Print & Agency Services from Ideation to Execution
Phase 3 Marketing and Communications is an integrated marketing services company providing solutions from ideation to execution, including marketing strategy, creative, digital, public relations, printing, signage, graphics, promotional products, warehousing and distribution. A certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Corporate Plus member, Phase 3 has offices across five cities – Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville and the New York Metropolitan Area – with clients across the country. Celebrating its 20th year in 2021, the company has developed its capabilities to provide services that span the marketing spectrum.
Our true value is the combination of in-house services that provide value when producing integrated campaigns across multiple channels.We have the size and strength to support large corporations, with the nimbleness to respond quick and provide great service and results. Phase 3 has been recognized as a top company by Printing Impressions, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Charlotte Business Journal and Nashville Business Journal. To learn more, visit www.phase3mc.com.
headquarters
other locations
Focus
Recommended Providers
Portfolio
Alliance Residential, Barnsley Resort, Bloomberg, Circa Lighting, Columbus McKinnon, Cox Enterprises, Dillards, Floor & Décor, Greystar, JELD-WEN, Neiman Marcus, Park N Fly, ProMach, Pure Fishing, Sanofi, Serta Simmons Bedding, Shake Shack, Southwire, Vision Hospitality Group, ABM
ProMach
Over the past 20 years, ProMach has acquired multiple best-in-class packaging machinery companies all over the globe. After acquisition, each of these companies would continue to use their existing brand assets, with the only update being a small endorsement line that read Powered by ProMach.
There was an inconsistent brand experience, communication approach, and understanding of what role ProMach played: 26 different brands, 26 different logos, disparate collateral, websites, and trade show presence. ProMach recognized it was time to define a provocative brand story that tied their companies together.
It was understood that a unified brand experience would bring the entire global organization together, generate a better sense of community, create internal advocates, and ultimately present its evolution to their customers and the entire industry.
Phase 3 conducted extensive quantitative and qualitative research with both internal and external audiences. Using our research-driven insights, we created a new brand platform that showcased ProMach’s collective innovation and strength as a united organization.
The process included a new visual identity for the corporate brand, as well as consistent architecture for the 26 product brands. We also orchestrated the internal and external brand launch, including the development of the website and brand governance portal, facility signage, and branding and collateral development.
ABM
ABM Industries Inc. (NYSE: ABM) is one of the nation’s largest facility management providers. After a long and successful marketing partnership with Phase 3 across multiple marketing disciplines, ABM engaged our team to take their internal mission, Making a Difference, and help them bring it to life in a way that every employee could easily understand, believe, and act upon.
We partnered with ABM to develop an employer brand platform that aligns its internal culture with its purpose, vision and mission, and raise the service bar among its employees.
In order to help ABM create a purpose-driven culture and formally socialize and activate their mission, we started by defining their culture of service, speaking with leadership throughout the organization to understand what Make a Difference means to them, to employees, to clients, and to the community.
We collected hundreds of ABM stories and experiences from employees and clients: Employees locating lost jewelry; tracking down extremely important paperwork that had gone into the trash, saving children in locked cars; or even safely escorting families to safety during a mall shooting. We then mapped out the entire employee journey map—all of the possible touchpoints where employees can experience the mission. These inspiring stories or “maker moments,” are woven throughout everything from videos to onboarding materials and beyond.
Now, with their employer brand platform, the company’s ability to Make a Difference has been captured through various stories that highlight employee’s effort to actually make a real difference for customers and consumers, giving employees an opportunity to live the company’s mission and unite the organization through a culture of shared beliefs.
Royal Food Service
Royal Food Service is a family-owned, $200 million fresh food distributor in the Southeast. Founded in 1994, Royal prides itself on its ability to not only deliver organic, locally sourced produce to its customers, but also to extend its familial relationships to its clients, farmers, and the community.
But the company had difficulty articulating its brand narrative. As the company grew and the market became more competitive, the brand had become to be perceived as just another “big box” provider, and found it difficult to articulate their brand narrative.
Fortunately, Royal has a wonderful story to tell, from its local partnerships, to the quality of the products and service, and they chose Phase 3 to conduct a rebrand of the organization and help reposition them in the marketplace.
We worked to gain strategic insights of the market situation and the needs of the customers, allowing the agency to position Royal for long-term success.
Our project team accompanied Royal’s truck drivers throughout their daily shifts, allowing us to connect with Royal employees while observing their direct interaction with customers. We then conducted 25 qualitative in-depth interviews, not just with Royal organizational leadership, but also with the customer segments as well including local chefs, schools, and corporate customers.
The research insights showed that customers looked to Royal to provide specialized expertise, and that the company’s community focus was important to customers as well. These audience insights showcased a wide range of desires among Royal’s target customers that would yield strong direction for communications, and for telling the Royal brand story in a new and compelling way.
Building on those critical insights, we developed a new brand position centered around the theme With Produce, It’s Personal, a narrative that reflects how Royal has grown to rival national suppliers while remaining true to its values and relationships.
Reviews
the project
Employee Kits Distribution for Telecommunications Company
"They are great to work with even as issues arise."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m an executive assistant at Cox Enterprises’ corporate people solutions group and business operations team.
What challenge were you trying to address with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We needed help distributing materials to our employees.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Our company has a large return-to-office project, and Phase 3 is our partner in kitting and mailing our onboarding materials to approximately 725 employees across our organization.
The package includes notebooks, pens, mugs, badge reels, and other items for our onboarding and reboarding process. Phase 3 works with me in finalizing delivery details. They print our logo on all the materials we send out. We hired 5,500 employees since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and all the items we’ve been sending have come from Phase 3.
Aside from that, we order from Phase 3 items that are used for our weekly cross-divisional orientation. They store and ship items on our behalf.
What is the team composition?
I work with Sarah (Senior Account Executive) to have the items put together and shipped out. There are other teammates involved in the process, but I don’t interact with them.
How did you come to work with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
Phase 3’s relationship with our company was already in place before I joined the team.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent around $100,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
Phase 3 has been engaged with our company even before I joined the team in May 2021, and our partnership is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I am also a recipient of the item sent by Phase 3, and I can say the packages' marketing, logo, and presentation are well done.
There are many moving pieces within Cox to get items pulled together, approved, created, and coordinated with Phase 3. Sarah does a great job being available throughout the process — we’ve had late-night calls and last-minute conversations about fixing various issues. Sarah has been great to work with in pulling everything together.
We didn’t meet the original deadline, but it wasn’t Phase 3’s fault. It was because of issues on our side. If we’ve buttoned up everything on our end, they definitely would have met the original deadline.
How did Phase 3 Marketing and Communications perform from a project management standpoint?
Phase 3 is incredible at project management. I wish my experience with other companies were as great as it has been with Phase 3. They are great to work with even as issues arise. We communicate through emails, SMS, and team calls.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Phase 3’s customer service is impressive. There isn’t anything I need or want that they aren’t willing to try and make happen. They have the right person leading the project and doing everything they can to assist our needs.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I’ve been an executive assistant for a long time and have worked with many companies doing the same thing Phase 3 is doing. I can’t think of anything they could have improved on. Sarah is available after hours and quick to respond. They can source items if what we want isn’t readily available.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Work with Sarah because she’s just awesome. She has a great attitude and is excellent to work with — request for Sarah as your point of contact.
the project
Branding for Real Estate Firm
“Phase 3 Marketing and Communications has a way with words.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the director of marketing at a real estate firm. I oversee our marketing, branding, social media, and PR efforts for our property portfolio.
What challenge were you trying to address with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We were looking to define our brand voice and better understand how to speak to our audiences, which includes our residents, prospects, and investment partners.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Phase 3 Marketing and Communications helped us define our brand voice. The team created a guideline deck that serves as a brand book. It has examples of our lexicon and a glossary of terms that we frequently use in our marketing efforts.
Their team also works with us on a property-specific project. They are currently developing a new brand identity, name, and logo, for that property.
What is the team composition?
My main point of contact was Amanda (Vice President of Strategy), but we also worked with Cori (Director of National & Strategic Accounts).
How did you come to work with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
I initially found Phase 3 Marketing and Communications through Google, but Cory had also reached out to me letting me know about their branding capabilities.
How much have you invested with them?
We have invested between $50,000–$60,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
Our ongoing engagement with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications began in October 2019.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Since the guidelines are being rolled out in various formats, it can be difficult to measure the different ways it has been implemented. We have seen an increase in social media engagement. Our prospects and residents are also reacting positively to the new brand voice. We’ve also seen increased brand recognition.
How did Phase 3 Marketing and Communications perform from a project management standpoint?
The Phase 3 Marketing and Communications team is great at meeting deadlines.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They have a really creative team. Phase 3 Marketing and Communications has a way with words. The vocabulary they came up with for us was impressive and was well-received by the leaders in our company. They created a tone that is concise but really resonates.
Are there any areas they could improve?
We had a lot of moving parts, so a tracking system or document would have been helpful. However, everything worked out great.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Provide them with your big picture ideas and goals. They will color in the dots and come up with a creative solution.
the project
Full-Service Marketing, PR, & Branding for Real Estate Group
“I highly value their genuine commitment to the realization of my goals.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the owner of Macauley Investments, a real estate development company based here in Atlanta.
What challenge were you trying to address with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
Susan (Senior VP, Corporate Marketing) and her team manage the marketing of all of my communities. Her scope of services has included traditional marketing, branding, positioning, and PR.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Susan’s team has been involved in helping everything from the naming of the community to how it’s positioned in the marketplace. Upon branding the properties, they then lay out a marketing strategy and produce materials to promote the community at hand. Their marketing package includes social media and email marketing, depending on the need of the project.
What is the team composition?
Our primary point of contact is Susan, but her team includes Kirk (Director, Integrated Marketing & Client Strategy) Kendra (VP, Creative), Cherice (Director, Public Relations), and a larger support group.
How did you come to work with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
I’ve known Susan for 20 years, and she was the co-founder of a company that was acquired by Phase 3 in 2012. I’ve been confident in Susan’s abilities, so I’ve stayed with her for all these years.
How much have you invested with them?
I have no idea, but I’d estimate that the cost has been somewhere between $250,000 – $1,000,000 so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
My collaboration with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications began in October 2012 and is ongoing. I met with them just yesterday.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I have a great deal of confidence in Susan, who’s been executing this kind of work over the course of a very long career. She and her team are exceptionally collaborative and show no signs of arrogance. They’re creative and think outside of the box. In addition to delivering cutting-edge solutions, they always maintain professionalism.
How did Phase 3 Marketing and Communications perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re very good at meeting deadlines and staying communicative. Their biggest challenge is often myself; I’m always changing requirements.
What did you find most impressive about them?
I’d say that I’m an unusual person, and they put up with me. Susan’s known me for 20 years, so we know each other well. They have a very strong desire to see me succeed, and I highly value their genuine commitment to the realization of my goals.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, nothing really comes to mind. When you’ve worked with each other for 20 years, you work through whatever issues you might come across. We have a very smooth relationship at this point.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Bring them into the process as early as possible, and be trusting of their expertise. They have such expansive experience and have done so many great projects across the southeast.
the project
Print Collateral for Graphic Design Business
"They did a great job of making the new creative look amazing!"
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the owner of a graphic design business that works with higher education customers.
For what projects/services did your company hire Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We needed a printing partner that could provide a variety of services, maintain quality and brand cohesiveness, as well as be competitive on smaller runs for a campaign with a lot of moving parts including multiple versions of flyers, posters, mounted signage, banners, table tents, yard signs and post cards with mailing services. We were able to get all those things in one place.
What were your goals for this project?
To produce quality materials to elevate and promote an existing program in a new and more creative way, to increase awareness by featuring the materials in a variety of ways and locations.
How did you select Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
From our previous, more standard print work together, based on trust we built there. We were ready to take advantage of more services and a more turnkey approach to a full campaign.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
After providing specifications and quantities for campaign materials, we reviewed a variety of vendor options and made the decision to go with Phase 3 based on quality of work, competitive pricing, and attention to detail.
Using one partner for all materials provided a more simple and efficient way to go. We were also able to do some sample prints on different paper stocks to make decisions on best ways to proceed.
What was the team composition?
I worked directly with our account director Adam Clark.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Myself and client were very pleased with the results of all materials. All went as planned and expected. They did a great job of making the new creative look amazing! Which makes us look good. There was lots of positive feedback where materials were used or distributed by the users and audience.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
My account director was thorough and detailed and provided updates and communications as needed. The project went very well and smoothly.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
I like the person service provided, Adam's management of the details and the overall results of the final pieces.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Not that I can think of.
the project
Advertising & for Insurance Company
“They make the partnership incredibly easy for us to manage.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m a community relations supervisor with Georgia-based health insurance company.
What challenge were you trying to address with Phase 3 Marketing?
We had previously been storing all of our inventory at our own physical locations, which was becoming very expensive for us to do.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The primary role that Phase 3 serves is to store all of our inventory and ship it out as purchases are made so that the process is as streamlined as possible. Inventory includes backpacks with school supplies, breast cancer awareness items, hand sanitizers, and other similar items.
Their team also works with us to identify new offerings that we can provide for our members, as well as to print promotional material such as banners and posters that we give out in community groups to advertise our services.
What is the team composition?
Our primary point of communication is Cory Thomas (Director of Strategic Accounts).
How did you come to work with Phase 3 Marketing?
They were brought on to work with us by my predecessors at the company and I simply took over the relationship.
How much have you invested with them?
In total, we’ve spent over $50,000 with them.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them around 2017 and have continued the partnership ever since.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’ve been extremely pleased with the work that they’ve done for us. There have been no complaints whatsoever from our members, which means they’re doing everything that they need to be doing.
How did Phase 3 Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?
I would rate their management of the project at a ten out of ten. They make the partnership incredibly easy for us to manage, and we’ve been completely satisfied with their communication with us about any questions they have or ideas on how to make our services even better.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They are simply a phenomenal vendor. I honestly couldn’t think of a single negative thing to say about the experience working with them if I tried.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Just come in with a vision of what you want and be direct with your ask from them, and they will be able to deliver.
the project
PR & Social Media Marketing for University
“They’re experienced professionals who are interested in sharing in our success.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I work for a university as the director of learner and enterprise engagement.
What challenge were you trying to address with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We hired them to be a full-service marketing company in the Charlotte area. Our main campus isn’t located there, but our campus location had different marketing challenges and opportunities. After working with an individual provider without a full scope of capabilities, we decided to hire a new partner that had the capacity for social media, traditional advertising, and more.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We have several different projects in the works together. They support and contribute to our overall marketing efforts. That involves public relations, media outreach, and programming that requires sourcing speakers.
They’ve also stepped into our paid social media, aiming to help us generate leads on prospective students. Currently, they’re assisting us with Facebook and LinkedIn ads. We’re preparing to do a Youtube ad this fall that will focus on our brand rather than degree programs.
What is the team composition?
We regularly interact with about five people. That’s included a creative director and some members of their senior team.
How did you come to work with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We sent out an RFP and interviewed several companies. After several rounds of interviews, it seemed that their team could best serve as a strategic thought partner to us.
How much have you invested with them?
Our budget for marketing is $200,000. That figure isn’t all spent on their services.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working with them since November 2019.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Lead generation efforts have gone fairly well. We’ve exceeded our benchmarked cost per lead metrics for each of our advertising platforms. Our performance is approaching benchmarks set by the university as well. We’re having good success, and we’ve set high goals. They’ve put together a strong, integrated marketing plan that effectively targets our audience.
They’ve also been critical to developing local relationships through sponsoring events and creating additional assets. That goes far in positioning the university positively within the community.
How did Phase 3 Marketing and Communications perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re straightforward and forthcoming about how they intend to solve problems. We appreciate their integrity and willingness to discuss areas for improvement within their own process. We’re not their most significant, but they value our relationships tremendously. They also have a thorough process for understanding the market and client needs. We are benefiting now from the work they put into grasping our market well early on in our relationship.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re experienced professionals who are interested in sharing in our success. We’ve had fun working with them because they’ve shown interest in cultivating a positive relationship. Especially given the pandemic, our industry has been challenged. Because they’re strategic in their approach to the project, they were able to adapt to changes and challenges. We’re confident that we have a firm foundation that can weather difficulties and solve hard problems. I’ve been very pleased with their creativity.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can’t think of anything. They delivered on everything we were looking for, even when our requirements changed.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
If you’re looking for a true partner, consider them. They have clear processes and procedures that make their services intentional. That structure is always present in our relationship.
the project
Ads, SMM, & PR for Hydraulic Component Manufacturer
“All the results we received were what we expected and then some.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the marketing director of Bosch Rexroth. We’re an industrial manufacturer that produces components, hydraulic, and motion-control components used in factories and off-highway commercial equipment.
What challenge were you trying to address with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We do an agency review every number of years so we invited Phase 3 to participate in that process. Our team selected them to be our agency of record for a contract period.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Phase 3 did our advertising, PR, and social media. They were also involved in designing digital marketing activities and supporting us on special projects as needed. Their team used modern video production and editing equipment, helped us with graphic design, and handled our web development.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with approximately 15 people including an agency partner, account manager, creative director, digital marking specialist, and copywriter.
How did you come to work with Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We selected them from other agencies we were considering. When we were first talking and working with them to compete against other agencies, we asked each agency to give us a sample campaign. The other agencies gave us one example, Phase 3 was the only one who gave us three different options.
How much have you invested with them?
We invested about $1.2 million a year, this includes their services and media buying.
What is the status of this engagement?
Our engagement was from January 2016–December 2019.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Phase 3 did an excellent job. Their team members are smart, hardworking, and creative. The quality was outstanding on every project they worked on. They’re a nice group of intelligent and energetic people.
It was clear that they wanted to do a good job for us. Their team was positive, and we always liked talking to them. Our team knew they were working hard, and they did a good job of communicating. All the results we received were what we expected and then some.
How did Phase 3 Marketing and Communications perform from a project management standpoint?
We had an internal individual who worked directly with the account on a day-to-day basis. So, we were in contact with Phase 3 every day, but also had three formal calls per week on specific topics.
What did you find most impressive about them?
We liked their creative capabilities. They worked hard to make sure we were satisfied. Rather than giving us one option, they provided us with three going in different directions.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, there weren’t any issues. We’re a very technical business, and they had all of the right skillsets but industry knowledge was something they needed to come to speed with. Their team put a lot of effort forward to come up to speed as quickly as possible. It took a lot of work, but that’s not a criticism of Phase 3. I give them credit for working hard to learn our business.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
It’s important to meet the account team and know who’s going to work on your account every day. Communicate your expectations and how your business works clearly.
the project
Crisis Management Plan for Hospitality Group
"They are friendly, down to earth, and fun to work with."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Director of Sales & Marketing for a hospitality group with 15 restaurant locations across the southeast. The group consists of 6 different restaurant concepts.
For what projects/services did your company hire Phase 3 Marketing and Communications?
We needed a crisis management plan that P3 helped us implement for our restaurants. We also needed a "boots on the ground" approach to PR in four markets, as well as national coverage for our Chef-run concepts.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted to get more local and national coverage on our various restaurant concepts. Additionally, we wanted to have a local representative that could dine at the restaurants and immerse themselves in our brands, as well as be available for meetings and assist as needed with photo shoots and events. We needed an extension of our own marketing team.
How did you select this vendor?
We interviewed several local PR companies and felt that P3 brought the most relevant experience for our brands.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Strategy meetings to discover our brands and needs, followed by frequent dining in the restaurants to meet the staff and familiarize themselves with our concepts. Bi-monthly phone meetings to discuss upcoming events and needs. Provided assets to use for pitching to local media. P3 regularly pitches stories to local and national media. Provides support and assistance for local advertising questions.
What was the team composition?
We typically have two-three people working on our account.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We are frequently mentioned in local and national press and feel their efforts show great success.They help us plan and execute events, make introductions/connections, and provide support as needed for various projects. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Very effective! They're always easy to get ahold of, quick to respond to questions, and provide a great deal of support to our team.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
They are extremely knowledgeable and have several contacts in the media, which has helped us with new store openings and press mentions. They are friendly, down to earth, and fun to work with. I am impressed with each person that's been assigned to our account and appreciate the amount of thought and attention put into our brands.
Are there any areas for improvement?
None! They're great!
Phase 3 Marketing and Communications’ efforts have resulted in the successful delivery of the packages. Their persistent and thorough project management has ensured the completion of the process despite internal delays and complications. They are flexible, communicative, and accomodating.