Twenty years. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown, and what a rollercoaster it’s been.

Back in the early 2000s, I was freelancing on the side while working a steady, successful job. Like many entrepreneurs in the creative industry, I reached a turning point where I had to decide: stick with the comfort of a secure paycheck or take the leap and build something of my own.

In 2005, I chose the latter. I left my job and officially launched my own creative agency, then called Paul Kiesche Design.

Those early days were equal parts exciting and terrifying. As with any new venture in branding and design services, there were highs of exhilarating growth and moments of uncertainty that tested my resolve. But every challenge brought new lessons, and every win reinforced the value of the work my team and I were doing for our clients.

In 2015, I rebranded the company as Aviate Creative to better reflect how far we’d come and where we were headed. The new name represented our focus on forward-thinking marketing strategy, innovative graphic design, and a higher standard of creative excellence.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of collaborating with incredible clients, brilliant employees, dedicated freelancers, insightful consultants, and trusted vendors. Each relationship has played a role in shaping who we are today as a full-service creative agency. Whether you partnered with us on a single branding project or collaborated with us for years, your support has meant everything.

To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you. We wouldn’t be here without you.

As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we’re looking forward with gratitude, creativity, and renewed purpose. Here’s to continuing the journey, helping brands grow, designing with purpose, and building an even stronger future, together.