By Crystal Harrell
One local business has gained national recognition by being included in the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
La Quinta-based JNS Next Creative & Media Hub placed 2,283 on the list with a 3-year growth of 176%. The 2019 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2015 and 2018. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2015. They also had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2018.
The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation measuring the growth of the nation’s independent small businesses. The list has also helped big-name companies like Microsoft, Domino’s Pizza, LinkedIn, and Yelp get their first national exposure as honorees.
JNS Next Creative and Media Hub is a full-service creative and advertising agency founded in 2007. With a team of over 15 communications professionals collaborating on creative programming ideas, JNS Next works with destination marketing organizations (DMOs), city, county and regional marketing organizations, wine, agriculture and tourism regions, hotel/resorts and small businesses. The company provides creative and marketing services like branding, traditional and digital marketing, advertising, public relations, social media, graphic design, creative campaign development, media planning and buying.
“[The JNS Next staff] all celebrated internally when we found out that we made it on the list because it showed that our hard work has been recognized. It was a full team effort. The business has grown substantially over the years—not just because of one or two people, but because of everyone who sees the vision and contributes in their own way,” stated CEO and President of JNS Next Creative and Media Hub, Garry Sage.
Sage possesses more than 25 years of marketing and advertising experience, starting his career in Alaska before moving to the Coachella Valley in 2007 and establishing JNS Next Creative and Media Hub that same year. His experience working for media giants such as FOX and ABC has enabled him to hone his talents in tourism marketing.
Other important players in the JNS Next team include CFO and Vice President Judy Sage (who worked alongside Garry when the business was first created), Vice President of Operations Risseth Lora, Vice President of Communications David Wells, Senior Marketing Manager Jessica Walks, Senior Digital Manager Andrew Portener, Senior Marketing Manager Jerremy Sage, Senior Finance/HR/Office Administrator Lauren Sage, Marketing Coordinator Jayme Stark, Graphics/Production Coordinator Matt Crabb, and Office Assistant Stephanie Sage.
“We’re still expecting to grow quite a bit, both in dollars coming through the agency and also growth in employees. In four or five years, I’d expect JNS Next to be twice this size. We are heavy in the tourism and hospitality industry, and destination is our strength,” said Garry Sage.
JNS Next Creative and Media Hub have worked with numerous businesses and clients over the years to create cross-platform solutions with their innovative marketing strategies. Some notable projects include written content and design of the City of Coachella Economic Development brochure, the creation of a customizable website for the City of La Quinta, updating the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism website, and digital marketing for Augustine Casino in Coachella.
“Our focus changes during different times of the year. In the summer, we’re reaching a younger demographic that enjoys the pool parties like Splash House. During our peak season, there’s more focus on the 35 and over crowd with disposable income and looking for longer stays. JNS Next is looking to appeal to those who enjoy the Valley’s arts and culture scene, the weather, our food, health and wellness, outdoor activities, and festivals. We have a lot to offer tourists here in the Coachella Valley, and we’ll continue to show it,” stated Sage.
More information, project samples, and updates about JNS Next Creative and Media Hub can be found at the agency’s official website, jnsnext.com.
