Bull & Beard

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’ve recently created two new companies, and I’m the CEO for both. The first is called Brink Brands, a small consultancy focused on senior housing. It serves as a mix between a consultancy, incubator, and an investment holding company. The second company is called CarePods, which provides affordable, alternative safety nets for older adults.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bull & Beard?

I needed access to find a cost-effective, professional resource and was struggling to find the right fit. I was seeking brand development, web design, logo creation, and other branding materials for both companies and the idea of finding one or more professionals to assist with my needs was overwhelming.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We began the process with their “corral process”, which is more of a structured brainstorming session. This is how we discovered the heart of our initial design and messaging, and they defined our company’s brand with that insight. They are an agency collective, so they matched us with other companies for the logo and site design processes. The logos were being created during the brainstorming process because we wanted our visual identity to evolve with our understanding of the brand’s essence. From there, we began working on the website, which is WordPress-based. I gathered assets for the site, including finding stock pictures, writing copy, etc. The branding materials have been completed, such as logos, overall messaging, and the Brink Brand website. We are now in the process of designing CarePods’ site.

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with Robby (CEO, Bull & Beard), who handles the day-to-day work. I also work with Jason (Co-Founder, Bull & Beard); he helps with the brainstorming sessions and other areas of the project.

How did you come to work with Bull & Beard?

I attempted to excite larger agencies about the projects, but couldn’t seem to get their attention and nothing felt like the right fit.  After realizing the project wasn’t landing in the right hands, I researched smaller companies online. I came across an article about selecting the right agency, and it was written by Bull & Beard. I reached out after being intrigued by their concept of agency matchmaking and knew they could help me with this project.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $25,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in August 2018 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I haven’t actively marketed the Brink Brand consultancy yet, and the CarePods site isn’t completed, so I don’t have specific metrics. However, the logo has been well-received by everyone who has seen it. Additionally, the designs are all professionally dispatched and presented, so I’m pleased with how it looks.

How did Bully & Beard perform from a project management standpoint?

We primarily communicate over Basecamp. Robby is quick to respond, and our back-and-forth messaging is effective. We have expressly stated timelines and, if they can't meet some, their team informs me ahead of time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Bull & Beard’s ability to match me with the right resources for the project is highly valuable. Though I’m capable of finding freelancers and agencies, they know how to find the right choice without sacrificing quality or budget. Even if I had a limitless price point and chose a larger agency, I doubt they could accomplish the work as quickly and at as high a level of quality as Bull & Beard has.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Although every client has different needs, as a solo entrepreneur, I would find more project management to be beneficial. However, their core business model is focused on matching agencies and resources together. A client should understand the agency you're partnered with will be doing the dedicated project management, not Bull & Beard. This means clients have to stay organized in getting all assets and resources delivered on time, especially if they are matched with various partners. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Robby and Jason move swiftly and have the ability to seamlessly pivot from strategy to tactical implementation. To get the most value from the engagement as a client, you'll need to move at the same pace and stay organized and focused in-house, just as you would with any agency. If you have feedback, communicate early and often. Robby and Jason are both receptive, kind, and make real efforts to adjust and provide you with options accordingly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am one of the founding partners of a law firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bull & Beard?

We hired Bull & Beard to help us with online messaging as well as website design and content.

What were your goals for this project?

Our law firm needed a website update. We wanted to have a more sophisticated look and message while maintaining elements of our original aesthetic.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They are our business neighbors, so we've gotten to know Robby (Co-founder and CEO, Bull & Beard) and Jason (Co-founder and Managing Partner, Bull & Beard) quite well.

Describe the project in detail.

After we discussed our goals, Robby and Jason came up with tangible design elements and content. Once the proof of concept was done, they assigned the website design work to an excellent international group from their vast network of designers.

What was the team composition?

We worked with the co-founders and a website design firm.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We love it. All who have seen the new site have been quite impressed. We just activated it this week, so it’s still new.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They made it incredibly convenient for us. We worked collaboratively with Bull & Beard and the design firm through a convenient online tool and got the job done. They were efficient and timely.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They took their work seriously, yet they knew how to enjoy themselves. They were efficient diligent, and creative. I appreciated that they paid close attention to detail.