Maven Media Group

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Community Engagement Director focussing on local marketing and business development for the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group, and what were your goals?

We launched a new medical compounding lab and hired Maven Media to create a video promotion showcasing our new lab and the story of how we create personalized medicine.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for a local Calgary media company that had a focus on digital marketing and video production.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

We started with an initial brainstorming session where we crafted the story we wanted to tell. Maven outlined the story board and script to make filming simple and easy. Production day was efficient and the director worked with staff in a way that was easy to understand. The final product was a beautiful story of our company.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

We worked primarily with Thomas and Adam who made the entire process as easy and simple as possible. Adam did a fantastic job directing our staff (who had zero acting or on camera experience) in a way that was easy to do. Thomas helped to really make our story stand out and feel personal.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've shown our video online through social media and have had a wonderful response from clients and business partners. We have attracted more like-minded businesses that should evolve into future partnerships.

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

Project management was easy to work with and timely. Communication through email and frame made it easy to make changes when needed.

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

Maven seemed to understand exactly what we needed, listened to our ideas and what we wanted to achieve. It is refreshing to work with a team that is all about making your vision happen.

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

Working with Maven and the quality of content that was created was phenomenal. Keep on keeping on!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

JA Southern Alberta is a nonprofit organization that’s part of the junior achievement network worldwide, and we’re based in southern Alberta. We offer financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programming to students from grades 3–12. I’m the director of fund development and I’m responsible for all our fundraising.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

Maven Media helped us with the design, logistics, execution, and communication, for our virtual 60th-anniversary celebration.
 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We engaged with Maven Media as our production company at the beginning of March until the event. Over the course of about two months, they designed the events pages including the registration page and the watch page for the live stream. They used some of our marketing assets, but built and designed everything else on the back end.

Additionally, they designed the email invitation and supported us in its distribution. They also managed the registration for the event on their end, by automating the response and sending them back out to the guests.

Moreover, they supported us by filming and producing all the content for the live event, which they were able to put together nicely.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with the two founders of Maven. They helped us design what our relationship was going to look like, and they worked with us on a high level. We also worked with two designers from their team for the event’s website, registration, and invitations.

Lastly, there were at least three people in their film crew on the day of filming the event.

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

We’ve been in southern Alberta for 60 years, and one of our flagship events is an annual Business Hall of Fame gala. Our long-time videographer for the event started working at Maven, and he reached out to us to give us a heads up on his new role and the company.

No one in our team had ever done a virtual event and when it came time to plan one, we thought of connecting with Maven to see what they might be able to do to help us out.

Maven is local to Calgary, which is the same place where we’re from, so we thought it was a natural fit to support a local small business to do this work.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $11,000 CAD (approximately $9,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March–April 2021. The live stream of the event took place on April 29th and immediately after that, they designed some clips for us to use in other ways.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This event that we worked on was our way of learning what goes into planning a virtual event, and testing the waters with Maven to see if they could be a prospective partner for us — and I can definitely say that we will look to engage with them at our future events. We were so pleased with how they worked with us, how professional they were, and how supportive they were in taking this very loose idea and turning it into something real.

Beyond that, we wanted to position this as a fundraiser for our organization, and through the quality and caliber of events that Maven has produced, we felt comfortable going out to sponsors to support it — we were able to secure about $16,000 in sponsorship support. That more than covered the costs of the event, and it raised a bit of money for us as well.

How did Maven Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

Maven was exceptional at meeting deadlines. There were never any concerns at any point that work wasn’t getting done, or that they wouldn’t be responsive — they were very responsive and professional. They knew it was our first time doing this type of event, so they went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable with what was happening at every step in the process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One of the biggest benchmarks of success for this event, that we’ll look for in future events, was time and cost savings. We probably saved about $4,000 in time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t really speak to anything in particular, and I suspect it’s because of my own ignorance. I’ve never done this type of event before, so I don’t really have anything to compare it to. However, if If we had any concerns at all, we likely wouldn’t be looking to work with them again. I just can’t think of anything concrete that they could improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice would be to come in with a vision, but be open to allowing the Maven team to make suggestions. Our event was made so much better by the kind of insight that Maven brought to the project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the co-founders and currently, the chief product officer (CPO) of GoodLawyer Inc. We’re an online marketplace dedicated to helping small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs find fast and affordable legal help. 

Essentially, we’re a network of solo and independent lawyers across Canada. People come to our website, reach out to lawyers, and work together online at prices that are affordable than traditional firms. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We received a grant at the beginning of the year that was pandemic-related and its purpose was to inject some money back into the local economy here. The stipulation of the grant was that the money had to be used to create a resource that could help business owners. 

With that in mind, we sought to create a business law masterclass. As a result, we engaged Maven Media Group to produce a series of videos that startups and entrepreneurs could watch to get a high level of understanding about legal things that they would have to look out for along their journey.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Before we connected to Maven Media, we already had a rough draft of our scripts. We then shared those drafts with the team, and they completed editing and writing our five masterclass video scripts. All videos were 3–5 minutes long. 

After that, Maven Media got us to the studio, and they put out a casting call for actors. They also contracted the hair and makeup team. On the day of the production, they had a staff who ran the production. Our internal team also went on set to help them. Then, they proceeded to edit and render our videos. Since I designed all the graphics and storyboards for the videos, I worked closely with Maven Media to provide comments on the videos. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with 7–10 people from Maven Media’s team, including sound designers, production assistants, a social media team, and an executive producer.

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

Once we received our grant, someone on our internal team had a recommended Maven Media. They were also local which convinced us to engage with their team.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent right around $11,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our project ran from January–March 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback that we got from our users was terrific even if we’ve only been live for a week. The production quality of our videos was also top-notch. However, even if we were tracking views on YouTube, it’s still fairly new, so we don’t have key results and insights yet. 

How did Maven Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

We touched base with Maven Media twice a week when we were still setting up the project. Then, after the shoot, I kept in touch with them every single day until we got everything polished. We also emailed a lot and I sent them comments about the videos.

They were honestly excellent and super collaborative. I worked closely with them, and our communication was truly spectacular. Overall, we never had a single issue with communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

This was my first project with a professional production company, and I didn’t really know what to expect. However, from day one, it felt like we were all working as one full team — Maven Media never felt like a contractor to us. 

We also highly appreciated that they were open to feedback, and when they finished our project, they exceeded our expectations. I wouldn’t hesitate to partner with them again. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think they have a single thing that they could’ve changed or done better. We did the whole project even in the midst of a pandemic. We also had to follow restrictions in the studio space, and the team was prepared for everything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t hesitate to share your ideas and try to be collaborative. They are super open to that, and they love making sure their clients are happy in the end.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of story for an innovation and investment firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We wanted to do our first virtual event, directed at investors to pique their interest in our organization. We also wanted to launch our brand-new fund.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did a virtual investor event. We had them create a television studio in our office space. The team helped with planning and execution. I have a broadcast background, so I was able to outline how I wanted it to look. They set up a platform page for us and helped us getting some forms ahead of that page, so we knew exactly who was there and for how long.  

What is the team composition?

I worked with two people from their team.

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

They were recommended to me. I had a meeting with them and realized quickly that they were going to be able to do something really special. They were open, flexible, and really easy to work with.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $12,500 CAD (approximately $9,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2020, and our event was in October 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The event was incredibly well-received. The partners in my firm were completely blown away. We had over 1,000 impressions on the post on LinkedIn just about the event. We also had an increase in the number of followers on our LinkedIn and Twitter pages.

They created the same energy that we would’ve had in a virtual format. The team had backup plans for if the Wi-Fi went down, or our power went out. I appreciated the forethought.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re incredibly professional, competent, and innovative. They were able to create something that no one’s ever done before. It was done with such confidence and assurance that it would be okay.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they were great.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise anyone to enjoy the ride. This team is lovely and you’ll be well looked after. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Coordinator at Star Building Materials. STAR has been a reliable, premier source for quality building materials in the Calgary Area. STAR Specializes in computer designed trusses, engineered wood floor systems, and providing other materials to a range of builders. From homeowners looking to build their dream garage, to large builders developing communities, we supply all the components needed to get the job done.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

We hired Maven Media to product and edit a brand video for the Calgary BILD Awards.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to showcase our business and brand to the building professionals.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

One of my marketing colleagues works with Maven to create videos for their department and recommended them. I have also worked closely with Alexis Davis, Mavens Account Coordinator on a couple of independent projects and knew that they could achieve what we were looking for on time and on budget.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail.

Once we selected Maven, we had an initial discovery meeting with Alexis and Logan, where we discussed the overall theme and vision that I was hoping to achieve. Shortly afterwards I received the scope of work and a basic timeline. Next the team at Maven provided me with a storyboard and I was able to make changes and recommendation to the script. We then schedule a time to shoot. I was able to selected music and VO actors from a curated list, this gave me the chance to be involved with the entire process. Logan and his team allowed me to be very involved with the shoot. He was knowledgeable and easy to work with. Next was the editing process. Maven provided me with a couple of drafts of the video and allowed me to give my feedback. I was very happy with the process. I felt that Maven captured the story that i was hoping to tell.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Their was three people involved from the vendors side. Alexis who was the account coordinator, Logan who filmed and edited the video and his assistant Edison. All three were easy to work with and allowed me to collaborate with them. We went through a couple of round of feedback for both the script and the edit of the video.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were not able to showcase the video yet as the event has been canceled due to covid-19. We will be rolling the video out soon on our social and digital channels.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Alexis, the account coordinator was easy to communicate with. She responded to email very quickly and always filled me in as to where they were with the process. We spoke at least once a week as we organized shoot times, selected music and VO actors and edited the video. The team at Maven provided me with a clear idea of what needed to be accomplished by when. I was able to edit the storyboard and script directly on the google doc and then make comments directly on the video draft. This was very helpful for communication and allowed me to easily give feedback to the team.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team at Maven was very knowledgeable, understanding and most of all creative. They were able to take my vision and transform it into a beautiful story that can be shared with all of our current customers and hopefully new ones too. They were collaborative and listen to my feedback, but also walked me through the process, providing support and direction when needed. I had a very positive experience working with the team at Maven and will use them again for future projects.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The team at Maven was great to work. I appreciated the open line of communication and their quick response times.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the North American Marketing Manager for icebreaker. An apparel brand based out of New Zealand specializing in clothing made from natural fibres such as merino and tencel.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

We hired Maven Media to find social media influencers for us. We needed to increase brand awareness in the USA and Maven were able to find appropriate influencers for both short term campaigns and longer term contracts to help us achieve that.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to introduce a new audience to our brand and also to provide education around the impact our clothing choices has on the environment.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were working with Social Stoke prior to the change to Maven Media. We've always been impressed with the quality of work delivered so it was natural for us to continue the relationship.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We had an annual scope of work in place for Maven based on our annual calendar. Our creative concepts are dialled in house and then we reach out to Maven to source and negotiate with influencers that can help bring campaigns to life with the icebreaker brand voice.

Maven understood the brief and the brand and were able to work flexibly and quickly to execute a number of campaigns including:

• Holiday Campaigns which included the use of sustainable influencers to promote conscious gifting.
• Summer T-shirt Campaign including a 7 day t-shirt challenge and The Vortex Swim event.
• On-going projects with ambassadors Kathryn Kellog, Luke and Jill Matthews Maven handled the negotiation, briefing and payment for all campaigns and provided us with results and summaries at the conclusion.

What was the team composition?

The icebreaker marketing team worked closely with Thomas and Alexis through the entire process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All of our campaigns met our engagement targets and we have used the same influencers multiple times in a row because of their success. We have successfully been able to resonate with a new audience and increase awareness of the icebreaker brand in the USA.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Thomas and Alexis have always been very easy to communicate with. They understand our brand and our requirements. Whether via email, zoom or in person, the objectives, timeline and process is always clearly outlined and expectations met.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team is always able to turn ideas and projects around under such short notice and a tight timeframe. They always relied on for advice on our campaigns and the execution of them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It would be great to have them involved at an early conceptual stage so that their expertise is fully able to show across a project - i.e from campaign concept, to choosing influencers and then also to helping with content communication strategy.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the manager of marketing and communication at Dynamic Risk. Dynamic Risk is a global service provider for pipeline integrity management. We are a technological firm, meaning that we offer software as well as engineering support and consulting to the energy sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We wanted to improve our marketing materials and foundational pieces with new video content.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, they created two promotional videos for us. Later, they made three additional videos focusing on technical aspects. We had a short timeline of six weeks because it was around the holidays. The video showcased our upstream software solutions, explaining the highly technical software solutions that we offer.

They also helped upgrade our website. It’s a custom platform with a complex backend, so they have been working with that as well.

What is the team composition?

There are a few people that we work with. The main points of contact are Logan (Production Manager, Maven Media Group) and Thomas (Operations Manager, Maven Media Group).

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

In November 2018, just when I was starting the process, Thomas reached out to me on LinkedIn. He showed us some videos—it was perfect timing. We had a bidding process, which they won.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We initially engaged with Maven Media in December 2018. Our work with them is ongoing.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They had a strong understanding of our space and were able to capture key technical elements. This allowed our message to be transmitted into a mass media format. The technology experts on our team thought they hit the mark and captured the subject well. The videos received positive feedback from our CEO. Using scripts, storyboarding, and visuals, they really succeeded in messaging.

How did Maven Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

Maven Media Group was great. They had everything together and were very transparent in communication. It was a seamless process—they were proactive and able to do the legwork upfront. They’d take it upon themselves to take initiative and develop what they felt was right.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very professional. It’s remarkable how they can take detailed technical information, understand it, and put it into a consumable format.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve been fantastic to work with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder and Executive Director of the Branch Out Neurological Fdn. We are a nationwide charity which accelerates tech and non-pharmaceutical solutions to neurological disorders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

Branding refresh Event Marketing Social Media Management and content development General Marketing Strategy

What were your goals for this project?

Develop consistent marketing strategies that reflects the brand and culture of our organization. Through marketing, attract new donors, event participants, and sponsors. Ensure proper knowledge translation to the public on our funded neuroscience research projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The team is creative, fun, and easy to work with. They have a full spectrum of marketing expertise to draw from. They care about our goals as an organization.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They strategize with clients to design and produce creative marketing work in various formats like video, creative writing, graphic design etc.

What was the team composition?

Leadership/management, designers/artists, writers, videographers, photographers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since Maven started working on our largest event of the year, Branch Out Bike Tour 2019, we have raised a near record amount and have sold more than 5X the tickets for 2020's event than we did at this same time last year.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They have been very patient and adaptive to our small and consistently changing team. Since working with Maven, we have had committee's of up to 13 members begin and end their projects, short term contractors come and go and growth at the executive level.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their maturity, work ethic, friendly and professional personalities and passion for their work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I am very excited to be working with Maven and have not come across any problems or areas for improvement. They are a breath of fresh air to work with and make the execution of our marketing wishes a breeze.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of marketing at Qualico Communities. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We needed a vendor to create two videos for us and help us with social media. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

As a land development company, we have to provide a vision to potential customers prior to the community being established. Maven Media Group helped us develop vision statements and storyboards. Then, they created two videos and managed social media and content marketing for us. The videos focus on community development and explain how to purchase a home.

What is the team composition? 

We've worked with a marketing specialist, a communications liaison, and about nine other members of their team. 

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

Their founder was a previous employee of mine, so I knew I could trust them.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay them about $100,000 a year.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with them in January 2017 and the relationship is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're very happy with the videos Maven Media Group has produced for us. They understand our business and the fact that we need to showcase happy residents.  We don't have customers in our new community yet, so Maven Media Group took an extra effort to find residents in adjacent communities. They've delivered the videos that resonate with people who are buying a home, helping them see themselves in that community.

How did Maven Media Group perform from a project management standpoint? 

They're very proactive and we've never had any complaints. If they have a new member on their team, they heavily engage other members as well to make sure the quality of the work doesn't drop. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're a very collaborative agency. I've worked with multiple companies, and often creative directors try to pitch their own vision to clients. That has never been the case with Maven Media Group. They brought forward great ideas, but they also listened to us and tried to address our challenges.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could charge a bit more. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're very accommodating. If you're willing to hear new ideas and see new designs, they can accommodate that. But if you prefer them to implement your vision, they can do as well. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the operations manager at Frank Hall Appraisals and Estate Sales. We are an estate sale company that specializes in on-site estate sales, online auctions, and appraisals. I oversee our website and marketing efforts. I also organize and manage individual sales and auctions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

Over a year ago, we decided to branch out from doing only on-site sales to also doing online auctions. This required a new, up-to-date website and new branding. We also wanted ongoing communication with our clients through mail services and ads.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to ensure that these design choices were in-line with our brand, that the programs were user-friendly, and that the framework that was created was something we could use as a foundation for a long period of time. We needed someone to help us execute our vision and ensure that we were relaying information in a way that was clear and easy for our clients to navigate.

We wanted to build a shared vision, and it was important for me to be part of the design team rather than just hiring a company to do it in our place. This new branding and website will be the backbone of our business if we eventually move to have auctions exclusively online.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose Maven Media Group because Thom (Partner, Maven Media Group) was honest and trustworthy from our first conversation with him. He listened to our needs and was genuine in his approach and willingness to assist. We knew early on that he was someone we could work with.

Describe the project in detail.

We began the project with some introductory conversations, and Maven was able to take the ideas that we shared during those conversations and bring them into reality.

Maven created our logos and website design and layout in addition to our letterhead, business cards, and mailer templates.

What was the team composition?

Their team has been ever growing, just like ours has. The work has been mainly led by Thom and his designer Melissa (Designer, Maven Media Group). No matter who they’ve brought in to assist, the level of excellence and consistency in their work has remained on par.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our company has been growing this past year at a steady and rapid pace, and we’re very proud of the success that we’ve achieved. There is no way for me to exactly quantify the efforts Maven has made because this company didn’t exist in its current state before them. I can, however, say that it would not exist at the level it does now without them. Also, because we were able to collaborate at each step of the way, we were extremely happy with the final product.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We’ve found a flow in our work together so that things happen effectively and efficiently. We’re often able to anticipate what each other may need. For lack of a better term, we are a well-oiled machine. Maven has allowed us to take part in decisions along the entire way, and we’ve worked together to create something that we were all proud of.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re extremely dedicated to our vision. They’ve both met and exceeded every deadline that we’ve asked of them, no matter how rushed or seemingly improbable, and they’ve done it with a smile. We trust them to follow through on what they promise.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. There is always room for improvements, but Maven is most likely aware of it and already on the case.