1981
MAI is founded as Merchandising Alternatives, Inc. to serve a small group of clients who cater to the commercial A&D community. The agency specialized in structural merchandising design and production.

1985
As the MAI client roster grew, so did the diversity of services the agency offered. Merchandising became just one of MAI's many capabilities and the company name officially changed to Marketing Alternatives, Inc.

1987
MAI launches a breakthrough "store-with-a-store" merchandising concept and complementary retail marketing support program for a major client that ultimately boosts participating retailer sales by an average of 40%, and results in renewed commitment and loyalty for the notable Karastan brand.

1990
MAI goes to work for Mannington Mills. The agency's charter is to catapult the flooring giant into the commercial arena and quickly establish the Mannington Commercial brand as a legitimate commercial flooring brand. Within three years, Mannington Commercial is a firmly established player in the commercial flooring market.

1991
McKee Advertising is acquired, a full-service agency specializing in home decorative products and an ideal complement to the existing MAI structure. In addition to new staff members and clients, the agency also adds public relations to its service offering.

1992
MAI is approached by Florida Tile, a leading domestic manufacturer of ceramic tile, to develop, design and implement a retail dealer marketing program that includes everything from merchandising through the sell-in support materials. The program is conceived, produced and implemented in just under nine months.

1995
Wilsonart Flooring names MAI its agency-of-record. The account win is the result of MAI's long-standing relationship with Wilsonart International and a creative pitch that convinces Wilsonart management that MAI is much more than a reliable merchandising partner.

1996
The MAI Response Management and Integrated Fulfillment Groups are born out of the need to support clients' needs in ever expanding areas. The two new company divisions open their doors with three charter clients, six staff members and a vision for the future. Within a year, both clients and staff have nearly tripled and the vision is coming into focus.

1997
Wilsonart Flooring takes the #2 position as a laminate flooring manufacturer. The retail dealer database, which is managed by MAI RMG, hits the 10,000 mark. Consumer campaigns are generating more than 200 calls per day and leads are processed and fulfilled within 24 hours.

1998
MAI RMG embarks on an aggressive goal to revamp its software application. The new proprietary system is a real-time, Web-based application with an astounding range of flexibility and built-in efficiencies.

1999
Home center giant Lowe's requests MAI RMG's assistance in developing, implementing and managing an 800# appliance repair program. This service-dispatch initiative was rolled out nationwide over a 12-week period and included follow-up outbound calls to consumers to ensure customer needs had been met appropriately. Daily call volumes peaked at nearly 800 calls per day.

2000
Superior Coffee (a division of Sara Lee Coffee & Tea) approaches MAI RMG with an opportunity to manage service-dispatch operations. The second largest coffee company in North America is looking to streamline equipment service, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction – objectives MAI RMG is able to help them meet.

2001
MAI's Response Management Group completes the build-out of a state-of-the-art 200+ station call center in Taylorville, Illinois. Simultaneously, the Integrated Fulfillment Group's facilities move to a new location in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The two groups – along with MAI's corporate offices – stay closely connected via the latest technology.

2002
MAI's Communication Group unveils a refreshed corporate identity in its new collateral materials. Later in the year, the corporate headquarters is relocated from Arlington Heights to a new facility in Deer Park, Illinois.