Bear Icebox Communications

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the U.S. marketing director for a company that sells all-in-one home brewing devices in the UK and the US.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bear Icebox Communications?

We needed to gain awareness in the US market since our company started in the UK and launched in the US about a year ago.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We kicked off the project with an initial conversation about who we wanted to reach and where we wanted to be. We discussed the strategy since our audience is very specific. We target people who not just love beer but want to make it. Bear Icebox Communications was responsible for reaching out to news media. The team supported us with announcements for our different beer launches. 

For example, we had a launch with a brewery in North Carolina, and Bear Icebox Communications focused on reaching out to the local press. During the sprint, we also celebrated one year in the US, which was national news. Bear Icebox Communications also helped us get into some niche gift guides.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three teammates from Bear Icebox Communications, including one of the founders, Bob, and two other executives responsible for the day-to-day tasks.

How did you come to work with Bear Icebox Communications?

We were linked with them via a brand marketing agency.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from September–November 2024. We signed up for a 90-day sprint project with Bear Icebox; however, we're figuring out if we can do another project with them next year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The coverage report delivered by Bear Icebox Communications showed that we had 13 pieces of coverage. The combined total of publications' wide audience figures for all outlets featuring coverage were 1.63 million estimated views and 127 million audience members. The total likes, comments, and shares on social media platforms were 64 engagements, and the average domain authority was 57.

How did Bear Icebox Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

The team's communication and ability to be on time were great. Bear Icebox Communications was a super responsive, friendly, and smart team. We did a lot of work via email to coordinate things. We also had Google Meet calls every two weeks since I was in Orlando and Bear Icebox Communications was in Chicago. The team cared about learning about our brand and evolving their process as they learned more about it.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Bear Icebox Communications' team was really accommodating and easy to get along with. Additionally, they happened to have a lot of beer background, which was great because they had real knowledge and interest in beer.

The project originally was going to be mainly about a 90-day sprint to promote our brand campaign, but we ended up postponing that part of the project with the brand agency. We shifted our approach, and Bear Icebox Communications helped us pivot to a general day-to-day PR agency, and they did well with that shift.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything to say about that. Bear Icebox Communications did an excellent job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Provide as much information as you can upfront because Bear Icebox Communications thrives on delivering what the customer wants. If you have clear goals and targets, they’ll thrive.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing director at FranDevCo. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bear Icebox Communications?

We hired Bear Icebox Communications to be our PR agency. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had an introductory call with Bear Icebox Communications to help them understand where we were and where we wanted to go. They had a survey that I filled out; it had lengthy and in-depth questions about our goals — it dug deep into the ethos of what we wanted to do with them as a partner. 

Once I filled out the survey, we scheduled a call and reviewed each question in detail. We talked about different ideas and had a brainstorming session. After that meeting, we started scheduling regular calls to go over the strategy. Once we approved the strategy, we kicked off the PR process.

So far, they’ve worked on securing PR opportunities for us and offering new ideas to get us placements for our brands. They’ve also created press releases on our behalf. 

What is the team composition?

Apart from the owner, we’ve also worked with James (Account Manager & Media Specialist) and another teammate.

How did you come to work with Bear Icebox Communications?

They were referred by a couple of people in our industry. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement started in January 2024, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Bear Icebox Communications has done a great job. For one, around 148 outlets have picked up one of our press releases within 24 hours of its release. We’ve gained over 1,500 release views and 111 click-throughs. Overall, the team has exceeded our expectations. 

How did Bear Icebox Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They deliver on time and budget and communicate well with me. To communicate, we use phone calls, emails, and Google Documents. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

James has been an amazing partner to us. He’s been incredible in communicating with our team and helpful in finding and bringing new opportunities to us in a truly timely manner. Overall, working with him has been a pleasure.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The Bear Icebox Communications team is great at communicating opportunities in a way that’s easy to understand and execute. They also share why such opportunities are great for our brand and company. Overall, they’ve been a great partner to us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust Bear Icebox Communications’ expertise, and take your time filling out the questionnaire they give in the beginning. This helps them know your goals and what your brand wants to achieve. If you can share such goals with them, they can execute tasks perfectly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a coordinator for Newcastle Systems. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bear Icebox Communications?

We’ve hired Bear Icebox Communications for PR. We were working with another PR company that we weren’t satisfied with, so we decided to bring them in. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team has been responsible for tasks such as media outreach, getting articles placed in trade publications, and writing and publishing industry reports. Since beginning our engagement with Bear Icebox Communications, we have expanded their role, and they are providing more coverage in the media space. They are also assisting us with a survey to understand what makes warehouse workers happy. 

What is the team composition?

We work with Katie (Senior Account Manager), Bob (President), and James (Account Manager & Media Specialist). 

How did you come to work with Bear Icebox Communications?

Bear Icebox Communications was a referral. We were looking for a PR company familiar with the warehousing space, and they came highly recommended. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent more than $10,000 with Bear Icebox Communications. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2023, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We started with an initial contract that was six months long and were satisfied with their services, so we decided to continue our engagement. We look forward to expanding our partnership with them. 

It’s difficult to give concrete numbers, but since beginning our work with Bear Icebox Communications, we’ve seen around a 60% increase in article coverage. We’ve also had a 20% increase in social media engagement in the last year and seen improvements in our website traffic. Their work has exceeded our expectations; their team is proactive, and we collaborate effectively. 

How did Bear Icebox Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

Bear Icebox Communications delivers on time and within budget. We communicate via email and Google Meet. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have been really good about listening to what we need and what we want to get out of our partnership. Their whole team has been extremely impressive and done a great job. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

It’s very small, but sometimes their articles aren’t always grammatically correct. This is extremely nitpicky, though. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Keep the lines of communication open and set clear expectations of what you’re looking for so they can deliver. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the global communication and marketing manager for PlumResearch, a market research company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bear Icebox Communications?

We’re based in Poland and have a product to measure content on streaming platforms. This product is mostly useful in the US, so most of our clients are there. We decided to hire a company in the US market to help us create better visibility, introduce us to media outlets, and organize interviews about our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bear Icebox Communications provides us with PR services in the US. When we started the project, I created a Google Drive folder with information about our company, such as our products and teammate biographies and photos. From there, we conducted an onboarding process where Bear Icebox Communications read the content we provided. Then, we had around three calls, including a call with the sales team to ensure they understood our product. 

Currently, the team helps us build our brand reputation in the US market. Bear Icebox Communications is responsible for media relations, content recommendations, and drafting content for us. They create press releases, articles, and expert comments, among other items. 

At first, the team’s PR strategy was basic because we had no presence in the US media, and the initial goal was to become visible there through quick wins like short interviews with our CEO. After that, we wanted to aim higher. Bear Icebox Communications has facilitated articles in media outlets such as Variety, TheWrap, and The Hollywood Reporter. Recently, we’ve extended our contract with Bear Icebox Communications with a more extensive scope of work. 

What is the team composition?

We work with Katie (Account Manager) and Bob (Director of PR & Content & Co-Owner). Additionally, we worked with a third teammate in the beginning who was in charge of contacting media in LA. 

How did you come to work with Bear Icebox Communications?

Our CEO found a member of a Polish agency on LinkedIn who was connected with Bear Icebox Communications through a group.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $10,000–$50,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March 2023, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Since working with Bear Icebox Communications, we’ve had 282 media mentions, an advertising value equivalent (AVE) of $15 million, and 1.6 billion unique visitors monthly on our media mentions. Moreover, we’ll be able to use these metrics to apply for a contest in Poland. 

How did Bear Icebox Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management has been perfect; everything has been fine in terms of budget and deadline management. When Bear Icebox Communications says they’ll do something, they do it. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

I want to congratulate Bob and Katie because I know how hard it is to build a new brand’s reputation, especially if they’re an offshore company. Additionally, the team has done a great job regarding the cultural fit; the US and Poland are different, and we’ve worked together to find common ground. I also appreciate Bob and Katie’s proactive attitude, creativity, and flexibility, which is crucial when working with a young company like ours. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Bear Icebox Communications’ teammates are excellent copywriters, especially Bob — this is a rare trait. I also appreciate the team’s flexibility. We change our minds internally often and have to adjust our tasks, and Bear Icebox Communications is always flexible with those changes. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing they need to change — I like working with them. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses from the beginning. I also recommend staying in touch with Bear Icebox Communications all the time, especially if you have a time zone difference; we have a 7–8-hour time difference with the team. Additionally, treat Bear Icebox Communications as a partner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Acrelec is a company that provides digital solutions such as self-service kiosks and digital menus to the food service industry to improve customer experience and increase efficiency. As a Vice President of Global Marketing for Acrelec, I have overall responsibility for the company's marketing strategy and execution on a global scale.

This could include developing and implementing marketing plans, overseeing the creation and distribution of marketing materials, managing a team of marketing professionals, and working closely with other departments, such as sales and product development, to ensure that the company's marketing efforts are aligned with its overall business goals.

Additionally, I may also be responsible for managing budgets, analyzing market trends, and developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, such as partners and customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Icebox Communications, and what were your goals?

A French tech company like Acrelec may face a number of challenges as it tries to establish itself and gain market share in the United States. The US market is highly competitive, with many established players already in place, which could make it hard for Acrelec to stand out. Building brand awareness can be a costly and time-consuming process, and finding the right distribution channels and partners in the US can be challenging.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Choosing Bear Ice Box Communications in Chicago as a PR vendor may be a good choice for several reasons:

1. Location: Being located in Chicago, Bear Ice Box Communications may have a good understanding of the local market and media landscape, which can be beneficial in promoting Acrelec's products and services in the United States.
2. Industry expertise: Bear Ice Box Communications may have experience and expertise in the Food industry, which can be beneficial in promoting Acrelec's products and services to the right audiences.
3. Network of contacts: Bear Ice Box Communications has a strong network of contacts in the media and industry, which can be beneficial in getting Acrelec's products and services in front of the right people.
4. Customized approach: Bear Ice Box Communications was be able to provide a customized approach tailored to Acrelec's specific needs and goals, which can be beneficial in achieving success in the US market.
5. Cost-effective: Bear Icebox Communications is able to provide cost-effective services that fit within our budget.
6. Proven track record: Bear Ice Box Communications has a proven track record of success in helping other technology companies to increase brand awareness and gain market share in the US.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

1. Conduct research on Acrelec's target audiences, competitors, and media landscape in the US market.
2. Develop a PR strategy that aligns with Acrelec's goals and target audiences, including identifying key messages, target media outlets, and a timeline for executing the PR campaign.
3. Build relationships with key media outlets and journalists in the US, and pitch Acrelec's products and services to these outlets in order to secure media coverage.
4. Work with Acrelec to create relevant and engaging content such as press releases, bylines, case studies, and other materials to be used in the media campaign.
5. Assist Acrelec in planning and executing events such as product launches, press conferences, and industry events to promote the company's products and services.
6. Develop and execute a social media strategy to increase brand awareness and engagement.
7. Provide regular reports on the progress of the PR campaign, including media coverage and social media metrics, and make recommendations for adjustments as needed.
8. Assist Acrelec to measure the success of the campaign, by analyzing the final deliverables such as increased brand awareness, media coverage in key outlets, and improved relationships with key stakeholders.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

2: Bob and Eden

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

1.  increased brand awareness: The campaign resulted in an increase in awareness of Acrelec and its products and services among target audiences in the US market. This was reflected in metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, and brand mentions in the media.
2. Increased media coverage: The campaign generated an increase in the number and quality of media placements, including articles, interviews, and mentions in relevant publications, blogs, and news outlets.
3. Improved relationships with key stakeholders: The campaign helped to improve relationships with key stakeholders such as media, industry influencers, and potential partners.
4. Increased sales: The campaign led to an increase in sales and revenue as a result of the increased brand awareness and improved relationships with key stakeholders.
5. Increased website traffic: The campaign helped to increase website traffic and engagement which was reflected in metrics such as page views, bounce rate, and time spent on the website.
6. Social media metrics: The campaign helped to increase metrics on social media such as followers, likes, shares, and engagement.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Friendly and professional communication, through Whatsapp, zoom and emails.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their knowledge of the QSR industry

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I own a real estate consulting firm and decided to hire a public relations firm to help with visibility and branding in the marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Icebox Communications, and what were your goals?

We are a small and relatively new company in a traditionally relationship based industry. It's hard to get past gatekeepers and then build relationships, especially in a post-covid & virtual world.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

BearIceBox as recommended to me by a real estate investor.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

They wrote articles, did press releases, managed social media posts, made media relation contacts and introductions, email campaigns, and nominations to industry partners.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked with at least 3 people on their team - there may have been more, but I only interacted with 3 of them, which is a lot in my opinion.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We ranked higher on SEO, received leads from prospects and vendors, and increased our visibility in social networks.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

they overly communicate; we exchanged several emails weekly, had weekly zoom calls. They met their timelines and brought more people into the meetings when necessary.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They communicate with me a lot and they got traction from their press releases when others couldn't. The articles and reports they created generated leads where people would reach out and give us their email to download a copy of the report and we could follow up with them later.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

They were great to work with. The ONLY reason we stopped our engagement was cash flow problems on our business side. It was of no fault of their own.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Founder and CEO of Metamo LLC. Metamo provides modern explorers looking for a more fulfilling way to travel with experiences that are stress-free, profoundly transformative, and rooted in an appreciation for our planet and the people that inhabit it.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Icebox Communications?

We were going through a total rebrand and wanted a company we could trust to help expand our brand nationally, help us build our foundation on social and other forms of media, and be our guide to taking the brand to new heights.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals include a relaunch of our travel brand and bring to life stories of our clients. Increased lead flow is a top priority through consistent customized social, email newsletters, content and some PR. We like to customize as much as possible when establishing goals.

Using a company that plays close attention to our analytics, lead generation and tracking has been important to us so that we are aligned and can make decisions based on the data we’re seeing. Our goals also include PR, social, content for blogs and working with micro influencers. A central goal is tracking the data in our digital ad buys and social ad spend. Having consistent check-in calls has been important to helping us reach out goals.

SOLUTION

How did you select Bear Icebox Communications?

First, we heard of Bear Icebox through word of mouth and they came highly recommended. We asked some tough questions and asked for a proposal which we were impressed by. What they offer us is in alignment with our values, mission and vision of where we are going.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Bear Icebox has done a great job of meeting our needs by blending PR, social media with our digital community. They have helped us develop a forum for thought leadership and brand awareness in the world of travel. They have taken a new brand and helped to developed it to give it serious legs to stand on.

As a high end brand, it is critically important that all the various components are built in harmony to each other to reflect on the brand in the best possible light. Bear Icebox has gotten us in an American Express article on AmEx's website that over fifty million people go to every month.

They got us into the American Chamber of Commerce website and several other publications. Our social reach was non-existent but now we have consistent followers and growth. Our podcast has nearly 1,000 downloads in a relatively short amount of time. Most importantly, they care and always have our back.

What was the team composition?

We have worked with the president directly throughout together with his excellent social media creative and also a data specialist who has helped us grow our leads.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

In only 12 episodes of our podcast, Metamo Travel, we have nearly 1,000 downloads. Our social media presence has grown 1,000 percent. Our leads are 10 times from where we started. Our website traffic is exponential.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Bear Icebox Communications has been very effective in terms of managing workflow between our team and theirs. Weekly meetings have been a critical part of that. I am always able to reach out with questions and Bob and the rest of his team get back to me right away. The work moves forward and I have never felt that I needed to light a fire under anyone - quite the contrary.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I have been blown away by their enthusiasm, passionate engagement, and quality of their work. They are also very trustworthy and honest which is refreshing in this day and age.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I have been impressed with their work throughout and look forward to the great things to come with them. I unequivocally recommend Bear Icebox Communications.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Principal & Co-Founder of Graceada Partners, a commercial real estate investment company with half a billion dollars in assets under management.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Icebox Communications?

We are looking to build a national brand in the area of commercial real estate investing. We wanted to develop authority marketing where people (prospective investors) view us as authorities in our field (commercial real estate investing). This strategy involved media placements in both industry specific publications and broader publications where a placement denoted authority/expertise.

What were your goals for this project?

Placement in industry and broader market publications where a placement denoted authority/expertise.

SOLUTION

How did you select Bear Icebox Communications?

They appeared to be an authority marketing expert and, through interviewing them, seemed to be the kind of small, nimble, and responsive firm we were looking for.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Generate content that would yield media placements. Help us with thought leadership that would place us as experts in our field. Create press releases that would yield additional coverage. Generally grow our media presence (substantially) and with it, increased website visits

What was the team composition?

Worked closely with company principal and other team members as needed

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Substantial media placements including in top-tier media and very well regarded industry-specific publications. In particular, we created thought leadership pieces with their help that created these placements. Far exceeded expectations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely effective

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their dedication to our project continued leadership and results are impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and CEO of No No No, a startup that is building 'a modern-day Better Business Bureau' – a complaint resolution platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Icebox Communications?

Getting media coverage + proof reading documents

What were your goals for this project?

Getting media outlets to write about us

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met Bob through a program that helped European companies to enter the U.S. market. Bob seemed like a nice, down to earth guy who was super easy to interact with and really fast with his responses.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The scope was not too big. The biggest work was going through the copy of our website.

What was the team composition?

I've worked directly with Bob and in some ad hoc projects some of my team members have also reached out to Bob directly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We got an article published in the Retail Touchpoints blog and in a print magazine. We also got access to a couple of other online media outlets and we're still working with those projects. We also got a story published on Grit Daily.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Really fast and effective. I'd recommend them!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I love that the team is really flexible, easy to interact with, and open to receiving brutally honest feedback.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can't honestly think of any.