BRIGADE

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the production manger and account representative at Hadley Printing working with BRIGADE. We are a Printing, Mailing and Fulfillment company in Holyoke, MA. We specialize in High-end Offset Printing and Digital Printing with many finishing capabilities. With In-House Mailing and Fulfillment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire BRIGADE?

BRIDAGE and Hadley Printing partner on a few different accounts. We work together with UMASS Isenberg School of Management account. We produce the the schools Dean's Report from the Design created by BRIGADE.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

The Isenberg School of Management at UMASS works with BRIGADE and is also a customer of Hadley Printing's.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

In September of 2021 we worked to together to produce the Dean's Report for the Isenberg School. We had a Zoom call to review some of the ideas for the Report and later met in-person to review paper, finishing and a mock of the design.

When the design is finalized we reviewed all proofs together and then proceeded to the manufacturing process. When complete we reviewed the sames before delivering the final product to Isenberg School.

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

In total, I worked with 4 team members, 1 Senior Creative and 2 Associate Creative Directors and 1 account manager. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At the start of the project the creative team at BRIGADE and Hadley worked together to review all the possible printing and finishing technics to produce the Isenberg Schools annual Dean Report. We discuss everything from paper to printing, diecutting, foil stamping and fulfillment. BRIGADE's design is challenging and well designed.

Our team uses their files to produce the final proofs, printing plates and dies for foil stamping and diecutting. The files provided by BRIGADE are always set up correctly and ready for our in-house prepress department to work with.  

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had a great workflow with their team from the project concept through printing and finishing, just like we are all one team. 

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

The Team at BRIGADE has a common goal, working together through to the end product. The Creative is Top-Notch and Fresh, which can be hard to achive on some projects. 

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

They know what they are doing and I wouldn't change any part of the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Chief Marketing Officer at Checkwriters - a Payroll and HR services company with thousands of clients across the county. Our software helps business owners and HR professionals manage the Payroll and HR aspects of their respective organizations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire BRIGADE?

We were looking to refresh our logo and branding to match our upward trajectory and growing national footprint. In addition, we wanted a set of custom illustrations to match this new branding which could be used both on our site and in our software to communicate various themes and topics and prospective clients and current users of our system.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to modernize our look and feel and leverage a 'stand-alone' logo that would communicate growth and positivity. This would enable us to communicate to prospective clients the range of services we offer and the versatility of our software.

SOLUTION

How did you select BRIGADE?

We had heard positive things about BRIGADE. We reviewed their site for past work and were impressed with the 'wow factor' they seemed to embody in their projects. After speaking with references BRIGADE provided, we decided to move forward.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

For the logo design and brand refresh, BRIGADE was very thorough. They developed and conducted both internal and external questionnaires to gauge our current messaging. They researched our industry and competition. They also held a number of calls with me to provide recommendations and ensure we were on the right path. Then, they presented options for the refresh, messaging, and logo. Their flexibility throughout this process was exceptional.

What was the team composition?

They were 4-5 members of BRIGADE's team involved at all times - the founder was also very hands-on during the creative development and feedback stages which was impressive.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team I worked with was notable for their nimbleness and flexibility. Their communication was excellent - there was never I time where I couldn't get in touch with them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

It's evident that BRIGADE follows a proven process with their clients that's designed to maximize the impact of the project. They are extremely organized and thorough, adhering to each stage of their process as initially outlined. Importantly, this does not prevent them from maintaining flexibility - which was vital as we had a number of internal stakeholders who were not involved in every stage but still needed to be on board with the significant changes of a new logo and branding.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No - we are very pleased!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work in development marketing for a hotel management company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BRIGADE?

We hired them to provide creative marketing services across a variety of marketing channels. We’re trying to find leads who are interested in either reflagging their property or building a new construction hotel with one of our 20 brands.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

BRIGADE helps us with everything from traditional media to more trackable digital channels. Everything is cohesive and integrated--from an initial creative campaign designed for print, to all the iterations in display, email, and more. 

As our creative marketing agency, BRIGADE supports us across all design and copy needs from lead generation to sales enablement.

What is the team composition?

There are a lot of people behind the scenes, but I work with a core group of three, including two account managers. One account manager handles day to day activities, and the other is a higher-level manager who helps us from an estimation point of view. My other point of contact is an art director, and he leads all the creative work that we get from the team. 

How did you come to work with BRIGADE?

Our organization was working with BRIGADE when I started, but I had no hesitation in keeping them on when I joined. They’re the only agency I’ve ever worked with that has truly felt like an extension of my own team. They just "get it."

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent somewhere in the six figures.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in September of 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re measuring a variety of top-level metrics, like clicks, views, and email opens. Those are all great, but our laser focus is on leads, which have increased every year since we’ve been working with BRIGADE.

Our business is complicated, but BRIGADE is a team of true problem solvers who took the time to understand our business. We have 20 different brands, and the team has a history with each of them and knows what they need. 

How did BRIGADE perform from a project management standpoint?

They manage the project flawlessly. There’s never been a time when they’ve been off-track. Our account manager really helps keep things on schedule, so we never have to worry if something is going to get done on time. They really pay attention to all of the different steps that need to be taken from our side, so the final handoff is done perfectly every time. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

BRIGADE truly feels like an extension of our marketing team. We don’t have to spend time bringing them up to speed, editing their work, or providing feedback. They really understand our work, which is the most valuable piece of working with them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their pricing is a bit expensive, but we get what we pay for. The quality of the work shows, and the pricing reflects that. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Invest the time upfront to really explain the business and ramp them up in a way you would any other new employee in your company. They get to know your business, so the time is very well spent.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing and communications of a bat conservation nonprofit.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BRIGADE?

We needed help with rebranding, since we had just announced a new 5-year plan. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us re-do our entire brand, including our brand voice, tone, logo, and style from scratch. The team gave us different options for how things could look. From there, we worked to refine that branded image to what we see today.

BRIGADE also did a complete overhaul of our WordPress website. They gave it a fresh new feel, especially for our home page. The team helped developed the copy, and implemented new imagery, and videos. Overall, they really helped to make sure the entire site fit our new brand, too.

How did you come to work with BRIGADE?

I came on board when BRIGADE was already hired and brought on. It was before my time by a few weeks.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent a little over $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2018, and we launched in July 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every little aspect was top notch. Our staff and stakeholders had nothing but positive things to say about BRIGADE’s quality of work. The team was extremely thorough in gathering stakeholder input and finding a happy medium between things. I’ve been doing this for years and this was the smoothest website launch of my entire career.

How did BRIGADE perform from a project management standpoint?

The way that BRIGADE handled the project management, updates, and execution was literally the highest quality that I’ve ever worked on with a firm. They were extremely prompt with any of the inquiries that we had and were proactive on keeping us abreast of the website’s progress. BRIGADE bent well over backward to keep us informed. We had an aggressive deadline with getting our website launched, and they hit it.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team was extremely professional. The team really went above and beyond to satisfy our unique needs, especially in making sure our board members were engaged at the right level. They presented stellar progress updates at our board meetings.

It was clear that BRIGADE did their research, were listening to the feedback. Even though we’ve wrapped up, I’m still in contact with our account rep for little things I didn’t even think to consider.

 Overall, the team was very proactive throughout the process. For example, there were some bumps in the road to get our homepage video together, but we didn’t have the right footage to do it. BRIGADE was very creative and proactive in helping us find quality footage to piece together to make a compelling story.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As with any projects, you’re going to have bumps on the road, but they were phenomenal on keeping things smooth and steady.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback. Even things you might think are not related to the project or scope of work usually are. BRIGADE has always been willing to help and provide input on things that aren’t included in their scope of work. If you’re lucky enough to bring them on board, they’ll be a great extension of your team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior marketing manager for a hotel company. I work on the B2B side, selling new hotels to prospective franchises.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BRIGADE?

Hotel development is a unique environment, and we have a lot of things that need to be created and sent out for our 20 brands.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re my agency for any of our B2B needs. For each of our brands, we need to provide sales collateral and sales enablement tools for our outside sales team. That includes individual sell sheets for 20 brands, prototype sheets, digital printed collateral, copy, you need it. 

BRIGADE helps with everything from initial strategic conversations to the actual execution, mechanicals, and distribution. It’s a very collaborative process.

How did you come to work with BRIGADE?

BRIGADE was already a partner when I arrived at the company. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent an excess of six figures, but fewer than seven.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since August 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

When I came on board, we vamped our value prop for all of our brands. We did a deep dive and competitive analysis, along with interviews across the board from our internal to external folks, trying to identify the key value within each of our brands that was distinct from one another. It was a challenging task, but BRIGADE really helped us ensure each brand is unique within their own space.

Generally, the feedback has been very positive. Speaking for my development team as well as our internal leadership, we’re all big fans of their work. 

How did BRIGADE perform from a project management standpoint?

From a purely operational perspective, they get it all done. They’re fantastic. The team is organized, they keep me on task, and they fulfill all those things an agency needs to fulfill. BRIGADE is a great strategic partner.

The team isn’t afraid to have difficult conversations with the client if it needs to happen. They have a good perspective on our brands, so they’re able to respectfully disagree with our choices when they think it doesn’t ring true.

We have weekly standup calls, where we go through the stage of each individual project. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their historical knowledge of our brands sets them apart, as does their ability to work cross-functionally with all the respective teams at our company, of which there are many. They have all the basics down: they’re organized, they deliver on time, and they keep us in line. It’s a solid foundation that allows for a good relationship from top to bottom.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They meet my needs on a pretty regular basis and have done so for the last two years.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come in knowing it’s a mutual relationship. There’s work you need to do in order to get the best output from BRIGADE.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of educational content at Constellation Brands, one of the world’s largest wine, spirits, and beer companies. I worked with BRIGADE while I was the director of creative and marketing services for SVEDKA, one of our brands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with BRIGADE?

BRIGADE had been the brand’s agency of record for below-the-initiatives.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

BRIGADE has helped us with everything from extending an advertising concept through merchandising at the retail point of sale (POS) and other communications. We’ve worked with them on various iterations and different sizes of out-of-home advertising: billboards, bus sides, and other things of that nature. They also helped us develop original promotional programs. 

BRIGADE played an integral part in redesigning some of our packaging as well. They would take designs, run them across all sizes and flavors, and select Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors to properly express the essence of each flavor.

What is the team composition?

I initially worked with Kirsten (Founder and Executive Creative), but then I dealt directly with 3–5 designers and account people on any given project. Because it’s a retainer engagement, people would come in and out depending on the size of any particular project. Kirsten tends to put as many hands as possible on any and all types of projects. She picks the right people and is never concerned about spending too many hours.

How did you come to work with BRIGADE?

We first found Kirsten by word-of-mouth. A freelance consultant brought her and her team into our offices as a suggestion. I walked into the position when they were already situated. It was a breath of fresh air to meet them and work with them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them nine years ago. The partnership predates my entry to the company, though. The company still works with BRIGADE, but I haven’t collaborated with them in my current role yet.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We unfortunately don’t collect any data on our merchandising at retail POS. However, BRIGADE has still been incredibly successful. Every single project achieved its desired goal: to extend the essence of the brand and deliver an on-message, on-aesthetic, and appropriate wow factor. For example, they do a lot of seasonal initiatives, and they outdo themselves every season. 

Overall, we don’t have any numerical measures, but in terms of creative excellence, they’re incredible. I also find them to be one of the humble agencies I’ve ever work with. They actually care about every project they work on and every brand they represent. BRIGADE will work just as hard to maintain a brand’s integrity as the brand owners will.

How did BRIGADE perform from a project management standpoint?

I don’t believe BRIGADE has ever missed a deadline. Never once have they let us down. That might mean everyone is all-hands-on-deck and stays up late to meet the deliverable; I know that goes on behind the scenes.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I think their humility is an outstanding quality, but they’re also fantastic designers. BRIGADE has great respect for the art and craft of good design with a tremendous emphasis on maintaining the integrity of a brand.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We could always improve, but I can’t think of anything right now.

Any advice for potential customers?

Engage with them: spend time on the phone and get to know them as people. You’ll feel the heart and soul come through their work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the principal at n2o Group, a marketing and strategy consultancy, that works with chief executives and their direct reports to develop long-term strategies, tactics and the corresponding operational plans in support of both.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire BRIGADE?

In support of a manufacturing and innovation client that I serve as a strategic advisor to, I brought in BRIGADE to design and create all of the company's marketing and promotional materials including the website, corporate brochure, trade show materials and events materials.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the project was to develop a distinctive look, feel and voice for a newly launched manufacturing institute that would position the organization as both an innovator, and a leader among leaders so as to attract American manufacturers to become members of the Institute.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have worked closely with the team at BRIGADE for over a decade on a variety of creative challenges from across a diverse set of industries. In every instance, BRIGADE has delivered thoughtful, distinctive and effective work and has done so in a collaborative and responsive way so there was no other design or branding firm that I would have considered for this high profile assignment.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Through stakeholder interviews, desk research and collaborative meetings the BRIGADE team familiarized themselves with the client, the electronics industry and how others were positioning themselves in it so as to recommend the best way for NextFlex to uniquely position themselves vis-a-vis individual manufacturers and other innovation institutes.

From there, BRIGADE proposed a diverse set of options and pathways to both visually and verbally distinguish NextFlex as a leader among leaders and importantly, as the most dynamic of the Nation's institutes serving the manufacturing sector. After reviewing and vetting the pros and cons of each option, NextFlex made a choice and BRIGADE then fully developed all aspects of the various marketing assets to create a dynamic and fully integrated set of materials.

Throughout the development process, there were regular check-ins, creative "shares" and feedback gathering sessions to ensure that the finished product met all of the client's strategic objectives, budget requirements and timeline considerations.

What was the team composition?

Throughout the process, there was an account manager, producer, creative team, associate creative director and executive creative director that participated at all client presentations and "check-ins", interacting regularly with the marketing director and chief executive at NextFlex and as needed with other members of the executive team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The visibility and perception of the Institute grew rapidly as did membership applications and now renewals. Specifically, website traffic grew, inquiries and requests for more information increased and NextFlex's overall brand awareness and perceived influence grew as well, successfully helping to position NextFlex as one of, if not the leading, manufacturing institutes in the US .

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective with at least weekly check-ins and often more frequent calls and meetings. BRIGADE became a seamless member of the marketing team providing candid feedback, suggestions and recommendations throughout the development process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

BRIGADE is able to learn and understand the nuances of an industry quickly and accurately. In doing so, they are also able to help a client carve out a unique position for themselves so that you can "stand out" no matter how crowded the field of competitors might be.

Are there any areas for improvement?

As with any company, continuous improvement is the secret to longevity and I would suggest that BRIGADE has focused on that for themselves. They seem to be constantly pushing themselves to expand their capabilities and not just their creative tactics.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are one of the largest hotel franchise companies with over 9,000 properties worldwide. We operate a portfolio of 20 hotel brands spanning economy, midscale, upscale and lifestyle segments. I led B2C and B2B integrated marketing for multiple hotel brands in North America while partnering with international teams to oversee the positioning and identity of the brands worldwide.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire BRIGADE?

I collaborated with Brigade on two distinct projects that speak to their range of capabilities:

1. Our Branded Environment: design concepts for a new, innovation space in our corporate office created for Franchise development and training.
2. Trademark Collection Positioning: brand identity, guidelines and collateral for our first soft-brand

What were your goals for this project?

1. Branded Environment: we were looking to create a striking entry-way interior that showcased the variety of our brands, hotels and award-winning loyalty program to appeal to prospective developers and owners. It was important to have a dimensional feel, as opposed to a flat wall design, that would help spark conversation speaking to the uniqueness of our brands and properties across a variety of segments.
2. Trademark Collection Positioning: being a soft brand, Trademark Collection differs from traditional portfolio brands that carry the same logo and brand identity across all hotels; soft-branded properties retain their own character, vision and unique identities. We needed to refine its positioning and visual identity to clarify the brand to existing and prospective audiences, developing a look and feel that aligned with the vast range of property identities to signify Trademark Collection as the common tie and strengthen our collective brand recognition. And we needed to deliver a design and messaging solution that properties could easily execute on.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our teams had previously collaborated on a number of projects so we were familiar with their capabilities. Ultimately, they demonstrated a thorough understanding of our needs with effective proposed approaches and a willingness to work within resourcing parameters.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

1. Branded Environment: initially the deliverable was to simply be design concepts, however they went above and beyond to collaborate with us on materials, solving for challenges outside of the scope, working closely with production vendors and taking it upon themselves to be on site for installation to ensure proper execution.
2. Trademark Collection Positioning: refine positioning statement and brand voice, design new logo and visual system, develop messaging recommendations, design select property collateral and marketing assets.

What was the team composition?

Brigade ensured we had robust network of support for both projects from a variety of roles. While on occasion the team evolved, the transitions were seamless.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The branded environment continues to receive accolades. Their work on Trademark Collection's brand identity won a 2019 Adrian Award and was a finalist in the 2020 Shorty Awards competing with the likes of Bubly and Adidas.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Brigade was efficient and the communication seamless. They take pride in listening to feedback, asking the right question to develop solutions that met our needs. They were also thorough in researching options and alternatives that could work for our needs. They were also patient, professional, and thoughtful partners.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to flex to our needs and solve seemingly impossible challenges impressed us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Quite honestly, they were always open-minded and supportive, and on the rare occasion that I had concerns, they collaborated with me to identify paths for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive of Westward Whiskey

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Craft Whiskey Distillery

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire BRIGADE to accomplish?

• Brand Guidelines
• Marketing Design
• Website Design

SOLUTION

How did you find BRIGADE?

Previous Job

Why did you select BRIGADE over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from BRIGADE were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Brigade is on retainer to support our Marketing team with creative services for POS, presentations, photography, website design, email templates, and brand guidelines. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Their design work on the website has helped premiumize the brand, and the website has had an increase in traffic. The retail programs they have helped put together have been well received by our Sales team.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Brigade delivers on time they are a nimble agency so speed and flexibility are their strength. We have weekly check in meetings where we review deliverables. 

What was your primary form of communication with BRIGADE?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They are a great culture fit! I have worked with them at various different companies and I will continue to use them whenever possible! 

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

No.