BLVR

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or impact of the engagement?

I don't have good metrics for you, but BLVR did help us develop the stitch zigzag into a recognizable and highly respected brand symbol. In the last 2.5 years, we went from 500 people wearing it to roughly 27,000, primarily driven through everything BLVR has done for us. We’ve done marketing, of course, but our overall success has been because BLVR created high-quality work that people latched onto.

BLVR has been great. We’ve seen more traffic to our website, and more people are buying the clothing we’re selling. We’re also starting to get brand partnerships, and it’s because the caliber of our work is top-quality. If we were working with a low-level designer who didn't create great work, we wouldn't be getting these partnerships.>

We’re based in Boise, Idaho, and I intentionally work with BLVR in San Diego because they have the best designers and great developers, and they are just good people. With previous designers, I would get nervous when they would send me designs to review. I would think, “Oh man. I hope I don't have to tell them that I hate it.” With BLVR, the work is so good, and it gets better every time. I don't even know how to explain it. They’re current on what’s current, yet while maintaining a timeless, classic brand. They know what looks good, and they have fresh stuff for me all the time. Each time I go, “Dang. This is better than the last one, and that one was really good.” BLVR has really great designers, and with branding, it’s all about quality. Anyone can build a website or create a logo, but the logo was the part I cared the least about. The guys at BLVR did such a great job putting the whole package together that the logo was an afterthought to me.

How did BLVR perform from a project management standpoint?

BLVR performs great from a project management standpoint, and they’ve been phenomenal to work with. The creative director role is on my end, and I give BLVR the freedom to do what they’re good at. Our work together is very much a collaboration. I was in San Diego recently for a face-to-face meeting with BLVR to catch up on what’s happening and to strategize and figure out what the next steps are. We have one of the healthier types of business relationships that you can have, really.

BLVR is super responsive. Adam is my primary point of contact, and he always replies the same day or within a few hours. I typically have one point of contact on specific projects, and they keep the communication process simple and streamlined with clear expectations. We have three or four designers, depending on what the project is, and I’ll contact them directly when I'm in the middle of a project. For creative strategy, I talk with Scott [CEO, BLVR], and we’ll communicate via phone and email. Angela [Brand Account Manager, BLVR] helps occasionally. I’ll get in touch with her for editing and crafting mass newsletter emails.

Just like with any company, BLVR has changed over time, and their processes have improved. We primarily use email to communicate, but we also use BugHerd on the website that we’re pushing out. This new website is even more responsive than the previous one. We still have a few little things we’re going to change. We’re going to make the testimonials begin at the bottom of the first page, and those will be displayed one quote at a time to clean it up. They also helped strategize the flow of this website to focus on The Stitch and keep the available information simple. Our current website focuses more on our counseling program, which we found was creating message confusion. Scott helped us lay out a logical flow that focused on the user and what they’re looking for.

What did you find most impressive about BLVR?

I’m most impressed by their hearts. They’re just good people. Sometimes you wonder if you can trust some of the people you work with, but I know I can trust the guys at BLVR. They have our best interests in mind. There are two companies we’ve worked with for five years because they’re great people, and BLVR is one of the two. I’ve had people say, “You need to change out your creative from time to time.” Well, BLVR brings in new designers and new creatives, so that right there is a changeover, and I have no desire to move away from these guys if they’re doing such a great job for me. I’ve stuck with them, and they’ve kept things really fresh.

Are there any areas BLVR could improve? 

I can’t think of any ways BLVR could improve. They keep refining their processes and getting better.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with BLVR?

I've introduced people to BLVR and they've really liked them. I suggest that prospective customers should just talk to the guys at BLVR and see if they're a good fit for them. I can't think of anything prospective customers need to be aware of. I give them glowing endorsements anytime anyone asks.