Good Times: A Trilogy Duology Celebrates

Trilogy celebrated their 20th anniversary with close industry colleagues and friends on the 1st November at Arara. The “bold and bright” theme, heartfelt speeches, special thank you awards, and surprise video featuring comments by long-time supporters, all contributed to a nostalgic and laughter-filled event and passionate tribute to the agency’s owners, Nita Davey and Jo Bulline, the Trilogy team and extended ‘family’.

Here’s a quick look back to how it all started.

John Davis, the owner of John Davis Advertising, was a larger-than-life personality in the Perth advertising industry. His unexpected passing in 2000 affected many, and the shared grief and resulting fragmentation within the agency led to Joan Davis closing it in 2003.

Nita Davey had worked at JDA for fifteen years; Jo Bulline had been there a year after previously working at some of Perth’s leading agencies. Each recognised a kindred spirit in the other, and they immediately formed a strong bond. They knew they wanted to continue working together and decided to open their own brand and marketing communications agency.

Within days of JDA closing, they had come up with a vision, created their own brand and sourced office space. They liaised with the remaining JDA clients, offering to support their transition to new agencies. Neither Bulline nor Davey attempted to convince any of them to come with them – that wasn’t part of how they knew they wanted to do business. Nonetheless, when they opened Trilogy’s doors on the weekend following JDA’s closure, most of those clients turned up.

Twenty years on those relationships continue, and many, many more have been created.

Bulline and Davey have built their business through a combination of determination, compassion and authenticity. These qualities are evident in the respect they have earned and demonstrated by their ‘open-door’ policy and support of the industry. Most days see a mix of people welcomed through the doors in the spirit of fostering friendships, learning and empowerment.

“It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we started Trilogy,” said Davey.

“We barely looked beyond the first year and aspiring to having any more than five team members and our original clients. Yet we’ve come through it all, embracing extraordinary change along the way – changes in the size of our team, in the services we provide, the technology we use, and the communications channels available to us. Our evolving diversity and growth has necessitated three office moves! But the one constant through all of this is a deep appreciation and respect for the people – the amazingly talented people – we have worked with and continue to work with, both within our walls and outside them.

“It’s been a privilege, and one that will continue to motivate and inspire us as we move into our 21st year.”

Photo credit: Peter Dancewicz at Spoilt Photo Booths