Pace Creative Group

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director Marketing and New Applications/Business Development of Graymont

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Mines limestones and manufactures value-ad calcium oxide lime and limestone solutions for various industrial, B2B applications and markets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pace Creative Group to accomplish?

• Develop a Coherent communications message for new product developments
• Develop new tradeshow booths and literature for new product promotions
• Focus on a compelling positioning message while staying on track with new applications/product developments

SOLUTION

How did you find Pace Creative Group?

Referral

Why did you select Pace Creative Group over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Pace Creative Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

From day one, their professional, systematic, and market-driven approach has greatly benefited our team. The efforts have been focused on our needs to develop a coherent and compelling product, new business development and overall company image message. Graymont’s marketing team are highly competent technical marketing individuals who can focus and deliver new business/product developments which meet our customers needs. 

Graymont’s expertise in the promotional, communications and product/service placement messaging is weak. With the assistance of Pace, we were able to focus our efforts on what we do best, deliver excellent technical solutions, while Pace’s efforts focused on assisting us to deliver a targeted message to our customers and markets on how our technical abilities and deliveries can meet their needs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

One of the exercises and deliverables which greatly exceeded our expectations and has been highly welcomed by our entire commercial team is the development of a positioning and messaging matrix for Graymont as a company and for one of our new technical product developments. 

With Pace’s guidance, we developed strong position statements and proof points which will assist our customers in understanding how we can exceed their business growth needs. Additionally we continue to work on various deliverables for our wed, video and print advertising and promotions.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Highly efficient deliverables, on-time while meeting our needs with responsiveness and value-add services.

What was your primary form of communication with Pace Creative Group?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their ability to tailor solutions to our need, our unique market approach and our customer needs.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pace Creative Group could have done differently?

Since our team is scattered throughout N. America, we need to find and make the time to meet with Pace face to face and develop a closer relationship. This will come with time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of a Biopharmaceutical Company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We develop novel gene therapies for the treatment of diseases with autoimmune involvement.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pace Creative Group to accomplish?

• Create our brand
• Develop our mission statement
• Create our website and other investor relations materials

SOLUTION

How did you find Pace Creative Group?

I had worked with them before

Why did you select Pace Creative Group over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Pace Creative Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

As a new startup, we needed to create our entire brand, our mission statement, our website and other branded materials (including business cards, social media profiles and pitch decks) from scratch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We assembled a small focus group and asked them to provide feedback on the draft deliverables using a rating system we'd devised. They all responded very positively and enthusiastically.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Pace's project management is consistently excellent. They are very responsive and organized, seek clarification and input where needed, and have met or exceeded all of our deadlines.

What was your primary form of communication with Pace Creative Group?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The fact that they've managed to combine a dedication to excellence with such a friendly, enthusiastic company culture. (In my experience, it's often one or the other!) Everyone at Pace Creative Group is a complete joy to work with. Their deliverables always exceed my wildest expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pace Creative Group could have done differently?

None! There's a reason I've been working with them for the better part of a decade on multiple projects for multiple companies :)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

ALTS Canada is a software development company that builds cutting edge computer simulation-based business analytics tools for a variety of industries. I am the managing partner for the organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pace Creative Group, and what were your goals?

We required a video to describe our offering in the Logistics and Transportation industry and our goal was to put out a professional, informative video within a very tight budget.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I had known Stefanie from a previous project. Stephanie was able to make the proposal fit the tight budget.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

The Pace Creative team followed the standard set of meetings for video production and customer alignment, held weekly meetings and approval meetings and delivered everything on time and on budget. They evolved our team in all of the major creative decisions and really helped focus our efforts toward a successful video.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

The entire team was valuable and the creative process was managed seamlessly from beginning to end. We were able to provide our feedback in a timely manner and the process was straightforward.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was created on time and on budget, was exactly the way we wanted it and we immediately began using it on our website and with our business development efforts

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Most of the communications were via email, except for the meetings, which were conducted over zoom. The PM style was friendly, but effective. Everything was completed on or ahead of time.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They took the time to understand us, our values, and our products prior to proposing a solution. This extra step ensured much better alignment, and in my opinion, a much better product, in the end.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Meeting the team in person would be better. Another time, post COVID.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Volunteer Toronto is Canada's largest volunteer centre, with more than 45 years of experience connecting volunteers to the causes that need them. Cara Eaton is the Director of Strategic Communications at Volunteer Toronto.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pace Creative Group?

Volunteer Toronto engaged Pace Creative to produce an animated video for the kick-off of National Volunteer Week. A script and light creative direction was provided to Pace.

What were your goals for this project?

To represent the Volunteer Toronto brand and inspire Torontonians to thank Toronto's 1.6 million volunteers and reflect on the future of volunteerism. Practically, we wanted to see the video shared on social media by non-profits, funders, government dignitaries and members of the public.

SOLUTION

How did you select Pace Creative Group?

We received an email from Pace more than a year before our video animation project. We worked together on small urgent assets which built our trust over the year, which then led us to sole source Pace for the video project.

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

Pace provided excellent leadership during the development of the video. Having never collaborated with an agency on this type of asset, their team led the process and included the Volunteer Toronto team in decision-making processes and reviews that brought comfort along the way.

Volunteer Toronto provided a script and sample videos we liked. Pace then created storyboards and concept art which we were able to provide feedback on multiple times before they ran with the full animations. They gave us choices in voice artists and music, and then led the directing of the voice actor once we made our selection. They provided value-added feedback on our script and the scenes which resulted in a final product we are very happy with.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The team facilitated many opportunities for feedback. We worked with a project manager/account manager and one designer/animator. The owner was available if needed and attended calls.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our executive director responded with, "it's everything I hoped for!" - although we are still reporting on the success of the video, we've seen comments such as, "this video is amazing!" and "WOAH - amazing video!". We believe our quantitative goals will also be met.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective and timely. Clear on scheduling, no project management tools needed when there is clear communication via email and update calls.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The skillset of the creative/designer/animator. We were blown away at the quality and detail of the actual animations and graphics. We also respected how well it matched our original vision and brand.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Broke, a company focused on restoring the food service industry and enhancing covid compliance. We offer our client vital data and marketing solutions, and our users get spatially based deals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pace Creative Group, and what were your goals?

To develop the application and website.

SOLUTION

How did you select Pace Creative Group and what were the deciding factors?

Pace creative was an easy choice for us, having reviewed their case studies and meeting the team, it was obvious they would provide superior support and development services.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

They have been involved with every step, from scoping to completion of our product.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We have worked with 7 team members to date, each have been professional and knowledgeable in their respective fields. They somehow have a great balance of friendliness and professionalism.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The outcomes are high quality and well thought-out, delivering a sophisticated solution that is simple for user and client interactions.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

We had project team meetings every two weeks, as per my request, and monthly updates with the senior team. We typically used email and zoom as communication tools once the whole covid thing happened.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their capability. They have an in-depth knowledge of marketing solutions that simply cannot be matched.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Not to my knowledge

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Craft Council of British Columbia is a charitable arts service organization which supports all stages of artistic practice in the craft sector; creates opportunities for artists to exhibit, sell and produce art; provides a voice for artists and craft organizations and aids in the development of active communities around craft. I am the Executive Director

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pace Creative Group, and what were your goals?

We had them develop an online shop as our brick and mortar shop had to close due to the covid-19 crisis. We depend on the sales from our shop and the fundraising events we hold there, to support the provincial programming we deliver. Without an ecommerce space we would have to close. So our goal was to create an ecommerce space that could be used to sell our artist work online and conduct fundraising events in conjunction with it.

SOLUTION

How did you select Pace Creative Group and what were the deciding factors?

We had worked with Pace Creative around the development of our members website of 10years that was lost when the offsite server crashed. Pace Creative approached us to do this work as an in-kind donation. Given the fabulous job they did in the development of an engaging, responsive and contemporary website, we approached them when we once again found ourselves in crisis.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

1. we met to discuss the parameters needed for the website
2. they did the research around the best platform for us to use
3. once we decided on using shopify, Pace Creative took the template we chose to use and modified it for our specific needs - this took about two weeks to complete
4. we launched the website in time to use in our annual fundraising event - The Earring Show
5. Pace Creative helped us to design & implement a comprehensive online promotion strategy and design the integration of the live streaming platforms
6. we continue to populate the site with over 2,000 items and now have an excellent and responsive online shop

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

there were 3 - project manager, coding person and online promotion strategist

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

1. we have increased sales online that have offset the loss of sales in our brick & mortar
2. we were able to able to raise $8,000 in one hour our best fundraising event in years

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

as this was a crisis situation (for us) Pace Creative was extremely responsive with regards to the time sensitive nature of the situation. From the time of first contact to having a functioning site complete with the all the changes we required, it took 3 weeks. They continue to provide feedback and tweaks as needed.

Project management style was collaborative in nature - while Pace Creative steered the process they provided enough space and time for our volunteer board and staff to provide input.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The depth of their team. They're able to support us in all aspects of the process—website development, design, and online promotion strategies

Are there any areas for improvement?

not that we noticed!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a private equity investor and the acting CEO of a US based manufacturing company that produces innovative purification devices that can clean air and surfaces in occupied spaces, providing pathogen protection and improved indoor air quality.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pace Creative Group?

We had an old, tired name (acronym) and logo for our company and product brands and logos that had no consistency and failed to project the positioning and image we wanted for our company.

What were your goals for this project?

redesign the company and product logos, develop a brand style guide and update various materials to reflect the new branding (stationary, business cards, product spec sheets, product labels & manuals).

We also have a full redesign and construction/hosting of our website underway with Pace Creative (parallel project in progress).

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We initially screened 6 firms, sent out a request for proposal (RFP) to the 3 that scored highest, reviewed the 3 RFPs and did follow up calls and selected Pace based on their understanding of our needs, their approach, their structured and clear proposal, and their attention to detail (deliverables, timelines, costs).

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

creative work to come up with options that reflect the desired positioning development and refinement of several logos (many iterations with us) development and refinement of the support materials development and refinement of the brand style guide. In parallel, they are working on our web site and will be developing new promotional materials for us.

What was the team composition?

Project leader interfacing with us and a team of specialists with specific skill sets that were brought in at various phases of the project. The President of the firm also attends key meetings/ decision points to stay abreast of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All deliverables were met on time and on budget. the quality of the work was excellent and we are very pleased with the new branding elements developed by Pace.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very efficient. there were short meetings at each step in the process, to present work, get our feedback, incorporate it and move ahead. Documents and agendas were sent out before each call, and the right people were always on the calls. Meetings were short and to the point, effectively managed and executed. very productive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

All aspects of their work:

• Respect timelines and deliverables
• No surprises
• Professional
• Well structured
• well prepared
• Put client first
• Very pleasant and enthusiastic group to work with
• They enjoy what they do and they are committed to the project
• They produce very high quality work
• Creative skills and execution are excellent

Overall: value for money - we feel like we got tremendous value for the price we paid - we are planning to do more work with Pace.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There's not a single criticism. It was flawless execution, professionalism, and quality.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Gio Virtual

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Virtual Assistance

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pace Creative Group to accomplish?

• Responsability
• Speed
• quality of service

SOLUTION

How did you find Pace Creative Group?

Online Search

Why did you select Pace Creative Group over others?

• High ratings
• Company values aligned

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Pace Creative Group's scope of work was excellent; it helped me with the marketing of my company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I had more sales in my company

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Everything was delivered on time

What was your primary form of communication with Pace Creative Group?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The responsability

Are there any areas for improvement or something Pace Creative Group could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We pretty much outsourced our marketing team to Pace Creative

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pace Creative Group?

Marketing Services

What were your goals for this project?

To increase traction and requested demo

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Referral. They have built a very reliable reputation on delivering high-quality services in a timely manner

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

- Strategizing to penetrate into our target market - Developing the most effective and efficient marketing funnel for our business - Developing social media content - Creating a website

What was the team composition?

Pace Creative Team was working closely with our project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

we could build a marketing plan for our business that was very tailored to our need and our business

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

they have the most effective and the most efficient team/communication channels

What did you find most impressive about this company?

their creativity and their efficiency in delivering results

Are there any areas for improvement?

NA