Nov. 6, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Click Rain Inc.

To lead by example is to lead in a way that galvanizes others to better themselves. Eric Ellefson strives to live out that mission every day.

Ellefson is chief strategy officer and partner at Sioux Falls-based agency group Click Rain Inc., the parent company of Click Rain and Lemonly. He started at Click Rain in 2011 in an account service role and worked his way up the ladder, becoming a partner in 2012.

Today, Ellefson’s focus is the overall vitality of the company and its agencies — and, more importantly, the happiness and well-being of their teams. Ellefson believes in making business decisions, whether simple or complex, with the company’s people-centered approach in mind.

When weighing options for a new business partnership, he looks for opportunities that can lead to solid working relationships. Ellefson said it’s important to find clients who see Click Rain and Lemonly as business partners, not just vendors who will fulfill their marketing needs. He looks for clients who will be excited to work with the agencies and value the work their teams produce.

In his 13 years on the team, Ellefson has seen the company grow and evolve — most notably, bringing on Lemonly as Click Rain’s sister agency in 2021. He sees the company’s organizational structure — a house of brands with two independent agencies — as part of what makes it unique in the region and valuable as a partner for clients.

“We have two agencies who are incredibly talented at what they do,” Ellefson said. “Our agencies offer specialized services, with a cross-agency approach that allows them to collaborate when it makes sense for our clients.”

Whether he’s working side-by-side with employees, tackling problems head-on or making a difference in the community, Ellefson is always exploring new ways to push Click Rain Inc. forward.

‘A happy team makes the dream’

Ellefson knows taking care of your people is the secret sauce to business success. Ensuring employees are happy, have a great work-life balance and thrive in their environment are all part of the recipe. “It’s really the people on the team that set the tone for our success,” he said.

When thinking about the overall happiness of employees, Ellefson said, “Are we focused on just getting the work done or are we saying, ‘Hey, what’s it going to take to fill your cup?’” 

Ellefson exemplifies this by encouraging employees to explore interests outside work and get involved in their communities. Finding things that bring fulfillment into their lives will shift their mindset to one that is optimistic, ambitious and selfless. This, in turn, will mold them into well-rounded individuals, directly and positively impacting their work at Click Rain Inc. 

People-centered company culture is critical to Click Rain and Lemonly’s success. “We’re unique in agency models, where our people really do come first. We strive to deliver the best experience for our clients and our team members, not burning out our people or underdelivering for our clients,” Ellefson said.

When a new client comes on board, Ellefson brings the full team together to collaborate and share insights. In doing so, everyone has a voice and a role in the upcoming projects. “No individual makes a team,” Ellefson said. “We operate in a way that focuses on bringing out the best, that uplifts the entire team structure. Our clients see that when we’re working on new partnerships or ongoing client strategic plans.”

Working with the executive team

Running a successful marketing company can be a lot to take on, but collaborating with a powerhouse executive team eases that burden. The leadership team at Click Rain Inc. operates in a way that focuses on each of their strengths, allowing them to contribute in ways that best leverage their talents and expertise.

As part of the executive team, Ellefson attributes the accountability structure to the overall success of the company. “It’s helped us to stay in our own lanes, to understand where our strengths lie and then ultimately partner up to whichever other strengths we need to accomplish an objective.”

Ellefson sees how that collaborative process, where individuals are empowered to operate in their zones of strength, trickles down to every corner of the organization. “This sets the tone for the rest of the company, ensuring we are all marching in the same direction.”

A driving force for community progress

Community involvement is core to Click Rain Inc.’s culture. That’s reflected in the company’s vision to be “difference-makers” for its team members, clients and community. Employee benefits like volunteer time off — where employees have an annual bank of 40 hours to use in service of organizations and causes they care about — pro bono work and the company’s commitment to contribute at least 1 percent of annual revenue to charitable causes help put that vision into action.

For Ellefson, making a difference in the community is an area of personal passion. “I’ve always sought out opportunities that I have a personal connection to, where I can help and add value,” he said. Ellefson currently serves on five boards: the Sioux Falls Airport Authority, Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls, Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Cares and Sioux Falls Prayer Breakfast. He also volunteers time to various other community projects and campaigns. His volunteer leadership roles are centered around initiatives that make a long-standing difference and impact in Sioux Falls. 

He recently came off his presidency at the Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls, where he now serves on the executive team. One of his most notable achievements while president was leading the Rotary Way initiative, which involved raising over $250,000 to build the largest inclusive playground in Sioux Falls. Working alongside this diverse team of local business leaders led to a successful campaign, bringing a wonderful attraction to the community.

“My time with Downtown Rotary has been very rewarding. I have been able to learn from top leaders and grow personally and professionally. Most importantly, we have been able to make our community better,” Ellefson said.

For Ellefson, when he’s serving on any board, he doesn’t want to simply fill a seat; he’s actively looking for ways he can make a difference. His philosophy is to leave something better than he found it.

“This community has grown from the selfless efforts of many men and women,” he said. “When I look back one day, I want to confidently say that I did my part for Sioux Falls.”

From inclusive playgrounds and airport expansion projects to helping deliver Christmas presents to families in need, Ellefson’s passion for service has transformed him into the difference-maker he is today, both as a champion for the community and as a partner at Click Rain Inc.

Leading with a heart for others

Ellefson works every day to be a strong leader for his teammates. Checking in, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, putting others before self and making business decisions with the rest of the team in mind all add up to a motivated group of people that strive to get better every day.  

“Eric has high expectations for himself and others,” said Natalie Eisenberg, Click Rain Inc. CEO. “He’s very driven to accomplish big things, and he often pushes the team to explore new views and possibilities. That drive is complemented by his genuine heart for those in need — whether on the team or in the community.”

Striving for the success of others leads to more fulfillment in one’s own life. According to Ellefson, “I am a better person, and I am a better leader, because of the people that I work with on our team and within this outstanding community.”