On this day 4 years ago, we lost a man very close to all of us here at Innova: founder, creative director, vice president and teammate Steve Cohen.

Without Steve, we wouldn't even be here today. Innova Ideas & Services was originally, well, his idea. It was one of his greatest acts of persuasion - convincing the owner of a printing company to open a fledgling ad agency 12 years ago - but it worked. And he continued to bring this incredible ability into every client meeting and brainstorm session for many years to follow.

Steve was a man whose mind never stopped, although you could always tell where he had stopped. Coffee cups, keys, BlackBerry, all would all be left around the building at random locations (often the bathroom). You couldn't blame him, though. Who has time for keeping track of these "things" when the next big idea could be right around the corner?!

Steve was insatiable for knowledge and an indomitable creative spirit. He learned Japanese for one of our first international clients. He'd break into "Jesus Christ Superstar" on business trips (which is even funnier knowing he grew up in Jewish household). He was a non-stop hobbyist who took frequent flights of fancy and you were thankful when he invited you to follow along.

Although Steve was Innova's founder, he was actually much more than that. He was a dear friend, larger than life personality, an industry advocate, our daily inspiration and a father figure to many of us who were just getting started.

He'd challenge you. He'd cajole you. He'd get the best work out of you, by whatever means possible. And when he approved of something you did, it meant more than any award you could earn in this industry.

We carry his torch with us today, helping causes that were close to his heart. An insatiable reader, we named our resource library after him. Passionate for helping people, we stage a food drive every year at this time in his honor. Always "on" creatively, we continue to seek out the kind of fresh, original ideas that would make Steve proud.

Sadly, the only thing that could stop him is also the same thing that took him from all of us. On Nov. 16, 2006, Steve Cohen passed away suddenly in his country home.

We would say you're probably still breaking barriers or breaking into song, wherever you are Steve - but we know you're still here at Innova, as well as with your family, friends and probably everyone you ever encountered.

Thanks for all that you gave us.