The principals of Alfred Street Partners have led several marketing services businesses of various sizes through periods of robust growth. By introducing a culture of incentives and accountability, Alfred Street Partners enables marketing services companies to improve margins and rapidly expand revenues.
Democracy Data & Communications
Alfred Street Partners purchased a majority stake in Democracy Data & Communications in 1997, one year after its founding. DDC was built on the idea that technology-based services were overlooking the public affairs departments of corporations, trade associations, and interest groups. In 1997, DDC had revenues of $264k and an operating loss of $156k. By 2004, revenues eclipsed $14 million and operating profits surpassed $2.8 million. The company reached #72 on the 2002 Inc. 500 list. DDC includes nine of the Fortune 10 among its clients.
The Direct Impact Company
Alfred Street Partners principal John Brady founded The Direct Impact Company as a bootstrap venture in December 1988. Through service innovation, pricing, business structure, and an aggressive strategic plan, Direct Impact became the dominant provider of grassroots lobbying, public education, and marketing services for major corporations, trade associations, interest groups, and government agencies. During the period of Brady’s leadership, the company achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 43%. Direct Impact reached #241 on the 1995 Inc. 500 list and was sold to Young & Rubicam in March 1999.
Fishbowl
Founded in 2001, Fishbowl is a provider of online loyalty and customer acquisition programs for the restaurant industry. The company serves more than 120 regional and national restaurant chains, including five of the top seven casual dining chains. 2001 revenue of $180k grew to $3.3 million in 2004, and is projected to reach $5 million in 2005.
TARP
Founded in 1971 at Harvard University, TARP virtually created the science of quantifying and managing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Over three decades, the company has provided services to hundreds of corporations in all major industries, as well as to leading associations and government entities, including the White House. Alfred Street Partners saw an opportunity to leverage TARP’s industry-leading brand, client base, and intellectual capital, thereby accelerating its growth and increasing shareholder value. Alfred Street Partners purchased a controlling interest in the company in early 2005, and is now implementing a Jumpstart plan that is moving TARP into a period of rapid growth.