Building on four years of creative innovation, Inspire’s in-house agency Maverick Studios is closing out 2025 as the In-House Agency Forum (iHAF) 2025 In-House Agency of the Year. One of iHAF’s premier award categories, Agency of the Year is a competitive title that evaluates an agency’s fresh thinking, strategic approach, and business impact.
“This is an incredible moment for the Maverick team; a true testament to our evolution as a full-service agency,” says Inspire’s Vice President and Managing Director of Maverick Studios Chris Phillips. “I could not be prouder of what we’ve accomplished – and we’re just getting started.”
Founded in 2021, Maverick Studios is named for one of Inspire’s Behaviors: Maverick, or doing what has never been done before. Today, it is the signature in-house creative agency that delivers delicious content at an extraordinary scale to our iconic brands, uniting strategy, production, and innovation with an enterprise mindset. The agency’s full suite of creative capabilities includes Campaign Strategy, Field Marketing, Workflow & Digital Asset Management, XR Studio Production, Storyboarding & Scripting, and more. It all comes together in the new Content Kitchen: a state-of-the-art studio featuring 4000 sq ft XR volume, a 1000 sq ft sound stage, and a motion-control robot named Goose.
“You never know what you’ll create next. Whether approving graphics for our latest campaign, directing a globally-based spot at the XR Studio, or shooting the next merch drop – we’re dreaming it up and doing it right here in-house,” says Maverick Studios Head of Production Lauren Breen.
Maverick Studios uses XR Virtual Production cutting-edge technology to lessen costs without compromising on the maximization of production quality and impact. Maverick Studios uses XR Virtual Production cutting-edge technology to lessen costs without compromising on the maximization of production quality and impact. Maverick Studios uses XR Virtual Production cutting-edge technology to lessen costs without compromising on the maximization of production quality and impact. Maverick Studios uses XR Virtual Production cutting-edge technology to lessen costs without compromising on the maximization of production quality and impact.
Working in lock step with marketing teams, Maverick brings our brand visions to life 70% faster and at up to 81% lower cost than external agencies, amplifying the impact of creative on our business. In 2024 alone, Maverick created more than 19,000 deliverables from 3,500 assets – and that volume of award-winning work only continues to grow. In addition to In-House Agency of the Year, Maverick Studios also received the 2025 iHAF awards for Direct Mail, Social Media Animated Graphics, Creative Copywriting, Digital Marketing Emails, and Point of Sale.
“Our focus on data-driven results pushes us to grow with every project, taking our creativity to the next level in everything we do,” says Chris. “It’s been incredible to build Maverick and transform the support Inspire can offer to our team members, restaurants, and franchisees.”
Interested in a career at Maverick Studios? Find your seat at the table at Inspire’s career website.
