Elite Spree at Madwell: $17.5M Jet, $1M Bash, and Alleged Adderall Use for Business Links
On a snowy December night in 2022, the staff of Madwell – a snazzy indie ad agency based in Brooklyn – donned their radiesthetic finest for a 'Y2K prom' shindig. This revelry took place at a swanky rooftop bar, with cocktails, canapés, and a playlist of pop hits from the early twenty-first century serenading the crowd as they mingled.
In the small hours, co-founders Chris Sojka and David Eisenman, who established Madwell back in 2010, raised glasses in a toast to their employees. Sojka, sporting a flamboyant purple suit and top hat, extolled the team's efforts throughout the year and expressed pride in their accomplishments.
Speed-reading through the agency's history, it's well-known for its groundbreaking advertising strategies, boasting an impressive client roster. The 'Y2K prom' party, however, was a moment departure from the usual business hustle – a chance for Madwell's employees to unwind and revel in their creative flair.
But beneath the sequins and champagne, Madwell's tale isn't merely one of glitz and glamour. Financial mismanagement and leadership challenges have emerged in recent years, casting a shadow over the agency's colorful past. Inconsistent payment practices and extravagant expenses – including a $17.5 million private jet purchase and a $1 million launch party – have plagued the agency, with Chris Sojka's leadership under scrutiny [1][2].
Fast forward to early 2025, and Madwell's financial management and leadership issues have been a subject of ongoing scrutiny [4]. Despite the past accolades and creative successes [5], the agency's recent turmoil has become a salient part of its narrative.
Yet, even amidst the controversies, Madwell remains a vibrant player in the advertising world – a testament to the resilience of creatives and the enduring allure of Y2K fashion.
David Eisenman, co-founder of Madwell and an industry veteran since the agency's inception in 2010, took to social media to address the ongoing financial management and leadership challenges the agency has faced since Y2K. He acknowledged the extravagant expenses, such as the $17.5 million private jet purchase and the $1 million launch party, and highlighted the need for transparency and fiscally responsible practices moving forward. In an effort to keep up with the ever-evolving advertising landscape, Eisenman also announced the development of Madwell 2.0, a new venture aimed at revolutionizing social-media advertising for the entertainment sector by combining the nostalgic flair of Y2K with cutting-edge technology.
