Sponge

In response to the dramatically changing landscape the advertising industry faced in 2006, Paul Brourman launched a new agency model.  Leaving his former post without a single client, he set course with the new agency model designed to push brands to their highest potential through a more agile and innovative environment.  He referred to his new shop as more than just an agency; a “lab for new thinking.” He decided on the name “Sponge” to imply a more adaptive environment where innovative minds could come together into one space to freely challenge paradigms and conventions. 

Within only 8 months, Sponge earned the honors as AutoZone’s first Agency of Record in its 30-year history.  Now celebrating its fifth year, the client roster at Sponge has grown to include Luxottica’s Sears Optical, Ticketmaster’s TicketsNow, The Irish Dairy Board (Kerrygold, Pilgrim’s Choice brands), Call One, Batallure Beauty, Penguin Publishing and most recently, the William J. Clinton Foundation for its 10th Anniversary Decade of Difference event.  In its short lifespan, the agency has earned a reputation for fresh thinking, smartly positioned brands and highly original, award-winning creativity.  

A giant water tower on the agency’s rooftop garnered with the Sponge name greets thousands entering the city every day. 

Prior to Sponge, Paul’s role as S.V.P., Group Creative Director at DDB Chicago was instrumental in helping to lead a 6-year revival of the once tired retailer, JCPenney, ultimately earning the brand the title of BrandWeek’s 2005 Marketer of the Year and the Retail Conference’s Multimedia Gold award for two consecutive years (2005-06).

Paul graduated in 1986 with a BA in Graphic Design from Penn State University and started his career in Pittsburgh on the Iron City Beer account for Della Femina McNamee. In 2005, he attended Northwestern University’s Masters in Product Development Program, also influential in the formation of Sponge.

Paul is the proud father of two young children and enjoys family time in Montana (he’s also a lifetime fly fisherman).