Origin, LLC

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the former owner and president of a pest control firm called Anderson Pest Solutions. We provided extermination services for commercial and residential accounts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Origin?

When I bought the company, we didn’t have a substantial marketing strategy. Our previous approach involved beating our competitors’ prices, but we lacked the adequate collateral to support our sales reps. We needed resources to lead our rebranding efforts, which involved redesigning our logo, enhancing our e-commerce, and exploring various marking channels.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, they updated our visuals to distinguish us from our competitors. At the time, clients would mistake us for other vendors because of our red and white logo. To combat this, Origin redesigned our logo and changed our colors to increase brand recognition.

They also collaborated to develop marketing strategies that targeted new demographics and generated a more consistent cash flow. As a result, we refined our efforts to focus on commercial and contracted residential accounts. Their marketing campaign included incorporating PPC tactics to enhance our e-commerce, coordinating radio and TV commercials, and designing Yellow Page ads.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with Paul (President, Origin), although we’ve also met their team. Eventually, we hired an in-house marketing person to coordinate with them. Paul worked with me to discuss strategies and worked with our internal resource to handle daily tasks and develop materials.

How did you come to work with Origin?

Paul diligently contacted me, and eventually, I offered him a small project. I found it easy to work with him because he listened to my ideas and spoke openly about any concerns. Unlike other companies that might indulge us, Paul had a long-term vision and provided critical advice.

How much have you invested with them?

As our marketing budget stabilized and increased, we continually invested about $250,000 annually with Origin.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work lasted from March 2007–December 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We went from a losing position to a winning position within 10 years. By the end of our engagement, our firm doubled in size, providing services to five Midwestern states. We were the 32nd largest pest control company in the nation, establishing ourselves as a national choice within our industry. In terms of our campaigns, we saw double-digit growth in residential accounts for nearly seven years.

How did Origin perform from a project management standpoint?

They met timelines and maintained transparency throughout the engagement. We communicated in person and via phone, conducting team meetings at our office five times a year. Besides this, Paul and I often met off site to discuss ideas because we lived close to each other.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their integrity and willingness to think critically about a project separates them from other agencies. Not only were they interested in creating impactful materials, they wanted to pursue a successful long-term relationship. As a result, we considered them partners rather than contractors.

Are there any areas they could improve?

This is less of a criticism and more just an observation of their growth. Because they were a smaller firm, Paul initially needed to perform all of the work himself, which caused some concern. However as Origin grew, he increased his support staff and divvied the responsibilities, which resolved the issue.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Customers should trust Origin’s advice and give them more latitude to try new things. From my perspective, the project succeeded because I had confidence in their critical feedback. If customers value an honest opinion, then they should hire Origin.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the President of JobGiraffe, a recruiting and staffing agency that serves the Chicago metropolitan area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Origin?

There were several that were addressed through a few phases. Our company was called Paige Personnel Services at the time and we thought the word “personnel” was outdated. Our website was little more than an online company brochure and we wanted to add some functionality and an updated design.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I came to them knowing one word had to be included in the company’s rebranded name: “job.” Another word had to go away: “personnel.” They confirmed that “job” was the proper word and we set out to come up with something to go along with it. During a brainstorming session filled with rhyming and alliteration focused on the word “job,” we finally landed on “giraffe.” When we discovered the domain was taken, Origin successfully negotiated its purchase from the former owner. Origin rebuilt our website from the ground up using Ruby on Rails. We did not have to provide wireframes. They did that for us.

What is the team composition?

The web design, branding, and graphic design services are headed by individual experts in those areas.

How did you come to work with Origin?

I was introduced to Origin’s president through a mutual friend.

How much have you invested with them?

We are in excess of $250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

It is ongoing. They maintain both the front and back ends of the website and they run our server. We are considering reviewing and potentially redoing the front end of the website in either 2018 or 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve owned this company nearly 20 years and have been employed by the company for 40, so I’ve seen it all. Anecdotally, from firsthand experience, everyone remembers our name. Everyone knows JobGiraffe and they don’t forget it.

We’ve begun a successful partnership with one of the large zoos here in Chicago and it would not have happened if not for our company’s new name.

How did Origin perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve had very few instances of project creep. If there’s a problem, it’s typically me and not them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Compared to other branding companies I’ve worked with, Origin is so much more process-driven, data-driven, research-driven, logical, and methodical.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If their small staff gets super busy, you may have to wait a little bit to get something done; but, I wouldn’t trade it because of the personal attention you receive. The principal and all the key players are in everything you do.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You have to come to Origin with at least a direction or idea. If you can give them something to grab onto, they will do a great job for you.