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“Whether working on long-term strategies or urgent, short term activities and challenges, the Agency H5 team brings creativity, smarts and a ‘can-do’ mindset that makes a true difference in our business. Simply put, they were and are always all in - with us, and for us. I’m grateful for the successful business partnership with Agency H5, and friendships that have developed over more than a decade of collaboration.”
Ralf Hilpuesch, CEO, Ritter Sport USA
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“We collaborated with Kathleen and Agency H5 for many years. They brought unmatched energy, creativity, and invaluable connections that played a key role in promoting our restaurants. We look back on our partnership with deep appreciation and are proud of the lasting personal relationship between Lettuce Entertain You and Agency H5.”
RJ Melman, President & CEO, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
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“Regardless of the brand challenge, H5 comes to the table with BOTH creative and executable ideas that make an impact – and they do this all with a possibility mindset. Past this, the commitment they exhibit to both the brand and the client is FIRST CLASS! They are a ‘go to’ business partner we inherently trust and learn on to take our brands forward.”
Greg Guidotti, CMO, Ferrara Candy Co.
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“Agency H5 formed a true partnership with The Pampered Chef team and worked with us for many successful years. They took the time to understand our consumers and developed truly unique approaches that took our brand reach to another level. They were the trusted partner we could always count on for the strategic and creative spark we needed every time.”
Marla Gottschalk, Former CEO, The Pampered Chef
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“What truly sets H5 apart is their heart. They really care – not just about the brands they represent, but about the people behind them. They’re passionate, committed & genuinely fun to work with! The energy they bring is unmatched, and their partnership was one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Giordano’s. They’re relentless in the best way – always pushing for more, thinking outside the box and uncovering new opportunities for the brand to shine. Their drive and scrappiness helped turn everyday ideas into headline-worthy moments.”
Jessica Wenson, Senior Manager Marketing Communications, Giordano’s/Parts Town
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“Agency H5 was an exceptional partner in bringing our brand to life. Their team, led by the visionary Kathleen Sarpy, delivered a level of creativity, energy & responsiveness that exceeded all expectations. From innovative ideas to flawless execution, H5 captured the spirit of our fast-casual concept and helped us connect with our audience in fresh, meaningful ways. Their collaborative spirit, deep marketing expertise and unwavering commitment made them an invaluable part of our growth story. ”
Carey Cooper, Founder, LYFE Kitchen
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“Under the remarkable leadership of Kathleen Sarpy, H5 has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence, creativity & integrity. Kathleen and H5’s stewardship has not only elevated our brand, but their ability to forge genuine, lasting relationships is truly unparalleled. Kathleen is a true ambassador of Chicago—her passion for the community and her clients shines through in every interaction.”
Jeff Mastro, Owner & CEO, Steak 48
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“Working with H5 has been an invaluable partnership! Their passion, creativity, and strategy, enhanced our vision and events beyond our expectations. They proved to be a partner and inspiration in ways we did not anticipate. Our entire team learned from their collaborative style and truly enjoyed the process.”
Fran Broude, President & COO, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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“We are forever grateful for the incredible collaboration. We were consistently blown away by their talented team and the full heart and passion they brought to everything we partnered on and the results were extraordinary. I have no doubt that countless lives were saved from breast/ovarian cancer because of the awareness & attention they brought to our organization.”
Lindsay Avner, Founder, Bright Pink
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“Kathleen and her team worked with us on many diverse Sears & Lands' End projects throughout the years. Some very complicated and challenging, but no matter what, together we rose to great successes with creativity, measurable results, increased profitability and happy internal clients. The Agency H5 team is smart, motivated, efficient, forward thinking and terrific problem solvers.”
Lee Blessman Antonio, Former PR and Communications Director, Sears/Lands End
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“Agency H5 didn’t just ‘do PR.’ They helped us launch a category-defining brand with zero fluff and zero fear. Strategic when it mattered, scrappy when it counted and calm when everything went sideways. They made us feel like giants.”
Katy Lynch, Co-Founder, Codeverse
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“Over the past decade, we’ve had the wonderful opportunity to know and often collaborate with Kathleen Sarpy and her talented team on a number of philanthropic initiatives through Chicago Bulls Charities and other non-profit events. We have the highest respect for H5’s commitment to always leading with kindness and bringing their creativity and passion to every project they touch.”
Michael and Nancy Reinsdorf, Chicago Bulls/Chicago Bulls Charities
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“Agency H5 is more than a strategic communications partner; they are a full-service innovation powerhouse. They bring to life PR campaigns and events that resonate across a myriad of audiences, seamlessly weaving through branding and messaging. What sets Agency H5 apart is their ability to not only listen to their clients, but to truly hear them.”
Jenniver McGrath, Corporate Relations (Formerly), Allstate & Allstate Foundation
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“Our Great Wolf Lodge PR pack has thoroughly enjoyed our partnership over the past 8+ years. Agency H5 are a creative force, helping us come up with new and interesting PR campaigns, and they are relentless, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to securing coverage for our brand. They are thoughtful, results driven, continuously engaged and operate as a true extension of our internal team.”
Jason Lasecki, VP Corporate Communications, Great Wolf Lodge
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“Kathleen and her team are exceptional partners who consistently combine strategic insight with flawless execution. Their passion for understanding brands and their commitment to building meaningful relationships set them apart in an unpredictable industry…What truly distinguishes H5 is their dedication to providing the right solutions at the right time—and their remarkable ability to exceed expectations year after year.”
Stephen Malisewski, Director of Public Relations, Kohler Co.
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“Agency H5 was an incredible partner during the rebrand of our emergency veterinary clinic practice. Their professional guidance and innovative ideas brought our vision to life. I couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend their team!”
Greg O’Brien, Founder, O’Brien Veterinary Group
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“The H5 team is always 10 steps ahead, working diligently and proactively on behalf of our brand. They move with heart, purpose, and a deep understanding of what meaningful PR looks like. Their creative strategy has helped elevate our presence, allowing us to reach new audiences and secure thoughtful, impactful coverage.”
Megan Brilley, Director of Public Relations, Langham Chicago
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“Partnering with H5 was like gaining a team of passionate advocates who cared about our mission as deeply as we do. For 17+ years, their PR support has brought critical visibility to fundraising campaigns and milestone moments… From securing meaningful coverage to helping us tell powerful stories, H5 amplified the heart of our mission & the impact of our donor community. Their creativity, responsiveness & dedication made them an invaluable extension of our team.”
Holly Buckendahl, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago and Northwest Indiana
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“We worked with Agency H5 for nearly a decade, and they've become an integral part of our projects. Their strategic insight, responsiveness, and dedication made them a trusted extension of our team.”
Christy Kotas, Director of Marketing, Magellan Development Group
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“I have had the pleasure of working with Agency H5 for more than a decade to support our philanthropic initiatives, sponsorships & events. Their talented team has always exemplified excellence – from idea generation to execution. Agency H5 has always exhibited a spirit of hard work and a commitment to bring great ideas to the table. We are very proud to have collaborated with them throughout the years. ”
Bob Arthur, President, Magellan Corporation
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“Brands are people and people are brands! Kathleen Sarpy & Agency H5 has understood how inextricably linked this concept is as passionate brand leaders and as people. The result has been extraordinary performance for their clients, helping grow thriving brands, and most importantly, new generations of leaders who are grounded in wonderful morals and values!”
Andrew Varga, Former CEO, Brown Foreman
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“Working with Agency H5 felt less like hiring a partner and more like gaining an extension of our own team. Their collaborative spirit, creative hustle, and 'we'll figure it out' mindset made every challenge feel like a shared mission. They treated the ZENB brand with genuine care—like it was their own—and showed up every step of the way with heart, smarts, and relentless energy.”
Hugo Perez, CMO, ZENB and (current) Fractional CMO, ZenB/Mizkan
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“Whether it's regaining relevance for Laffy Taffy or building awareness for Mas+ by Messi, the H5 team has been instrumental in helping achieve brand objectives. Not only do they deliver on assignments, the way they operate sets them apart. H5 is collaborative, always working well with client and agency partners! I have also appreciated the H5 team's proactiveness - keeping a pulse on trends & seeking out opportunities to meet goals without needing direction.”
Dave Foldes, Senior Marketing Director, Mark Anthony Brands
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“I have known and worked closely with Agency H5 and its founder Kathleen Sarpy for 20 years here in Chicago. H5 has a solid reputation as one of the top PR agencies in our city and is sought after by top national brands. Their team is well connected, care deeply about their clients and partners and have produced some of Chicago’s most culturally-relevant openings and events for the “best of the best” in our city.”
Dan Uslan, Market President Regional Group Publisher, Modern Luxury Media
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“Working with Kathleen and the team at H5 is an absolute pleasure. Over more than seven years of client work together, they’ve consistently brought sharp strategic thinking, infectious energy, and the kind of hustle that sets them apart… They’re a trusted partner and a true asset to any team.”
Torrey Plank, Co-Founder, Three Mad Fish
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“Partnering with Kathleen and H5 was one of the best business decisions I have made in 20 years on behalf of my clients. H5's attention to detail and customer care shines through every day. They take PR to the next level each and every time with precision and attention to detail that allows our clients to see measurable growth.”
Jordan Kirshenbaum, Founder & CEO, Prime Time Media
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“Working with the Agency H5 team has been a breath of fresh air. The thoughtfulness and effort that goes into their planning & execution is unmatched…They deeply care about the work they put out, the end user-experience, and most importantly coming through for their clients & meeting their goals. That is something you can’t just teach, it is embedded into culture and lives as more of a mission statement, a mentality!”
Marty McGinnis, Co-Founder, Trinity
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“I have had the pleasure of partnering with Agency H5 on multiple initiatives over the past several years. Without exception, every Agency H5 team member I’ve encountered displayed positive energy, professionalism, collaborative spirit and a genuine passion for the work. It’s extremely gratifying to successfully execute projects which help clients strengthen their brand and grow market share. It’s heartwarming to be able to do so with such kind & friendly people.”
Jeff Mollway, Principal, Bridge Marketing
