Phenomblue

2004–2006

Phenomblue was founded in 2004 by Joe Olsen and Jimm Wagner. As one of the earlier digital agencies at the time, Phenomblue offered services including visual effects, animation services and software development. Noted for its quality of work, Phenomblue was commissioned by advertising agencies for digital effect services.

2007–2010

As the need for digital advertising and marketing demand increased, Phenomblue served as a technology partner for major advertising agencies, including Acquity Group, Razorfish, Barkley, Cramer-Krasselt, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Draftfcb, Grey Global Group, Moxie and Tribal DDB. Through agency partnerships, Phenomblue produced interactive websites and high-end graphics for major brands including Gatorade, Nike, Diet Coke, Playtex, McDonald’s and Budweiser.

Signature Reserve

A think tank for special in-house and innovation projects, Signature Reserve has completed three projects to date: Movie Lotto, Page and Daydreamer. Unveiled in February 2012, Movie Lotto encourages and incentives movie-goers for arriving early through a mobile game that interacts with the movie screen. With Daydreamer, Iowa School for the Deaf students created music utilizing a Kinect and their own bodies. PAGE is an augmented reading experience for iOS that enhances, not disrupts, focused study.

2011–2013

Phenomblue became a brand experience agency, partnering with clients to deliver full-service strategy, branding and creative work. Phenomblue's current and past clients include Gogo Inflight Internet, Guitar Center, Newegg, Mutual of Omaha, Oriental Trading Company, Tums, Bellevue University and University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Phenomblue CEO Joe Olsen also developed Drop Kick Ventures, a unique model to out-innovate the competition while fostering a culture that encourages evolution.

In May 2013, Phenomblue moved into a new space at Aksarben Village, designed by TACKarchitects. An open floor plan and the overall design condenses employees' workspace to emphasize collaboration. President and CEO Joe Olsen spoke at Cannes Lions in June 2013.

2014-Present

Today, Phenomblue is a connected communications firm.

Awards

Phenomblue has been recognized as a "Small Agency of the Year" or "Agency of the Year" for three consecutive years by iMedia. Phenomblue was also named one of iMedia's 25 West Coast Agencies to Watch in 2011.

Phenomblue.com was a finalist in the 2013 Webby Awards. The agency has received additional recognition from the Webby Awards, the SXSW Interactive Awards, the ADDY Awards and Microsoft’s PhizzPop Design Challenge.

My Wild Kingdom was awarded Mobile of the Day by the Favourite Website Awards (FWA).

I Smell Brains, a mobile app by Phenomblue, was named Mobile of the Day by The Favourite Website Awards. FWA also recognized Phenomblue’s work on Moppet Mashup, a Microsoft Surface experience created for Big Omaha in May 2009 and WatchMeBloom.com created for College of Saint Mary.

The Go Big Virtual Tour created for University of Nebraska–Lincoln was recognized in the 2013 Nebraska ADDY Awards.

Movie Lotto was a 2012 Digital Out-of-Home Awards finalist.

In 2009, Phenomblue was named Tech Company of the year by the AIM Institute.

TACKarchitects, who designed Phenomblue's Omaha office in Aksarben Village, was awarded the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Nebraska's Design Award of Merit for Interiors for the office's "funky, fun, hip, rad space." Phenomblue also partnered with Aksarben Village and the Aksarben Village Master Owner’s Association to develop a branding campaign and website overhaul for the entertainment and shopping community.