Trefoil Group

What Trefoil Group does

Trefoil Group is a full-service B2B integrated marketing agency headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving private equity-backed and privately held mid-market companies. Founded in 1994 by Mary Scheibel, the agency operates across six core verticals — manufacturing, packaging, plastics, cleantech and sustainability, logistics, and professional services — with deep, multi-decade specialization in plastics marketing (30+ years). Since its 2024 merger with Florida-based BrandStar, Trefoil has operated as a BrandStar Company while retaining its Milwaukee headquarters and brand identity.

The agency's service portfolio spans branding and strategy, public relations and strategic communications, visual storytelling, content marketing, sales acceleration, digital marketing programs (paid search, paid social, SEO), website development on WordPress, and social media management. Trefoil integrates across a marketing technology stack including HubSpot, Salesforce, SharpSpring, Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn Ads, SEMRUSH, and StackAdapt. In 2025 the agency launched two differentiated offerings: AI Search Optimization (structuring client content for visibility in generative AI search results) and B2B Accelerate (national broadcast and multi-channel programs for PE-backed mid-market companies).

Trefoil generates revenue through professional services engagements on a quote-based pricing model, delivered via a sales-led, direct engagement GTM motion targeting PE firms and their portfolio companies. Mid-market retainers across integrated marketing programs form the revenue base. The agency is privately held following the 2024 BrandStar acquisition and continues to operate under founder-era leadership including President Jill Schroeder and EVP/Founder Mary Scheibel.

Name

Trefoil Group

Legal name

Trefoil Group

Website

https://trefoilgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Trefoil Group is a Milwaukee-based, full-service B2B integrated marketing agency serving PE-backed and privately held mid-market companies across manufacturing, packaging, plastics, cleantech, logistics, and professional services verticals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

B2B Marketing Services

NAICS

Advertising Agencies (541810), Advertising Agencies (54181), Public Relations Agencies (54182)

SIC

Services-Advertising Agencies (7311), Services-Advertising (7310)

akta.pro primary industry

Technology & B2B PR (BPAFADAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Technology & B2B PR (MPAAADAC)

Keywords

• B2B marketing agency
• Integrated marketing services
• Brand strategy development
• Digital marketing programs
• Private equity marketing

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Integrated Marketing Services: Full-service B2B marketing agency revenue generated through comprehensive integrated marketing programs including branding, PR, visual storytelling, content marketing, sales acceleration, digital marketing, websites, social media, and holistic search services. Revenue comes from professional services engagements with PE-backed and privately held companies.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Trefoil Group is a full-service B2B marketing agency providing integrated marketing programs that combine strategy, creative, digital, and content services. Core offerings include branding and strategy, PR and strategic communications, visual storytelling, content marketing, sales acceleration, digital marketing programs, website design and development, social media, SEO, AI Search Optimization, and the B2B Accelerate national broadcast program, delivered primarily to PE-backed and privately held mid-market companies.

Product overview

Trefoil Group is a full-service B2B integrated marketing agency that operates as a unified platform with multiple interconnected service modules. Their core offerings include Branding & Strategy, PR & Strategic Communications, Visual Storytelling, Content Marketing, Sales Acceleration, Digital Marketing Programs, Website Development, Social Media, and Search Optimization (SEO). These services work together as an integrated marketing engine to drive full-funnel growth for PE-backed and privately held mid-market companies. The platform is enhanced by specialized modules including AI Search Optimization (launched July 2025 for AI-driven search visibility), Holistic Search (integrated SEO/AI Search approach), and B2B Accelerate (national broadcast and multi-channel strategies launched June 2025). The agency serves specific verticals including Manufacturing, Packaging, Plastics, Cleantech & Sustainability, Logistics, and Professional Services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Branding & Strategy B2B brand development and positioning services including discovery, brand development, brand integration strategy, website establishment, and brand launch, helping companies differentiate, build trust, and elevate value perceptions.
• PR & Strategic Communications Public relations and strategic communications services including media relations, executive visibility, thought leadership positioning, and proactive media relations, building credibility through trusted media partnerships and third-party validation.
• Visual Storytelling Creative marketing services including design, video production, motion graphics, 2D and 3D animations, virtual facility tours, and compelling content that captures attention and drives action for B2B brands.
• Content Marketing Strategic content creation and distribution including blogs, thought leadership, case studies, executive bylines, white papers, explainer videos, brand videos, and animations to fuel sales outreach and differentiate brands in crowded markets.
• Sales Acceleration Growth marketing and sales enablement services that align sales and marketing, generate qualified leads, and provide tools for faster deal closure, including audience targeting, sales enablement tools, event activation, and virtual engagement.
• Digital Marketing Programs Full-service digital marketing including paid search, display advertising, paid social, SEO, marketing automation, and analytics, harnessing data and automation to drive visibility, demand, and conversions.
• Website Design & Development B2B website development services building strategic digital assets that establish credibility, generate leads, and support the full buyer journey, including WordPress CMS implementation, SEO optimization, and AI search readiness.
• Social Media B2B social media marketing including organic content strategy and paid social advertising on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, building credibility and driving business growth through engagement with decision-makers.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) SEO services transforming organic search visibility into measurable business growth, including technical SEO infrastructure, keyword strategy, content optimization, and ongoing tracking for sustainable lead generation.
• AI Search Optimization Service launched July 2025 to help B2B companies optimize for AI-driven search experiences, ensuring expertise appears accurately in AI-generated answers across ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Bing Copilot. Includes AI audit, technical accessibility, AI-response structure, and content optimization.
• B2B Accelerate National broadcast and multi-channel marketing program launched June 2025, delivering scalable brand awareness and marketing efficiencies for PE-backed and mid-market B2B companies seeking national visibility and trust building.

Quantifiable outcome

• 165% organic visibility growth, 72% increase in website traffic, 116% organic lead increase
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

AI capability3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• BrandStarflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Trefoil Group merged with BrandStar, a Florida-based marketing firm. This strategic merger strengthens Trefoil's M&A niche with expanded capabilities for B2B and PE client base. The combined entity operates under the Trefoil name as a BrandStar Company.
• SharpSpringcoreTechnology or IntegrationSharpSpring Silver Certified Agency Partner. SharpSpring is a leading provider of marketing automation solutions that enables companies to align sales and marketing. Trefoil leverages SharpSpring's platform for client marketing automation programs.
• Google (Analytics, Tag Manager, Ads)coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology integration partner for analytics, tag management, and paid advertising. Trefoil has Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Google Tag Manager certifications and expertise.
• Meta (Facebook, Instagram)coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology integration partner for paid social advertising across Facebook and Instagram platforms.
• LinkedIncoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary B2B social platform for LinkedIn advertising and organic engagement. Trefoil has LinkedIn Ads expertise and certifications.
• SalesforcecoreTechnology or IntegrationCRM integration partner for marketing automation and sales alignment programs.
• HubSpotcoreTechnology or IntegrationMarketing automation platform partner. Trefoil has HubSpot certifications and expertise for inbound marketing and automation programs.
• SEMRUSHcoreTechnology or IntegrationSEO platform partner for keyword research, competitive analysis, and search optimization. Core tool for Trefoil's SEO programs.
• WordPresscoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary CMS platform for website development and content management. Trefoil implements WordPress CMS for client websites.
• Women in Manufacturing (WiM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association membership supporting women in the manufacturing sector. Trefoil is a proud member demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion in manufacturing.
• Plastics NewscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry media partnership. Trefoil has strong relationships with Plastics News and has hosted Ask the Expert Marketing Series. Active participation in plastics industry media and events.
• Plastics Technology MagazineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry trade media partnership for thought leadership and PR opportunities in plastics and manufacturing.
• NPE (The Plastics Show)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor plastics industry trade show partnership. Trefoil actively participates in leading plastics and manufacturing trade shows and events.
• MD&M WestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical design and manufacturing trade show partnership for healthcare manufacturing and medical device industry presence.
• PTXPOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlastics Technology Expo partnership for plastics machinery and manufacturing industry trade show presence.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Dentsu Creative: Global advertising and marketing network offering branding, PR, digital, and content services across B2B and B2C. Comparable at the service-line level but operates at vastly larger scale and broader scope than Trefoil's mid-market niche.

Direct peers

• SHIFT Communications: Boston-based B2B communications agency providing PR, content, social media, and digital marketing for technology and industrial brands. Closely aligned with Trefoil's integrated B2B service offering and mid-market positioning.
• Inkhouse: B2B PR and integrated marketing agency serving technology, healthcare, and industrial clients. Comparable in service breadth (PR, content, digital) and mid-to-large enterprise client profile.
• Matter Communications: B2B PR, social media, and creative agency serving technology and consumer clients with integrated communications programs. Comparable integrated service model and mid-market client mix.
• TopRank Marketing: B2B digital marketing agency specializing in content marketing, SEO, and demand generation for technology and industrial brands. Comparable in digital-first integrated offerings and SEO/AI visibility positioning.
• Interprose: B2B PR and marketing agency focused on technology, industrial, and healthcare clients. Comparable in integrated B2B communications offering and vertical specialization similar to Trefoil's plastics/manufacturing focus.
• Walker Sands: Chicago-based B2B marketing agency offering PR, demand generation, content, and branding services to mid-market and PE-backed technology and industrial companies. Highly comparable to Trefoil in service mix, vertical orientation, and PE focus.
• Racepoint Global: B2B tech and industrial marketing agency providing PR, content, digital, and brand strategy. Comparable integrated B2B service model and emphasis on technology-driven verticals.
• 5W Public Relations: Full-service PR and integrated marketing agency with a strong B2B and consumer tech practice. Comparable in offering integrated communications, digital, and content services to mid-market clients.
• PAN Communications: B2B tech and industrial PR and integrated marketing agency serving mid-market and enterprise clients. Comparable to Trefoil across PR, content, and digital services targeting complex B2B buyers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TrefoilGroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/trefoilgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/trefoil-group
• Xx.com/trefoilgroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Trefoil Group