Pen & Mug

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of marketing and design for Ask Joe DiMatteo, a website in conjunction with a 20-year old radio show and video series. We give instructive information on pharmaceuticals and natural health products, and we sell supplements.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pen & Mug?

We’d had the same site and design language for almost a decade, and we needed to update both. However, our primary clientele doesn’t take well to change, so we wanted to be very cognizant of that. Our watchwords for the project were evolution, not revolution; we wanted to make changes that wouldn’t scare our customers away.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Pen & Mug is designing our new website. I met with them a couple of times to look through the existing site. Then, they started working on variations and options, gave me several directions we could take, and I selected the one I thought would be best. 

From there, Pen & Mug took off with the redesign, making changes as they went based on my feedback. Using the previous site as a foundation, Pen & Mug has modernized our site. They’ve re-interpreted, re-iterated, and rebuilt the site’s design language. We use Squarespace as a platform, and the team has fully customized the design, including logo, font, color, and spacing. 

What is the team composition?

I work with Jeremy (Web Developer), and my primary contact is Austin (Founder).

How did you come to work with Pen & Mug?

I found them through a mutual friend whose sense of design and styling I respect quite a bit. I called him and asked if he was available or knew anyone who was, and he pointed me toward Pen & Mug. 

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent around $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every person I’ve shared Pen & Mug’s design with has gotten really excited about it. We haven’t launched the new site yet because our company wants to slow-walk the process. However, I don’t doubt that it’ll get a huge response, and I’m eagerly anticipating it.

Pen & Mug has been incredibly responsive to my needs; they listen and respond appropriately. Moreover, they’re creative and productive. Not only that, but they have the best form of creativity in that they keep the end in mind — which in this case is profit. Sometimes designers can’t see the forest for the trees and get too excited about artistic expression. Meanwhile, Pen & Mug understands our financial goals and has done an excellent job of keeping that forefront in everything they plan and do.

How did Pen & Mug perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been incredibly responsive, and they deliver things on time 100% of the time. We use emails and phone calls to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed by Pen & Mug’s approachable professionalism. They’re consistently professional while not being cold or hard to talk to, which I really appreciate. Additionally, Pen & Mug keeps the end in mind. They clearly know the goal, keep pointing in that direction, and don’t get lost in the process. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything they need to improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would say trust Pen & Mug and their process. If you hire people you trust, let them do what they do and not get in their way.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an event producer for Big Machine Label Group, a leading music company that manages multiple record labels, a publishing company, and a digital radio station. We represent top artists across country and pop music.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pen & Mug?

We needed help with signage for our events.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Pen & Mug handled our signage needs, including stage scrims, sponsor signage, video boards, credential design, and site signage. The team also took care of any creative elements that happened at the event.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four teammates from Pen & Mug.

How did you come to work with Pen & Mug?

I found Pen & Mug through Austin.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April–September 2025.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Pen & Mug delivered beautiful signage that we put up on-site. Everything looked great, the messages were clear, the design was creative, and our sponsors were happy. Overall, it was a job well done.

How did Pen & Mug perform from a project management standpoint?

Pen & Mug always delivered on or ahead of time, even with last-minute requests.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Austin and his team were the best in the business. They were extremely quick and efficient, and their work was excellent. Moreover, they had positive attitudes and great teamwork.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything for Pen & Mug to improve.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Marketing & Communications of Gilda's Club Middle Tennessee

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pen & Mug to accomplish?

Marketing & branding of our comprehensive campaign

SOLUTION

How did you find Pen & Mug?

Referral

Why did you select Pen & Mug over others?

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

How many teammates from Pen & Mug were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Our goal was to find a marketing and media partner with a commitment to our mission to support a three-year Comprehensive Campaign. The Campaign will enable Gilda’s Club to secure a central location, easy to access, near healthcare, provide increased free parking, with outside spaces for programs, and a stand-alone building. The Campaign will also raise funds for operations and endowment thus, it is a Comprehensive Campaign.
 
Goals
Support Gilda's Club in meeting and exceeding the Comprehensive Campaign fundraising goals
Increase awareness for GCMTN.
Increase current donor engagement and involvement.
Attract new contributors, volunteers and advocates. 
 
Key Deliverables
Brand Guide for Comprehensive Campaign 
Public Relations/Media Support 
Printed Campaign Materials  
Digital Campaign Materials (including video and photography assets) 
Campaign website landing page 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project is still in progress. 

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

The Pen & Mug team has been efficient and organized in the area of project management. Timelines have never been pushed due to a missed deadline. All of our materials have been neatly organized and are accessible to us at any time and whatever format we need them in. The team has been so flexible with us and generous with their time and talent. 

What was your primary form of communication with Pen & Mug?

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

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

We chose to work with Pen & Mug because of the energy they brought to the table. This is a long project and finding the right partner was crucial for us. We are a very small nonprofit and new that we would essentially need any extension to our team during this campaign. Austin and Rachel showed they cared about our organization and mission right from the start and we truly felt that commitment from the first meeting we had. 
They spent a great deal of time learning who we are and what we do before we even chose them as our partners, and that made them stand out. They are great listeners and always open working through a design or project until it is exactly what we are looking for. Not all design firms are as generous with their time, and I cannot say enough about Pen & Mug's flexibilty with us as we navigate this campaign.  

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pen & Mug could have done differently?

I really don't think so. The project is still ongoing and we are continuing to enjoy working with Pen & Mug and are excited to do so int he future.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of The Tiger Den Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a biomedical research nonprofit.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pen & Mug to accomplish?

• Build a website that would allow for us to evolve and to share our mission to all who support.

SOLUTION

How did you find Pen & Mug?

Referral

Why did you select Pen & Mug over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Pen & Mug were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We needed to build a website that would allow us to track members, donors, and corporate supporters. We met all deadlines, from the home page's design to the website's key sections.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

1. Whiteboard Layout of the website 
2. First look at the website 
3. Key sections of the website completed for live launch 
4. Final review of the website

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

Yes, they delivered on time and always responded in less than 2 hours for questions.

What was your primary form of communication with Pen & Mug?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They are a young group, but they come from a Fortune 50 background and can deliver impressive results.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pen & Mug could have done differently?

Not for me.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Chief Creative Officer of a consumer products company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Tabletop Game Publisher

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pen & Mug to accomplish?

• Custom Shopify Website
• Outsourced Creative Team

SOLUTION

How did you find Pen & Mug?

Referral

Why did you select Pen & Mug over others?

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

How many teammates from Pen & Mug were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Create a fun, exciting ecommerce website (built on Shopify) that enables both retail and wholesale selling.
• Operate as outsourced creative team – providing graphic design, motion graphics, photography and more. 
• Design the visual brand identity. Build off the logo and color palette that existed already and create a dynamic brand system that works cohesively across all digital + print communications. 
• Regular meetings and lock-step partnership.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Consistent positive feedback from retailers, industry leaders, and consumers about website experience, visual brand identity, and social media engagement ideas. 
• Streamlined wholesale ordering process praised by retail partners as well thought out, intuitive, and efficient.

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

The Pen & Mug team consistently over delivers. They set expectations for timelines, and they consistently meet or exceed them. They are flexible, which is key to the success of our partnership, and their general attitude and investment in our business growth lets us share in a feeling that "our" project is truly a team effort.

What was your primary form of communication with Pen & Mug?

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

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

Pen & Mug truly feels like part of our team. They are genuinely interested in the success and growth of our company, and this shows through their work and overall demeanor. They celebrate the wins and brainstorms the setbacks in a way that feels much greater than simply an outsourced team. It is a collaborative partnership that has been integral to our growth. We would be lost without them!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pen & Mug could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Speedy G Towing

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are towing company servicing customers in the Chicagoland.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pen & Mug to accomplish?

• Logo Design and branding
• Website design
• digital markerting materials

SOLUTION

How did you find Pen & Mug?

Referral

Why did you select Pen & Mug over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Pen & Mug were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Create an epic visual brand identity system that stands out on the roadways and on the web, including logos, secondary elements, custom iconography and brand guidelines. 
• Design a compelling website that appeals to logistics partners and provides a smooth and simple experience to drivers in need of immediate roadside assistance. 
• Custom vehicle wraps, marketing materials and more Helped connect with a partner for SEO optimization

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have received positive feedback from our family, friends, staff and customers. We are excited to hear more and continue to work together in the future!

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

Project delivered on time, their team-staff are very attentive and responsive to our questions, emails and requests.

What was your primary form of communication with Pen & Mug?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The process to evaluating what our needs are and the structure, model used to build or logo/branding and website.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pen & Mug could have done differently?

No. We were completely satisfied with the overall project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of Trust Management Network, LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Trust Management Network (TMN) is a leading provider of trust operations outsourcing solutions and support services to the trust services industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pen & Mug to accomplish?

• Redesign our company's logo and branding
• Create a website that reflects the company's new branding

SOLUTION

How did you find Pen & Mug?

Referral

Why did you select Pen & Mug over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

What was the size of Pen & Mug’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

• Reorganize content structure of website for clear communication and simple navigation
• Interactive website mockup for design discussion and approvals
• Design and development of a fully-custom website (built on Wordpress)
• Design logo and sales materials to align with new branding

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Positive feedback from multiple stakeholder groups including employees, clients, and strategic partners.

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

Their fully capable and committed team was able to adapt the process to our evolving needs and keep us moving forward.

What was your primary form of communication with Pen & Mug?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

Ability to translate our ideas and feedback into great looking designs and deliverables.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pen & Mug could have done differently?

Nope, they were great!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Co-Founder of a nonprofit based in Nashville TN the equips underestimated entrepreneurs with the tools to plan, launch and grow their own small business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pen & Mug?

To design our annual report.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Austin has a great reputation in Nashville as a creative who clearly communicates deliverables and timelines. He was a great fit for us!

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

He designed both a print and digital version of our Annual Report, which is a key communication piece for our org.

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

1

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've had a great response from our community about the high quality of the work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was great. They professionally handled the timeline, budget, and communication.

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

Pen and Mug brings an excellent design eye AND a clear sense of understanding the intended purpose/goal of the work. A great combo.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Music City Grand Prix is a 3 Day racing and music entertainment event in the heart of Nashville. I am the Director of Operations for the event.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pen & Mug?

For our inaugural year we hired Pen & Mug to design graphics for the event including but not limited to wayfinding signage, stage scrims, sponsorship materials and marketing assets.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Pen & Mug was recommended by a friend, and we are so thankful for that recommendation!

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We had an initial meeting to discuss the concepts we were looking into. Then we worked remotely and Austin was always quick to respond, was proactive in getting things completely and went above and beyond in finding solutions and suggestions for various projects.

What was the team composition?

• Pen & Mug worked with myself
• our COO
• our sponsorship team to complete tasks

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our event signage looked great thanks to Pen & Mug! Lots of positive comments from guests and staff members.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We used google sheets to share projects and confirm status updates. They were very easy to work with, very willing to try different systems and extremely efficient in communicating.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The positive attitude of Austin and his team in a stressful and limited time leading up to the event were impressive!

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

Nope! :)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I serve as CEO/CFO of a nonprofit private school serving children in grades 3-8 with ADHD and other executive function challenges.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pen & Mug?

We needed to clean up and update our website and conform it to new brand standards.

SOLUTION

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

We were referred by one of our board members.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

They broke down the project week by week with tasks and deliverables for each week. Began by gathering information/images, then created prototype, brand style guide, then created and revised iterations based on client feedback and finally culminated with site launch.

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

We worked with one primary point of contact. I believe he had other people working on aspects of the project behind the scenes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new website looks more professional and coherent, is more easily navigated, and has improved functionality.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They communicated regularly and clearly throughout the process.

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

They had a good sense of aesthetics and design along with the necessary technical expertise.

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

I was satisfied with how they performed.