Halifax, Nova Scotia, Feb 28, 2020 – Revolve CEO Phil Otto announced today the acquisition of the book of business of Code + Mortar, formerly Norex; and the hiring of Naveed Ashfaq, former ISL Managing Partner, as Director of Digital.
“When the internet was new, websites were developed by IT firms,” says Otto. “I saw the web as a communications and marketing tool. Revolve was the first agency in the region to include website development in our suite of services to help execute the brand strategies we craft. This acquisition and hire further supports our position as one of Canada’s leading digital-first branding and marketing firms.”
Revolve and Code + Mortar skills complement each other, which lead to their first project together in 2016 – the Bluenose Dome virtual reality experience for Brookes and Fiona Diamond, showcased at the Halifax Waterfront. A more recent collaboration in 2019 was the food delivery app Kangaroo, currently being piloted in Wolfville.
“We are thrilled to announce that our clients will transition to Revolve,” stated Code + Mortar Managing Partner Jenelle Sobey. “We are confident the next chapter will strengthen the legacy that started as Norex and bring even more strategic and creative talent to service our clients.”
For almost 20 years Naveed Ashfaq was a Managing Partner at ISL, one of Halifax’s leading digital agencies that was acquired by Vancouver-based FCV, where he served as Managing Director.
“Naveed excels at bridging the technical, design and marketing disciplines of digital engagements while applying agile delivery methods,” says Otto. “As Director of Digital, he will manage Revolve’s digital team and provide strategic leadership to our clients’ digital footprints.”
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About Revolve
Revolve is a full-service branding and marketing firm based in Bedford, serving national clients such as Deloitte, Cavendish Farms, Supplement King, TIMBER MART, Red Wing Shoes, Koltech Windows, Lawton’s, Orange Theory and Polaris; and regional clients such as NSLC, CBCL, Discover Halifax, NSGC, Oceanstone, CUA, New Brunswick Tourism, Aqualitas, Armour Group, PEI Brewing Company, Westwood and Saint Mary’s University Sobey’s School of Business.
Forty full time professionals have expertise in brand strategy, communications, creative development, advertising, public relations, online and offline media planning and buying, graphic design, writing, photography, videography, social marketing, digital marketing, website design and content development.
About Code + Mortar
For 20 years, Norex, more recently operating as Code + Mortar, has been an interactive web and invention firm, globally recognized by the Webby’s (the Oscars of the web). Code + Mortar has become known for Norex Labs launching startups and products such as Pursu.it, Squiggle Park and Holmes from offices in Halifax and Toronto. Founded with a commitment to offering clients open source solutions well before open source was an accepted industry practice, the company went on to lead new approaches to software development with world leading clients building cutting edge platforms. Together the all-female ownership group built unique digital products for clients, spun out their own products and incubated startups.
Media Contacts:
Phil Otto, CEO, Revolve
Phil.Otto@revolve.ca, 902-452-6559
Jenelle Sobey, Managing Partner, Code + Mortar
jenelle@codeandmortar.com, 902-579-1536