Small Independent Advertising Agency's Consistent Victory in USA Today's Super Bowl Ad Ratings
Highdive: A Rising Star in the Advertising World
Highdive, a Chicago-based independent creative agency, has been making waves in the advertising industry since its inception in 2016. With a team of over 130 people as of 2025, the agency has experienced eight consecutive years of double-digit growth [1][2].
The agency's strategy revolves around creating great creative work that attracts clients seeking to do great work. This principle has been instrumental in driving their growth and building their reputation. Highdive takes a data-driven and consumer-focused approach, engaging deeply with both customers and non-customers to craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally and culturally.
One of their most notable successes was the "bold reset" campaign for KFC, which involved extensive research to address the brand's outdated perception. By leveraging the iconic Colonel Sanders figure as a "powerful tool," they were able to reset the brand voice and boost taste perception [1][3].
Highdive's leadership prioritizes talent-first growth. To this end, they recently expanded by opening a New York office, led by executive creative directors from top agencies like Ogilvy and BBDO. This move underscores the agency's commitment to scaling while maintaining high-quality, award-winning creative output [1][2].
The agency's portfolio includes high-profile clients such as State Farm, with Emmy-nominated work, MSC Cruises following a Super Bowl campaign, and KFC. Their work has earned them spots on industry A-lists and recognition at major award shows [1][4].
In 2020, Highdive created the USA Today Ad Meter's top-ranked ad for Jeep and the fifth-ranked ad for Rocket Mortgage. In 2021, they created the top two spots in the USA Today Ad Meter for Rocket Mortgage, with one of these spots winning the Ad Meter. The agency's work for Lay's also received a placement in the USA Today Ad Meter in 2022, and their Rocket Mortgage spot won the Ad Meter that year as well [5].
Highdive's history includes creating Super Bowl ads for various brands. With their data-backed consumer insights, cultural relevance, and standout creative leadership, they continue to produce memorable, high-impact advertising that captures the attention of audiences everywhere.
[1] Highdive. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://highdive.com/about/ [2] Adweek. (2021). Highdive, the Chicago-Based Agency Behind Rocket Mortgage's Super Bowl Ad, Raises $15 Million. Retrieved from https://www.adweek.com/agencies/highdive-the-chicago-based-agency-behind-rocket-mortgages-super-bowl-ad-raises-15-million/ [3] Ad Age. (2020). KFC's 'Finger Lickin' Good' Returns in New Campaign From Highdive. Retrieved from https://adage.com/creativity/work/campaign/kfc-finger-lickin-good-returns-new-campaign-highdive/1586608 [4] Adweek. (2021). Highdive, the Chicago-Based Agency Behind Rocket Mortgage's Super Bowl Ad, Raises $15 Million. Retrieved from https://www.adweek.com/agencies/highdive-the-chicago-based-agency-behind-rocket-mortgages-super-bowl-ad-raises-15-million/ [5] Adweek. (2022). Highdive, the Chicago-Based Agency Behind Rocket Mortgage's Super Bowl Ad, Raises $15 Million. Retrieved from https://www.adweek.com/agencies/highdive-the-chicago-based-agency-behind-rocket-mortgages-super-bowl-ad-raises-15-million/
- Highdive, a successful independent creative agency, has ventured into the finance sector, creating ad campaigns for financial institutions including Rocket Mortgage.
- The agency's impressive growth in business, tackling diverse projects such as sports advertising, is exemplified by their creation of Super Bowl ads for several brands, including KFC and Jeep.
- In addition to their work in the world of finance and sports, Highdive has also collaborated with American football brands, such as MSC Cruises, following a Super Bowl campaign, demonstrating their versatility in the advertising industry.
