Two Rivers Marketing (2RM) has called the East Village home since the agency was founded in 2000. The neighborhood looks a lot different than it did in 2000 — and so does marketing. It's only fitting then, as 2RM celebrates its 25th anniversary in April 2025, that the agency takes up a fresh location right in the heart of the East Village, amid the bustling new and remodeled construction on East Grand.
“We’re heading into our 25th year of business as an agency and it’s a significant milestone; so much has changed during the past decades,” said Brad Olson, 2RM president. “But there are three things that haven’t changed: Providing excellent, expert service to our clients, supporting and valuing our associates, and our commitment to the East Village. There’s no place better to create our office of the future.”
The new 2RM office will be located at 430 East Grand. Local firm Substance Architecture will completely redesign the first two floors to create a fresh and unique space: providing spaces for associates to collaborate, take meetings, host clients and partners, socialize, and create innovative marketing strategies. Office design firm Piggott is also engaged with the project, helping lay out an optimal creative workspace for the agency. Hanson Company is working as general contractor.
As reported by the Des Moines Register, there are already plans for 2RM’s former home at 106 East 6th Street: The building will become a charter school for students grades 9-12, facilitated by Opportunity Education Foundation. The school joins the growing list of developments planned for the Market District, which will include a 9-acre park at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, plus retail and residential units.
In addition to an office move and a 25th anniversary celebration, 2RM is also making some shifts to its executive lineup. Brian Jones, a founding partner of 2RM and president of VGM Group Services, will retire at the end of 2024. Current 2RM president Brad Olson will join the VGM Senior Leadership team on January 1, 2025. 2RM joined VGM Group Inc. in 2022 and leads the marketing services offerings of the Waterloo-based company.
“This is an exciting time of change and evolution for our agency,” said Olson. “Our office relocation is just one way we’re charting our path for the future. We’re also deepening our strategic offerings and providing greater opportunities to drive growth and positive business outcomes for our clients. Creating an updated, engaging workspace is core to our ability to foster relationships, strengthen our connections, mentor and develop associates, and ultimately grow and strengthen our business with clients. There’s so much to look forward to in 2025.”