Maya Research: The Business of Culture I 2026 I Download Now
Why Found is One of America's Most Loved Workplaces
CULTURE 100 AWARD WINNER I 2026
In a world of constant change, what makes a company a place where people truly want to work? For Found Search Marketing, the answer lies in a culture built on cultivated expertise, genuine partnership, and a shared sense of purpose. This unique approach recently earned the company a coveted spot on the Breakthrough Culture Awards list from Maya, recognizing it as one of America's most thriving workplaces to work.
Founded in 2006 by Julie Warnecke, one of the first employees on the Google Ad Words team, Found has grown into a powerhouse. From its base near Indianapolis, IN, the woman-owned business now includes over 50 team members across 12 states. The team manages campaigns for B2B, B2C, higher education, and service-based clients, combining advanced data engineering with deep paid media expertise to drive customer acquisition at scale.
After reviewing 5,000+ companies and surveying more than 20,000 employees, what made Found stand out? It was clear they've built a culture of cultivated expertise and partnership where everyone feels they're in the same boat trying to row in the same direction.
Building a Culture of Connection and Purpose
At Found, culture isn't just a buzzword - it's the "connective tissue" that links every task, role, and team to the company's overarching mission. Leaders intentionally reinforce the "why" behind the work, helping every employee see how their contributions, no matter how small, move the entire organization forward. This focus on purpose is central to their philosophy.
"We want our people to feel purpose and connection in their work," the leadership team emphasizes. This commitment means creating clear lines of sight between daily responsibilities and the company's goals. When people understand their impact, they become more engaged and motivated. This philosophy has cultivated a workplace where curiosity is celebrated and challenging the status quo is encouraged.
This investment in people extends to their professional growth. "We want to invest in our people to be the best at what they know how to do," a company representative shared. This is achieved by providing dedicated time, resources for learning, and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring every team member is supported throughout their career journey.
Autonomy, Collaboration, and Flexibility
The work environment at Found is defined by an intentional balance between autonomy and collaboration. Employees are trusted to manage their responsibilities and do their work well, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. At the same time, the culture recognizes that the best results often come from working together. This creates a space where individual expertise can shine while contributing to collective success.
A key element of this trust is the company's hybrid and flexible work policy. Employees are empowered to work where and when they are most productive, whether that's in the office, at home, or at a coffee shop. This approach acknowledges that high performance isn't tied to a specific location or a rigid schedule.
People who thrive at Found are naturally curious. They are driven to understand the why, how, and when behind every challenge. In a fast-evolving industry, this mindset turns obstacles into learning opportunities. Instead of being frustrated by change, the team is motivated by the process of figuring things out together.
An Extension of the Client's Team
Found's internal culture of partnership also extends externally to its client relationships. The team strives to operate as an extension of their clients' teams, not just as a third-party agency. This rare approach fosters deep, collaborative partnerships built on transparency and shared goals. The results of this philosophy are clear.
"It is rare to find an external partner as good as Found," said Marcus Dennis, Senior International Marketing Manager at Roche. "They have excelled in quality of work, responsiveness and professional presence."
This level of service and expertise has not gone unnoticed. In addition to the Breakthrough Culture Award, Found was named a finalist in the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards. The agency’s status as a Microsoft Elite Partner, alongside partnerships with Google and Meta, further solidifies its position as an industry leader.
The Results of a Thriving Culture
A strong culture directly translates into strong performance. In 2025 alone, Found managed an impressive $210 million in paid media spend and generated over one million leads for its clients. These numbers demonstrate what is possible when data-driven strategy meets expert execution within a supportive team environment.
Perhaps the most telling metric is retention. Many of Found’s team members and clients have been with the company for over a decade. This remarkable loyalty is a testament to a culture that values people, fosters innovation, and consistently delivers on its promises. When team members feel a sense of purpose and clients experience true partnership, the relationships that form are built to last.
