Clear Mind Graphics, Inc

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Pk’s Ski Shop, a ski rental ski shop.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

We had a website but it wasn’t generating any traffic. We also do online reservations which I also thought could be bigger. We put in certain keywords and at that time, we were on the second page. I figured it’d be a good investment to get a new website to improve our web presence.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We sat down, and Clear Mind Graphics totally built a new website from scratch because I didn’t want what we had. I put together a wish list and in some cases, they’d tell me if it was feasible or not. They had other options, and they were most often better than my ideas. 

The team also does our SEO and keywords, and I rely on them to tell me what to do. We did a refresh in Fall 2019 where we worked on things that I wanted to change or make easier.

What is the team composition?

We work with Laurie (Partner/Client Services) and Sarah (Partner/Creative/Web Director).

How did you come to work with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

I knew I wanted to keep it local, and Clear Mind Graphics is in the same area as us. I met with them and went through their portfolio. I loved some of the stuff they’d done in the past. I knew I didn’t want to work with a giant corporation. 

I’m lucky I have their cell phones on speed dial if I have a problem which was my biggest concern. They know my business and my style. They’re skiers and customers of ours, so they knew what I was looking for.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $10,000–$12,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2014, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In the last 5–6 years, we’ve been at least on the first page. We’re either number one or two. We’re probably 400% up in reservations. It’s been very successful for us. They made the website really user friendly so I could make changes on my own.

That was a huge deal for us so that Clear Mind Graphics didn’t have to make all of the changes. They made it very easy. Our website is different than a lot of other ski shop websites. It’s a lot more informative. If anyone needs any information on any ski that I carry, it’s on my site. 

I don’t mind talking to someone on the phone for a long time about it, but when we’re really busy, I can just send them to our website and they can find all the information they need. 

Most people are fairly impressed and they go right to our reservation site and book it for the week. I’ve had other ski shops ask who does our site. I wanted it a lot more image-based as opposed to text-based, and the team worked with me on that.

How did Clear Mind Graphics, Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

This is one of the reasons I wanted to keep it local. I called them, almost embarrassingly, when I had a hiccup during Christmas, which is my busiest time. I probably called Sarah at 11:30 on Christmas Eve and she had it fixed by 8 am the following day. 

That was huge for me because I didn’t know enough about it. They’ve really made it seamless for us. Their response time is spectacular, and they’re on top of it. They’ve made the process easy for me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Clear Mind Graphics is open to a lot of different ideas. They listen to my wish list and give me options if it’s possible. In some cases, their ideas blow me away. They’ve been fantastic for our business.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing I’d have them improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I had a wish list, I reviewed a ton of other ski shop websites, and I looked at what I did and didn’t like and what fit our style. I was completely honest with Clear Mind Graphics. 

They took a lot of my ideas, and they knew the image of my business and what I was looking for. They always had a ton of different options to present to me. I would advise customers to be honest with the team and tell them what your ideal goal is.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the business development manager at Cold Box Express Inc. We are a manufacturer of a battery-operated temperature-controlled active cooling and heating cold box.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Clear Mind Graphics?

We hired them to work on our website and to do a couple of refreshes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Clear Mind Graphics built our original WordPress website. I was also able to introduce them to new ownership when we sold the assets, and the team did a new refresh. 

They pieced together a comprehensive proposal and managed the effort from start to finish, doing the design and development. They also handled our social media and helped us with AdWords. We eventually abandoned AdWords because their SEO was really solid. 

What is the team composition?

I started with Sarah (Partner & Web Manager) and Laurie (Owner/Sales Executive), and they assigned a project manager. I’ve also worked with someone who does security, along with other team members.

How did you come to work with Clear Mind Graphics?

I met Sarah through her father when she was just starting out, and she did some early website work for us.

How much have you invested with them?

Over the years, we’ve spent over $35,000. Their pricing is reasonable. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I began working with them well over ten years ago, in the fall or winter. We’re constantly trying to improve the website, so we have a certain number of hours with them per month for maintenance. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I leave the creative work to them because that’s where they excel, but they’re also great with the metadata. Clear Mind Graphic also explains everything in a way that resonates with me. The website is well-presented and has good content. 

How did Clear Mind Graphics perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is nimble, and if there’s an issue with the website, they’re on it immediately. We ping them if we have a request or a need. 

When we have a project, they quote it comprehensively and include maintenance. For example, we had a security breach on our website, and they were spot on. Their communication has always been solid. Clear Mind Graphic is also very organized.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What’s most impressive about their group is the bones behind each page. Their approach is very effective. We come up organically at the top of page one without AdWords.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I have no suggestions. They can really do it all.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clear Mind Graphic investigates your competition and really does their homework. They’re professional, friendly, and neutral.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

The company that I own and operate now is called Alaska Wild Caught Seafood. I’m a wholesale supplier for seafood products, mostly to online purveyors and subscription services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

I wanted a website that wasn’t too cumbersome and that would give potential customers a quick look at our company and services. I also wanted it to be interactive, use the most up-to-date technology, and do the best job possible.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I initially worked with them at my previous company. They built a website for the B2C company and also helped me with remarketing campaigns as product and company branding. I was very happy with their performance, so I hired them to build a website for my current company.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with their graphic designer and web developer. They use out-of-town and remote web developers. They’ve all done a great job building out the software and integrating all of the ideas I had while providing their professional and technical guidance.

How did you come to work with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

We’re located in the Valley where I live and work out of. I’d heard about them through other businesses in the Valley and decided to give them a try.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I first worked with them in the spring of 2015. They’re still maintaining the website for the company we currently operate. They do monthly updates. They also work on rebranding the website every once in a while.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website for the direct-to-consumer company required a lot more day-to-day maintenance and reworking of the marketing campaign since I had thousands of online customers. They helped work with contractors that worked with the online technology to continually contact and update existing customers and also acquire existing customers. That was extremely important, and it worked out well.

I have 8–10 large wholesale customers at my current company, so it’s easier to maintain and doesn’t require the same type of input from them. However, they’re certainly capable of building online marketing campaigns to acquire customers.

How did Clear Mind Graphics, Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

Their response to an email or a text when something came up was almost immediate. They’re constantly available and understand how important it is to be able to communicate and get a quick response.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The overall communication has been impressive. I’ve always felt like they really care and enjoy what they’re doing, which makes such a big difference.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I think they’re continually evaluating the job that they do, as well as their weaknesses and strengths. They’re open to acknowledging if they need work, resources, or technical help in a particular area, and they never allow their ego or anything like that get in the way of doing a better job. I’ve been really happy with the entire experience of working with them, with both of our businesses.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My company is Cold Summit Development. We are a developer of large-scale, refrigerated warehouses and cold storage facilities. I serve as CEO of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

Clear Mind helps us with a wide array of technology-related services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They do everything from website design and content production and editing to pretty broad-based marketing efforts, including digital-based advertising and other services like that.

For a typical project, they usually start by defining what the project is and what we want to achieve. Clear Mind gives us some information on their expertise and what they’ve seen previously. They add a lot of new ideas to the project. We define the schedule and deliverables, and we execute from there.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact is Laurie (Owner).  

How did you come to work with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

They are locally based; we’re in Sun Valley, Idaho, as are they. We were referred through some contacts in the network.

How much have you invested with them?

I think we’re in the $25,000–$50,000 range.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since June 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve been super great in working with us on those projects, like the website and marketing. We wouldn’t have been able to do these projects without them.

How did Clear Mind Graphics, Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

They bring really high performance and responsiveness. They’re always available to talk, whether it’s through scheduled calls or ad-hoc response requests. We communicate through Zoom and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their high level of expertise is impressive. They have really good engagement on each project, and they bring a lot of creative ideas to the process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of SimpleFill. We’re basically a prescription assistance program. We find resources for patients who can’t afford prescribed medications. Once we find the resource, we do all the work to enroll the patient and keep the patient enrolled in these programs by working with them, the doctors, and the resources directly.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

I started with them because I needed a fresh look on our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Clear Mind Graphics developed our website on WordPress. They also designed our website to make the platform pretty. Their team brought a lot to the table, but I also contributed to the design process. We continued to work with them because the project was a great experience.

If there are any issues with the website, they take care of them. Their team monitors and manages all the site’s certifications to make sure the platform’s safe.

They also created all of our print advertising materials. Their team basically transferred the website’s look onto all of our print marketing materials such as brochures, letterheads, and envelopes. Their team continues to handle all of my print materials. If I have to make an order, I shoot them an email and then they ship everything.

What is the team composition?

I mainly communicate with Laurie (Owner) and Sarah (Owner). I’ve also worked with their print, sales, and development teams.

How did you come to work with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

We live in a small town, so I knew Sarah and Laurie personally. When they started the business, I decided to work with them because they were professional.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $20,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around July 2013, and the partnership’s ongoing.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m satisfied, so much so that I’ve referred many people to them. Their team never says that they can’t take on a project. They learn and figure out a solution, which makes them a one-stop-shop. Their team works hard to get every project done. They’re reliable, personable, and deliver exactly what I want.

How did Clear Mind Graphics, Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

They provide a team lead and a project manager. We tell Laurie what we want and then she works with Sarah who makes sure the project’s done correctly. It's a helpful process. They have a good partnership that ensures the work gets done.

They have a quick response time, which is important. For example, I shot them an email that our website submission page was down. They jumped on it. Their team understands their priorities and knows when a task needs their attention. They also take the next steps forward to make sure that we’re covered.

They’re communicative about timelines. If I have a question, they’re quick to provide a good response.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Clear Mind Graphics is a one-stop-shop for me. Their team provides excellent customer service, response times, and turnaround times. They design, develop, and maintain our website as well as create brochures and letterheads. We don’t have to go to a bunch of different places to have our needs met. Their team functions as our creative department that we don’t have to pay for full time. They’ve been an incredible asset to my business.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’d give them top ratings.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

There isn’t advice to give because Clear Mind Graphics takes care of everything. You’re in good hands with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Wings Airways & Taku Glacier Lodge. We provide glacier site-seeing experiences for traveling guests during the summer months in Alaska.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

We initially had a need for an active website. We had started with a smaller company and, though I thought they did a good job, I knew that there was a better way for us to engage more with guests.

Our challenge is that our guests come to see us from around the world one day out of a whole year and we’re competing in a market that has many other tour experiences. We wanted a company that could take us to the next level to connect with people.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In the beginning, Clear Mind Graphics, Inc specifically did website work, which involved telling our story and helping us come up with a narrative, vision, and picture. They also worked on creating something that was a little more interactive and would help us stand out against our competitors.

As the years went on and our trust built with them, the team moved our paper scheduling system onto an online platform. They made a custom program just for us. Additionally, they’ve done other work to make us a better functioning company, including marketing campaigns.

What is the team composition?

We have two primary contacts, who are the owners of the company, and I’ve also worked with a developer occasionally.

How did you come to work with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

We heard about them through word of mouth from two friends who had worked with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc. After seeing their work, I decided to see if they were a partner who could work with us, and they were. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in the summer of 2011, and we’re still working with them. They constantly update the website each year to make sure it’s fresh. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve given them my expectations and they’ve always exceeded them. Generally, our numbers, access, and productivity increased from both the website and the online scheduling program. Their work took us to the next level. 

Clear Mind Graphics, Inc has been valuable in so many ways. We’ve been able to connect with all of our employees, so everyone is engaged with our schedule. Additionally, we’ve been able to provide our guests with an easier booking process.

How did Clear Mind Graphics, Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication has been incredible. I’ve worked with designers in the past, and sometimes we speak two different languages even though we’re working on the same project. When I began working with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc, we spoke the same language and they were able to talk to me outside of their technical expertise.

They were able to tap into my vision and bring it back to me in a language I could understand. One of our challenges is the distance, but they’ve made it easy and it doesn’t feel like we’re so far away from each other.

The team has been able to communicate very well and that’s one of the reasons our relationship has worked so well. We used to do conference calls but now we use Zoom for our meetings, and we also do screen sharing. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve always trusted Clear Mind Graphics, Inc and have felt like they’re very innovative. The team has been able to tap into resources that I couldn’t have imagined. They have accessibility to and knowledge of technology. 

Additionally, they never pressure us; instead, they offer options for what could be done. Their communication has also cultivated a level of trust and has opened up the doors to new opportunities. If I feel that something doesn’t work, the team is always respectful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not that I can think of.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Coming from a long-distance standpoint, I would advise potential customers to take the time to put their vision down on paper and come up with examples. It’s easy to have a vision but make sure that you give them as much information as possible for them to make it happen. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an Alaskan retail gallery that represents over 60 local artists.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

We reached out to Clear Mind Graphics, Inc to help with advertising and graphics.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

They handle our creative assets for digital and print. That includes presentation pieces for cruise ships, rack cards, and the likes.

What is the team composition? 

I work with Sarah (Partner & Web Manager) and Julie (Graphic Design Manager).

How did you come to work with Clear Mind Graphics, Inc?

I met Sarah in Juneau about 10 years ago, and that’s when I started working with her for projects around the community.

How much have you invested with them?

Over the years, we’ve spent around $65,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them for over 10 years. The first project was probably around March 2010.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I appreciate that they always give me options. I’m generally clear on what I want, but they’re able to listen to my needs, interpret my expectations, and elevate the final result. It’s a fresh perspective on my own ideas.

How did Clear Mind Graphics, Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re super organized and manage themselves as much as they manage me. If they need something from, they’re very clear about it, which helps keep me on track, too. Set guidelines and timeframes make them very easy to work with.

The team also works with me and my manager differently. My manager is more technologically advanced than I am, so she collaborates in a different capacity. When they work with me, they accommodate what I need in the moment that I need it. We communicate through text, phone, screen shares, email, and Dropbox.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Besides their patience and clarity, they understand my personality. That means they know how to work with me and meet me where I’m at so that we can keep moving. If I’m stuck on something, they know how to interact with me to get past that. 

It’s been quite nice. Even when they moved out of my town, I stayed with them. The years we’ve worked together is a testament to how much I like working with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t have any critiques. If I do have a problem, I can tell them what’s not working, and we’ll restart. There’s no discomfort with being upfront with them because they’re such precise communicators.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Knowing what you want to do can help bring the best out of your partner. Don’t just leave it to them to interpret your needs or only bring their ideas. It’s also a good idea to bring examples to be as clear as possible.