ABOUT US
Who we are,
What We Do.
And why it matters.
Through a combination of clever ideas, strategic messaging and imaginative campaigns, MODE 3 helps create, introduce and tell brand stories.
MODE 3 is a cause-focused creative studio, somewhat disguised as a family owned, travel company that operates as a fully remote, partial-profit LLC.
We work with lifestyle brands in the sports, health and wellness, travel, consumer product and technology categories. We also partner with other design studios, advertising agencies, technology start-ups, passion projects, sustainability efforts and global causes.
As a result, we can work with clients all over the world, offer cause-focused creative and prioritize purposeful partnerships over profit. In some instances, MODE 3 takes an equity position in a client’s business, a percentage of the incremental sales revenue or a royalty on sales of products.
Everyone Has a Story.
Here’s ours.
The original birthplace of MODE 3 was in Blue Moon, a dive bar in NW Portland. An entrepreneurially fueled, aspirational idea sparked by a high-level ideation between the Founder, Jonathan Marshall, and his then-girlfriend, Elyse Price.
Still in its infancy, the idea floated around the Pearl District for a few weeks. Inspired by the locally headquarted, world-class ad agencies and Fortune 100 brands. Then, it traveled all the way down the coast to sunny San Diego to incubate by the warm ocean air.
Initially, the creative studio operated in Jonathan’s living room (under The Digital List). Fast-forward a few years, three business models and a comprehensive rebrand — and MODE 3 was born. Then, in 2013, Jonathan, Elyse and Russell (dog) moved to Portland.
Since then, MODE 3 has worked with some of the best brands and agencies in the world. But in early 2020, Jonathan decided to restructure his company, the brand and creative goals once again.
Pursue SOUL-INSPIRING WORK and partners.
Make, share and do good.
This time, in the middle of an unprecedented global health pandemic, economic collapse and climate crisis, riddled with social, political and environmental injustice. And because of that, his creative studio evolved to be more focused on the overwhelming need to make, share and do good on a larger scale.
More specifically, meaningful creative solutions, undeniable impact, and soul-inspiring work with genuinely invested, like-minded partners.
As a result, MODE 3 now partners with clients in the public health, education, environmental, economic and political sectors. MODE 3 also donates a percentage of our total annual earnings to strategic non-profits, causes and creative efforts.
Meet the Marshalls
Jonathan’s education, experience, career and family.
Jonathan has over 15 years of experience and graduated from SDSU in 2009 with a BA in Journalism, an emphasis in Advertising and a minor in Psychology. Four years later, he earned an MS in Internet Marketing from FSU.
In addition to founding MODE 3, Jonathan has also worked at several marketing, advertising and design agencies in San Diego, Portland and San Francisco. Since 2013, he has worked at companies like Umpqua, Nike, AKQA, Swift, Thread and FACTOR.
Jonathan and his family (James, Evelyn and Elyse) are based in Portland, Oregon, but they travel often and have worked with clients all over. So if you have a project that could be a good fit, just send us a note.