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While in Portland today, we got to meet the crew at Ascentium. They're one of AdAge's Top 50 interactive firms. And some really cool people. And we're not just saying that because they greeted us with a ginormous box of cupcakes. (Plaid runs on cupcakes and donuts.)

After a tour of their offices, we got to chat with Mason and learn more about some of the cool stuff that they're doing. They're a unique firm that's a mix of great creative people, backed by a massive crew of back-end geniuses that could write code that would launch missiles, if they wanted to.

They also have one of the most impressive internship programs that we've ever seen. Their interns get stints at several firms, work with a real creative team and real clients. We met intern Christine Vo, who was video taping the Plaid visit. That's a hell of a lot better than the envelope stuffing crapwork that interns get at a lot of bigger agencies. If you're a student out west, you should be looking them up.

Mason not only played awesome host at Ascentium, but gave us the best rundown of what to do in town too. He helped us discover the Rogue Brew Pub. Mmmm. Beer and cupcakes all within 24 hours. Good times.

Thanks Mason, and the entire crew at Ascentium!

Labels: agencies, portland, yummy food

posted by darryl ohrt at 7:20 PM 1 Comments

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One of the things that we've learned to do on tour is to stop interesting people whenever we see them. Just to say howdy, and introduce ourselves. Really.

Today we met Victoria, after complimenting her on her sweet helmet and ride. Victoria had a really cool voice and inflection that you just can't peg - but you'll swear that she's a character in a film waiting to be written.

She just got her new bike (with a banana seat!) yesterday. And she had this to say about Plaid: "Plaid is God's favorite color. She told me so, on the phone today." Yes Victoria - we're in complete agreement. And kinda wish that we had your magic cell phone, too.

Have you met anyone interesting today?

Labels: interesting people, portland

posted by darryl ohrt at 5:00 PM 0 Comments

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If you mashed up punk rock with a doughnut, it would look a lot like Voodoo Doughnuts.

This is the hottest, coolest doughnut shop in the entire world. Definitely check out their website, and our photos on the tour's Flickr page.

While at Voodoo, we met two awesome people:

Bill Baker, from Baker Communications Group stopped by for some sugary goodness. What's especially funny is that Bill's shop is about a 20 minute drive from our agency in CT. We never have time to get together while at home - but we did get to share a doughnut in Portland.

Aaron Draplin from Field Notes also stopped by. (And thanks Mitch, at Fitch for turning Aaron onto the Plaid tour). Aaron has invented something that you need in your back pocket right now. Field Notes are these sweet little notebooks that fit handsomely into your back pocket or purse. Perfect for jotting down that quick idea. Or taking notes about whatever you're doing right at this moment.

What cell phone cams are to digital photography - Field Notes are to note taking. We've got a bunch for the van, and we're all already hooked on them.

Today's experience at VooDoo was exactly what this tour is all about. Meeting interesting people. Sharing creative inspiration. And making connections with people across the country and next door. Hoooray for Voodoo!

Labels: portland, yummy food

posted by darryl ohrt at 4:11 PM 0 Comments