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Michelle Cardinal

CEO & Co-Founder/Marketer/Media Maven/Olive Oil Connoisseur

Michelle Cardinal is a prominent figure in the advertising industry and the co-founder and former CEO of Rain the Growth Agency, an independent, women-led, performance-minded, fully integrated advertising agency.12 She currently serves as the Chairwoman of the agency, a position she has held since January 2023.4

Career Highlights

  • Co-founded Rain the Growth Agency (formerly known as R2C Group) in 199824
  • Served as CEO for 25 years, from 1998 to February 20234
  • Pioneered the marketing philosophy "Transactional Brand Building," which combines performance and brand marketing principles4
  • Successfully built four companies from startup and steered her agency through four company acquisitions4
  • Under her leadership, Rain the Growth Agency grew to 300 employees with $800 million in annual billing4

Achievements and Recognition

  • Named one of the 2023 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech by AdExchanger and AdMonsters in the Magnanimous Mentors category12
  • Honored as part of Campaign US's 2020 40 Over 40 list3
  • Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2021 National finalist and winner of the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021 Pacific Northwest Region Award6

Initiatives and Advocacy

  • Established SheScales in 2019 to support female founders in scaling their companies12
  • Advocate for elevating female leaders and promoting workplace equity12
  • Launched Leavened, a media measurement and optimization company, in 20173
  • Involved in community efforts, including serving on the board of Central City Concern, a leading homeless non-profit in Portland3

Michelle Cardinal is recognized as a veteran and nationally recognized expert in media and advertising, with a career spanning over 30 years in direct-to-consumer media.6 Her LinkedIn username is michellecardinal.45

Related Questions

What inspired Michelle Cardinal to start Rain the Growth Agency?
How has Michelle Cardinal's leadership impacted Rain the Growth Agency's culture?
What are some notable achievements of SheScales since its inception?
How does Michelle Cardinal's approach to mentorship differ from others in the industry?
What challenges has Michelle Cardinal faced as a woman founder in the advertising industry?
Michelle Cardinal
Michelle Cardinal, photo 1
Michelle Cardinal, photo 2
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Location

Portland, Oregon