About Us
We believe that our experience on the brand side, on the sales side, in retail merchandising and category management and working directly for brands offers more of a 360 viewpoint in building your future and a distinct competitive advantage over the antiquated “Agency” model.
We combine years of blood, sweat and tears building successful CPG brands with expertise in the craft of design. We are experienced in working with F500 organizations but our passion is in creating the next great challenger. We understand that you have no patience for throwing money at the problem
Our Core Values
Fundamentally we believe in the power of disruption. You need to stand out. There are too many messages and distractions competing for limited mind space. Disruption is about memorability. Disruption is about efficiency of resources. Often, disruption is about stunning design. Sometimes it’s about a business model that dares to zag when everyone else is zigging.
We offer a unique set of values and holistic skills designed specifically to meet the needs of the challenger.
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The Power of Disruption
In crowded markets (most of them) and minds, well planned disruption is needed to break past the competition. Frequently, this disruption is around message and creative.
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Brand Economics
We believe that “brand” fundamentally is an economic concept. It must drive significant incremental value to your product, company and bottom line – or it’s meaningless.
Weak brands erode value and lead to overspend on promotion AND marketing. Strong brands are bankable.
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Perspective Provides Stronger Solves
Our highest value to our client and brand partner is leveraging our well-rounded experiences and resources to create significant change and growth or unblock the pain points.
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Insights Trigger Action
Taking the time and making the investment to obtain the right data and insights significantly increases your odds at achieving a favorable and measurable outcome. Sometimes it also leads to stunning and unexpected revelations. There are too many data points today. The art is keying in on the meaningful ones.
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Growth Drivers
There are always many ways to grow a brand. Determining the ways with the greatest upside increases the chances of success. We look at 14 Growth Drivers within our practice. Small bets allow you to test and measure possible solutions. Stop waiting for an inflection point. Create it!
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Collaboration
Finding the right brand partner is not an easy task. It's like a marriage of the minds, working together to accomplish agreed goals will ensure success. Your brand’s best path is focused and uncluttered.
Our Founders
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ROBERT SHAW
CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Robert is a true marketing professional with an extensive background in strategy, research, branding and planning. He has worked with over 160 brands, of all sizes, facing almost every challenge and is an expert in building emerging brands and strategizing new product launches. He has significant knowledge of retail, channel, category management, and trade strategy and tactics.
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Richard Barkaway
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
Richard has over 25 years of experience in the Design industry leading innovation and strategy for existing and new brands across the food, beverage, and beauty categories. He has worked with world renowned design agencies including Ogilvy (London), Di Robilant (Italy), Carré Noir (Italy), and Webb de Vlam (US and Australia) and co-created an in-house design studio for the Global Nutrition Group at PepsiCo.