FAQ

Consider yourself a good fit if you meet all or most of the criteria below. Our ideal client has...

• A significant and measurable business problem that needs to be solved
• Direct participation of all decision-makers throughout the entire engagement
• Ability to profitably invest a minimum of $10,000 (plus implementation costs)
• Understanding that the cost of inaction far outweighs their investment
• Eagerness to listen, learn, and take massive action
• Open-minded, engaged, and highly motivated leadership
• Mutual respect

We typically support US-based companies with 2–100 employees generating between $500K–$10M in annual revenue.

Yes. Some of our clients are startups who would rather get it right from the start than fix things later.

A poor fit for us...

• Does not have a significant problem that is worth investing their time and money to solve
• Disinterested in being challenged on their beliefs, thinking, and actions
• Has uninvolved decision-makers or requires third-party approval
• Looking for a quick fix to their self-diagnosis

It's not our job to convince you of anything. You can decide for yourself if we might be a good fit. Our clients are typically experiencing one or more of the following scenarios:

• Struggling to stand out in a competitive market
• Facing obstacles within their business that are holding their company back from achieving growth and higher profitability
• Craving to build something meaningful for themselves, their community, and the world
• They don't have an in-house marketing team, or do, but are in need of some additional support
• Challenged by scaling their business or implementing a growth plan that actually delivers intended results
• You are an entrepreneur preparing to launch a new business, product, or service
• Facing a change in leadership through merger, acquisition, or geographical expansion

If it seems like we might be a good it, you may apply to work with us.

In most cases, yes. After completing hundreds of successful branding projects, we have discovered that many businesses struggle with a lack of focus. Our proven process delivers clarity to your business, enabling it to shine regardless of the industry.

No. However, brand strategy is essential business strategy. Many elements of a traditional business plan – company overview, mission and vision, customer demographics and psychographics, competitive analysis, unique value proposition, sales and marketing – are covered in our BrandPlan Clarity Workshop.

No. If all you're looking for is a set of hands to create something you like, we will not be a good fit for your project. There are plenty of cheaper options for you to consider. We believe our clients deserve better than subjectivity and speculation.

Our framework is intensive. You will be forced to consider, reconsider, and articulate in ways you have likely never done so before. You are the expert in your field, and we will never know as much about your company as you do. Yet, it is difficult to read the label from inside the bottle. Our goal is to draw out the things that set your company apart and help you see things from a new perspective. Early on, we will ask lot of questions, challenge your assumptions, and speak candidly about what’s working and what isn’t. Throughout an engagement, we will provide our best recommendations, support our reasoning, and share viable alternatives. We do not shy away from difficult conversations, and our delivery is both kind and direct.

Timeliness. Attention. Open-mindedness. Respect. Eagerness to learn and take massive action.

Two half-day sessions are conducted via ZOOM – unless you’re local – Monday through Thursday between 8:00am–4:00pm (EST). We use screen-sharing to complete the exercises together and provide written summary within 2 business days.

A typical engagement is completed over 3-6 weeks. You may visit our Process page for more information.

Yes. Our diagnostic and clarity sessions are the required first step for all new businesses. We believe prescription without diagnosis is malpractice. Diagnose, prescribe, treat. No exceptions.

We accept only two new engagements per month. This limited capacity allows us to slow down, think critically, and focus on your business without distraction. If your application is accepted, you can expect your project to begin within 4-12 weeks, subject to our current availability.

For brand naming, we will provide 2-4 directions led by our recommended solution. For logo design, you will receive a single solution. Our clients hire us for our expertise, not for a variety of options. We aim to remain focused and objective throughout the creative process. To achieve this, we share as few concepts as necessary and guide all conversations and creative decisions through relevant strategy. This ensures that all creative aligns with your business objectives, without being influenced by personal preferences.

No. We don't respond to RFPs. It's our policy that we don't write our proposal without first determining fit with the senior decision-makers. We'd be happy to get you a proposal if it makes sense to do so after determining fit.

Blake Stewart interviews prospective applicants. Aaron Johnson facilitates our diagnostic and clarity workshops. Both share our recommended solutions and offer advisory services.

Absolutely. In fact, our first step is always our BrandPlan Clarity Workshop. Together, we will develop strategies and actionable insights that leverage your unique strengths to guide and grow your business.

No. We require direct participation of decision-makers throughout our entire engagement. Organizational change and buy-in requires clarity from the top down. We believe people make time for the things that are important to them. If your problem is not worth spending a few hours to solve, it is not worth your investment or our time.

No. You have the freedom to work with whomever you choose. While many of our clients prefer total brand management, we deliver the tools you need to launch and grow your business with the vendors of your choice and remain available for ongoing consultation.

You do. Anything else would be unfair. Upon completion, we release the full ownership and exclusive rights of all creative work provided throughout an engagement. However, we reserve the right to display all work created for our own marketing and advertising purposes.