Daniel Monheit & Justin Kabbani

Like many digital agencies, Hard Hat Digital is walking the path from being a web development company towards being a full-service digital-based advertising agency.

"As customers moved online, so too did the focus of marketers, creating a 'once in a generation' opportunity for agencies to lead clients through a brave new world," says co-founder Daniel Monheit.

With traditional advertising agencies struggling to adapt, he and Justin Kabbani jumped at the chance to gain a seat at the table. Hard Hat is also helping clients such as Keen's and Chadstone Shopping Centre jump into social media with campaigns on Twitter and Facebook to drive promotions, in-store activity and conversations with customers. Monheit thanks the GFC for shaping the market that is propelling his company's growth.

"All of a sudden, clients were looking for smarter marketing spends, with more transparency and better accountability - all things that digital does best," Monheit says.