Halfway Through 2026
Momentum, transformation and what’s next at thunder::tech
As we cross the halfway point of 2026, it has become increasingly clear that the brands winning aren't sitting back, paralyzed by the noise and uncertainty of politics and the economy. These brands are making their own opportunity by adapting and investing where it really counts. In fact, across the multiple industries thunder::tech works in, we're seeing organizations embrace transformation at an accelerated pace.
We're proud and honored that so many of those organizations have chosen thunder::tech as a partner on that journey, whether it's modernizing their brand, advancing digital capabilities, integrating AI or improving revenue operations.
These smart brands we work with are increasingly making proactive moves to stay competitive, and the result has been an incredibly busy and rewarding first half of the year for our team.
As industrial organizations feel the pressure to modernize engagement and improve operational efficiencies, we're seeing tremendous demand for strategic marketing and technology upgrades.
As visitor expectations evolve and competition for attention intensifies, destinations, attractions and entertainment organizations are investing in better branding, strong digital experiences and better audience engagement strategies. These trends continue to fuel demand across a sector where thunder::tech has built a longstanding presence and deep expertise.
This year, we've supported organizations including the Great Lakes Science Center, the Toledo Museum of Art, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Six Flags, as well as multiple resort properties.
We've also expanded partnerships with performing arts centers in Chicago and Ohio while adding a championship-caliber NBA franchise to our growing roster of professional sports clients.
We're proud to be working with a Top 100 community college, multiple specialty education institutions and a university recently recognized among TIME Magazine's Global Top 25.
These partnerships reflect the growing need for enrollment-focused strategies, stronger digital experiences and differentiated brand positioning.
Professional services remains one of thunder::tech’s strongest and fastest-growing sectors, especially in 2026.
This year, we've continued to build momentum with Michigan's largest personal injury law firm while expanding our relationships with two Top 100 accounting firms. We’ve also grown our partnership with Stambaugh Ness, a nationally recognized advisory firm specializing in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.
Speaking of AEC, we've added a nationally recognized architecture firm, a roofing manufacturer, a Toledo-based construction company and a leading HVAC organization in Northwest Ohio. We were also chosen by a Kansas City-headquartered Berkel Engineering to support its marketing and technology initiatives.
Recent additions include Peterson Farms , home to brands such as Lakewood Organic Juices, along with emerging snack brands, confectionery companies and food industry suppliers.
Our integrated Agility Retainer model continues to resonate with midsize organizations managing ambitious goals with lean teams.
This program provides flexible access to marketing, creative, strategy and technology expertise without the overhead of having to build out large internal departments.
For our clients, the Agility Retainer delivers the scalability and responsiveness needed to adapt quickly as internal priorities change.
We're helping clients in the second half of the year through:
If there's one lesson we've seen repeatedly this year, it's that the strongest brands don't wait for change. They lead it.
The first half of 2026 has been defined by a willingness to evolve, and we're excited to accompany the brands that want to boom.
Onward!
Want to stay on top of the latest marketing, technology and business trends? Follow thunder::tech on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletters for insights, news and strategies designed to help your brand stay ahead.
We're proud and honored that so many of those organizations have chosen thunder::tech as a partner on that journey, whether it's modernizing their brand, advancing digital capabilities, integrating AI or improving revenue operations.
These smart brands we work with are increasingly making proactive moves to stay competitive, and the result has been an incredibly busy and rewarding first half of the year for our team.
Growth across key industry sectors
One of the most exciting aspects of 2026 has been the diversity of organizations we're helping transform. By sector, here’s where our agency has seen a lot of depth:Industrial & manufacturing
Our Industrial & Manufacturing practice continues to be strong, highlighted by new engagements throughout our footprint in the Midwest, including with a national, diversified trucking firm and expanding work in the chemicals sector.As industrial organizations feel the pressure to modernize engagement and improve operational efficiencies, we're seeing tremendous demand for strategic marketing and technology upgrades.
Destinations, sports & entertainment
As visitor expectations evolve and competition for attention intensifies, destinations, attractions and entertainment organizations are investing in better branding, strong digital experiences and better audience engagement strategies. These trends continue to fuel demand across a sector where thunder::tech has built a longstanding presence and deep expertise. This year, we've supported organizations including the Great Lakes Science Center, the Toledo Museum of Art, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Six Flags, as well as multiple resort properties.
We've also expanded partnerships with performing arts centers in Chicago and Ohio while adding a championship-caliber NBA franchise to our growing roster of professional sports clients.
Education
Education institutions continue to navigate enrollment pressures, changing expectations and increased competition.We're proud to be working with a Top 100 community college, multiple specialty education institutions and a university recently recognized among TIME Magazine's Global Top 25.
These partnerships reflect the growing need for enrollment-focused strategies, stronger digital experiences and differentiated brand positioning.
Professional services
Professional services remains one of thunder::tech’s strongest and fastest-growing sectors, especially in 2026. This year, we've continued to build momentum with Michigan's largest personal injury law firm while expanding our relationships with two Top 100 accounting firms. We’ve also grown our partnership with Stambaugh Ness, a nationally recognized advisory firm specializing in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.
Speaking of AEC, we've added a nationally recognized architecture firm, a roofing manufacturer, a Toledo-based construction company and a leading HVAC organization in Northwest Ohio. We were also chosen by a Kansas City-headquartered Berkel Engineering to support its marketing and technology initiatives.
Food & beverage
Our Food & Beverage practice has also seen exciting growth in 2026.Recent additions include Peterson Farms , home to brands such as Lakewood Organic Juices, along with emerging snack brands, confectionery companies and food industry suppliers.
Meeting clients where they need us most
We’ve been thrilled with how clients have responded to new and refreshed service offerings, developed directly from listening to their evolving needs.managed by thunder::tech (MBT)
Our managed by thunder::tech (MBT) offering helps organizations align web infrastructure, security and performance with business growth objectives. MBT has gained traction across multiple industries, serving organizations ranging from universities and a Top 100 bank to e-commerce brands and USA Track & Field.AI integration & adoption
The demand for AI services continues to grow rapidly. Unlike agencies treating AI as a standalone offering, we’ve been integrating AI across marketing, technology, sales and operational solutions, as our clients are looking for practical applications to improve efficiency and accelerate growth.Industry connections & thought leaderships
Building community and sharing ideas remains an important part of our growth strategy. Through our Trends & Tastings event series, we bring together business leaders, marketers and industry pros to discuss emerging trends shaping marketing, tech and growth. So far in 2026, we’ve hosted events in Detroit and Cleveland and look forward to continuing the series in Toledo this fall.
Agility retainers
Our integrated Agility Retainer model continues to resonate with midsize organizations managing ambitious goals with lean teams. This program provides flexible access to marketing, creative, strategy and technology expertise without the overhead of having to build out large internal departments.
For our clients, the Agility Retainer delivers the scalability and responsiveness needed to adapt quickly as internal priorities change.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026
As organizations begin planning for 2027, many are balancing long-term strategy with the need for short-term results.We're helping clients in the second half of the year through:
- Strategic audits and assessments
- Brand and marketing reviews
- Digital transformation planning
- AI readiness and implementation initiatives
- Lead generation and sales operations assessments
Thank you
We're grateful to our clients, partners and team members who continue to push boundaries and embrace change.If there's one lesson we've seen repeatedly this year, it's that the strongest brands don't wait for change. They lead it.
The first half of 2026 has been defined by a willingness to evolve, and we're excited to accompany the brands that want to boom.
Onward!
Want to stay on top of the latest marketing, technology and business trends? Follow thunder::tech on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletters for insights, news and strategies designed to help your brand stay ahead.
About the Author
Jason Therrien is the President and CEO of thunder::tech. He is a fan of entrepreneurs and trailblazers, a proud dad and he liked scotch before Mad Men.