For only the third time in the 15 year history of the Horizon Interactive Awards competition, we have provided additional, non-entry recognitions through our Distinguished Agency awards. These awards are given based on the achievement of the sum of all work entered into the competition. The Top Agency Runner-up award is considered our second highest non-entry honor and we would like to congratulate Lyons Consulting Group (LYONSCG), from Chicago, IL as the 2016 winner.
With us today, we have Rich Lyons, CEO & President, LYONSCG. to discuss the outstanding new award distinction that they have earned.
HIA: So what does it mean to you, your company and team to receive this award distinction?
This award is validation of all the time and effort LYONSCG puts into making a positive impact on the success of our clients. It demonstrates that, even though we have grown extensively since the company’s founding in 2003, we have never strayed from our commitment to customer success. We have always believed and trusted that if our customers are successful, LYONSCG will be successful. The award acknowledges the great clients and employees of LYONSCG who have truly empowered me to perform to the highest standard and be the best leader that I can be.
HIA: Tell us more about your company. Talk, if you would, about how it started, how it has grown, what changes you have seen in the company, etc.
Lyons Consulting Group (LYONSCG) is a leading global commerce service provider with capabilities that include consulting, digital agency, systems integration, technology services, and managed services. LYONSCG combines our proven ONE TEAM methodologies, deep technical expertise, and award-winning design to create digital commerce experiences that engage and convert consumers and buyers. Hundreds of leading B2C and B2B brands trust LYONSCG to realize their commerce vision and continually optimize it to drive growth. LYONSCG is a strategic partner of Salesforce Commerce Cloud, SAP Hybris, and Magento; and is the recipient of Salesforce Commerce Cloud Global Sales Partner and Delivery Partner of the Year awards, and Magento Partner Excellence and Innovator of the Year awards.
LYONSCG was founded on March 11, 2003 after I had just experienced the bankruptcies of two previous employers and was without a job. Having seen these companies rise and fall, I was confident I knew what it took to build my own consultancy firm, and provide superior service to clients. I leveraged many client and consulting relationships to launch LYONSCG as an IT consulting firm, initially providing staff augmentation services. When the 2008 global financial crisis hit, we refocused LYONSCG on the strongest performing part of the business: eCommerce.
Since then, LYONSCG has expanded to offer turn-key services that answer the needs of our clients throughout their paths to realizing their eCommerce potential. Today LYONSCG offers a holistic service offering focusing on our customers’ success, including consulting, digital agency, systems integration, technology services, and managed services.
HIA: How will you continue to produce industry leading work?
I believe that LYONSCG’s only sustainable competitive advantage is its employees and their ability to learn faster than the competition. I truly believe in having a learning organization, where we continuously challenge ourselves and strive for excellence. We work very hard to stay ahead of our competition through our continuous improvement. We continue to evolve our ONE TEAM methodologies, and perform post mortems to learn from every project.
LYONSCG offers training programs focused on consulting and other important skills that develop human talent and attract and retain employees. Strong internship programs give college students an opportunity to develop skills. The firm established LYONSCG University to guide recent college graduates focused on learning eCommerce platforms. Members of the business development and project management teams have been provided with Ideal State Action Planning training, which equips them to better understand and deliver on client needs, making the client more successful. A newly instituted mentor program matches individuals within the organization to provide or receive guidance from each other and support professional and personal development.
I recognize consulting is not the easiest job. It’s imperative that I do my best to make our employees’ jobs meaningful and enjoyable and enable them to perform to the best of their ability every day. In the end, our success depends upon our employees and our ability to learn and grow together. By employing the best and brightest, LYONSCG ensures that the highest quality of work is performed for our clients
HIA: What makes LYONSCG special?
LYONSCG was founded and operates on the commitment to customer success. We are absolutely devoted to putting the customer first and creating client satisfaction. We strive every day to be the best global commerce service provider in the world and to deliver the best experience for our clients.
LYONSCG leverages a modular, holistic engagement model and a ONE TEAM approach that ensures that every project is staffed with the right people and the right skill sets every step of the way. Everyone works together in a seamless and synergistic way, making informed decisions with a full understanding of the inter-dependencies across the entire process, while staying committed to client success.
HIA: Talk a little about the types of projects that contributed to the massive recognition that you have received in this year’s competition.
This year, we were recognized for our work on sites for Charlotte Russe, VINCE, Patagonia, AG Jeans, Coleman, Bowflex, Stance, Titleist, and FootJoy. All of these projects involved months of hard work from both our internal and client teams. They were projects that spanned different verticals, geographies, sizes of scope, and goals. These are all leading brands that expect the best work, and LYONSCG delivered.
HIA: Speaking more generally, what trends are you seeing in the industry and how digital / interactive media is evolving.
B2C retailers and brands are increasingly focused on unified commerce, the convergence of digital and physical channels. The seamless exchange of data and a singular view of the customer are key in marrying the various channels and ensuring the customer has a satisfying experience. A commerce site must reflect the in-store experience, and vice versa, and data will be the driving force behind making this work.
International expansion also presents a huge opportunity with many global retailers looking to reach new geographies. Digital commerce enables retailers to reach a broader customer base and break down cultural and linguistic barriers.
HIA: We know you have entered and won awards in past Horizon Awards competitions, what do you feel is the biggest benefit from being a participant in the competition.
It’s great to be awarded and recognized as an agency, but it’s also wonderful to be connected to the leading brands and retailers that these awards represent. To showcase our clients as having some of the best websites in the industry proves we’re doing our job. We live and breathe digital commerce and retail. Simply put, we love what we do, we love our clients, and we are proud of what we accomplish together. Our success is dependent on our clients’ success, and recognition by the Horizon Interactive Awards proves our commitment to the brands we work with and helps distinguish LYONSCG as the leading global commerce service provider.
HIA: LYONSCG, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. We are truly excited to share your story with our audience as well as promote the great work you do. Once again, congratulations on the Top Agency Runner-up award. You should be very proud of this achievement. We wish you continued success this year and hope to have you back in future competitions.