--- title: 2024 in Review and What to Expect in 2025 description: "Review of 2024 & insights for 2025: Stability returns, tech advances, & traditional marketing resurges. thrive. Explore key strategies for growth." image: https://www.growwithcreativate.com/hubfs/Empty%20asphalt%20road%20and%20sun%20rising%20at%20skyline%20-%20smaller.jpg --- [![Creativate Logo 2025\_72 dpi](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Creativate%20Logo%202025_72%20dpi.png?width=150&height=97&name=Creativate%20Logo%202025_72%20dpi.png "Creativate Logo 2025_72 dpi")](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/) - [Who We Are](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/who-we-are) - [What We Do](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/what-we-do) - Industries We Serve - [Auction](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/auction) - [Roofing](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/roofing-contractor-marketing) - [Manufacturing](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/manufacturing) - [News & Insights](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog) - [Resource Library](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/resource-library) - [Let’s Connect](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/lets-connect) #### 3 min # 2024 in Review and What to Expect in 2025 on December 9, 2024 By [Michelle Miller](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/author/michelle-miller) - [thought leadership](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/tag/thought-leadership) - [planning](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/tag/planning) As we close the chapter on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, it's clear that this year offered a sense of "normalcy" the industrial sectors have been missing since the pandemic. Reflecting on the trends, challenges, and successes of 2024 gives us valuable insights as manufacturers, building materials suppliers, and small business owners prepare for what’s on the horizon. #### A Look Back at 2024 For many in the building materials and manufacturing industries, 2024 was a year of stability. Here's a recap of some key highlights from the past year:   ##### **Steady Sales with Few Disruptions** After years of pandemic-related turbulence, this year felt refreshingly consistent. While some businesses saw flat sales or slight increases, the overall sense was that we were operating in a more predictable climate. Supply chain issues, once a major headache, largely disappeared, and materials acquisition rarely stalled projects—a welcome relief for many clients. We’re seeing many clients have a stronger backup plan for supply chain breaks, especially now post-election and in anticipation of harsher tariffs.   ##### **Cautious Optimism Before the Election** The most recent election undoubtedly brought some hesitation to the business landscape in the earlier part of the year. Economic uncertainty often tempers decision-making, and we observed this effect as clients approached 2024 with measured caution. While merger and acquisition activity remained steady, other areas, like significant capital investments, seemed to pause until the electoral dust settled. ##### **A Return to Normal** One sentiment we kept hearing throughout the year was how 2024 felt like “business as usual” for the first time in years. The absence of supply chain chaos and other pandemic-era disruptions allowed companies to focus their energy on improving efficiencies, stabilizing operations, and implementing long-term growth strategies.   #### What Lies Ahead in 2025? After a year of stability, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of growth and excitement. Positive signals in the final months of 2024 give us reason to feel optimistic about the future.   ##### **Economic Momentum Post-Election** Elections have a way of causing businesses to tread carefully, but now that the uncertainty is behind us, we've seen confidence return to the marketplace. The contracts and capital investments approved in the final two months of 2024 are strong indicators that 2025 will bring accelerated growth for manufacturers and building materials suppliers. Many clients are forecasting significant sales increases in the coming year, which speaks to the optimism surrounding consumer confidence and small business policies.   ##### **The Growing Role of Technology** From a marketing and operations standpoint, technology continues to play an integral role in driving efficiencies. Specifically, we're seeing artificial intelligence (AI) integrate into more daily activities across industries. Whether it’s improving data management or streamlining workflows, AI and other tech investments are helping manufacturers and suppliers operate with greater precision and scalability. For 2025, it’s clear that businesses planning to grow will also need to prioritize oversight and organization of their data. Harnessing technology for these purposes will be critical to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-driven market.   ##### **A Return to Traditional Marketing** Interestingly, amidst the excitement for all things digital, we're witnessing a renewed interest in traditional marketing tactics such as physical mailers and trade shows. This shift reflects a broader craving for human connection—perhaps a lingering effect of post-pandemic social isolation, or simply a desire to balance digital advancements with genuine, face-to-face interactions. For manufacturers and building material companies, this indicates that customers are eager to experience products and personal connections in ways that digital alone cannot replicate. Trade shows and print promotions are expected to see a surge in attention as businesses use a hybrid approach to connect with their audience more effectively.   ##### **A Positive Outlook for Small Businesses** From a policy perspective, we're heading into a favorable environment for small businesses in 2025. Renewed investment, consumer optimism, and less uncertainty open doors for smaller players to make bold decisions and capture market share. There’s never been a better time to leverage smart strategy, targeted marketing, and technology to fuel sustained growth.   #### **Key Takeaways for 2025 Success** For those in manufacturing, building materials, and small business ownership, the coming year presents opportunities to innovate and lead. Here are a few considerations to ensure 2025 is a year to remember: **1. Invest in Technology** AI and data-driven tools are no longer optional. Leverage these innovations to make better decisions, optimize operations, and stay ahead of the competition. But take the time to thoroughly vet who you will be partnering with, as the deeper we get into these platforms, the more interwoved and deeply connected our businesses are to the tech stack we select now. **2. Don’t Overlook Traditional Marketing** From mailers to trade shows, the basics are making a comeback. Find ways to balance digital and traditional methods to amplify your marketing impact. **3. Prepare for Rising Demand** With more businesses forecasting growth in 2025, be ready for an uptick in demand. Strengthen your supply chains and ensure your processes can handle increased activity. **4. Foster Human Connection** Whether it’s through personal customer interactions, in-person events, or enhanced customer service, building authentic relationships will be key to driving long-term loyalty.   #### **Closing Thoughts** Looking back, 2024 may not have been the most groundbreaking year, but it brought our industries a much-needed chance to recalibrate. And with this new foundation, 2025 promises excitement, growth, and greater opportunities. Again, this is simply what I’ve seen over the last year and the conversations I’ve had from where I’m sitting. Now is the time to focus on leveraging technology, forging strong connections, and exploring creative marketing strategies to stay ahead in evolving markets. On a personal note, one big highlight for Creativate was becoming a certified, woman-owned business status. I’m proud of the work we do and the opportunities we have to support our clients and our industries. I wake up every day grateful to work with so many incredible, genuinely wonderful people. I don’t take it lightly. If you’re a client, thank you for allowing our team to serve you. Here’s to a prosperous 2025—may it bring meaningful growth, innovation, and success to your business. Let's make it a year to remember! Cheers, ![Michelle\_typed signature-adj ht](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Michelle_typed%20signature-adj%20ht.png?width=200&height=68&name=Michelle_typed%20signature-adj%20ht.png)   - - - [mailto:info@example.com?&subject=2024%20in%20Review%20and%20What%20to%20Expect%20in%202025&cc=&bcc=&body=](mailto:info@example.com?&subject=2024%20in%20Review%20and%20What%20to%20Expect%20in%202025&cc=&bcc=&body=) - - ## Related posts - [HubSpot](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/tag/hubspot) ##### [HubSpot UNBOUND 2026: Context, AEO, and Staying Human With AI](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/unbound-recap) October 14, 2026 4 min Your AI Is Only as Smart as What You Tell It Something I see over and over: companies want AI to "do more," but their CRM is full of half-logged calls and outdated contacts. So it made complete sense to me that HubSpot built almost every announcement around something it calls growth context. [Explore the Insights](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/unbound-recap) - [thought leadership](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/tag/thought-leadership) ##### [Building Sustainable Strategies with Targeted Account Marketing](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/targeted-account-marketing) March 5, 2026 1 min 3 Pillars of a Human-Centered TAM Strategy To stand out, your strategy must be authentic. We focus on three foundational shifts that move the needle for growing organizations: [Explore the Insights](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/targeted-account-marketing) - [planning](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/tag/planning) ##### [5 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Marketing Partner](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/questions-before-marketing-partner) March 3, 2026 3 min 1\. What do you know about my business, industry, and target audience? Strong partners are committed to discovery. Rather than settling for a "one-size-fits-all" approach, a thoughtful marketing partner takes the time to learn your specific industry as the essential foundation of the partnership. Look for a team that prioritizes comprehens... [Explore the Insights](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/questions-before-marketing-partner) ## Subscribe for Updates [![Creativate White Logo 2025\_72 dpi](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Creativate%20White%20Logo%202025_72%20dpi.png?width=150&height=97&name=Creativate%20White%20Logo%202025_72%20dpi.png "Creativate White Logo 2025_72 dpi")](https://growwithcreativate.com/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/growwithcreativate/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Growwithcreativate) [Who We Are](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/who-we-are) [What We Do](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/what-we-do) [News & Insights](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog) [Resource Library](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-downloadable-resource-library) [Let’s Connect](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/lets-connect) [Michelle Speaks](https://www.michelle-speaks.com/) Contact Us [(330) 439-0942](tel:(330)%20439-0942) [info@growwithcreativate.com](mailto:info@growwithcreativate.com) Copyright © 2026 Creativate. All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/privacy-policy) | [Responsible AI Usage Policy](https://www.growwithcreativate.com/responsible-ai-usage-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Michelle Miller", "url" : "https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/author/michelle-miller" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-15T20:07:59.606Z", "datePublished" : "2024-12-09T13:05:19.000Z", "headline" : "2024 in Review and What to Expect in 2025", "image" : [ "https://www.growwithcreativate.com/hubfs/Empty%20asphalt%20road%20and%20sun%20rising%20at%20skyline%20-%20smaller.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.growwithcreativate.com/creativate-blog/2024-in-review-and-what-to-expect-in-2025", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.growwithcreativate.com/hubfs/New%20Creativate%20Logo.png" }, "name" : "Creativate" } } ```