River + Wolf

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of sales and marketing for CBIZ, a human capital management firm. We provide payroll and benefits services to all-size businesses across the US.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

We were launching a new product and hired River + Wolf to help us create a name for it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

To begin, their team spent significant time gathering information on our company. They dedicated themselves to identifying key aspects of our business’ culture and goals. To gain an understanding of what we were looking for, they had us fill out several forms to get our opinion on existing marketplace names and our direction as a company. We had several calls to discuss the intel River + Wolf collected and provided feedback.

From there, they used all of our input and created a list of names. Margaret (Founder & Chief Creative, River + Wolf) took the time to explain each option and gave us useful definitions for each word. Their team showed us how to create a marketing pitch for each name. They also attached a PowerPoint so we had visual imagery to base our decision on. Once we narrowed down our list to three names, River + Wolf managed the trademark and legal services for us, which is wrapping up soon.

What is the team composition?

Maraget was our main point of contact during the project.

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

We followed a recommendation from someone within our company and reached out to River + Wolf. After we met with Margaret and went through the interview process with her, it was clear her team would be the right choice because of their detailed approach. They researched our company and came to our meetings prepared, which made them stand out.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from December 2018–February 2019. River + Wolf is still supporting the legal trademark process, but the main project is complete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t launched the product yet, so it’s difficult to measure their success. However, we’re delighted with their work and approach.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed the project excellently. Margaret had a close attention to detail and kept everything on track. Even when our internal team was busy with the launch, River + Wolf ensured we communicated effectively and gave them feedback. We mostly spoke through email and over the phone, and their team consistently followed up on our needs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their immense attention to detail is unmatched in the industry. They got to know our company and cared about our culture and goals. Their consistent communication was also valuable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing they could have done better.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m CEO and president of Luscious Cosmetics, a vegan, cruelty-free independent beauty brand. I started the company to create a range of makeup to work with all skin tones.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

When we entered the US market, another company in the beauty space filed a trademark infringement suit against our name. We didn’t have the resources to litigate against this large business, but we also didn’t want to entirely abandon our brand and start from scratch. To avoid this outcome, we hired River + Wolf to help us find a new name and get a trademark to end our legal issues.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

River + Wolf helped me find a new name that included the word “luscious” but also rebranded our image moving forward. Margaret (Founder & Chief Creative, River + Wolf) presented a list of names and we worked together to narrow the choice down. She explained the etymology of each word and how it would relate to my target market. After hundreds of IP lookups and trademark searches to ensure the names we liked weren’t taken. Once we landed on a brand name, Margaret helped us secure the trademark.

What is the team composition?

Margaret was my only point of contact.

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

When I was faced with the legal naming issues, I knew I wanted to hire an expert with a technical background. I found Margaret online and saw she had worked with several companies I was fond of. After contacting her, I appreciated her empathy for my situation and level of involvement she offered, so I chose her for the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $16,000–$18,000 on their services, and it was well worth it.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked on the project in August 2018, and we finished it within two weeks because of the trademark deadline we were under.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

First and foremost, we were we able to pacify the company who filed legal actions against us. The support from River + Wolf helped us avoid starting our brand over from scratch and we got to keep the visibility we developed over the years. We also secured the trademark very quickly with their support, so no time was wasted and everything was done professionally.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

We primarily spoke over the phone and through Skype on a weekly basis. Although I have a full plate as an entrepreneur, Margaret ensured she got in contact with me to work through every step.

What did you find most impressive about them?

River + Wolf’s expertise was remarkable—they take an artistic approach to their work. Margaret knew everything about the words she suggested, ranging from the Greek mythology attached to it and the way it sounds to a customer. The process was fast and logical, which I appreciated.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing they could have done better; I was very satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of marketing for a chocolate company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

Our brand name wasn’t a good fit for our product. It was hard to pronounce, so people had trouble ordering it or recommending it. Therefore, we needed a specialized marketing firm to rename the company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our engagement with River + Wolf started with a brief consultation. I talked to Margaret (Founder, River + Wolf) on the phone and we talked about our goals as a company. She sent me a potential scope of work document that included fees and outlined the deliverables. Once I agreed to their terms, the naming process began.

Their team did a preliminary trademark search before they presented any naming options. They also provided several contacts capable of performing a full and in-depth trademark search. While River + Wolf didn’t offer that service, I felt comfortable working with who they recommended.

While they technically went through a single round of naming iteration, it felt more like five rounds. Margaret is constantly thinking of new ideas, so they were able to provide a full breadth of options. I selected a few I liked, but Margaret kept working from that feedback to produce more and more alternatives. It was an extensive process, but a worthwhile one.

What is the team composition?

Margaret was our main point of contact, but we also worked with three other resources from River + Wolf.

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

After a couple of Google searches, I used Clutch to find five vendors within our price range. After interviewing it each firm, we found that River + Wolf would complement us best.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent just under $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with them took place from November–December 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had the budget to hire two naming companies simultaneously. After testing the top five options presented by both companies, River + Wolf had the winning name by quite a large margin.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

The scope of work document they sent us accurately described the services they intended to provide and how much everything would cost. Everything was clear and concise. As I alluded to earlier, Margaret did a fantastic job communicating with us. She and I exchanged e-mails every morning and night on both weekdays and weekends. We immersed ourselves in the project, and she made it an enjoyable process. Their performance during iteration and throughout the final presentation was highly professional.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I expected River + Wolf to be a creative wildcard, and that’s what they turned out to be. Their level of creativity and passion for what they do set them apart from similar vendors.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We’re incredibly happy with them, so I don’t have substantial criticism to offer.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the dean of the arts division at UC Santa Cruz. My division has comprehensive performing and visual arts programs for grads and undergrads that focus on theory and practice intersection.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

When I entered the school as a new dean, I came with an initiative to help artists become entrepreneurs after completing their course of study. I needed to integrate this idea, philosophy, and curriculum into the arts division, brand it, and market it as a major feature of my deanship.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped me define the initiative through a set of communication documents. We created a class with revolving guest artists who are exemplars in the field. As each guest lecturer arrived, they prepped them for the class. Margaret (Founder and Chief Creative, River + Wolf) co-taught the class with me and participated as a speaker.

We’re currently assembling a booklet that documents the work we did in the class, and we have a planning timeline for the next two years to set strategies and integrations with the rest of the department and other entities. They bring their graphic perspective and verbal facility to bear in compelling brochures and other materials for students, academics, and donors.

The whole project is coming together in phases. They create a blueprint of action items, documents, and other deliverables that are valuable assets for fundraising, development, and marketing. We always have the big picture in mind.

What is the team composition?

Since we are both principals, I work directly with Margaret. I work very closely with her and am very aware her design team/

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

I’ve known Margaret for many years as an artist and someone who works in the not-for-profit world as an educator. She helped me when I was trying to articulate a framework for a class I taught at another institution. Her ideas are provocative and challenging, and I trust her implicitly. We share aesthetic values and have the same standard of excellence. When I developed this initiative at UC Santa Cruz, I knew she was the natural choice. She was the only person I considered.

How much have you invested with them?

The last contract was around $77,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Discussions for the project started around September 2017, and the contract was finalized in December 2017. They were tremendously generous with their time before the contract was finalized. We plan to continue our collaboration through the end of 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are in the process of trying to meet requirements of a University of California Office of the President grant. There are a lot of metrics attached to that project, including the number of students we interact with, the curriculum we develop, and our marketing and public image. Without their help, we would not have the clear metrics we need to qualify for the grant. Thanks to their intervention, we’ve exceeded our goals.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

Margaret has the capacity to think on so many levels and is excellent with staff. She’s worked with several members of my team to assess individual talents and always looks for ways to maximize potential. Her methods are never heavy-handed; she’s an integrative, thoughtful listener who makes everyone feel like they’re participating and contributing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m so grateful to them. They’re always careful and respectful of our deadlines, and they keep me on track. Their flexibility is a major asset, and the value they provide for the money we spend is tremendous. All the costs are clearly aligned with tasks they complete, and I’ve never seen this level of clarity or concern for my needs from any other vendor.

They’re extremely knowledgeable of current events and can communicate with anyone. No matter who their client is, they will do the research to complete any task at hand.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I get exactly what I need and can’t think of anything they should improve. Margaret is the hardest worker I’ve ever met, and her turnaround times are nearly immediate. I hope she has enough people on her team to allow her the bandwidth she needs.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

There are so many firms out there, and its hard to know who to trust, especially as a nonprofit organization. As a dean at a public university, I wholeheartedly recommend working with River + Wolf.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the Head of Communications at IEX. We are a stock exchange on a mission to build fairer markets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

We engaged with River + Wolf to conduct a workshop that would educate us in the process of selecting a name that would serve as a strong foundation for growing a nascent business. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

River + Wolf was enlisted to help us understand the challenges associated with naming a new business. Their practical knowledge in that area was something that our team lacked. Our engagement was oriented toward the training of how to develop a name rather than picking the name itself.

What is the team composition?

We worked solely with Margaret (Founder/Creative Chief, River + Wolf).

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

My colleague interviewed between 5–10 different agencies, a process that considered what each could do for us, and we thought River + Wolf could best fit our specific needs.

What is the status of this engagement?

River + Wolf hosted the workshop in September.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our workshop included the training and practical realities around name selection and the strategy for finding a suitable one. We were introduced to many of the challenges we would encounter. For example, we had certain preferences for a single-word name and avoiding a coined word or a compound word. Margaret opened our eyes to the idea that two decades ago, that would be more viable, but it’s now rare and challenging to identify a name that we like that hasn’t been taken already. She led us through the realities of the current naming environment and saved us a considerable amount of time and effort.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

Margaret helped us structure the right conversations that both leveraged the ideas and inputs from across the organization while bringing in a great level of outside, expert perspective.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Margaret provided case studies from outside of finance which gave us the right level of inspiration.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We are quite pleased with Margaret’s work and guidance. I can’t pinpoint any specific area that needs improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of product development for a beauty and spa company. We privately own and operate 17 beauty styling stores on the east coast of the United States. Eleven of those stores are located inside luxury shopping malls.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

We struggled to name our service and our nail polish, so we decided to look for a partner to help.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In an initial discovery meeting, we spoke with River + Wolf to discuss ideas for the name. A few weeks later, they came back with a PowerPoint presentation that included multiple names for our 27 nail polish shades and over 100 options for our shade names. Each idea was accompanied by a short explanation. They accounted for legal issues in each of the name options.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the founder of River + Wolf.

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

We contacted several companies on Clutch. River + Wolf was kind, sincere, and enthusiastic, so we chose to partner with them.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we spent $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March 2018–July 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The names were praised both internally and externally. We’re very satisfied with the quality and speed of their work.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

The founder managed the project extremely well. She was responsible, knowledgeable, and timely. Her guidance was valuable to our company. Additionally, River + Wolf was very responsive throughout the engagement.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They worked as part of our internal team. We really appreciated their patience and their willingness to share their own ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the marketing and communications manager at Plastics One. We're a medical component manufacturer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

We've been around for 80 years, but our name didn't really describe us. We were looking for a vendor to help us rename our organization.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We didn't know how to go about renaming. They had a few phone calls with us to discuss the direction we wanted to go in and then, they guided us through the entire process. We found the name we liked after one round, so we're currently working with a trademark lawyer to get it trademarked. They also recommended someone who is helping us with the logo.

What is the team composition?

We worked directly with Margaret (Owner, River+Wolf).

How did you come to work with them?

We found them through a Google search. We were impressed with their website, the reviews they had, and their responsiveness, so we chose them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $15,000–$25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from May–July 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our CEO, our graphic designer, and myself were impressed with their accuracy and their response times. Margaret listened to us and found the name that we wanted.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very thorough with their processes and documentation. Also, they worked very quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a fantastic team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of Tandem Goods, we make a 3-in-1 sleep system that allows you to take the best parts of your personal pillow with you when you travel.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

I needed help in coming up with a name for the pillow.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I met with Margaret (founder, River + Wolf) and showed her the product. I talked about how we were hoping to market and brand it, and who I thought was the main audience. She took all that information and within a week or so came back to me with the first round of names. We whittled down the list until we landed on Tandem. Part of the process was making sure that the names weren't trademarked yet. She referred me to an attorney to apply for a trademark, which I've since gotten registered.

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with Margaret.

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

I searched online for naming or branding companies in New York City. I reached out to a few different companies and they were the first to get back to me. They were also the nicest. I spoke to Margaret on the phone and I really liked the things that she had to say.

How much have you invested with them?

It was very affordable. I spent several thousand dollars on the naming process and a few thousand more for the trademark.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June–August 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We recently launched our campaign on Kickstarter. Everybody that I've pitched the product to loves the name. I had trouble picking a final name because they came up with so many creative options.  

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

The whole process was super easy. They’re extremely organized, which helps them work very quickly. Margaret was already starting to throw out some possible names in my initial meeting with her. Everything went really smoothly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a real intimate feel as a company. It felt very supportive. Margaret has checked in with me over the years to see how we’re doing. She's even supported our Kickstarter campaign. She's been a real champion for my company, and I don't think bigger agencies would do that. The communication I had with other agencies felt really impersonal.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Foxx Development is focused on mobile phones, data cards, internet of things (IoT) solutions, and smart devices. Our business is based in the U.S., and our customers include major cell phone service providers. I am the marketing director of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

We have a smartphone product that will launch in the American market soon. We have built our branding for the product launch to market and we needed a product name. We also hoped to develop our branding for the U.S. market in the near future and be welcomed by consumers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I am new to brand name development and didn't have rich experience in terms of creating a very special brand name and image. River + Wolf did a lot of background work focusing on the new name. Together, we went through almost a thousand names and shortlisted 70–100. River + Wolf presented us with a PowerPoint slide with the logic, background, and meaning for each name. Through several rounds of deliberation, we cut the list to 50, 10, and eventually three names. It was a complex process that required patience and strong communication.

Once we made a decision, we started the trademark registration. This is a complex process involving lawyer participation. It was especially difficult for me as a non-native speaker. The lawyers needed to use precise and abstract language in their emails, but River + Wolf translated those into simple terms for me.

What is the team composition?

I interfaced with the founder, who also serves as the creative chief.

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

We reviewed several firms—one from New York, one from Washington D.C. Our product needed to launch to the market soon, and we needed a branding name and marketing collateral. The firm from Washington told us that they wouldn’t have enough time to meet our requirements, but they recommended River + Wolf to us. I got in touch with them and vetted them. I was in contact with another company from New York at the time, but the River + Wolf founder was easygoing and willing to introduce and share with me a lot. Price was also a consideration and River + Wolf gave us a good offer.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost of their work has been more than $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with River + Wolf at the beginning of April 2018. The project was completed in mid-June.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our company has liked the logo and brand name produced by them, and we have started to use them. My colleagues are quite pleased with me, and I owe this to River + Wolf’s willingness to educate me. They’ve also given us a lot of reference ideas for other company brands.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

They were friendly and helpful throughout the entire process, which was quite lengthy and detailed. In addition to the naming suggestions, they were able to offer suggestions for how to develop our branding as well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was able to assign the full project to their founder and not worry about it. I trusted her and her team to deliver perfectly. She shared her ideas with us and guided us toward the correct approach. We were made to feel comfortable during the collaboration, and we felt we could trust River + Wolf. I’ve gotten a lot of praise from colleagues for the logo and brand name, but I know that it wasn’t actually my work. I simply had a good collaboration partner.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the co-founder of a startup that matches students with mentors at universities and academic nonprofits.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with River + Wolf?

We needed a firm to help us find a proper name for our startup.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We were presented with several questionnaires about the brand, our products, and our services. After they studied our answers, they compiled a list of 40 or 50 different names and we whittled those down until we found one that we loved.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the founder, who also serves as the creative chief.

How did you come to work with River + Wolf?

My co-founder had worked with River + Wolf in the past and had a pleasant experience.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March 2018 to April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are fully satisfied with the name, and we are excited for our company to launch. We believe the name is creative and different without being elusive. We feel it is representative of who we are.

How did River + Wolf perform from a project management standpoint?

They were well organized and on time. The process did not take long at all, but they were efficient, creative, and original.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I had no idea how much work went into deciding a name, but they approached it from different angles and found something original.