Map and Fire

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder and CMO of Hi-Lo Liquor Market - we are a modern take on the neighborhood bodega with a focus on craft beer, small production wines and artisan spirits + a market with delicious and healthy snacks,

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Map & Fire, and what were your goals?

We had an internal vision of who we are but needed to truly define it to our team, to our customers and to ourselves.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They found us, came into the store and we talked. Once we began to expand (we are doubling in size this year), we realized that we needed Map & Fire to help us get down on paper what we had been carrying around in our heads - to refine it and define it.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

They began by sending us a thorough and thought-provoking questionnaire which our team filled out individually. Then we met with them weekly to do a deep dive and discussion about who we are - this all took place in a format guided by Map & Fire - and who we want to be. This became our Brand Voice/Identity Book and Our Team Core Values, which we have shared with everyone from a Social Media team to our new hires.

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

I worked with the entire team at Map & Fire. Great guys!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have been able to hire the right Social Media team - someone who "got" our voice. We have been able to use the Brand Book to better train our team. And, most importantly, as we have been raising money for our growth, we have been able to incorporate some of the dynamic language around our brand to generate more interest and excitement.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

They are guides but also collaborators, we had very lively open discussions. But they also gave us homework each week and ran a tight, focused meeting.

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

Their commitment to getting it right for us was truly impressive. THEIR belief in the brand!

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

None at all.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run Lunacy Productions - an indie film production company that also has the leeway to pursue other related innovative and entrepreneurial endeavors. I am sole sole manager of the LLC, and the chief decision maker at the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Map & Fire?

Brand strategy, marketing strategy, and implementation for the development of a new online education platform and an event-planning app.

What were your goals for this project?

For the education platform, the primary goal was to translate a course I’ve taught for the last 10 years into an online experience. This course nowo serves as the flagship offering on what will evolve into a more robust educational platform for our company. The app expands on a beta test we created for bringing people together around events and turned it into a fully functional saas product.

SOLUTION

How did you select Map & Fire?

We’ve been working with Map & Fire since 2015. They clarified our overarching brand strategy and helped us manage all the extensions of our brand including the websites for all our verticals. So they were a natural choice to assist us in the conception, brand strategy, and marketing of the educational platform as well as the app.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

For both initiatives they’ve assisted with all elements of the businesses from initial concepting to launch — including the foundational positioning, customer research, to the written and visual communication.

What was the team composition?

Clay served as the strategy lead and primary POC, and then helped bring in additional resources for various aspects of the implementation.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve successfully launched the educational platform and have grossed more in 2021 than I made teaching in person in all of 2019-2020 combined. Our core brand site’s traffic is up 130% YOY, and our organic traffic is up 112% YOY.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We’ve held consistent weekly meetings throughout the entire process and Map & Fire has been able to scale up those points of connection as needed during more intensive periods, e.g. prepping for launch.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Map & Fire is the most thoughtful, organized vendor I have. They’ve been a great partner to help navigate and clarify the direction and execution of some very complex concepts. In addition to everything I expect from them professionally, I also find them great company off the clock - and welcome their perspectives on issues outside core missions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Like any small business, they have certain limitations. I wish they had more billable hours - I would use them! But I don't imagine that will be much of an issue for very long.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of a data ecosystem company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Data ecosystem anchored in a proprietary, modern, real-estate-based alternative to cemeteries

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Map and Fire to accomplish?

• Statistically significant quantitative survey
• Qualitative survey

SOLUTION

How did you find Map and Fire?

Online Search

Why did you select Map and Fire over others?

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

How many teammates from Map and Fire were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Quantitative and qualitative research

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Formally profile our ideal customers across various age categories and geographies

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

They navigated the subject matter with real skill, designed research that surfaced actionable insights rather than just data, and were easy to work with at every stage. The quantitative survey alone gave us five headline statistics we now use in investor and partner conversations. Clay runs a sharp, professional operation.

What was your primary form of communication with Map and Fire?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their empathy, insight, and respect were impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Map and Fire could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an executive at SalesRabbit, a software solutions company for door-to-door and field sales teams. We help sales teams manage resources, motivate them, and improve sales performance through technology and expert support.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Map and Fire?

We needed help with market research and surveys to understand our customers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Map and Fire designed and conducted surveys and analyzed the results. They also provided recommendations and a final report and presentation summarizing their findings.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 2–5 teammates from Map and Fire.

How did you come to work with Map and Fire?

We found them on Clutch and chose them because of their high ratings and good value for cost.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $10,000–$49,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March–April 2026.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Map and Fire's work helped us with market validation. Our internal team found the results helpful.

How did Map and Fire perform from a project management standpoint?

We mainly communicated through virtual meetings. Map and Fire delivered on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Map and Fire had a strong research design.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of a real estate company that offers discreet buyer representation for luxury real estate international buyers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Map and Fire?

We needed help with our brand identity, positioning, copy, and website design.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Map and Fire provided branding and strategy services, including positioning and customer segment analysis along with a competition overview. The team also created our visual identity, including our website and logo.

What is the team composition?

We worked with one teammate from Map and Fire.

How did you come to work with Map and Fire?

We found Map and Fire through an online search and Clutch. We chose them over other options because they had high ratings, their company values aligned with ours, and we trusted their founder and felt a good connection and alignment with his approach.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from September–December 2025.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw clear progress with our brand guideline book scheme.

How did Map and Fire perform from a project management standpoint?

Map and Fire's project management was well managed and organized. We communicated via virtual meetings, emails, and messaging apps.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Map and Fire's thought leadership and depth were impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I didn't think there was anything they could improve on significantly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder and CEO of Libra

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Libra is a desktop and mobile solution that helps creators instantly generate and deploy AI-generated social meda content — eliminating creative roadblocks, time sinks, and platform fragmentation. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Map and Fire to accomplish?

• Determine product market fit

SOLUTION

How did you find Map and Fire?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Map and Fire over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Map and Fire were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

I engaged Map & Fire to launch a market research survey targeting key customer segments to assess product–market fit. The survey ultimately served as a tool to gauge demand for Libra’s premium features. Map & Fire developed and deployed the survey across multiple panels and delivered the raw data, detailed analysis, and a presentation outlining their findings and strategic recommendations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The market research survey delivered clear, conclusive insights that identified my beachhead customer segment and where to focus my marketing efforts. 

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

Prior to our engagement, Map & Fire clearly outlined all expected deliverables along with an estimated timeline for completion. They were highly responsive to my evolving needs and consistently shared next steps following each virtual meeting. All deliverables were provided ahead of schedule. 

What was your primary form of communication with Map and Fire?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I was highly impressed by Clay’s analysis, commentary, and depth of knowledge. I gained more insight during our virtual meetings than through my own independent research. It was a pleasure partnering with him on this project.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Map and Fire could have done differently?

One area for improvement is designing surveys that are more direct and focused on addressing the core questions or concerns a client is trying to resolve. In our case, we had to run a second survey across multiple panels to identify Libra's beachhead segment. I believe this could have been avoided with more targeted questions aimed at assessing our product–market fit from the outset.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of Infantino

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We make baby products. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Map and Fire to accomplish?

• Understand one of our key categories better
• Gain a clear understanding of consumer preferences
• Test product concepts

SOLUTION

How did you find Map and Fire?

Online Search

Why did you select Map and Fire over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Map and Fire were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

The scope included understanding a key category for our business, top consumer preferences for the category, perceptions of our brand, and product design preferences. This project included:

400 surveys 

10 interviews

10+ product concepts

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The vendor had a clear timeline and assured that we moved through the various milestones, collaboration took place seamlessly using an online platform, and check-ins were scheduled regularly. Reports and presentations were timely and robust.

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

They delivered on time and went above and beyond our needs. 

What was your primary form of communication with Map and Fire?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their attention to detail and quick response rates.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Map and Fire could have done differently?

No, can't wait to work with them again!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chief of Marketing of Dude Vites

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We sell gummy vitamin supplmenets online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Map and Fire to accomplish?

• Setup and execute survey for a new brand
• Assist in setup of packaging for brand

SOLUTION

How did you find Map and Fire?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Map and Fire over others?

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

How many teammates from Map and Fire were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

Setup and execute Packaging survey for our new brand. 

Provide professional guidance on actual design of packaging. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successful design of Packaging aligned with the target market

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

They delivered either on time or early, and they responded quickly to all requests we had. Great to work with. 

What was your primary form of communication with Map and Fire?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They provide exceptional customer service and very detailed and specific data. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Map and Fire could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of CustomMade

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We help people create unique custom engagement rings.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Map and Fire to accomplish?

• Improve our understanding of our customers
• Help brainstorm brand positioning

SOLUTION

How did you find Map and Fire?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Map and Fire over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good impression from initial calls

How many teammates from Map and Fire were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

• Market Survey
• Brand Positioning Strategy

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Survey results that clarified our strategic direction
• Brand Positioning presentation that helps set us up for work with a creative agency on updated brand identity and positioning

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

Excellent communication and organization. Weekly video call, clear project structure, and clear management via Basecamp. Clay was very responsive to any ad-hoc issues or requests.

What was your primary form of communication with Map and Fire?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Very organized and easy to work with

Are there any areas for improvement or something Map and Fire could have done differently?

They did a great job with the scope we had!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Rusted Acre Soap Company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We create handmade, natural bath and body products with incredible scents and designs that make you, your bathroom and kitchen smell, look, and feel amazing. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Map and Fire to accomplish?

• Help with branding, market research, and logo design.

SOLUTION

How did you find Map and Fire?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Map and Fire over others?

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

How many teammates from Map and Fire were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We partnered with Map & Fire for a comprehensive rebranding initiative. After interviewing several other companies we met Clay at Map & Fire and knew would jive with them perfectly. We sought their expertise in branding, market research, and logo design to help us stand out in a competitive market. They did not dissappoint! The deliverables included a detailed brand guide and an awesome logo.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Map & Fire did an amazing job working with us to create our new brand identity that represents our values. The brand guide and messaging has saved us many hours  streamling our marketing efforts. This was a a major effort to help us grow. We enjoyed working with the team so much that we decided to keep Map & Fire on board to continue on this road.

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

The team at Map & Fire is very responsive, thorough, and timely. Clay goes above and beyond our expectations helping us understand the foundations of the work we are doing and how to apply this knowledge.

What was your primary form of communication with Map and Fire?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Impressive: The team's ability to develop our vision and bring it all together is impressive. Unique: The easiest contract to read and no surprises. Clay is very easy to talk to and we never felt like he was trying to upsell any other services or hide things in the contract.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Map and Fire could have done differently?

We dont have anything for this section after several months working together, not even constructive criticism.