MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. August 11th, 2026—For the ninth year in a row, Ovative Group has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies with 39% three-year revenue growth. This achievement extends a streak that puts Ovative among a small group of companies that make the list more than once, let alone nine times.
“Nine years on this list is a reflection of the world-class growth we’ve achieved and a result of the great results we drive for our clients every day. Thank you to each of our clients for your trust and partnership.” said Dale Nitschke, CEO and Founder of Ovative.
That client-first approach was on display this year with impact delivered for brands like Aerie. For their “The REAL Ones” bra campaign, they wanted a campaign focused on cementing and extending brand’s trust with key audiences. Ovative built a media strategy around where confidence gets tested throughout a woman’s day, that drove a two-year high in brand awareness and earned Ovative and Aerie a joint “Best Use of Out of Home” win at ADWEEK’s Media Plan of the Year awards.
Ovative has continued investing in this client-first culture throughout its growth streak. This year marketed the opening of a new office at 111 N Canal in the West Loop that quadrupled its Chicago footprint. The space was built for team collaboration as the Chicago team surpassed 100 employees, proof that the firm’s investment in talent is keeping pace with its growth.
The firm has continued to build out technology for client impact as well. EMRge™, its proprietary marketing intelligence platform, was built to help clients understand and drive Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), the true business impact of their marketing across revenue, customer growth, and brand. More than 90% of Ovative’s clients now run on EMRge™, using it to see clearly what’s driving results and to act faster, the same client impact the firm’s culture has always been built to deliver.
With smarter platforms, faster data, and AI reshaping what execution looks like, the market around Ovative has changed fast. What hasn’t changed is Ovative’s focus on driving client outcomes. That commitment has fueled the firm’s growth since its founding in 2009, transforming it from a small startup into a national leader in marketing and measurement. Today, Ovative partners with some of the most recognized brands in retail, food and beverage, and beyond, including Polaris, Boost Mobile, Post Consumer Brands, Domino’s, and American Eagle Outfitters.
About Inc 5000
The Inc. 5000 ranks companies by percentage revenue growth over a three-year period, celebrating innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence. Past honorees include household names such as Intuit, Zappos, and Patagonia. View the complete 2026 Inc. 5000 list here.
About Ovative Group
Ovative Group is an independent, full-funnel media, measurement, and creative firm. Leveraging deep industry expertise, the firm helps brands like Polaris, Boost Mobile, Post Consumer Brands, American Eagle Outfitters, Petco, and UnitedHealth Group transform their media, measurement, and creative programs. The result? Profitable growth that speaks for itself.
Ovative doesn’t just track data, it redefines success. Its proprietary marketing intelligence platform, EMRge™, helps businesses transform marketing into a driver of sustainable growth. Powered by Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), Ovative’s differentiated approach to holistic media buying, planning, and measurement, EMRge™ is the first marketing intelligence platform to measure businesses holistically. Ovative is all about raising the bar every day, and it shows. Its work has been recognized by organizations like AdWeek, Digiday, Google, Meta, Inc. 5000, and USA Today. For more information about Ovative, visit our website or follow Ovative on Instagram or LinkedIn.
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Courtney Stoesz
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