ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the EVP at Lowry Asset Consulting.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

We hired them to help us revamp our website. Our original site was very simple and old-fashioned, and we wanted to represent the firm in a more meaningful way.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS interviewed our clients and us to learn more about our business. Then, they designed a new logo and letterhead, developed the new website from scratch, and created marketing collateral. The team organized for a photographer to shoot our staff headshots for the website. They also helped us update the website after we launched and connected us with another partner to maintain and host the site.

ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS set up our marketing collateral from soup to nuts; they created deliverables such as business cards, PowerPoint templates, Outlook signatures, electronic and physical brochures, and new stationery. The team also created print advertisements for our charitable organizations, which we implemented in brochures to encourage donations. 

What is the team composition?

We worked primarily with Rob (Managing Partner & Creative Director), a photographer, and another two teammates who worked on our site content.

How did you come to work with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

We found them through a referral. I’d worked with Rob in a prior role. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested $10,000–$49,000 in the engagement with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS ran from January 2013–April 2022. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our partnership with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS was successful because they listened to us and were easy to work with. They conducted significant research into our clients to create unique branding to help us stand out, which they did. 

Before working with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS, no one tracked us down online; they really helped grow our online presence. We received good client feedback and found that more clients contacted us for RFPs after the site launched. 

How did ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS perform from a project management standpoint?

They were excellent from a project management perspective; they knew we had a limited budget due to being a smaller firm, and they worked within our limits to pull something together that we were proud of. 

Sometimes, our day-to-day responsibilities got in the way of the project, and they were good about nudging us along to move the project forward. They laid out a project timeline but were ultimately really flexible with us. They listened well and delivered what they promised when they promised it. 

We typically communicated via phone and email; they were great to work with. Rob also came by our offices to meet because we worked together way before the Zoom era. They were a pleasure to work with overall. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was most impressed with their thoughtful approach; they took the time to point out unique aspects of our firm and gave us a way to showcase our strengths. I liked that they created digital and physical marketing collateral because we could meet our customers where they felt most comfortable. We hadn’t used a marketing firm before partnering with them, and they elevated our brand and presented us to potential customers more professionally. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS could improve on. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I advise setting clear goals and taking the time to explain them to the team, and ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS will be realistic with you. Be clear about what you’re looking to accomplish within your specific budget and timeframe; they’ll do their best to work within those parameters. If you have that conversation at the beginning of the project, you won’t be disappointed. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager of Sudlerchicago, a high-end, exclusive co-op building in Chicago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

We needed a company that could develop a website for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS to develop a website for us from scratch. We haven’t completed the website yet; We’ve got it in beta version, and we’re planning on adding more features to it. After we launch the site, they will also be handling its maintenance and hosting.

Aside from that, they’ve rebranded much of our stationery and publications and made everything uniform.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with four people from ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS, including Robert (Managing Partner).

How did you come to work with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS had previously done work for my corporate office. They did an impressive job on that, so we decided to hire them again for this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $20,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2019, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS does fantastic work. The site is of excellent quality, and the photographer they use is fantastic. So far, limited people have had access to the site, but we’ve received positive feedback from the people who have seen it. One of the top brokers in Chicago even told me that our website is superior to anything being presented by any of our competing buildings.

How did ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS perform from a project management standpoint?

ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS has performed incredibly well in terms of project management. I appreciate their constant communication and gentle nudging when I don't respond as quickly as I could.

We typically communicate through email and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re most impressed with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS’ quality work and their ability to understand exactly what we’re asking for. All of the work they do is customized according to our needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I have no complaints. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure to clearly relay your expectations to them. As long as you give them clear guidance, they will do everything they can to meet your expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a solopreneur and the founder of a creative agency called Spencer Grace. I also like to be involved in philanthropic projects. For example, I was made a board member for an organization called Literacy DuPage.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

I’ve worked with RVP on a lot of projects, but there was a special project for Literacy DuPage I would like to review. When I joined the board, the nonprofit organization had existed for decades with the same brand identity; it was outdated and needed a refresh. Thus, we brought RVP to help us rebrand.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, RVP rebranded our organization and designed a new logo for us, but the engagement evolved into a website overhaul and redevelopment. They built our new website from scratch. Although we were inspired by a WordPress theme, they also designed it from the ground up, using WordPress solely as the CMS.

Additionally, RVP was in charge of creating most of the imagery used on the site, such as the banners. They also helped us design some custom bullet points so that the entire site was tidy and concise.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Robert (Managing Partner & Chief Creative Director), a project manager, and a designer.

How did you come to work with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

I’ve known Robert for many years because he used to do design work for some of the companies I worked for. Whenever I need graphic design work, I immediately think of him. Coincidentally, Literacy DuPage also knew Robert, so we contacted RVP to help us with this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $12,000. Given that we were a 501(c)(3) organization, RVP offered a substantially discounted price to support us.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started talking in the fall of 2016, and the project ended in the spring of 2017. The long duration was due to the nature of the organization. As a nonprofit, it was only powered by volunteers, so it was difficult to get content and approvals in a timely manner.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The whole brand identity designed by RVP was much more contemporary and different than before, bringing our organization up to a new level of professionalism. I heard from some of our tutors that they were very proud of our new logo and what it represented.

Literacy DuPage offers one-on-one language tutoring, and RVP found a way to represent that with the new logo. It accurately represents what happens one a person who wants to learn and a person who wants to teach come together. He nailed it.

How did ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS perform from a project management standpoint?

RVP’s project management was excellent; they were always timely. We managed the project through frequent phone calls, emails, and a few face-to-face meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

RVP’s willingness to work for a cause-based organization was impressive. Everyone from their team had a genuine heart for understanding the recipients of our service and what it meant to them. They were very good listeners and cared deeply about the human impact of what they were creating. They didn’t just create a website; they were behind the cause.

Are there any areas they could improve?

After working with them for many years, I can attest that RVP always brings good ideas—and sometimes too many of them. Decision-making might be easier if RVP gave me a more limited set of options.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Invest time in those initial discovery conversations and be thorough and honest about your company’s needs. The sooner RVP understands what you need, the quicker they’ll create designs that meet your goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We provide investment management and advisory services to our clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

We have been working with RVP since 2014. RVP has provided branding and web development services for our firm.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

RVP created our brand, logo and website. Since our initial engagement, we have worked with RVP for one-off projects, including the development of sponsorship ads and collateral material for the firm.

​​​​​What is the team composition?

We have worked closely with several members of the RVP team over the years. We've worked with the managing partner, graphic designers and a website engineer.

How did you come to work with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

RVP was a recommended agency.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working together since 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We continue to work with RVP years after our initial engagement.

How did ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS perform from a project management standpoint?

Robert and his team have consistently met project deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

RVP is a trusted partner. Robert and his team have always been very responsive and have provided quality services to our firm.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communication is key. Clearly state the goals and objectives of the project and work together to achieve the desired outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing manager for LAUNCH, an aviation staffing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

We really have a small marketing team, so we needed ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS’ help in launching big marketing campaigns or creating any sort of advertising collateral.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS provides support for our internal marketing team. Basically, anytime that we have a new project, we meet up with them to discuss the specific details. After that, they come back with a quote and give us an overview of their project plan. From there, we proceed with the process while having back-and-forth discussions on different ideas and edit requests until the project or product is completed.

For instance, their team has been helping us with our social media marketing efforts. They’ve created easy-to-use templates for our posts, allowing us to maintain a fresh, new look for all of our campaigns across LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They’ve also incorporated videos into our posts to catch the eye of our target audience.

Additionally, ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS helps us out with our website to make sure that we continue to grow our visitors and meet our other objectives for the site. They also provide SEO support, constantly measuring our performance on Google.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with three people from their side: Robert (Managing Partner), Janice (Partner), and Naveed (Digital Strategy Partner).

How did you come to work with ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

I don’t know because they already started working with the company before I arrived. If I’m not mistaken, one of the reasons that we decided to work with them is because they’re also based in the Chicago area.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $500,000–$1 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2016, and our engagement is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re pleased with their work.

How did ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS perform from a project management standpoint?

They always meet deadlines and stay within budget. For communication, we interact through email, Zoom, and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re most impressed with the quality of their services and willingness to work with us on any project that we need help with. We also appreciate the fact that they take on additional tasks when necessary.

Are there any areas they could improve on?

I can’t think of anything at this time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them as much information as you can so that they have a clear understanding of your project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Doctor of Naprapathy, heading my own practice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire ROBERT VIOLA PARTNERS?

Robert Viola Partners has created our brand identity and website design and development. They also assist with various marketing communications and social media initiatives.

SOLUTION

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

We had worked with the firm previously and have always been impressed with the level of quality and service they provided.

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

The firm started with a process of discovery to understand Naprapathy. After their discovery they created the brand identity, followed by copy development and design of the website.

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

We worked with a two designers, a production manager and the website developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our practice is thriving. Our patients find information on the website very helpful in understanding our services.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Because I was responsible for reviewing and approving all work, they are very respectful of my time and extremely efficient in getting approvals on all work.

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

I was very impressed by the level of creativity in showing in words and photos the concept of Naprapathy and benefits to the patient.

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

None that I can think of.