THE REPUBLIK

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the VP of Sales & Marketing for a quartz surfaces manufacturer in Canada.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire THE REPUBLIK?

We had to start from scratch in terms of creating various marketing assets, ads, and branding. We were looking for a reliable marketing agency that could provide a wide range of services, especially in our initial years.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Republik had been providing their marketing services for our U.S. counterparts already, so it made sense to work with them for certain parts of our marketing needs here in Canada.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Republik provided us valuable services with a wide range of marketing needs--website back-end fixes, creatives for ad campaigns, new product launches, developing digital & print assets and creatives for point of purchase materials, etc.

What was the team composition?

My marketing team and I worked closely with their Account Executive and their team members in various departments.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've grown consistently every year thanks to their wonderful services, creative energy, and support. Whenever we were in a pinch, they always came to the rescue.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our marketing team and Republik had regular meetings to share ideas, review creatives, and fine tune the details to achieve the best final results.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They cared about our needs that may be unique at times, understood our company's culture, adapted and worked with us effectively. Sometimes, marketing initiatives are not always understood or valued to the fullest, but they always remained steadfast and patient to bring about the best results.

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

Though things have changed more rapidly in the recent years in terms of virtual meetings, in-person meetings can be very valuable to truly connect, share ideas, and understand each other's needs or perspectives.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of marketing and communications for a national shopping center organization. We own, operate, and manage shopping centers across the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with THE REPUBLIK?

One of our premier properties needed a rebrand as we were bringing in some major merchants. The property is 70 years old and is one of the first outdoor lifestyle centers in the US.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Not long after we started the project, the pandemic hit. At this point, we scaled down the scope of our work. As such, they started the project by developing the brand personality. They put together concepts for new imagery that we could finalize once we could have photoshoots again. As we got to the summertime, we realized that we needed to shift the project more drastically to continue to attract customers to the property. They put up murals on walls around the property including the new brand elements. Around this time, we also learned that the property was named after a prominent slaveholding family. We decided to change the name, so they assisted us with strategy, guidance, and creative content to support the renaming. As we’ve finalized the new name, they’ve reoriented their overall rebranding plans to incorporate the change.

They’ve finished the naming, color palette, and logo-related portions of the project. We’re now moving into the media production portion of the project so that we can market the new brand.

What is the team composition?

We have a main point of contact, Ross (Executive VP, Client Success), that I work with on almost a daily basis. I’ve also worked closely with several strategists, designers, and art directors. As we start the photoshoots, I’m sure we’ll come to work with even more of their team.

How did you come to work with THE REPUBLIK?

We went through a pretty intensive RFP process. We liked that they were local to the property, but their team’s strong track record of both creativity and strategy was what truly led us to choose them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $200,000–$999,999 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since January 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback from the community has been very positive. With our rebranding incorporating a renaming that was tied to a sensitive subject, we expected some difficulties. Working with them on this difficult name change, though, the positives have outweighed the negatives. Outside of the name aspect of the rebrand, the murals have been a great draw for the property. We’ve seen thousands of Instagram posts with people posing in front of them.

We’ve also received positive feedback from our merchants. They’ve been happy with the rebranding work so far. As strong global brands, their perspectives mean a lot to us.

How did THE REPUBLIK perform from a project management standpoint?

We typically communicate via email, phone, and Zoom. We haven’t used any special project management tools.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They balance creativity and strategy in a way I’ve never seen from an agency.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. They’ve done well with the continuously changing nature of this project.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you have a clear idea of who you are and what you want to be when you work with them. They don’t need this information to do their job, but from a client standpoint, it’ll help streamline the process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the founders of Graybeard Distillery, which makes Bedlam Vodka. I was also the COO for about four years. I’m no longer involved with the day-to-day operations of the business, but I’m still one of its owners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with THE REPUBLIK?

We’ve developed Bedlam Vodka, which is based on a 180-year-old recipe from my family. We were looking to launch nationally using this brand, but all we had was the liquor. We had no brand identity and marketing plan other than its backstory.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

THE REPUBLIK initially helped us develop our product's packaging and name. Then, they developed our website and all of its content. We approached them with an idea of what we wanted to do. Undergoing a brand DNA session, we spent 2–3 hours’ worth of questions about how we wanted to approach the project. Then, they showed us why our approach was wrong based on their estimation. They presented an enormous amount of market and branding research and pitched us based on that, and we agreed that their approach was the better direction.

They also pitched 3–4 different names that would be applied to the aesthetic we chose, and we all agreed that “Bedlam” most accurately represented what we were trying to create. There was some pushback on our side on the things that we didn’t like, and they took those to heart. For their next pitch in a subsequent meeting, they presented a fully formed brand identity, complete with bottle design and packaging. They also laid out a plan on how we'd launch the brand and expand from North Carolina to the national scene. 

They also helped us join the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Expo, which is the largest liquor and wine expo in the world. This was a contest for new brands, and if we won the contest, we’d be rocketed to the top of the interest list for major national distributors. We had to submit a video explaining why our brand was unique and why it was going to be the next big thing. To sum that up, THE REPUBLIK helped us not only with our brand identity but also with producing that video for the competition. 

What is the team composition?

Around 6–9 people were involved in the project. 

How did you come to work with THE REPUBLIK?

We approached several marketing companies in the Raleigh-Durham area to help us with this campaign, and THE REPUBLIK was the third company that we approached. I Googled Durham marketing and graphic design companies, and they always seem to pop up towards the top of the list. At that time, I didn't know anything about them except their location, which was in Durham.

In our initial interview, we had a great vibe from them. They showed us some of the things they’d done in the past, and we met their massive team and the creative leaders that would oversee the project. They explained to us what made them unique as a team, and then we agreed to engage. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $250,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Worked with them from October 2016–October 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

THE REPUBLIK’s work has been directly attributable to our success. We wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for their design, which caught the eye of a celebrity that partnered with us for a music video. That music video led to distribution deals, which then led to international distribution efforts. Large national chains then picked our brand up. 

THE REPUBLIK was spot-on in creating something that was eye-catching and wasn’t going to get lost in the crowd. The bottle design — with its lettering and the double-headed raven — has become an iconic image in North Carolina and in some of our more successful markets. Meanwhile, some of the marketing and affiliation efforts we’ve done with THE REPUBLIK have taken a different path. However, most of the work regarding the brand still remains.

In terms of the WSWA Expo, we were the first-place winner. When we submitted the video, we were selected as one of the seven companies that would present at the competition out of the 80 brands debuting that year. When we arrived at the event, we didn’t only have the bottle that THE REPUBLIK designed; we also brought branding elements like glasses, t-shirts, and other marketing materials. We debuted all of these things on stage in front of industry leaders and distributors that more people were familiar with. In the end, we won — even if we went up against other established producers that were also debuting new brands. Knowing what I know about WSWA, we wouldn’t have achieved that victory with mediocre marketing. 

Overall, not only did THE REPUBLIK helped us with our brand identity; they also showed us right from the get-go how potent their planning was and how accurate they were in understanding the market's perception of new brands. Summing this up, we went to them with no idea on how to launch this product — we hadn’t even sold a bottle yet at that time — and they provided not only the rocket to launch us but also the fuel and control team we needed. 

How did THE REPUBLIK perform from a project management standpoint?

THE REPUBLIK accomplished things when we needed them to. We communicated via emails and phone calls, and we had plenty of meetings in their facility. We’ve developed a good friendship, too. There were delays in some things, but they weren’t unreasonable or due to mismanagement. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed with how ready the team was when they met us. When we arrived at THE REPUBLIK’s office, everybody knew who we were. They never met us before, but they greeted us; they were loaded for bear, so to speak. Even if they had to push a meeting back a week, they were always ready for us.

In contrast, during our appointment with one of THE REPUBLIK’s competitors, somebody walked up to me and my two other business partners, and they asked us who we were. That moment, I thought that a better-run organization would know they had an appointment with a liquor company that was willing to spend $500,000. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We were a little naive about how the industry worked. As a result, if I had one suggestion to give, that would be for THE REPUBLIK to have more hand-holding and to slow down the conversation. If they did that, they could've ensured we understood exactly why they were recommending things. 

Some of the ideas we had were instinctive but wrong, such as trying to launch across 48 states instead of just a few of them. On top of that, some of our instincts didn’t jive with what the brand identity was, causing some friction. We eventually came around to it, but sometimes, we still did things that they told us were wrong — THE REPUBLIK was mostly proven right. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As long as the budget affords it, trust the plan. If you have questions about it, ask them to explain it. Get them to prove why they believe in what they believe and why they think their approach is going to be correct. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was President of Triumph Boats, a recreational boat manufacturer in Durham, NC.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire THE REPUBLIK?

THE REPUBLIK was engaged to be our Marketing Agency.

What were your goals for this project?

Increase brand awareness and differentiate the product.

SOLUTION

How did you select THE REPUBLIK?

We selected THE REPUBLIK during an annual review and compared them to 2 other Marketing Firms.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The scope of the work was broad and included:

• Company Branding
• Product Design
• Advertising
• Viral Marketing
• Catalog Creation
• Photo Shoots
• General Marketing assistance

Essentially, THE REPUBLIK became our marketing arm working closely with our management team at each step of the engagement. We created quarterly objectives that aligned with our business needs and executed them.

What was the team composition?

THE REPUBLIK provided us with an Account Manager who coordinated the resources (creative, technical, etc.) from their side for each sub-project. The Account Manager worked closely with our General Manager, however, I had direct access to the Principals of the firm.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The work that THE REPUBLIK performed helped us to transform our company from a "me too" brand to owning a specific position in the market -- "The World's Toughest Boats". The transformation was not only in the way that the market perceived us but the way that the company worked on a day-to-day basis.

We went from just building boats, to having a purpose and an edge to what we did. I have spent a lot in marketing over the years with many different agencies, but I have never seen the impact as greatly as I did with THE REPUBLIK. They did the work to understand who we truly were and then made it come to life in tangible ways.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The Account Manager did a good job of coordinating efforts and the relationship we had at the Executive level ensured that we hit all major deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They understood our brand and products, and they helped us transformed it in new and creative ways. Our Marketing Budget was limited, so they came up with creative ways to get our message out.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don't have much negative to say about THE REPUBLIK, but like most marketing agencies, improved communication through the creative process would help.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the CEO and CMO for an organic energy drink.  We were a venture-backed company based in Durham, North Carolina. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with THE REPUBLIK?

We had an idea of what we felt our mission statement was and what we wanted to be, but we needed help with how to bring that to life for consumers. That was why we brought THE REPUBLIK on board — to help us refine our brand positioning statement and proposition and then bring it to life both visually and in the market. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They delivered a visual identity guideline for us and an overall creative brief, which guided the strategy behind our project and outlined the consumer connection points. There were some creative executions, both around the visual identity as well as in market programming. 

What is the team composition?

I interacted with two or three of our partners, but they had people also working back in the office on the creative and other segments.

How did you come to work with THE REPUBLIK?

I had met a few of the people in THE REPUBLIK locally through a variety of local networking-type events. I worked with enough agencies through my career at beverage companies and elsewhere that I just knew THE REPUBLIK got it.

 With the opportunity at hand, I figured they would be a great partner to work with. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $90,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked from November 2018–November 2019. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was really a strategic exercise. Our team based our thoughts on the quality of deliverables. 

How did THE REPUBLIK perform from a project management standpoint?

They were fine. To keep it simple, they met expectations on the project management side. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

What they did extremely well was to drill down and discern the strategic essence of the brand and how to communicate that to our target consumers. The way they brought the strategy to life through visual identity was extremely strong. 

A lot of agencies talk about visual identity but don’t get into the level of depth about patterns, shapes, colors, and how things get represented on everything from a point of sale to creative execution online. Their team is able to deliver on that. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not from my perspective. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you can direct them to what you want your brand to be — what your brand stands for and what your brand is — their ability to interpret, translate, and take it out to consumers and bring it to life is extremely strong and creative. They may very well have other skills, but that’s just what we were able to use them for, and I was very pleased. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and founder of Wintergreen Hospitality Group, and we’re a hotel development and management company. We operate, develop, and build hotels throughout the Southeastern US.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with THE REPUBLIK?

Our company moved from a franchised hotel brand into an independent brand. We spent five years building and operating an independent hotel, and then we decided to refine our brand. We needed to figure out how we could comprehensively define and execute our brand.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The REPUBLIK started by creating a positioning strategy for our identity in the context of the competitive landscape. They also defined our unique value proposition and how we can execute that from a consumer experience standpoint. The agency's creative side helped in coming up with activation ideas and execution ideas on how to bring the strategy to life in our locations.

It was a lot of strategy, branding, and identification work, while the creative team focused on visual and graphic identity. The team also provided experiential design to help our physical and digital space stay consistent with our branding strategy and help consumers truly experience the hotel offerings. They designed and produced events. They were also in charge of designing the executable pieces, marketing and promotional collateral, and the physical environment and spaces — like the building's actual four walls.

Our team was still in charge of the final executions, but THE REPUBLIK executed a lot of creative materials for our physical and digital needs.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with 15–20 people throughout the years. The constant people I worked with were the creative director, the strategic director, the two principals, and the creative strategy team's head. We also had a couple of different project managers over the course of our relationship. We also worked with an illustrator, designer, and copywriter.

How did you come to work with THE REPUBLIK?

I was pretty plugged into the agency scene in the Raleigh-Durham area, and there were not a lot of companies there during that time.  A member of their team approached us about working with the company.

THE REPUBLIK wanted to learn more about what we are and what our business strategy was. Then they created general business development efforts for us. The group’s approach and philosophy stood out to me, and that’s how we ended up deciding to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $200,000–$999,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with THE REPUBLIK from September 2014 to June 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They met expectations. Throughout the engagement, we were definitely paying attention. The creative outputs that I received were exactly what I was looking for.

How did THE REPUBLIK perform from a project management standpoint?

THE REPUBLIK’s ability to meet deadlines, communication, and project management style was very good.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Creativity and creative production were the fundamentals of their industry, but their team did unexpected and unusual things. They came up with very creative ideas. The word creative gets thrown around a lot, but they came up with some things that nobody had really done, seen, or thought about in the context that we’re working on.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could’ve improved some of their internal processes. We sometimes had to transition from one account manager to another. They could’ve been more streamlined or efficient in their internal process. 

As for the work, I did receive exactly what I was looking for.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be really clear about who you are as a client, what you care about, and what tradeoffs you are willing to make. From there, get out of their way and let them really go crazy. You can always give them feedback and rein them, but I would say give them some space to do their work. You’ll be really impressed and surprised when they come back to you.

You can’t try and tell them that you want everything; that’s physically impossible. From a design and strategy standpoint, you have to be really focused on your priorities and what you’re willing to give up.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Communications Director for a non-profit association representing the zinc industry globally. We work with zinc producers and end-users to sustainably grow zinc markets through research and development, technology transfer, and communicating the essentiality of zinc to modern life.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire THE REPUBLIK?

Zinc is a unique metal being both an essential micronutrient and a key component in thousands of everyday products. Every living thing has daily interaction with zinc, yet few know what it is or where it's used.

We had extensive in-house expertise in zinc, but limited experience with video production. We hired THE REPUBLIK to help us solve this awareness problem and create a video narrative of zinc's story.

What were your goals for this project?

This project's goal was to create a connection with zinc by highlighting the many ways it contributes to the viewer's life. The video and accompanying narrative would also form the basis for our website relaunch and content themes for social media.

It would also serve as a stand-alone piece for trade shows, conferences, and corporate events.

SOLUTION

How did you select THE REPUBLIK?

We selected THE REPUBLIK for several reasons. First was a willingness to put the time in upfront, before the contract was signed, to not only understand what we were after but to offer advice and guidance based on our budget and goals. The second was the quality, experience, and diversity of their team.

The net result was a proposal that was more on-point than the others, giving us the confidence we had chosen the right partner.

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

THE REPUBLIK was responsible for the narrative, animation, voice-over, and production. Given the thoroughness of the proposal process, our first planning meeting was brief and productive.

Since we had already decided to go the animation route, we were shown 5 or 6 conceptual styles to choose from and went straight into the key points of the storyboard. The next several weeks were spent refining the narration and storyboard, then on to animation and production.

Communication of timing and expectations was excellent throughout.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

THE REPUBLIK provided a three-person team throughout the process, a producer, a copywriter, and an animator. They worked very well together through several rounds of refining, with ample opportunity for feedback.

They were very accomodating and proud of their craft, inviting us to sit in on the voice-overs and other aspects of the production.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was quite unique and very well received. We are still using it three years on. Many of our members have adopted the video for use in their own communications which also speaks to its impact.

We were very happy with the outcome and have worked with THE REPUBLIC on several projects since then with equally successful results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was excellent throughout. The producer/project manager kept us in the loop on progress and responded to our feedback quickly. We had regular meetings and they were always available to discuss the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The creativity, passion, and enthusiasm they bring to the project. Great group to work with. They create client relationships you want to be a part of.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were very satisfied with their work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work with Hyundai Living and Culture, which is the division of the Hyundai Department and we're headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We have two brands that fall under our umbrella, HanStone Quartz and Hanex Solid Surfaces. I am their product design manager.

I am responsible for designing products for all of North America as well as the content creation and concept marketing collateral for the creative side.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with THE REPUBLIK?

We needed some help with our website. We needed a team that will handle both the design and development of our site. Additionally, we were also looking for a team that could help us in the marketing department.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provide a whole range of services for us. They help us with creating concepts and ideas around how to market our products. This includes assisting us in creating blogs and newsletters, as well as managing our email database. The team also helped with our rebranding and they also manage and update our website for us.

What is the team composition?

Our main contact is Rachel (Managing Director) and she is the gatekeeper of their team. They have a whole team of people that work behind the scenes. But Rachel is our account manager and we mainly work with her. We’ve also worked with Robert (CEO).

How did you come to work with THE REPUBLIK?

They actually preceded me, so I’m not sure how the partnership started.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent roughly $300,000 since the engagement started.

What is the status of this engagement?

I believe that they started around 2014 and we are still currently working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We can track their impact through our brand awareness and feedback from our clients from the design collaterals we created was very positive according to our sales team. The increase in sales can also be attributed to the work that they provide as well as the increase in website traffic.

How did THE REPUBLIK perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is fantastic. They are wonderful. We conduct weekly calls with them where we go over our project list and the status of each project. We couldn’t be happier. Rachel has surpassed any expectations that we’ve had.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I can name a million things that have been impressive about them. We don’t view them as an outside agency. We view them as a part of our team and I believe they view us as a part of their team as well. I think that’s a huge compliment.

They treat us as if we are one team. So there’s dedication and passion for our brand that exceeds what I would expect in an agency. The passion that they have and their commitment to our brand are incredible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t know if I can actually say anything that they could be doing differently. They’ve delivered what they say they’re going to deliver.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Allow them to do what they’re best at, which is really helping to define marketing strategy and lay out a plan and a roadmap for those brands. You need to utilize their strong suit, which is strategic thinking and letting them go with it, and trusting that will provide the best path forward.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a destination marketing organization that promotes travel and stays for a region in North Carolina. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with THE REPUBLIK?

They were hired to help us with a cultural tourism campaign, but that evolved into tourism brand development and marketing work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In a nutshell, they provide consulting, strategic direction, brand strategy, PR, and implementation suggestions for every type of product that we put together. 

What is the team composition?

Currently, we work with four people. Robert (CEO) and Dwayne (Chief Strategic Officer) speak regularly. I have weekly status called and bi-weekly in-person meetings with Ross (Executive VP of Client Success) and Rachel (Managing Director), and Madison (Account Coordinator).  

How did you come to work with THE REPUBLIK?

When I joined the company, I wanted to do something very different from what we’ve done in the past with marketing. I put out an RFP for cultural tourism strategy development. We narrowed our search down to six agencies and selected them because of their honest approach to the interview process and relationship-building skills. We were impressed with the quality of their work as well. 

How much have you invested with them?

In the last four years, we’ve average $400,000–$500,000 on their services.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been working with them since the fall of 2003.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of their work was impressive. They have a creative, deep thought process that’s tailored to solving our challenge. For each of the challenges I’ve thrown at them, they’ve returned to me with answers and results. We’ve seen dramatic increases in our PR abilities and sales efforts. Our objectives in those areas were met because of their help.  

How did THE REPUBLIK perform from a project management standpoint?

With have an internal project management platform that our team and marketing partners use to stay in sync with our efforts. Outside of that, we communicate using emails and phone calls for clarification on requirements.

Every Friday, we have a status calls that allows both of our teams to update each other on progress against assignments. Every other week, they visit our offices to do the call in person. That’s been a great opportunity for our teams to bond.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their CEO and I think similarly about attacking projects. We’re both visionaries that like to cut to the chase to make good things happen. They’ve been a marketing partner but also mentors and friends. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

When we first started with them, we went through a few account management teams. There were lags in the project when new account managers were getting up to speed on the account. In the last 4–5 years, things have changed and been completely smooth with account management. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared for unassuming, smart, creative folks. They have a confident, humble approach and truly listen to our requirements. On the flipside, they’re not afraid to contribute their opinion on our assignments and requirements.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and co-founder of Dilworth Coffee, a specialty coffee restaurant and distributor.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Republik?

We were looking to rebrand ourselves and hired The Republik to help us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team helped us establish a new brand strategy and the visual components of it. Since we have multiple brands, they faced the challenge of positioning all of them appropriately.

In making sure that our messaging is consistent across all touchpoints, they updated and redesigned our many customer-facing materials, like our website. They’ve also helped spearhead our social media campaigns in an effort to roll out our new branding.

We’re currently reviewing their wireframes to decide if we’ll engage them for a full-fledged web development project.

What is the team composition?

We had a total of 6­–7 teammates at different points of the engagement. The two senior principals led the initial brand discovery phase. Then, we had a variety of designers, project managers, and copywriters to take on the various aspects in implementing the new brand.

How did you come to work with The Republik?

One of our team members here had known somebody who worked at The Republik. They brought up the idea that we might be ready to reengage in our marketing efforts. I set up a general introduction with them and went from there.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent roughly $175,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March 2019. The work is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve seen great numbers in terms of our online traffic and social media engagement, albeit having started at a low level. We’ve seen positive feedback both internally and from customers. Our sales team finds it easier to introduce our company to prospects and customers, which is also nice.

Thanks to them, we’re now able to succinctly state our mission and values, as well as how we’re different from competitors.

How did The Republik perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very organized. For some projects, they simply assisted us, and for others, they took the lead. I’ve always felt informed, had a sense of who was accountable for what, and understood what the deliverables were.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re able to step back and take a broader approach to what we thought were problems. They’re able to challenge our conceptions of business negatives and reveal that they’re actually strengths. They’re able to help us communicate why we do what we do and not feel apologetic for it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not really.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared to talk with them about the entirety of the process. It helps to clarify expectations and set significant milestones.