Patrick Di Chiro, a former director at Ketchum and chief communications officer for E*TRADE Group, has launched THUNDER FACTORY, an integrated marketing firm based in San Mateo, California. The firm will handle PR, marketing, branding, and advertising. Clients include Prudential, Visa International, and Loyola Marymount University.

1730 S. Amphlett Blvd., #225, 94402, 650/286-7353. www.thunderfactory.com