Lefkofsky, Brad Keywell, and Richard Heise. This founding team brought together a wealth of entrepreneurial experience; Lefkofsky and Keywell had previously co-founded several technology-driven companies, including Tempus and Uptake, showcasing a track record of identifying and scaling disruptive business models. Their venture into the marketing execution space with InnerWorkings was predicated on the insight that large corporations faced significant inefficiencies in their procurement of marketing materials.

The firm's business model centers on providing outsourced procurement and production management services, functioning as a single point of contact for its clients' marketing supply chains. Revenue is generated primarily through contracts with large enterprises, where InnerWorkings manages the entire production process from creative execution to logistics and delivery of physical marketing collateral like point-of-sale displays, direct mail, and promotional products. By leveraging a global network of suppliers and proprietary technology, the company aims to deliver cost savings, improve brand consistency, and reduce administrative burdens for its clients. This model allows it to serve a diverse client base, including many Fortune 500 corporations, across various industries.

A key component of InnerWorkings' offering is its technology platform, which provides clients with visibility and control over their marketing spend and campaign execution. This software-enabled service allows for better tracking of project timelines, budgets, and supplier performance. In a significant milestone for the company, it was acquired by HH Global in October 2020. This strategic acquisition combined two major players in the marketing execution sector, creating an entity with expanded global reach and enhanced service capabilities for clients worldwide. Keywords: marketing execution, brand management, print procurement, supply chain management, outsourced services, marketing collateral, promotional materials, business process outsourcing, brand consistency, global sourcing