LeapFrog Solutions Named Finalist for Two Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Awards

LFS was named a finalist for two prestigious awards presented by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

LFS was one of three finalists for the “Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year” award for “business leadership and extraordinary social responsibility efforts.” LFS provides pro bono marketing support and financial donations to the Fairfax County Life with Cancer House, Communities in Schools of Virginia, and the American Red Cross.

LFS CEO Lisa Martin was also named one of 20 “InNOVAtors in Business by “NOVA EXEC,” a new business magazine. The award recognizes business leaders who “have the courage to think and act in previously aberrant ways, while others are walking a more tried and tested road.”

“We greatly appreciate the recognition that our company has received and we offer our sincerest congratulations to everyone who was nominated,” Ms. Martin said. “We have a great team of dedicated, talented individuals who put the interests of our clients first.”

Ms. Martin, who serves on the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, has been active in the organization since she started her company 15 years ago. “The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in our success and it truly is the voice of business in Northern Virginia,” she said.

June Tadpoles!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To our Account Director Pam Long, Client Services Kathy Libert, and Accounting Assistant Winter Michael. Thanks for having birthdays ladies, it gave the office an excuse to enjoy cupcakes in your honor!!!

LeapFrog Solutions Appoints Rich Gilroy Account Director

Oakton, Va. — June 16, 2011 — LeapFrog Solutions, Inc. (LFS), a full-service strategic marketing communications and technology firm, announced today that it has appointed Rich Gilroy as an Account Director. Gilroy will have varied project and business management responsibilities for LeapFrog Solutions’ myriad government and commercial clients, fully utilizing his range of industry expertise

Gilroy, who has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, advertising and marketing, joins LeapFrog Solutions from The Cadmus Group, where he provided communications support to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program. He also oversaw the launch of EPA’s first-ever Facebook-based online game promoting energy efficiency.

“Rich Gilroy brings a breadth of experience managing a variety of marketing communications initiatives for government and commercial clients,” said LFS founder and CEO Lisa Martin. “His success in developing and implementing online and traditional strategies make him a valuable addition to the LeapFrog Solutions team.”
Gilroy also worked as the communications director for HMA Associates on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National HIV/AIDS Partnership. As a director for Vanguard Communications, Gilroy served as account director on four federal government contracts for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a public health foundation. He also has experience working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury direct deposit public education initiative and the U.S. Savings Bond communications support contract.

Gilroy earned his B.A. degree in journalism from Duquesne University.

NOVA EXEC Magazine - Summer 2011

Our very own Lisa Martin, CEO of LeapFrog Solutions, is featured as one of the "inNOVAtors" in the Summer 2011 issue of the new NOVA EXEC Magazine.

The article reads:

When she was a child, Lisa Martin smooth talked her young friends about the great features of her dad's car. That's when she was told she was going to end up in marketing and sales.

She resisted until she started her own marketing firm, LeapFrog Solutions, out of her Oakton home in 1996.

She knew the trade show business and was adept at bringing clients in and helping them - always lending an ear to provide the senice they needed for her previous employers. So, why not do it for herself?
She branched out on her own just as websites were becoming more and more popular. She decided that businesses needed help integrating traditional marketing methods with emerging technologies because new products will always come along.
She had clients tell her, "what the hell is this website? I understand print and video."

So, the unlikely information technology professional started to build client's websites while also taking care of their video, print and Internet advertising. Her clients include Exxon Mobil, the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
She provides these companies with a new identity, a new logo, and a new tagline by playing off their strengths.

"We want to help our clients leapfrog their competition," she said.
Well, she's taking her own advice. LeapFrog started out as a six-man operation that now boasts 25 employees and experienced 300 percent growth this year.

Batter Up!!!!

On Thursday night some of our froggies went out to the ball game. CEO Lisa Martin, Creative Director Rene Ramos and Account Director Pam Long went with our teaming partner Deloitte to catch the Nationals vs the Cardinals. A lot of fun was had and it was a WIN for the Nationals. We hope you all enjoyed some peanuts and cracker jacks!

Leaping Along the Links

On Monday, June 13th, Account Director Pam Long and Account Manager Megan Yamamoto played 18 holes in the Acquisition Services Directorate 2011 Golf Tournament benefitting the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (AQD raised over $9,000 for this great cause). The beautiful weather and fantastic conditions at the Reston National Golf Course made for a great day.

While neither of these ladies would call themselves a golfer, they both went out and tried their best and were awarded with a free group golf lesson - a prize given to the team with the worst score! Think its time to hit the driving range ladies!

Froggies Run 5k to benefit the Fauquier Free Clinic

This past Sunday, June 12th, our CEO Lisa Martin and Account Manager Megan Yamamoto completed the 2011 Pacemakers benefiting the Fauquier Free Clinic. The race took place at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, VA. It was a hot day and a hilly course, but our froggies finished strong along with 250 other runners raising over $7,000 for the clinic.