BLVR®

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the president of Baja Bound Insurance.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We were trying to create a new design for our website on both desktop and mobile platforms. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The first phase centered on a full review of the current site we had at the time. During this period, we focused on organization and planning. Based on the entire site map we created, we made wireframes for exemplary pages of the platform. 

After BLVR helped us determine we needed a new logo, we designed one together. They worked on branding for our company between the wireframing and design stages. 

From there, BLVR transitioned into the actual design of the wireframes. They used technologies and software like Photoshop. When they began development, they coded HTML and CCS files. They also programmed custom SAS scripts to customize the bootstrap framework. 

What is the team composition? 

We worked with four people from BLVR. 

How did you come to work with BLVR?

I've known the founder for probably 20 years. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around June 2018. BLVR sent us the final deliverables a few months ago, in January 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Ultimately, BLVR delivered the designs exactly as we hired them to do. By the end of our engagement, we received the exact product we wanted. 

We haven't quite launched yet and have a way to go before we can integrate the deliverable. As a fairly complex application, it requires a lot of work on our end.  

One of our greatest successes was the planning and site mapping we did together. The logo they designed was an excellent reveal for us. They also managed the external service who performed the actual coding very well.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

From a project management standpoint, BLVR was truly fantastic. It was one of the best parts of their service. The frequency depended on the phase of the project, but we typically communicated regularly, at least once a week. 

We were very focused on the mobile part of the site, which took a while for us to see. I'm not sure if we received those mockups, but the site looked great on mobile when we saw the finished product. They assured me of their willingness to improve anything that went wrong with the mobile version.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was very impressed with BLVR's communication and professionalism.  The project management and branding components were outstanding and the design was also quite good. 

The team's organization and preparation stood out to me the most. I could tell they put a lot of thought into the wireframes and branding. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

 No, I actually don't. At the end of the day, the site they produced was really great.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Future clients are in good hands with BLVR. Listen to their advice, because it worked well for us. We had very particular needs for the coding, so we went through a few iterations to get the deliverable we needed. If you do as well, convey the specific requirements in detail. Since we were very clear up front, the team delivered on our specifications.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of operations at First 15. We're a Christian daily devotional. We have an app, a website, and a podcast.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We wanted to improve our creative design and our creative processes, but we lost our in-house designer. We needed a vendor to help us produce creative materials and templates.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we had an exploratory call, where we walked them through our product and what we were looking to accomplish. We discussed our current brand presence, including the creative side and the feel of the brand. Then, they produced a full-length devotional book for us. They were in charge of the whole package, including the cover design and the layout. They completed multiple projects for us, but most of the projects followed the same steps.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Todd (Partner and Digital Art Director, BLVR) and Adam (COO, BLVR).

How did you come to work with BLVR?

We wanted to find a vendor that would understand our brand and our product. BLVR was recommended to us by a marketing firm we were working with. At that time, we were also considering a few other companies. We reviewed the printed materials that BLVR produced and decided that they lined up with our brand, so we chose them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them between October–November 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were very happy with the design of the book, so we came back to BLVR with five or six other projects. We got nothing but compliments from our readers. We even heard success stories about people making significant lifestyle changes after reading our booklet. We attribute this success to both the content and BLVR's design.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked directly with their creative team, so there were no communication barriers. They were very good about not letting anything slip through the cracks. If there were issues, they resolved them quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They immediately understood our brand and were able to create a product that lined up with it. We worked with at least six other design firms in the past, but none of them was able to give us the same quality of work as BLVR did.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It'd be good if we could communicate through a project management tool. That would help us clarify who was responsible for what. But other than that, I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Schedule an exploratory call with them. They'll be honest with you and let you know upfront if they can do the job. They were very good at communicating their understanding of our brand.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the executive pastor at New Life Presbyterian Church in Escondido, California.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We engaged BLVR to design a new logo for our church and help us visually display our five-year plan.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

BLVR conducted a discovery phase to learn more about our church and our congregation. They conducted face-to-face interviews and distributed questionnaires among our leadership and our attendees. Their findings drove the creation of a synthesized summary and ensuing presentation of a new logo idea. We provided feedback, and BLVR made the appropriate revisions before delivering a finalized logo. The BLVR team presented the logo to our congregation and explained how it’s a nod to our past and an appreciation of the individuals who helped our church get to where it is today.

When determining the scope of our five-year plan, we turned over several pages of information that detailed our history and 12 key areas we’re focusing on for the future—chief among them being a home that we’ve purchased with the intent of turning it into a counseling center. We worked with BLVR’s graphic designers to create a pamphlet that starts very small but expands into a larger sheet of paper. As readers open a new layer, they find a different statement that connects to who we are. When readers open the entire piece, it’s a picture of the home in the middle and blurbs about what we’re prioritizing over the coming years.

What is the team composition?

We work with Adam (COO, BLVR), a senior graphic designer, and a junior graphic designer.

How did you come to work with BLVR?

We reviewed the portfolios of several local agencies, but based on BLVR’s quality of work and their price estimates, we determined they were the best fit for us. It was a bonus that they also have a keen understanding of the nonprofit sector.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in March 2018 and remains ongoing. We have several projects in the works with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Before working with BLVR, we were embarrassed to have such an outdated look. We now think that our church communicates something fresh and energetic through the use of colors and brightness that was missing from our past logo. In the past, our church’s older generation resonated more with our logo and collateral almost at the expense of our younger members, but now both sides feel equally represented and excited about our new look. We have something that appeals to the whole congregation.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

We unfortunately experienced a few delays on our side—something not that uncommon considering that we work primarily with volunteers. However, BLVR remained patient and worked around our delays to make sure they still adhered to our timelines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

BLVR offers the ideal combination of skill, professionalism, and understanding of a nonprofit environment. And they provided an excellent price.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only complications we’ve had have been some instances of details getting lost in communication with BLVR’s junior graphic designer that resulted in a few more revisions before reaching the final product. Otherwise, we’ve been quite pleased.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I cannot recommend BLVR highly enough—especially for churches or nonprofits.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO at CAPS Pregnancy Clinics.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We were rebranding our organization and we needed a vendor to help us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

BLVR guided the entire process from the very beginning. We knew we wanted to update our brand, but we had no idea how we wanted it to look. They interviewed us and then, they presented their thoughts and ideas. They ended up completely changing the look of our organization: they did a new logo, helped us choose new colors and images, and redesigned our website. In addition, they did graphics for our fundraising dinners.

What is the team composition?

We mostly worked with their designer.

How did you come to work with BLVR?

We met BLVR through other channels. They had very good reviews, so we chose them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent under $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them in 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our patients love our new look and we're very happy with the results. The brand looks professional and works well for all of our audiences. I believe it has helped us bring in more clientele.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

We had a lot of personal interaction. They did our initial interview in person and we had virtual meetings several times a week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really cared about doing the right thing and took their time to do the research.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. They did a great job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They have a very creative team, so stay open to their ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the office administrator for GroundLevel Landscape Architecture. We are a small to medium sized landscape architectural firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

Our website needed a clearer organizational structure. Our photos lacked uniform sizing and spacing on each page. We engaged BLVR to build a new website and later to refresh our brand identity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Over multiple meetings, BLVR showed us sample designs that we would then give feedback on. We eventually narrowed down the option we enjoyed the most, and we each clicked through the test website, making notes about areas we liked. The team then built the site in WordPress. 

We later reengaged BLVR to rebrand our company. The rebranding project took a similar course to the website rebuild. BLVR offered several brand options, and we then zeroed in on the solutions that best met our vision. They customized each piece to match our needs. They created a new logo and branded materials such as letterhead, envelope stickers, postcards, and binder covers for professional-looking portfolios.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Adam (Partner & Coo, BLVR) and Damin (Creative Director, BLVR), who worked on the design and served as our point person for the collateral. We also collaborated with Jonathan (Business Development, BLVR)—our team lead—and Joe (Digital Project Coordinator, BLVR)—who handled the final details.

How did you come to work with BLVR?

One of my bosses had previously worked with Damin on a project for another company and enjoyed the experience.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $21,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them on this project from July 2017–December 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received many compliments on our new logo. The cleaner style reflects our firm more accurately than our previous design. Our website has also received praise for its usability, large photos, and simplified design. We have yet to finalize a few functions on the site, but BLVR’s role is complete. We’ll definitely collaborate with their team again.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

The project experienced some bumps in the road, but BLVR was patient with us. They taught us their process and helped us understand what requests were possible or not possible to do. Damin always provided updated lead times as needed. If we needed to make changes, they responded to us quickly. I spoke with Damin and the web design team twice a week; in crunch times, we talked more often. We also emailed each other every day.

What did you find most impressive about them?

BLVR’s designs matched our requirements and needs perfectly. They excelled at turning ideas and concepts into workable solutions. We enjoyed working with their team from start to finish.

Are there any areas they could improve?

On occasion, they explained their solutions using technical language that made it difficult for us to grasp those concepts. However, once we saw those solutions live, we understood them more fully. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a consulting firm that primarily works in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We needed to understand our market positioning and rebrand our company. We hired BLVR to redesign our site and provide marketing services after we acquired a new business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

For the rebranding portion of the project, BLVR performed an analysis of our business and put together a comprehensive overview of our company. They showed us several iterations of how they’d structure our platform based on our feedback and research. Our team wrote materials and provided them with all the necessary documents. From there, they finished the rebrand and launched it.

Shortly after, we hired BLVR again to help us smoothly integrate the new company we acquired to our site and overall brand. They did an audit of our platform and handled all details, from matching color palettes to redesigning our website. In addition to creating a new, inclusive look for the site, they also put together an exhibit booth for us to use at shows and conventions.

What is the team composition?

During our first engagement, they supplied two teammates. For our recent project, we only needed one person from their team.

How did you come to work with BLVR?

Another business owner recommended BLVR to me.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $10,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

For the rebrand, we worked together from September–December 2016, and our site redesign wrapped up recently.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re able to present our business as a professional, appealing choice to our customers because of the support from BLVR. We have great confidence in our business and the final product their team gave us. Feedback from users on our site is always positive and focuses on the clear, concise display of our information. We can also use the exhibit booth during important industry events to display our brand effectively. We’re thrilled with the wonderful job BLVR did.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

BLVR managed the project very well. It was easy for me to contact them and collaborate with their team. There were no significant delays in the delivery, and we had a good level of back-and-forth communication. Our teams would speak a few times a week during the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were a knowledgeable, experienced, upright team that produced high-caliber work. The cost was fair and reasonable for the services they provided. BLVR had a good sense of what would be appealing and useful for our website, rebrand, and marketing strategy, which we appreciated.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I can think of for them to improve.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I'm the creative director for bkm Officeworks, a commercial furniture dealership.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR? 

They've helped us with a couple of things. They redid our logo and also helped us with proposals.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

BLVR created websites for us to share proposals with our clients. We put together the proposals, and they turned them into a live site. They also helped us rebrand by creating our new logo from scratch. 

What is the team composition? 

We worked with a total of four people. 

How did you come to work with BLVR? 

I've known two of the partners for many years. 

How much have you invested with them?

We perhaps spent $12,000. I don't know the exact amount because I didn't handle the money part.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them for close to 10 years. We worked with them first on the proposals. The logo work took place from April 2015–March 2016. We're not working with them at the moment but will reach out to them if we need something done.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everybody loves the new logo. It was an easy sell to my boss. 

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team performed really well. We had tight deadlines. BLVR was able to get everything on the website by our deadline even though we didn't get them content until the eleventh hour. Their time management skills were fantastic. They communicated daily—by email or phone—to ensure that they met our deadline.

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Everything BLVR did was clear and concise. They didn't weigh things down with a lot of options. They just gave a recommendation and kept the project moving along quickly. That benefits everybody. I know we'll work with them again in the future.

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No, not that I can think of. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Just know that working with them is a positive experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing director at Rock Church, one of the top multi-campus churches in the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We hired BLVR to create three different websites for us. We utilized them because of their design expertise and capability to complete complex websites with unique branding. The church needed an entire rebranding.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve done three huge projects with their team. BLVR redesigned two of our sites and built another from scratch. Their team is involved in everything, from concept to launch to testing. They created wireframes, provided copywriting services, and even helped with locating imagery and photos for the site. Overall, we wanted the new sites to be polished and sophisticated. BLVR made navigation user-friendly and added extra features that we didn’t have in the previous installments.

What is the team composition?

The team depended on the project. We had one central point of contact that we streamlined communication through. When we had team meetings and conference calls, they bring vital people who represented certain areas. Sometimes members of my team, like my IT lead, were on the calls to make sure development was in line with our plans.

How did you come to work with BLVR?

BLVR has an excellent reputation. Before I came on board, they worked for Rock Church in the past. Because of this, they knew our mission and efforts. I did consider other firms, but their pricing was reasonable, and they had a positive work ethic. Our church needed an agency that could meet tight deadlines and handled difficult creation.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent close to $100,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2018, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We launched a site a few weeks ago, and I’m already receiving emails from Christian and other national publications about how great it looks. Our ministry teams have been complimenting it as well, saying it makes the church look better. Due to the ease of the site, we’ve had more people interested in church events. BLVR also worked on our pastor’s national website. He’s gotten a lot of positive feedback from followers and other major churches. He recently released a book, and it’s selling well on the site.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management style was excellent. There are weekly scheduled meetings, in addition to phone and video calls with our point person which depended on the phase of the project. I’ve worked with a variety of vendors over the years. BLVR excels at communication and employs creative talents. They’re quick to respond and flexible.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciated their professionalism. I can have peace of mind working with them. When I give their team a direction, it’s handled. BLVR delivers, going by deadlines and within budget.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I wish I had even more access to them since I’m creating more and more projects. Their team also responds to me at night through texts. Overall, BLVR is professional in all categories. I highly recommend them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clients will enjoy the process of working with BLVR. They’ll be pleased with how the project is handled in every stage. BLVR pivots well, effectively working with any company. They’re flexible and experienced.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and founder of Global Oceanic Foundation, a nonprofit Christian ministry project. We’re going to lease a passenger ship and bring together several hundred students from different colleges and universities globally for a semester around the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We needed very professional branding done because we’re dealing with academic institutions in the U.S. and overseas. I needed a global, innovative approach to higher education.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The scope was broad from the start. They helped with our logo and then a series of business plans. From the very beginning, they helped brand the project, producing a video that visually shared what it was like. They also helped with brochures and translation.

I just completed writing a book, and they’re doing all the designs for it too. Right now, our company is in the process of negotiating a partnership with a major parachurch organization. As that unfolds, we’ll be taking it to the next step.

What is the team composition?

There were 6–10 people involved.

How did you come to work with BLVR?

BLVR did the branding for another ministry that I work with, and the founder mentioned them to me many years ago.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $5,000–$10,000. They’ve given us a break because we’re a nonprofit.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2006, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They do amazing work. They’re an incredibly talented group of people who are good listeners. They capture the essence of what needs to be branded, how it needs to be expressed, and they are wizards in doing the nuts and bolts.

All of the elite colleges we work with were attracted to what we’re doing because of how well BLVR articulated it from a branding and design standpoint.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is excellent. They’re very responsive—if I email them, I get a response within a few minutes if they’re not in a meeting. We communicate via email or personal meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re really gifted at listening, interpreting, and creating; they’re sensitive and willing to work with you as honest people. I’d trust my family with them. They have unquestionable integrity and come up with things that are much better than I expected.

Are there any areas they could improve?

When I first met them, they were a small group of about 4 or 5 people. They’ve grown and expanded, which leads to changes and learning experiences. They didn’t do anything wrong in the past, but they have gotten better over the years. They’re a seasoned and mature marketing/branding design group now that is sharp, mature, and refined.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

No, I can't name anything.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of marketing and communications at Santa Fe Christian Schools.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BLVR?

We needed a vendor to develop a website for us and help us create a reliable brand.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built our website, while I wrote the copy for it. They've also created external collateral and templates. They're currently helping us with the collateral for the internal staff. They know our brand, so I can reach out to them every time I need something or if there are issues with our website. They've trained me, so I can also update the site myself.

What is the team composition?

I mostly work with their account manager and their owner.

How did you come to work with BLVR?

I joined the company after the relationship had already started.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay them about $35,000 a year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May 2015, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They've saved us a lot of time because we can use their collateral for various events. In the past, we spent many hours redoing the brochures, but they still didn't look great. With the template that BLVR designed, it's been much easier for us to create the materials.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very responsive. We mostly use email and text to stay in touch, and they get back to me immediately, even when they're not working.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They set everything up in a way that we can be self-sufficient, which is very important to us. They also taught us how to run our own marketing campaigns. They're very honest, and they've never nickel-and-dimed us on anything.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They've been very responsive to our concerns and addressed any issues very quickly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear about what you need and don't be afraid to follow up with them. They're very responsible. Our school has prospered because of what they've done for us and their creative.