Gerard Agency

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Marketing

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Combined with best-in-class capabilities in telematics, video and AI data analytics; offering a modular end-to-end solution enabling insights, inspiring actions and empowering outcomes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• Flesh out the visual brand look (VBL) for our newly developed brand Identity
• Create messaging and positioning for our newly developed brand identity
• Develop launch materials to support the launch of our new brand identity

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Referral

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Gerard helped us finalize our newly developed brand guidelines, create the visual brand language, developed the messaging & positioning and created all supporting marketing assets required to launch the brand to our employees, customers and market. The campaign was integrated across multiple channels of communication and robust in it’s execution with the external market launch at the Consumer Electronics Show.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Brand Launch and Awareness

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

They consistently went above and beyond to deliver an extraordinary amount of deliverables while maintaining the high quality and consistency expectations. At any one time we had roughly 60 projects concurrently in the works to support the launch and the team at Gerard organized around those deliverables. Carolyn Gerard’s philosophy is “Plan the Work, Work the Plan,” and she and her team did that to perfection! Operating under this guiding principle, Gerard didn’t miss a single deadline.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Gerard is highly innovative in their abilities to deliver against any and all core objectives, but what really sets them apart is their ability to partner so closely that they feel more like an extension of your marketing team vs an external agency. Many agencies taut their ability to “partner” and understand their client’s business. Gerard consistently demonstrated that philosophy in practice. 

Another area of uniqueness is Carolyn’s ability to bring specific expertise to bear against any strategy you need implemented. And, the level of expertise she brings is level with the need. Thus, tasks requiring high level individuals with year’s of experience are pared effortlessly with those individuals. Likewise, more basic needs are aligned with equally leveled resources. 

A final area of uniqueness is the fact that Gerard’s staff retention is incredibly high with almost the entire agency having 15+ year tenure. I have used Gerard at 2 different companies in my career and having the same core team there in both scenarios saved a ton of onboarding time.

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

There aren’t any areas for improvement that readily come to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director, Marketing Strategy and New Business Development of Bradford Exchange

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a leader in artistic expressions and designs, producing and selling a wide assortment of gifts and collectibles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• Help put assets together for Corporate Rebranding

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Referral

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Preparation for Initial Scoping Call

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Gerard Agency helped us develop a corporate branding campaign. The end deliverable was a branding video that was about 90 seconds long and featured a variety of our products along with the consumers we serve. 

Gerard was responsible for the entirety of the project, including developing the concept for the video campaign, storyboarding the video, conducting talent review, art direction, production, editing, music selection, and alterations and adjustments.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video that Gerard developed was a huge success, internally and externally. It has garnered over 2.7mm views on YouTube. In addition, the video was used for various branding campaigns across our social media platforms. It was also used as part of the internal corporate rebranding launch.

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

Project management was flawless. The Gerard team was very well organized, making sure all the steps were taken in the appropriate timeframe for an on-time delivery. They were flexible to changes in direction and adapted as needed every step of the way. The team was very communicative as well, easily accessible via phone, email, or in-person meetings.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I was most impressed with the dedication from this team to really understand our needs. They put a lot of effort up front to understanding our company, the goals we were trying to achieve, and putting together a plan for helping us get there.

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

Gerard knocked it out of the park for us- nothing they could have done differently. We liked them so much that we hired them for a second project a couple years later!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of a manufacturing company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Pallet rack accessory manufacturer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• Re-branding
• Brand Awareness
• Marketing Brochures
• Website Development
• SEO

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Online Search

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Project Overview: The scope of work encompassed a complete re-branding and marketing initiative aimed at refreshing our image and online presence. This multifaceted project included the following key components: 

• Re-branding: 
  • Conducted a thorough brand audit to assess the current brand identity, values, and perception. 
  • Developed a new brand strategy, including visual identity and messaging. 
  • Created brand guidelines for consistent implementation across all marketing materials. 
• Marketing Strategy: 
  • Formulated a data-driven marketing strategy tailored to our objectives and target audience. 
  • Identified key marketing channels and tactics, including social media, content marketing, email campaigns, and offline strategies. 
• Web Development: 
  • Designed and developed a modern, user-friendly website aligned with the new brand identity. 
  • Ensured the website is responsive, accessible, and optimized for seamless user experiences. 
  • Established a content management system for easy updates. 
• SEO: 
  • Conducted comprehensive keyword research to identify relevant search terms. 
  • Implemented on-page and off-page SEO techniques to improve search engine rankings. 
  • Regularly monitor and analyze website traffic and adjust SEO strategies accordingly. 
• Environmental Branding: 
  • Developed an environmental branding strategy to create a cohesive brand experience across physical spaces. 
  • Designed and installed signage, displays, and graphics that align with the new brand identity. 
  • Ensured consistency between online and offline brand representations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Over the past decade we have used Gerard for all things marketing at our company and we have seen a tremendous growth and great success overall. There has not been one project that we have given them that has not turned into a huge success. They are top notch and I don't know where we would be without all of their help and guidance.

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

Gerard has always delivered items on time or ahead of schedule. Our company has even given them some projects with tight deadlines and they knock it out of the park every time.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I LOVE their culture. Everyone is so kind and professional, but yet so friendly and you just feel a part of their team from day 1. Their company has a great group of talented staff and we will continue to use them for years to come.

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

No, they honestly have been such a joy to work with and I love using them on every project that comes across my desk.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Marketing of Radware

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Radware is a global leader of cybersecurity and application delivery solutions for physical, cloud, and software-defined data centers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

Create a series of video and ebooks to create market awareness of Radware's cybersecurity offerings.

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Referral

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Over the course of 5 years, Gerard produced a series of e-books, videos, presentations, and other content that were needed to help increase Radware sales during various phases of the buyer journey.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to track new business development opportunities that were initiated by marketing activities anchored by content created by Gerard.

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

Gerard was on-time with every deliverable. When a deadline was accelerated or a new request came in, Gerard worked overtime and weekends to meet our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The "family" atmosphere that made the company very easy to work with, reliable, and trustworthy. The quality of work was top-notch, and the pricing was a value compared to other options.

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

There was nothing they needed to improve on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the former, Vice President of B2B Marketing of Follett

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Higher Education campus course material programs and collegiate retail solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• Launch a new solution for campus-wide course materials
• Educate audience on features and benefits
• Establish brand extension

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

I met them at a previous job and brought them into Follett as a trusted partner.

Efiy

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Super creative people who care and want you to succeed.

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We were launching a new service under our current offering and needed help creating a brand statement, market positioning and messaging to get the attention of campus leadership. The project deliverables included:

1. Establish brand positioning under Follett umbrella of solutions
2. Develope key messaging for audience layers including: decision makers, influencers, academic leadership and end users
3. Create marketing assets including brochure, webpage and emotional connection video

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Ability to create meaningful conversations with campus leadership. Clear communication and understanding of service that resonates with identified audiences. Landed contracts with decision makers resulting in revenue goals.

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

The Gerard team provided a cohesive, creative, well thought out response to the challenge of marketing a complex new offering. Each discipline brought their "A" game to the table resulting in a final concept that not only delivered on the goals of the project but exceed our expectation of being able to create an emotional connection with our new service. 

All of the projects under this service launch were clearly communicated, organized and each one met their individual deadline and budget. The video was especially challenging and I couldn't have asked for a more personalized and collaborative relationship to work through al of the details. The team utilized their expertise to execute flawlessly on all of the assets and truly created something so special for the sales team to leverage.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The people. You can tell they are a family of talented people who enjoy working together. That relationship fosters a collaborative and creative environment that oozes into every project. And the best part is that by working with them you become part of the family! I have been blown away over the years with the creative concepts and the ability for those concepts to flex up or down based on budget and need. 

The Gerard Agency has fostered a work environment that is almost unheard of today which allows the very best talent in each team member to come alive to deliver the most unique outcomes for their clients.

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

Honestly no.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the US Marketing Director of Optimas

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Optimas Solutions is a tech-enabled manufacturer/distributor that provides industrial fasteners and related supply chain solutions that help global producers elevate efficiencies and reduce costs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• Document the company's environmental, social and governance practices, including the key areas of natural resource management, health & safety and employee engagement.

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Prior engagements.

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• Prior engagements

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Gerard worked with Optimas to create a 12-page Sustainability Report to be distributed as a PDF. Gerard nuanced our strategy, wrote copy and design the report. The expertly blended Optimas content and imagery with Gerard sourced and custom developed imagery to communicate the company's sustainability commitments and accomplishments.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

1. The company’s first sustainability report that showcases current progress and future commitments. 
2. Email generated an 78.5% open rate, 27.5 click through rate and a 148.6% pass-along rate.

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

The path from concept to deliverable was smooth with timelines clearly communicated and met. Gerard’s project management portal provided whenever access to draft content, finished asset, budget and the calendar. When a call better communicated an idea or feedback, Gerard was focused and prepared. Follow up was always on target move the project forward.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Gerard’s ability to visualize the idea, build it out and deliver results was magical. This team knew how to partner creatively and develop a first-of-its-kind document for Optimas.

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

The short answer is no.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of Office Depot/ODP Business Solutions

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Office Supply and Services retailer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• create flyers and ads
• write copy for mailers
• design newsletters

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

existing partnership

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Take old collateral and rebrand with new company logo and colors, refresh copy to match new strategy. Also build new collateral, both print and digital to push new brand out to current and new customers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Multiple pieces were created and successfully pushed to customers or to sales team to use with customers.

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

Gerard team is always very fast to respond and always provides great work. They understand our needs with minimal instruction and can always hit the ground running with my projects. I always get an immediate response to new projects with follow up questions and those are generally enough to produce exactly what I am needing for my project.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Everyone that works at Gerard is very personable, easy to work with and always happy to meet any of my project needs. They always go above and beyond. I felt like they were an extension of my team rather than an external vendor.

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

not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director, Global Marketing of a service contract provider.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We sold service contracts and warranties on consumer products ranging from cell phones to automobiles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

Create a multi-tiered campaign to generate awareness and enable our company to enter a new vertical market.

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Previous work experience with Gerard Agency

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Outstanding creative, account management, and collaboration

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We contracted Gerard to create and execute a dimensional mailer concept to position a new product offering to a new vertical market -- in order for the company to gain new customers and revenue and expand market share. Gerard provided three concepts and managed the execution of the selected concept, from content creation to custom photography and design to fulfillment. The campaign was a success, resulting in a new multi-million dollar contract for us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The campaign resulted in a multi-million dollar contract.

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

The team at the Gerard Agency is outstanding. They were always responsive, collaborative, and imaginative.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team at Gerard truly cares about their clients and works closely with clients to understand their needs and come up with the right combination of marketing tools to meet goals.

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

Absolutely not!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Technical Writer of Sensata INSIGHTS

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

INSIGHTS is a portfolio of IoT telematics and asset-tracking solutions that enables our channel partners to make informed decisions about their organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• Deliver a comprehensive brand story and strategy
• Develop unique differentiators within the IoT space
• Manage brand assets, assist with versioning control, and hone a distinct visual language

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Worked with them previously at another organization

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Gerard's role at INSIGHTS extended beyond conventional boundaries. Their exceptional leadership and project management skills drove this transformative initiative and colossal effort - merging the diverse identities of four distinct brands into a unified, cohesive organization and, subsequently, introducing this new identity to a global audience. The list of key deliverables includes:

• Develop a brand story and deliver on key messaging
• Comprise a unique value proposition and market position within the IoT space
• Construct the brand's design guidelines and visual language that governed how INSIGHTS presented itself to current and new partners
• Build a new website
• Develop a booth design and execute on the brand vision for the unveiling of INSIGHTS at CES 2023
• Manage the migration of technical assets and sales collateral from legacy brands into INSIGHTS
• Assist in the adoption and design of a Partner Portal
• Cultivate customer relationships through extensive marketing outreach and nurture campaigns

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Successful unveiling of INSIGHTS at CES
• Increased online engagement with the new INSIGHTS website
• Better SEO than any of the 4 individual acquisitions
• Surpassed Q1 revenue targets due to the brand's exposure at CES and other tradeshows
• Hundreds of partners onboarded to the Partner Portal And many more!

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

Gerard consistently exceeded expectations, playing a pivotal role in our success in launching the INSIGHTS brand. Their unwavering dedication was evident in their willingness to go the extra mile, whether it meant working extended hours, taking last minute flights to oversee QC of booth design and material, or persistently and consistently refining and innovating the work of building the brand.

What truly set Gerard apart was not just their exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and never missing a deadline but also their remarkable kindness and contagious team spirit. Gerard's collaborative approach served as a catalyst for better teamwork, fostering an environment where ideas flowed quickly and freely in crunch time, inspiring everyone to do their best work when it counted.

Throughout this process, they maintained an unwavering commitment to excellence. Gerard never compromised on quality, ensuring that the INSIGHTS brand was introduced to the world as a success and a unique voice in the IoT space.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The leadership, the genuine kindness of the entire organization, and their willingness to tackle any project.

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

No notes!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the former VP Marketing of Pinnacle Dermatology

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Pinnacle Dermatology (now a part of Qualderm Partners) is comprised of 100+ dermatology locations nationwide. The company offers surgical, medical and cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery services to patients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gerard Agency to accomplish?

• Drive revenue
• Support operations with earlier scheduling
• Build patient relationships

SOLUTION

How did you find Gerard Agency?

Referral

Why did you select Gerard Agency over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Gerard Agency were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Gerard Agency served as our agency of record (AOR) for four years. We counted on them for writing, design and project management services for our larger campaigns including our year-end "insurance deductibles are resetting" campaign, branding for our plastic surgery brand, appointment stimulation campaigns and more.They delivered against our objectives and were subject matter experts on our business.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Month over month appointment volume rose and appointments were made earlier, which stemmed operations issues in our healthcare clinics.

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

Seasoned agency leaders are hands-on and involved. You get veterans directly producing the work.

What was your primary form of communication with Gerard Agency?

Virtual Meeting

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

Gerard Agency had talented writers, project managers, and designers who understood healthcare. They also deeply understand marketing and creative strategy. They are focused on objectives and outcomes and they are stress-free partners that are collaborative without needing high levels of supervision. They are reasonable priced, experts and fair.

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

No.