On a rainy Valentine’s Day in 2002, Adam threw caution to the wind, knocked on a foggy car window in a Tim Hortons parking lot, and handed a single rose to a stranger. He had no idea that this spontaneous act of courage would introduce him to his best friend, future wife, mother of his children, and business partner, Jessica.
But before LipService, their thriving digital marketing agency became a reality, Adam Tuerlings and Jessica Holmes’ journey was far from straightforward.
Early Ambitions and Unexpected Detours
Initially, LipService was Adam’s solo venture, born from a need to legitimize his experiential marketing contracts. Adam created unforgettable events for major brands like Disney, LG, and Trojan. Picture him driving a branded 30-foot trailer across Ontario, setting up eye-catching events and leading teams of marketers. Jessica was on maternity leave and just returned to her full-time job before the storm hit.
Her first day back in the office was the day the world shut down, cancelling Adam’s event contracts overnight and leaving Jessica, fresh off maternity leave, jobless without qualifying for government assistance. The timing was brutal. With two small children, they faced uncertainty head-on.
Fields, Focus, and a Fresh Perspective
With finances tight and opportunities scarce, their neighbour—a compassionate farmer—stepped in, offering Adam a temporary lifeline: a job driving a tractor. During these long, reflective days, Adam turned to audiobooks to keep his mind sharp while Jessica was in full-time parent mode. She dove into new certifications, refining her skills in social media, UX, Google Analytics, and web development. They pondered their future, unsure but determined.
After those three months, Adam returned to juggling LipService, had a few event gigs pop up, and took on various odd jobs, including working as a bike mechanic due to his passion for cycling. In August 2023, Adam took a leap of faith, quitting his comfortable side job to fully commit to LipService, even before their next big client was secured. While building the business, the plan was to be a part-time server until they had enough clients to be financially stable.
But life had another unexpected twist.
The Life-Altering Accident
Just days later, Adam experienced a life-threatening cycling accident, breaking six ribs and puncturing a lung. A simple sneeze afterward deflated his second lung, nearly ending his life. Immobilized for months, Adam faced a stark choice: wallow or rebuild.
The accident coincidentally occurred just weeks before Adam began the Further Faster business accelerator. Confined to a chair and fueled by sheer determination, Adam immersed himself in the program. This enforced pause turned the crisis into clarity, giving Adam the time and focus to redefine LipService’s core values, strategic direction, and business plan. Jessica joined him, and together, they emerged with a clear mission and newfound determination.
Building a Business—and a Life
Adam’s injury, though devastating, allowed space for clarity and creativity. LipService transitioned fully into a digital marketing powerhouse, securing clients such as the Institute of South Georgian Bay and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Their business flourished, eventually necessitating hiring contractors to manage the growth.
Learning how to work together as life and business partners was an ongoing challenge. They set clear boundaries and learned to communicate openly, regularly reminding themselves why they fell in love and started this journey together. “Never stop working on yourself,” they emphasized. The couple made mental wellness a priority, ensuring monthly adventures—whether simple date nights or off-grid escapes—to reconnect and recharge.
Jessica found her sweet spot creating unforgettable client experiences. Nothing energized her more than a client saying, “How did you get in my brain?? This is exactly what I envisioned!” Adam thrived behind the scenes, managing operations and systems that allowed LipService to scale without compromising quality.
Their proudest moment? Watching clients’ web traffic double shortly after launching new sites—tangible proof of their impact.
A Future Built on Passion and Partnership
Adam and Jessica continue to evolve LipService, now operating under their parent company, Kindly Vibrant Ltd., named thoughtfully after a children’s book about their two girls, Kendra and Veronica. Their focus remains on building a sustainable legacy, aligning with clients who share their values, and intentionally balancing business growth with personal fulfillment.
While the elusive "work-life balance" might be a myth, Jessica and Adam found a rhythm—a fluid dynamic of business, family, and personal growth.
Every month, they plan new experiences—sometimes as a family, sometimes just as a couple—to ensure their personal lives remain vibrant alongside the demands of entrepreneurship.
From a chance encounter at Tim Hortons to overcoming life's toughest challenges together, Adam and Jessica’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of partnership.
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