OKD Marketing

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m vice president of sales, marketing, and operations of an automotive company.

What challenge were you trying to address with OKD?

We approached them with a finished product I made over a 2–3 year span. My company’s strengths are in manufacturing, and we’re not great at marketing or sales of this kind of product in the retail space. We wanted to bring the product to market and increase sales.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We asked them for the best strategy based on what we wanted to do, and they presented the ideas for a website and online video. They developed our website, including the e-commerce portion, and also scripted, directed, and edited a video.

They designed all of our POP [point of purchase] displays for a prominent tire company, which was our main focus. They also helped with our booth display at a national hardware show in Las Vegas two years ago.

We sat down together to gather a keyword list. They did digital work for point of sales videos at the end of each aisle. For the prominent tire company, each store has a player that displayed a condensed version of our online video. They also redesigned these types of things.

We’re looking at a few options now. We’re going to be getting into the U.S. a bit more. We know what we’re doing in Canada, and expanding to the U.S. is a great step forward.

How did you come to work with OKD?

A friend recommended them to me. Their office was only two blocks away from mine, so it was a natural, easy fit. We didn’t consider any other companies. We knew what we wanted to do and that they were really good at their jobs. They were also knowledgeable about search engines, so it worked out well.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $50,000–$199,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2016, and the engagement is ongoing.

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

They developed my business. They did everything. We went from zero sales to where we are now.

We told them what we wanted to do, and they guided us through it. We went through and kept pursuing it, and finally, now, we’re displayed in a prominent tire company’s retail stores. They’ve done a very good job for us, and I’m really happy with them.

How did OKD perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s so easy. We just tell them what we want to happen and when, and they take care of everything. It’s almost like I have that department in my own business. Communication is also really good. I wasn’t thrilled with one, small segment on the video, so I went back to them and told them. They gladly agreed to change it, and it was fixed a day later.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The video was outstanding and hilarious. We’ve become friends through business, and it’s a really good working relationship.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m not disappointed with anything. I haven’t gotten mad or upset, and there’s nothing negative to say.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be involved in every step of the way. It’s a great learning experience in an industry I’m not very familiar with.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the director of marketing of a franchised network with over 385 locations across Canada. I managed both national and regional marketing efforts on behalf of our brand.

For what projects/services did your company hire OKD Marketing?

We needed marketing assistance.

What were your goals for this project?

OKD Marketing worked on a number of projects while I was in my role, and each initiative had a set of unique measurables.

How did you select this vendor?

We met with an account representative from OKD Marketing who pitched a number of creative ideas. Some time passed, and we eventually found ourselves in need of a partner with their skillset. We chose to work with them, and the relationship grew from there.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We’ve tasked OKD Marketing with multiple projects throughout the partnership. Generally, they provided creative support across print, radio, and online channels. They developed and implemented online marketing campaigns to drive leads to our custom-built website. They helped us with media buying in primarily the digital space. They were also involved in building and managing a franchise contest. Whenever we had a retail event for our franchise, they produced and printed over 385 kits for the occasion.

What was the team composition?

I worked with a dedicated team from OKD Marketing, and there hasn’t been much turnover. In addition to our core resources, I also have access to higher-level management and various specialists as necessary. If there’s a specific need, like copywriting or social media work, they provide an expert to help us.

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

Based on the quality and success of their work, the relationship continues to grow and expand.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The company had some pretty ambitious needs with minimal resources. The OKD Marketing team understood our challenge and worked proactively and responsively to meet all of our needs. I always felt like the work was in good hands. They kept us organized throughout each project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed by their staff. They don’t have to rely on outside freelancers because they have all the expertise they need in house.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can’t think of anything.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Green Benefits Group specializes in revitalizing employee benefit and retirement plans for small and mid-size employers. I'm the founder and president.

For what projects/services did your company hire OKD Marketing?

We needed to update our website and branding message and produce videos that outlined our unique market position.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed help with positioning ourselves in the marketplace and clarifying our brand message.

How did you select this vendor?

We interviewed a few firms that we thought would meet our needs. We wanted to work with a firm that was big enough to deliver, yet small enough for a personal connection.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They built our website, produced video content, and directed our corporate rebranding.

What was the team composition?

We've worked with a number of their talented teammates, but we've had one point of contact. That's super.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We're at the top of Google search results and receive fabulous feedback from clients and prospects. Our rebrand has clarified our message and driven new revenue to our firm.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

I couldn't be happier. They meet and exceed our implementation targets.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They understood us from the start and took the time to ask the right questions about our goals. If something needed to be tweaked, they did it immediately.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not from us.