Maven Media Group

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of story for an innovation and investment firm.

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We wanted to do our first virtual event, directed at investors to pique their interest in our organization. We also wanted to launch our brand-new fund.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did a virtual investor event. We had them create a television studio in our office space. The team helped with planning and execution. I have a broadcast background, so I was able to outline how I wanted it to look. They set up a platform page for us and helped us getting some forms ahead of that page, so we knew exactly who was there and for how long.  

What is the team composition?

I worked with two people from their team.

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

They were recommended to me. I had a meeting with them and realized quickly that they were going to be able to do something really special. They were open, flexible, and really easy to work with.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $12,500 CAD (approximately $9,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2020, and our event was in October 2020.

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

The event was incredibly well-received. The partners in my firm were completely blown away. We had over 1,000 impressions on the post on LinkedIn just about the event. We also had an increase in the number of followers on our LinkedIn and Twitter pages.

They created the same energy that we would’ve had in a virtual format. The team had backup plans for if the Wi-Fi went down, or our power went out. I appreciated the forethought.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re incredibly professional, competent, and innovative. They were able to create something that no one’s ever done before. It was done with such confidence and assurance that it would be okay.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they were great.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise anyone to enjoy the ride. This team is lovely and you’ll be well looked after. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Coordinator at Star Building Materials. STAR has been a reliable, premier source for quality building materials in the Calgary Area. STAR Specializes in computer designed trusses, engineered wood floor systems, and providing other materials to a range of builders. From homeowners looking to build their dream garage, to large builders developing communities, we supply all the components needed to get the job done.

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

We hired Maven Media to product and edit a brand video for the Calgary BILD Awards.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to showcase our business and brand to the building professionals.

How did you select this vendor?

One of my marketing colleagues works with Maven to create videos for their department and recommended them. I have also worked closely with Alexis Davis, Mavens Account Coordinator on a couple of independent projects and knew that they could achieve what we were looking for on time and on budget.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail.

Once we selected Maven, we had an initial discovery meeting with Alexis and Logan, where we discussed the overall theme and vision that I was hoping to achieve. Shortly afterwards I received the scope of work and a basic timeline. Next the team at Maven provided me with a storyboard and I was able to make changes and recommendation to the script. We then schedule a time to shoot. I was able to selected music and VO actors from a curated list, this gave me the chance to be involved with the entire process. Logan and his team allowed me to be very involved with the shoot. He was knowledgeable and easy to work with. Next was the editing process. Maven provided me with a couple of drafts of the video and allowed me to give my feedback. I was very happy with the process. I felt that Maven captured the story that i was hoping to tell.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Their was three people involved from the vendors side. Alexis who was the account coordinator, Logan who filmed and edited the video and his assistant Edison. All three were easy to work with and allowed me to collaborate with them. We went through a couple of round of feedback for both the script and the edit of the video.

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

We were not able to showcase the video yet as the event has been canceled due to covid-19. We will be rolling the video out soon on our social and digital channels.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Alexis, the account coordinator was easy to communicate with. She responded to email very quickly and always filled me in as to where they were with the process. We spoke at least once a week as we organized shoot times, selected music and VO actors and edited the video. The team at Maven provided me with a clear idea of what needed to be accomplished by when. I was able to edit the storyboard and script directly on the google doc and then make comments directly on the video draft. This was very helpful for communication and allowed me to easily give feedback to the team.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team at Maven was very knowledgeable, understanding and most of all creative. They were able to take my vision and transform it into a beautiful story that can be shared with all of our current customers and hopefully new ones too. They were collaborative and listen to my feedback, but also walked me through the process, providing support and direction when needed. I had a very positive experience working with the team at Maven and will use them again for future projects.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The team at Maven was great to work. I appreciated the open line of communication and their quick response times.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the North American Marketing Manager for icebreaker. An apparel brand based out of New Zealand specializing in clothing made from natural fibres such as merino and tencel.

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

We hired Maven Media to find social media influencers for us. We needed to increase brand awareness in the USA and Maven were able to find appropriate influencers for both short term campaigns and longer term contracts to help us achieve that.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to introduce a new audience to our brand and also to provide education around the impact our clothing choices has on the environment.

How did you select this vendor?

We were working with Social Stoke prior to the change to Maven Media. We've always been impressed with the quality of work delivered so it was natural for us to continue the relationship.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We had an annual scope of work in place for Maven based on our annual calendar. Our creative concepts are dialled in house and then we reach out to Maven to source and negotiate with influencers that can help bring campaigns to life with the icebreaker brand voice.

Maven understood the brief and the brand and were able to work flexibly and quickly to execute a number of campaigns including:

• Holiday Campaigns which included the use of sustainable influencers to promote conscious gifting.
• Summer T-shirt Campaign including a 7 day t-shirt challenge and The Vortex Swim event.
• On-going projects with ambassadors Kathryn Kellog, Luke and Jill Matthews Maven handled the negotiation, briefing and payment for all campaigns and provided us with results and summaries at the conclusion.

What was the team composition?

The icebreaker marketing team worked closely with Thomas and Alexis through the entire process.

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

All of our campaigns met our engagement targets and we have used the same influencers multiple times in a row because of their success. We have successfully been able to resonate with a new audience and increase awareness of the icebreaker brand in the USA.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Thomas and Alexis have always been very easy to communicate with. They understand our brand and our requirements. Whether via email, zoom or in person, the objectives, timeline and process is always clearly outlined and expectations met.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team is always able to turn ideas and projects around under such short notice and a tight timeframe. They always relied on for advice on our campaigns and the execution of them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It would be great to have them involved at an early conceptual stage so that their expertise is fully able to show across a project - i.e from campaign concept, to choosing influencers and then also to helping with content communication strategy.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the manager of marketing and communication at Dynamic Risk. Dynamic Risk is a global service provider for pipeline integrity management. We are a technological firm, meaning that we offer software as well as engineering support and consulting to the energy sector.

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We wanted to improve our marketing materials and foundational pieces with new video content.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, they created two promotional videos for us. Later, they made three additional videos focusing on technical aspects. We had a short timeline of six weeks because it was around the holidays. The video showcased our upstream software solutions, explaining the highly technical software solutions that we offer.

They also helped upgrade our website. It’s a custom platform with a complex backend, so they have been working with that as well.

What is the team composition?

There are a few people that we work with. The main points of contact are Logan (Production Manager, Maven Media Group) and Thomas (Operations Manager, Maven Media Group).

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

In November 2018, just when I was starting the process, Thomas reached out to me on LinkedIn. He showed us some videos—it was perfect timing. We had a bidding process, which they won.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We initially engaged with Maven Media in December 2018. Our work with them is ongoing.  

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

They had a strong understanding of our space and were able to capture key technical elements. This allowed our message to be transmitted into a mass media format. The technology experts on our team thought they hit the mark and captured the subject well. The videos received positive feedback from our CEO. Using scripts, storyboarding, and visuals, they really succeeded in messaging.

How did Maven Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

Maven Media Group was great. They had everything together and were very transparent in communication. It was a seamless process—they were proactive and able to do the legwork upfront. They’d take it upon themselves to take initiative and develop what they felt was right.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very professional. It’s remarkable how they can take detailed technical information, understand it, and put it into a consumable format.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve been fantastic to work with.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder and Executive Director of the Branch Out Neurological Fdn. We are a nationwide charity which accelerates tech and non-pharmaceutical solutions to neurological disorders.

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

Branding refresh Event Marketing Social Media Management and content development General Marketing Strategy

What were your goals for this project?

Develop consistent marketing strategies that reflects the brand and culture of our organization. Through marketing, attract new donors, event participants, and sponsors. Ensure proper knowledge translation to the public on our funded neuroscience research projects.

How did you select this vendor?

The team is creative, fun, and easy to work with. They have a full spectrum of marketing expertise to draw from. They care about our goals as an organization.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They strategize with clients to design and produce creative marketing work in various formats like video, creative writing, graphic design etc.

What was the team composition?

Leadership/management, designers/artists, writers, videographers, photographers.

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

Since Maven started working on our largest event of the year, Branch Out Bike Tour 2019, we have raised a near record amount and have sold more than 5X the tickets for 2020's event than we did at this same time last year.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They have been very patient and adaptive to our small and consistently changing team. Since working with Maven, we have had committee's of up to 13 members begin and end their projects, short term contractors come and go and growth at the executive level.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their maturity, work ethic, friendly and professional personalities and passion for their work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I am very excited to be working with Maven and have not come across any problems or areas for improvement. They are a breath of fresh air to work with and make the execution of our marketing wishes a breeze.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of marketing at Qualico Communities. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We needed a vendor to create two videos for us and help us with social media. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

As a land development company, we have to provide a vision to potential customers prior to the community being established. Maven Media Group helped us develop vision statements and storyboards. Then, they created two videos and managed social media and content marketing for us. The videos focus on community development and explain how to purchase a home.

What is the team composition? 

We've worked with a marketing specialist, a communications liaison, and about nine other members of their team. 

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

Their founder was a previous employee of mine, so I knew I could trust them.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay them about $100,000 a year.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with them in January 2017 and the relationship is ongoing. 

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

We're very happy with the videos Maven Media Group has produced for us. They understand our business and the fact that we need to showcase happy residents.  We don't have customers in our new community yet, so Maven Media Group took an extra effort to find residents in adjacent communities. They've delivered the videos that resonate with people who are buying a home, helping them see themselves in that community.

How did Maven Media Group perform from a project management standpoint? 

They're very proactive and we've never had any complaints. If they have a new member on their team, they heavily engage other members as well to make sure the quality of the work doesn't drop. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're a very collaborative agency. I've worked with multiple companies, and often creative directors try to pitch their own vision to clients. That has never been the case with Maven Media Group. They brought forward great ideas, but they also listened to us and tried to address our challenges.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could charge a bit more. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're very accommodating. If you're willing to hear new ideas and see new designs, they can accommodate that. But if you prefer them to implement your vision, they can do as well. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the operations manager at Frank Hall Appraisals and Estate Sales. We are an estate sale company that specializes in on-site estate sales, online auctions, and appraisals. I oversee our website and marketing efforts. I also organize and manage individual sales and auctions.

For what projects/services did your company hire Maven Media Group?

Over a year ago, we decided to branch out from doing only on-site sales to also doing online auctions. This required a new, up-to-date website and new branding. We also wanted ongoing communication with our clients through mail services and ads.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to ensure that these design choices were in-line with our brand, that the programs were user-friendly, and that the framework that was created was something we could use as a foundation for a long period of time. We needed someone to help us execute our vision and ensure that we were relaying information in a way that was clear and easy for our clients to navigate.

We wanted to build a shared vision, and it was important for me to be part of the design team rather than just hiring a company to do it in our place. This new branding and website will be the backbone of our business if we eventually move to have auctions exclusively online.

How did you select this vendor?

We chose Maven Media Group because Thom (Partner, Maven Media Group) was honest and trustworthy from our first conversation with him. He listened to our needs and was genuine in his approach and willingness to assist. We knew early on that he was someone we could work with.

Describe the project in detail.

We began the project with some introductory conversations, and Maven was able to take the ideas that we shared during those conversations and bring them into reality.

Maven created our logos and website design and layout in addition to our letterhead, business cards, and mailer templates.

What was the team composition?

Their team has been ever growing, just like ours has. The work has been mainly led by Thom and his designer Melissa (Designer, Maven Media Group). No matter who they’ve brought in to assist, the level of excellence and consistency in their work has remained on par.

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

Our company has been growing this past year at a steady and rapid pace, and we’re very proud of the success that we’ve achieved. There is no way for me to exactly quantify the efforts Maven has made because this company didn’t exist in its current state before them. I can, however, say that it would not exist at the level it does now without them. Also, because we were able to collaborate at each step of the way, we were extremely happy with the final product.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We’ve found a flow in our work together so that things happen effectively and efficiently. We’re often able to anticipate what each other may need. For lack of a better term, we are a well-oiled machine. Maven has allowed us to take part in decisions along the entire way, and we’ve worked together to create something that we were all proud of.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re extremely dedicated to our vision. They’ve both met and exceeded every deadline that we’ve asked of them, no matter how rushed or seemingly improbable, and they’ve done it with a smile. We trust them to follow through on what they promise.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. There is always room for improvements, but Maven is most likely aware of it and already on the case.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the marketing director at Morrison Homes, a large volume production homebuilding company in Canada. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Maven Media Group?

We needed help marketing our content in order to drive more traffic to our website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Maven Media initially developed a content plan, interviewing our internal teams and researching our industry and laying out a content map that outlined different topics to explore. They now provide email marketing services, and continue to create content for our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

What is the team composition? 

We primarily work with Thomas (Operations Manager and Partner, Maven Media Group), as well as Melissa (Designer and Content Creator, Maven Media Group) and a few others every once and a while.

How did you come to work with Maven Media Group?

I already knew Thomas, so we had some initial discussions about the project and, after shortlisting some other firms we considered, we ultimately felt Maven Media was the best fit. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested about $30,000 CAD (about $22,300 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since March 2018.

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

Maven Media's strategies have significantly improved web traffic and overall online engagement. We're very pleased with indicators in our performance, as they continue to help us track our analytics. 

How did Maven Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very responsive, flexible, and timely. We hold weekly meetings over the phone to go over the status and performance of different content outlets. Not only do they work well within our project requirements, but they also bring a lot of great new ideas to the table.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their enthusiasm sets them apart. They're always looking for ways to improve our performance, yet receptive to any feedback we may have. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think so. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Approach the relationship as a partnership and be open to exploring new ideas. They're also receptive their clients, so don't be afraid to be honest and provide any feedback or pushback when appropriate.