Jpd | Brand Consultants

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the business development & marketing manager at Al Mayar Investments. We own and run multiple F&B concepts that include fine dining restaurants, casual cafes, and cloud kitchens.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants?

We were rebranding a franchised fine dining steakhouse. We were exiting the franchise, which is why we needed to rebrand entirely. Because we were changing the signage and name, we still wanted to ensure that we weren’t losing their loyal database of customers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

At the start, we explained the concerns to them. We told them that a rebrand was the next step since we were outgrowing the previous brand. Their team completed the entire rebrand. They worked on the restaurant’s story, naming, visual identity, brand personality, tone, and voice. The website is being done separately.

What is the team composition?

I corresponded with James (Founder & Managing Director, Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants) and Yulia (Managing Partner & Brand Strategy, Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants). From our side, there were four people involved.

How did you come to work with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants?

I came across them when researching for different branding companies to give me quotes. We chose their team because their presentation made the most sense in terms of scope and price point.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $75,000 AED (approximately $20,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from July–September 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Through the branding exercise, we received a lot of extra benefits. We got a customer journey from start to end of how we can get in touch with more customers. Their team helped create that mapping for us as well. Everyone is pleased and impressed with the brand we created.

How did Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants perform from a project management standpoint?

The team at Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants was quite fast and efficient. They took feedback well and got back with us quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed with their attitude throughout the engagement. They’re willing to go the extra mile.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I have for them to improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should definitely work with them because they’re a great company.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of The Rebel Networker.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants?

I picked up the nickname, “the rebel networker,” and was trying to build a brand for myself as a memorable speaker. I needed support setting myself apart in a certain niche with a tag that stood out. I wanted to set myself on a global scale, moving into a place where I had an app and books, etc.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants developed my brand identity. The team designed the logo, crafting the actual brand feel and tone of voice. They consulted on my website—developed by another company—to ensure it was brand friendly. Their team did the same with my app, designing the UX/UI, including the screens, artwork, and layout. They also provided advice in terms of messaging, such as what I should and shouldn’t say. 

What is the team composition?

I mainly worked with James (Founder, Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants), who directed information and strategy to his team.

How did you come to work with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants?

I’ve known James for about 20 years; He’s worked with some of the biggest names out there. He came on board as a client of mine at one point, and I got to see how good he was. When he started his own business, he offered me access to his services at a reasonable price.

How much have you invested with them?

The collaboration cost around $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We partnered from November 2013–August 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Clients expressed positive feedback. There weren’t hard metrics because we tracked feedback from people who'd seen the brand.

How did Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants perform from a project management standpoint?

Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants managed the project like it was their own brand. The team was very directive of subcontractors, never letting anything slide. They emphasized spending time to make sure things were done correctly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Not only did the team have design skills, but they also had business knowledge. They were the whole package. Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultants went above and beyond to help clients in more ways than they’d paid for.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think they could improve. They did a great job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Their services are valuable. Listen to the team; they know their stuff.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Blue Beetle, a digital agency. We provide a range of services to our clients, including content marketing, digital marketing, and social media support.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy?

We’re working on an internal product for clients with restaurants, but we needed Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy’s support to brand it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We gave their team a brief outlining our goals for the project and explained the product. From there, their team created our brand mark after presenting us with several options and working to create the final product. They also designed our color palette, typography, image style, and brand guidelines. Additionally, they produced several materials for us, including business cards, stationery, brochures, and other tangible printed items.

What is the team composition?

James (Founder & Managing Director, Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy) is our main point of contact. We also work with another individual who is involved from an account management perspective. During most presentations and communications, about 2–3 people from their team are involved.

How did you come to work with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy?

I’d known of Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy for a while, and an acquaintance spoke very highly of them, leading me to contact them. James is very friendly and professional, and he showed me a wide range of work. Their portfolio and creativity led me to feel comfortable choosing them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $35,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since early 2018. We have several tasks in the pipeline with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re very pleased with the work they’ve created for us. Across the board, we’re happy with how the materials look. Whether in print, digital or on social media, the branded items are great. Their work was consistent across all touch points.

How did Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy perform from a project management standpoint?

Their approach to managing the project is impressive. Everything is planned well in advance and their team is proactive communicators. For example, after a presentation or meeting, the next time we’ll meet is immediately planned. We always know what to expect and the process is smooth.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team works together effectively and continually produces quality work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m happy with the work they produce for me, so there’s nothing I’d suggest they do differently.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As much clear communication as possible will help the engagement run smoothly. If you’re transparent and open from the start, they’ll get a better feel for your needs. Also, don’t be afraid to criticize their ideas if you need to, they’re open to feedback.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My husband and I are co-founders and co-owners of a number of companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy? 

The first company that we engaged with them on is Feli’s Kitchen, which is a brand for frozen pastries. At the time we were introducing a new product into the market to help busy people with the ability to access ready food and easy, convenient meals.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy initially helped us with the creation of the Feli’s Kitchen brand. Then they translated that brand into the packaging for all the products. They continue to assist with digital marketing, particularly around content for social media. We're not able to sell directly to the end consumer, but they help us create awareness and educate the consumer so they can go to the supermarket and find our products. 

We later engaged Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy with a second company. We acquired a home cleaning company called Home Squad. We asked them to help us create a new brand and do digital marketing. 

What is the team composition? 

Our main contact is our account lead. We also work with a team of 5–6 people, including a director, a social media manager, a PR lead, and a digital marketing expert. 

How did you come to work with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy? 

I found them online. I was researching someone to help me with Feli’s Kitchen because I wasn’t satisfied with our previous person. I saw some examples of them on their website. One of the logos that they’d created for another company spoke to me, so I knew that I wanted to work with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

Work began in 2015 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

For Feli’s Kitchen, our packaging actually won an award last year. We also get positive feedback from our customers around the packaging. They've done a great job with that. In terms of social media, we monitor overall following and engagement and so far we are on a positive trend. 

Their work on Home Squad is still in the foundational stage. They so have targets identified to help us reach more followers on social media and eventually run some campaigns. Jpd is currently working on another brand idea for us. We're very excited to work with them on creating a new brand. 

How did Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy perform from a project management standpoint? 

Their team is quite good at project management. I'm extremely happy with how organized they are. Each time we go to them with a new request, they come back to us with a proper project plan. They give us a heads up if there's any sort of delay for whatever reason. Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy always provides a timely response to every request or question. 

What did you find most impressive about them? 

They do a great job meeting their objective to help small and medium enterprises and startups. As a small entrepreneur, I really appreciate that they listen to my needs and understand what I can and cannot afford. They met me halfway on a bunch of scenarios. Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy is a good fit for us because they believe in our product. I feel like I've got a partner to help me and work next to me rather than just an agency that I've hired. I'm a big fan.

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No, I think they're quite good. I'm struggling to come up with anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Definitely give them a chance and have a conversation with them. Their team can guide you even if you’ve never done branding activities in the past. They start with a questionnaire that helps you think about what you really want to achieve. Then they translate that into creating a brand.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the chief executive officer of a mechanical company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy?

The company has existed since 1976, but we didn't have a strong brand. We engaged them to rebrand the company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We didn't have a clear mission, so we needed to uncover the core purpose of our company and rebrand from there. They interviewed all our employees and members of the board to get an understanding of the internal perception of the company. Then, they took us through their branding process. They evolved the brand logos and worked with us to develop all the important branding points. I was new at the company at the time, so it was helpful to get that broad set of perspectives.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with two people throughout the process, though they had a bigger team behind them.

How did you come to work with Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy?

I searched the internet for branding companies in the UAE. I contacted three companies in all, but I chose them because of their work style. They aligned with our own business culture, and I felt they could provide the right working relationship.

How much have you invested with them?

Our total expense falls somewhere between $50,000-$200,000 USD.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around May 2018. We work with them on internal branding now, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The most important thing for me is the quality of their work. Their interaction with our key stakeholders brings everyone together in the whole journey, and the end product is something we're all proud of.

How did Jpd | Brand Strategy & Design Consultancy perform from a project management standpoint?

We're very happy with their project management. They executed in a timely manner and were very flexible.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Among the companies I interviewed, Jpd stood out for their emotional intelligence. They understood when to move forward and when to allow us to come to our own conclusions. They provided overviews, but never told us what to do. We felt supported, and we built the relationship on trust.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think there's anything they should improve. They did everything we expected and more.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know what you're looking for, and understand what you hope to achieve. Appreciate the nuances of emotion attached to your brand, as the psychology of your stakeholders is key to your partnership with Jpd.