Tandem Thinking, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Sales and Marketing of Magma Products

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Manufacture grills designed for use on a boat, camping or RV.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Create in store visuals for our largest retail partner.
• These visuals would help our brand stand out in the aisle.
• These visuals would help the customer make a buying decision and increase sales.

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Online Search

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Tandem was hired to deisgn a shop in shop for our brand/products in our top retail partner locations.  Details below:

• Develop individual grill display/info panel concept

• Overarching brand elements/signage

• Background graphics/lifestyle

• Develop end cap concept

• Create content/copy

• Design product specifc display elements

• Final output 3D Renderings of designs for presentation to retail partner's executive and visual team

• Communication with visual team/our team on changes 

• Sourced production for display elements

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• The ability for the store associates to execute the shop in shop successfully
• Brand representation improvement in stores
• Increase in sales for participating stores above the overall sales trend

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

Tandem was good about delivering tasks in time.  And if anything was not going to be on time, they clearly communicated.  What I appreciated most about Tandem was their flexibility to adjust and take feedback from us and our retail partner, ensuring all the needs from each group were met.

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

 The Tandem team was extremely creative, detail oriented, and took the time to get to know us and our brand, which resulted in a great display.  And they are just good, solid people.  Easy to work with.  

They took the time to understand our brand, what we (and our retail partner) were looking for, were flexible during the whole project, and creative.  Which made for a fantastic end result!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

No areas for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO - Owner of Jasak Industries - Ladder Latch Pro

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Manufacturers a product for the roofing industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Branding
• Product Development
• Marketing

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

New product needed a brand, packaging and product development.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successfully launched the product.  Product won the 2024 International Roofing Exposition best product for Ladder Stability and Safety.  Also won the 2024 Roofing Magazine top products for 2024. Branding and Product Development met our goal of launching in 2024  Successful launch.

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

We had a wonderful relationship with Tandem - Jeff and Mark.  We were under a time frame that needed to be met and they responsed.  We also were looking for an entreprenurial resource that could handle many of our branding and packaging needs.  We strongly feel that they go way beyond the scope of the project stayed within budget.  After 40 years of being in the consumer product field - I would strong recommend Tandem

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

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

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

Entrepenurial.  Very Creative.  Understands products.  Organized.  

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

No and we will continue to work with them on future projects

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Vice President Design of Randa Apparel & Accessories

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Randa is the world's largest men's accessories company, selling belts, neckwear, jewelry, small leather goods, and seasonal accessories.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Sell retailers on an idea that would expand Randa's footprint and SKUs during the holiday season

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The project aimed to invigorate core product categories for the gift-giving season, focusing on enhancing the customer experience and driving engagement at retail. The scope of work encompassed a comprehensive exploration of innovative solutions, with the following key deliverables:

Brainstorming and Concept Development

Generate a range of creative ideas to reimagine how core categories could be presented during the gift-giving season.
Focus on solutions that resonate with the target audience and emphasize seasonality, gifting, and excitement at the point of purchase.
Renderings of In-Store Fixtures

Develop detailed 3D renderings and sketches showcasing new concepts for in-store displays and fixtures.
Highlight how these designs integrate with existing retail environments while creating a fresh, seasonal aesthetic.
Include options for modular and scalable designs to suit stores of varying sizes.
Display Concepts

Design visual merchandising strategies that spotlight core product categories in an engaging and cohesive way.
Incorporate storytelling elements and tactile experiences that align with the holiday season.
Packaging Ideas

Propose innovative packaging concepts tailored for the gift-giving season, emphasizing premium aesthetics and functionality.
Include ideas for sustainable packaging options to align with current consumer trends.
Ensure the packaging concepts complement the in-store fixtures and displays for a unified brand presentation.
The final presentation was expected to deliver a cohesive vision for how to drive excitement in core categories during the gift-giving season, balancing creativity with practicality and brand alignment.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

While the concept did not move forward to full implementation, the project generated significant value by facilitating strategic conversations and unlocking new opportunities. The key measurable outcomes include:

Enhanced Retailer Engagement

The project served as a springboard for brainstorming sessions with key retail partners, fostering deeper collaboration and idea-sharing.
These conversations strengthened relationships by showcasing our commitment to innovation and understanding of the gift-giving season's market dynamics.
Impact on Queue Line Strategy

Insights and elements from the project directly influenced the addition of a new item to the queue line, aligning with consumer trends and retailer needs.
This placement leveraged the seasonal focus of the concept to drive impulse purchases and enhance the customer experience.
Inspiration for Future Initiatives

The renderings, display concepts, and packaging ideas developed during the project provided a creative foundation for future seasonal campaigns.
These materials continue to inform discussions around merchandising and marketing strategies for core categories.
Overall, the project demonstrated progress by generating actionable outcomes and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, even in the absence of a full buy-in for the initial concept.

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

Jeff & Mark were highly responsive. They fulfilled all of the requirements of the project and went above and beyond to deliver on a very tight deadline.

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Tandem Thinking stood out for their deep understanding of the commercial market across multiple distribution levels. They demonstrated a unique ability to challenge conventional approaches with our main customers while remaining grounded in commercial viability. Their team is highly innovative, adaptable, and responsive, seamlessly pivoting as project requirements evolved. Despite navigating diverse perspectives within our company, they consistently delivered cohesive results that exceeded expectations and satisfied all stakeholders. Their combination of creativity, agility, and market expertise made them a valuable partner.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

No, everything was great!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Stantt

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Men's custom and ready-to-wear shirts, trousers, and suis.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Design a unique hangtag for our new shirt line
• Design a unique table sign for our new shirt line

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We had tasked Tandem with several key branding + messaging initiatives to build into our new shirt line.  They came back with a succint range of concepts - all very interesting - that we pared down into final designs for both a hangtag and table sign.  The execution from start to finish was flawless, on-time, and showed their creativity and strategic thinking. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We needed to see designs that both (1) got us excited and (2) got our customers excited...both of which happened.  Our new shirt launch became our largest launch in 5 years, and the elements created by Tandem were a significant piece of that.  

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

Always on time with great communication.  

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Tandem Thinking, Inc.'s creativity was impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

None come to mind

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Vice President, Activations and Experiences of Show Strategy

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Show Strategy specializes in full-service event management and production, offering creative solutions, strategic planning, and seamless execution for a wide range of events across multiple industries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Design and produce all wayfinding signage to be displayed at the Democratic National Convention.

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

They have been a partner for several years

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Tandem Thinking, as a subcontractor for Show Strategy at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), was responsible for designing, producing, and coordinating the installation of all graphics and signage related to the expo services. Their work covered key venues like McCormick Place and the United Center, ensuring consistent branding and effective wayfinding throughout the event. Additionally, their signage was prominently displayed and visible across media coverage of the DNC, contributing to the overall event experience and logistical success.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Over 1000 Signage Pieces Produced: Tandem Thinking successfully designed, and produced over 1000 individual signage pieces, covering wayfinding, branding, and informational signs across both McCormick Place and the United Center.
• Increased Media Exposure: The strategically placed signage was visible across multiple national and international media broadcasts, enhancing the visibility of DNC branding throughout the event. This resulted in an estimated viewership reach of millions.
• Positive Attendee Feedback: Attendee satisfaction reported high scores in event navigation and branding clarity. 

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

Tandem Thinking demonstrated strong project management throughout their involvement in the Democratic National Convention (DNC). They consistently delivered all items on time, including the design, production, and installation of over 500 signage pieces. Their team maintained clear and open communication, quickly responding to any changes or requests to meet the evolving needs of the event.

They were proactive in ensuring all signage adhered to branding guidelines and venue requirements, and they collaborated effectively with Show Strategy to address challenges promptly. Their ability to manage deadlines, provide timely updates, and adjust to last-minute changes contributed significantly to the overall success of the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What stood out most about Tandem Thinking was their ability to combine creativity with precision in executing large-scale projects. Their attention to detail in both the design and placement of signage was impressive, ensuring that everything not only looked visually cohesive but also met stringent venue and safety requirements. Additionally, their responsiveness and adaptability to changing needs, especially in a high-pressure event like the Democratic National Convention, made them a reliable and invaluable partner. Their ability to balance creativity with logistical efficiency set them apart from other companies.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

n /A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the executive of Spirit Leatherworks

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Leather Accessory Manufacturer and Wholesaler for Nike and WILL brands

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Attain the license to manufacture and sell small carry accessories under the Nike brand
• Create a professional, compelling presentation that would show that we are the experts in the industry.

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned
• Incredibly Creative Team that understands the retail market

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Understand the Men's SLG market and how our product offereing would be different than current competitors
• Identify the target Consumer base and how our product designs would enhance the consumer/ user experience
• Create a story telling strategy to convince the brand that we are offering the most unique, brand right product to enhance the current product portfolio
• Develop a presentation deck that would "knock the socks" off key senior management executives at one of the largest global athletic brands.
• Create & design unique new products geared to today's active consumer and 3D render each new product as part of the overall presentation deck.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Delivering an A+ presentation deck that allowed Spirit Leatherworks to stand out against the competitors.
• Enhanced our overall corporate image with our licensing partner.
• Being considered for addtional product categories that will result in new/increased revenue for the company.

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

• Extremely aware of Time & Action calendar and worked within a very tight timeline.
• Tandem delivered on-time and actually several days earlier than our drop dead date.
• Tandem team was incredibly responsive to revisions and shifts in project direction as we worked through all the key strategy points.
• Tandem team made considerable time to meet and discuss each point of the presenation to ensure our end product and met and exceeded our expectations.

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

They had an incredible grasp of the wholesale and retail industry across multiple product categories, and they understand the importance of storytelling to close the deal.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

• We were completely satisfied with the project work and didn't see any areas of necessary improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of Fred R. Rippy, Inc

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Fred R. Rippy, Inc. manufactures electrcal laminations for the aerospace industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Branding
• Marketing

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Complete brand overhaul including logos and literature.  Included all branded items such as website, letterhead, brochures, business cards, and trade show setups.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

On-time deliverables, excellent feedback from our customers and employees.

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

Tandem Thinking was collaborative, flexible and quick to respond.  They gave us good feedback but also listened closely to our goals and objectives.

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Email or Messaging App

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

Tandem thinking has a unique blend of value and service I have not found with any other similar vendors.  

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

Nope, extremely happy with their support over the years.  Will definitely look to use them again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the EVP | Brand Strategy, Home Division of Marquee Brands

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Global Brand Licensing Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Develop shop-in-shop visualization for Sur La Table brand at Kohl's Department Store

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Develop in store shop in shops concepts for major US retailers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Allowed for the development of a comprehensive retail development presentation for domestic and international use.

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

They delivered  all requested projects on time and within budget.  Very little revisions were necessary and they were incredibly attentive and available for reviews.

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Virtual Meeting

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

Their professionalism,  speed and price.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

I think they were exceptional partners at every level.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Little Dick's Sauces

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Gourmet small batch hot sauce company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tandem Thinking, Inc. to accomplish?

• Create branding and packaging for new product launch

SOLUTION

How did you find Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Tandem Thinking, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Tandem Thinking, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Design:

• brand logo
• packaging
• labels
• marketing assets.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

How much customers liked our branding and logo; they love it!

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

Tandem Thinking, Inc. was amazing to work with. Highly knowleagable in marketing and branding; created drafts in a fast and timely manner; always availble; highly recommended. 

What was your primary form of communication with Tandem Thinking, Inc.?

Virtual Meeting

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

The quality and creativity of their work.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tandem Thinking, Inc. could have done differently?

No.