Spiker Communications

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Allegiance Benefit Plan Management. We work with large employers who self-insure their health benefit plans and contract us to perform different duties in regards to administration. This can include claims, compliance, risk management, and medical management.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Spiker Communications?

It’s important our company is perceived favorably by the general public since we don’t sell individual products. We were seeking to improve our brand recognition so we wouldn’t appear as an unknown entity to decision-makers within potential client companies.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They produced ad campaigns, billboards, and commercials for us. The campaigns were based around statewide sports programs at the college and high school level. Commercials aired on state and national television through news programs. Spiker acted as of our agent in regards to negotiations with college athletic departments to get us proper exposure within their stadiums.

How did you come to work with Spiker Communications?

Spiker’s done advertising for a number our clients in the past. I thought the work they produced was good and effective for those specific companies. I reached out to Spiker with some objectives we had and asked if they could help us.

How much have you invested with them?

It’s difficult to say exactly how much we spent over the course of a 17–year relationship. I’d guess over $200,000 since inception.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together February 2001 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, the objectives I outlined have been accomplished in that we have a high degree of awareness in our market space among potential customers. Additionally, they've been effective in helping us develop commercials, billboards, and other materials that’s enabled the recruitment of people that may not have previously considered us a potential employer.

How did Spiker Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They work with different people depending on the project. As CEO I’m often not involved in details so I tend to gauge things by what I hear versus what I don’t hear. I haven't had anyone express concerns about Spiker’s project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're creative and tend to come up with unique ideas that aren't just a rehash of someone else’s work. It never ceases to amaze me how deep their well is with new ideas. They’ve done a great job of keeping their work fresh over the years.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re responsive to requests and proactive in discussing ideas relevant to our objectives. I can’t suggest any improvements. They’re doing a great job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communication is the key. It's hard to for them to do things if they don't know the objective. Be as detailed and thorough as possible regarding the messages you want to convey and the ultimate objective.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My name is Kathryn Grandy and I’m the director of marketing and operations at Proprietary Variety Management (PVM). PVM is a global IP and commercialization company for new fruit varieties. We also have a large nursery, so we propagate trees and develop fruit brands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Spiker Communications?

We brought Spiker on to help us with a brand refresh for Pink Lady apples. Pink Lady is the oldest branded apple, which is about 30 years old.

We’re also working with them on commercializing a new apple, the Cosmic Crisp. It’s going to be the largest apple launch ever, with every apple grower in the state of Washington growing Cosmic Crisp apples.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve led a comprehensive communications effort, including strategic planning and creative design. They’ve produced a media kit and a number of digital mailings. We’ve also worked with them on consumer focus groups.

I use someone else for social media, but they assist with that strategy.

How did you come to work with Spiker Communications?

I first hired Spiker after an agency search when I was with a different organization. That was 23 years ago and I’ve used them consistently ever since.

What is the status of this engagement?

This engagement began around January 2016, and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's hard to say because the Cosmic Crisp won’t be launched until 2019, and we're in the process of the brand refresh on the Pink Lady. However, the consumer focus groups were really successful. We were quickly able to get a name that works for a trademark based on consumer input.

How did Spiker Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is quite good. I like working with them because they understand that we are the experts on the industry side and need to actively participate. They're reliable and creative, and I have a good working relationship with them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really care, and get deeply involved in the project. They care about the outcome, and that we’ll be successful.

If they're up against a deadline, they don't go home. They will stay late and work all night. They give above and beyond service.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I always want to be on the cutting edge of technology. They're not overly conservative, but rather they balance my desire to forge ahead.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m executive director at The Greater Ravalli Foundation, which is nonprofit that provides county-wide support for youth. We help with sustenance, scholarships, and education.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Spiker Communications?

The foundation needed branding services when it launched in 2002; this date preceded my employment with the organization. During my tenure, we’ve used them to advertise and market for: events, community partnerships, and our scholarship programs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In 2002, they branded the foundation by producing logos, mission statements, and digital outreach. Over the last 15 years, they’ve transitioned from branding to serving as a marketing partner that provides ongoing design services, which include material support for the scholarships that we provide to local graduating high school seniors.

They help with scholarship marketing, posters, and application processing. Currently, we’re in the middle of this year’s scholarship application process. They created all marketing materials November 2016 prior to the application going live on December 15. We’ll close February 2018.

Our largest project focused on books that highlighted 85 past scholarship recipients. We collected the demographic information and multimedia. They then assembled the hard copies, which we distributed to our donor base.

For the donor events, they conceptualize the functions and marketing strategies. Preparation includes designing print materials and performing donor outreach.

Additionally, they’ve also uploaded videos to our website and do outreach to past award recipients, which they use to communicate our work. They design and market newsletters and pledge cards for appeals as well.

How did you come to work with Spiker Communications?

Our foundation engaged them before I was hired. At the time, they had a local office and an incredible national reputation.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started in 2002 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All of our results are related to their effort. Consistently, their work, whether conceptual or material, exceeds expectations. Their effect is evident in our donor base, community feedback, and partnerships.

The whole team is amazing; they’re the best. I can’t do my job without them.

How did Spiker Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

Honestly, they keep me on track. They’re proactive, always sending me reminders and never missing a deadline; occasionally, they deliver early. Also, their style reflects a great “out-of-the-box” approach to marketing solutions.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re successful because they have lot of creative energy and personalize their services.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind. I’ve never been unhappy with anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come well-prepared and well-organized because that’s what they’ll do. Have an open mind and I promise that they’ll exceed your expectations.