As we wind down 2013 and turn our focus toward the upcoming holidays, I want to take a moment to reflect back and give thanks for the many blessings we have received over the course of the year.

As many of you are aware, 2013 was one of transition for all of us here as we changed our name from Roberts Design Company to Thunderstruck Design. The name change had been in the long range plan for over 3 years and was officially implemented on October 1.

Thank you to all that embraced the new name and for the many complements we have received on the new identity. It truly was a massive undertaking, that had many facets and nuances I had not accounted for in the planning stages. In all, the launch was a success and we look forward to building our new brand image in the years to come.

Another huge transition was that we physically moved our office. In December of 2012, I approached the building management here at Huntington Tower about expanding our current space on the 9th floor. Little did I know that another deal was in play to expand another business on the same floor and they would need our space too.

This led to us looking for a new home. I searched the Champaign and Savoy area for adequate size/cost office space, but kept coming back to the Tower. I like the location, free garage parking and access to the conference room. And the decision was made… we would move two floors down to suite 704.

I thank Zach Whetherell, Bruce Bollinger and the entire building management crew that worked with us in designing our new accommodations. We are so excited about our new digs!

In addition, we had some staffing changes. In September, Michael Vincent joined the creative team as graphic designer, replacing Sarah Wilson, who took a job at Wolfram. Michael’s talents have been utilized for clients such as AHW, University of Illinois and Aquality Solutions. I look forward to Michaels creative contributions in the years ahead.

Throughout the year, we continued to work with many of the same clients and a few new ones. I am grateful for the creative challenges they bring to us to resolve. We continue to offer our creative and design skills for the sole purpose to help our clients prosper, grow and succeed. That is our mission.

In the feeling of gratitude, I reach out with much thanks to the following folks:

Brian Walker, AHW – we truly enjoy working with you and the many projects you bring us. It’s so nice working with someone who knows what they want.

Judy Reynolds, Mike Cunningham, Fred Dixon, Ashley Whittaker and all the fine folks at Gill Athletics – our marketing partnership has yielded so much for all of us, thank you.

Jess Smithers and everyone at FCAE – you all are terrific to work with each and every year. Look forward to the challenges you’ll give us next year.

Sonia Garth, ISA – what can I say, you’re all family to us.

Tami Fuller, Children and Family Research Center, University of Illinois – I cannot think of anyone more cheerful than you… a true joy to work with.

Kyle Schippert, Aquality Solutions – your ideas and creative spirit inspire us.

Jeff Cramer, Cramer Custom Homes – you’re the only one who comes to us with a sketch in hand… you have a vision and I’m glad we can help it be realized.

And to all those not mentioned above, a big thank you. Without great clients like yourselves, we would not have the opportunity to stretch our creative boundaries. Keep the challenges coming!

May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year!