Creative Consumer Concepts

In 1987, while working for Hallmark Cards selling promotional programs that were based on Hallmark proprietary licensed properties, Bob Cutler was approached by a leading New York promotional agency and asked to join their firm. During his short tenure with the company, Equity Marketing, he made a call to Sonic Drive-In in Oklahoma City. Equity Marketing declined to work with Sonic, thinking the company was too small. However, Sonic wanted to work with Cutler and in response, Cutler founded Creative Consumer Concepts (C3) in Overland Park, Kansas. The agency started with one client and no employees, then rapidly grew, adding new clients such as Houlihan’s, Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Applebee’s. C3 was responsible for the first family marketing programs at these national brands. C3 grew in 30 years from a small company working with a single brand to a $40+ million agency with 56 clients in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

C3 produces marketing materials that include toys, activity books, cups, crayons, packaging, 3D paper sculptures, promotional products, POP signage and digital apps. C3 also provides insights, primary and competitive research and creative briefs for its clients. C3 assists clients with local store marketing materials and community service program enhancements. All products produced by C3 exceed standards set the Consumer Product Safety Commission. C3’s international division, C3i, designs, manufactures and distributes toys and activity books to over 25 different countries.

The agency has received four national ADDY Awards for their work with Chick-fil-A and SONIC Drive-In and numerous regional and local ADDYs. The company’s work has also been recognized by AIGA, the American Society of Illustrators, the Foodservice Packaging Awards and has been featured in PRINT Magazine.