We provide our clients with exceptional marketing, advertising and graphic design expertise without the expense of a large advertising agency. Our clients include brand new startup businesses to $70 million firms, government agencies and nonprofits. But they all have one thing in common: growth objectives that require smart marketing. And that’s what we give them.

With more than 80 years of collective experience in all facets of marketing and advertising, we create powerful, cost-effective marketing programs that will help you build the profitable relationships that drive brand value. We are passionate about growing your business because it’s the reason for ours.

Our Experience

With academic credentials in all relevant disciplines and experience in a broad range of industries, we’re comfortable with any assignment, from the simple to the complex. We’re not afraid to tackle big projects, and we welcome the small ones, too.

But do you want to know what’s most important to our clients? Here’s the key: They like working with us because of our straight-forward, no-nonsense approach. We’re good at what we do, we provide great service, and we’re easy to work with. It’s really that simple.

Our industry experience includes:

  • Automotive aftermarket
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Home furnishings
  • Nonprofit agencies
  • Publishing
  • Retail
  • Schools
  • Transportation
RECENT BLOG POSTINGS:

Don’t let incomplete information ruin your company’s story

October 18, 2011

Anybody working in corporate communications can learn a lesson from a recent news story. If you want to fully engage your employees, you must constantly reinforce the messages you want them to understand. Continue reading

Planning is key to direct mail success

October 11, 2011

Developing a direct mail campaign is a six-step process, none of which can be executed without careful planning. Pay attention to every element or your campaign will fail. Here is a brief explanation of how to proceed.
Continue reading

Why it’s so easy to spend time on Twitter

September 20, 2011

Twitter users do their followers a great service when they share articles or blogs of interest. Twitter provides a steady stream of articles that are entertaining, informative and useful. What’s not to like? Continue reading

Akron’s NYC 9-11 firetruck coming out of service in 2012

September 11, 2011

After the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Akron raised $1.4 million for New York. The money was used to buy a 95-ft. ladder truck, two ambulances and three police cars. The firetruck will be taken out of service in 2012. Continue reading

MetroHealth System smart to use crisis communications firm

June 24, 2011

This morning’s Cleveland Plain Dealer has a front-page story about MetroHealth Hospital System using a crisis communications firm, Hennes Paynter,  to help it develop a messaging strategy. The county-owned system has come under scrutiny during a widespread investigation of corruption … Continue reading

Don’t kid yourself, direct mail is still a powerful marketing tool

May 30, 2011

It seems that every day a new story hits the wire about companies shifting marketing dollars into Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media while cutting back on traditional marketing methods.

I recommend companies get into social media as quickly as possible if they haven’t already, but I caution them about completely throwing out all the marketing strategies that got them to where they are today. Continue reading

How to put together a business plan

May 5, 2011

A business plan is one of a company’s most important documents. It lays out the company’s objectives and describes the strategy for meeting those objectives. More importantly, it shows how the business will obtain financing and how much money the … Continue reading

Kill the Irishman movie and proofreading

April 29, 2011

I went to lunch the other day at a local restaurant, a popular place that’s been around for years. I found two misspellings on the menu. I was surprised and, yet, not surprised. How many times have you spotted a … Continue reading

Livescribe Smartpen makes note-taking easy

April 28, 2011

About 18 months ago, I started using a Livescribe Smartpen to take notes while conducting interviews. If you’re a writer, you should check this out. It will change the way you handle meetings and interviews. Continue reading

Working Through Distractions

April 5, 2011

Can you believe the first quarter of 2011 is in the books already? I ended up the quarter with a flurry of activity, trying to tie-up some projects before my April billing. Are you one of those people who work … Continue reading

Two techniques that will make you a faster, more productive copywriter

March 22, 2011

Getting started on difficult copywriting jobs can be a real problem. Here are two techniques that will help you break through writers’ block. They will make you faster and more productive as a copywriter. Continue reading

Outdated, worn-out materials kill chances for a good impression

March 13, 2011

Outdated, worn-out marketing materials can kill your chances to make a good impression. With digital printing more affordable than ever, it’s time to dump the shop-worn materials and equip your team with fresh, highly targeted sales pieces and product brochures. Continue reading

Positive attitude overcomes obstacles for salespeople and franchise owners

March 3, 2011

When independent franchisees ran into a crumbling economy, they fell back on the basics to get them through: hard work, calculated risk-taking and a healthy dose of optimism. How they prevailed is inspiring for salespeople in every industry. Continue reading

How ANY Business can Benefit by Using Interns

February 25, 2011

I know all the reasons why interns won’t work for your business. But you’re thinking about them the wrong way. Here’s a way for ANY business to use them to gain solid market intelligence for a fraction of the cost. Continue reading

Marketers can learn from Christina Aquilera’s butchering of the National Anthem

February 5, 2011

Christina Aguilera’s butchering of the national anthem has a lesson for marketers. Her mistakes resulted in embarrassment. Yours – very similar in nature – can kill your sales and your brand. Continue reading