Thoma Thoma

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a long-term care company that owns 30 nursing homes throughout Arkansas.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Thoma Thoma?

We hired them to develop and implement a marketing/public relations/branding campaign for one of our campuses. We’re switching the model from a traditional nursing home to a greenhouse cottage.

At the time, this home had the second-largest COVID-19 outbreak of a nursing home in the state. With all of those positive cases, there was the potential for negative publicity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Several months after the outbreak, they started with a groundbreaking event for the new facility. Their team handled setting everything up, from securing the tent, audiovisuals, all communication for press and communities, and more.

Their ongoing work involves a PR campaign. Our approach was not running away from the outbreak, but that we had key people stare it down. Based on what we learned, we’ve used that approach across the state – considering the likelihood of many nursing homes receiving positive cases as time goes on. Our strategy was to show we were committed no matter what.

Their team works with our communication channels: Facebook and our website. They also pitch special interest stories to the local media.

What is the team composition?

We have two primary account managers: Suzanne (Director of Client Services) and Amber (Director of Production & Media). There were others that worked behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with Thoma Thoma?

I was familiar with them because I had worked with them several years ago when I was in higher education. Thoma Thoma helped with a branding campaign at the small HBCU I worked at in Little Rock.

How much have you invested with them?

We have a $140,000 contract with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Thoma Thoma started in June 2020. We signed a 14-month contract with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since we’ve been engaged with them, our number of Facebook clicks have increased. As we’re shooting for the grand opening, we’re hoping to reach the peak of communication and PR as we move to open more greenhouse cottages on that campus.

How did Thoma Thoma perform from a project management standpoint?

From a project management standpoint, they perform very well. Every Monday, we have a call with them. Because of their performance at the groundbreaking, we have another campus becoming a greenhouse cottage. The team will be in charge of our dedication and ribbon-cutting for that.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve been impressed with their strong communication. We’re able to stay on top of things. They’re always able to follow through. We’ve had to stop on some things because of construction delays, and their team worked with us to ensure we don’t meet a peak too soon. Their expertise has helped the timing of everything.

Thoma Thoma is full of professional and talented people. I have no complaints.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be willing to spend time with them on the frontend, building expectations. That’s on the vendor and client to do that. If either one of them misses a step, it’s going to impact the possible outcome. Clients need to be honest with them and agree upon expectations. Thoma Thoma will do the work.