Hersick + Webster Creative Partners

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Bridges Inc. has a long history in federal contracting in the cybersecurity and big data space. We also have a new commercial venture.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hersick+Webster? 

They helped us with a complete rebrand of our company. They worked on everything from the logo and messaging to graphic design and style guide.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Hersick+Webster started with research through focus groups specifically designed to capture different perspectives in our company. Participants included both technical and office positions, as well as staff that have been here long- and short-term. They asked questions such as what excites them about the industry. They exposed them to different media to find out what they thought looked more like us. 

The focus group helped us hone in on the right digital identity, voice, and tone. They worked closely with us to develop a recommendation options, which we shared some with a multi-functional team. We got internal feedback and then brought final recommendations to the CEO and a small group of stakeholders to make the final choice. 

What is the team composition?

We usually worked with about three people.

How did you come to work with Hersick+Webster? 

I'd worked with them in a previous role. We put out an RFP. They were one of several to respond, and they were chosen by our leadership team. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Work began in February 2017 and was completed in March 2018. The overall relationship is ongoing because the rebranding project then flowed out into all new opportunities.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work for us won awards, so they delivered an award-winning campaign. It received a resounding favorable response from our internal and external communities. We were named a top workplace by the Baltimore Sun in 2018 right after the rebranding. 

How did Hersick+Webster perform from a project management standpoint?

Hersick+Webster was very responsive and communication was so easy. We typically used email. If anything was urgent, we'd text or call. 

What did you find most impressive about them? 

It feels like they're part of our family. Hersick+Webster is our right hand, go-to resource. They’re very involved with us with us on projects so it doesn't feel like we're using an outside contractor. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No, not off the top of my head. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Be clear on what's a "must" and then leave open what's not. That's their space to come up with ideas.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of a nonprofit company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

This nonprofit organization works with girls in grades 3-8, providing them with valuable life skills.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Hersick + Webster Creative Partners to accomplish?

• update and evaluate our strategic plan

SOLUTION

How did you find Hersick + Webster Creative Partners?

• Referral

Why did you select Hersick + Webster Creative Partners over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Hersick + Webster Creative Partners were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

Guided our board and staff in updating our strategic plan while incorporating IDEA aspects. Provided a wonderful visual brochure of our objectives for the next 4 years.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Collecting information from keyholders and condensing it into practical action items. Once action items were confirmed, put actionable items in a brochure that aligned with our branding guidelines.

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

All items were delivered on time. They were very responsive to our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Hersick + Webster Creative Partners?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The ability to communicate with stakeholders and consolidate their input to create a practical and effective strategic plan for our group.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Hersick + Webster Creative Partners could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Hersick+Webster?

Rebranding and Website Development and Design

What were your goals for this project?

Create a timeless website and logo design with more mobile capability.

SOLUTION

How did you select Hersick+Webster?

I wanted to work with people I knew.

Describe the project in detail.

We worked closely on branding designs, and then started website development. The website development worked around the conceptual layout with ease of use and call to action being critical components. We finalized text and imagery to match our goal.

What was the team composition?

Me working directly with the two owners.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We noticed a significant increase in our New Appointment Request directly correlated to our website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Timely and thorough.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their communication is impressive. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Publications editor at a large academic medical center and 14-hospital system.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Hersick+Webster?

Design of a quarterly physician-facing print publication.

What were your goals for this project?

Appeal to physicians, readability, flexibility for revisions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My predecessor selected this vendor. I am happy to continue, as they are responsive to our needs and do a great job.

Describe the project in detail.

I submit text, photography and any other content, they provide a proof, and based on client input, we can expect to have two more rounds before they provide files for our print-mailing vendor.

What was the team composition?

I am the only one on our team who communicates directly with the vendor. I coordinate all other activities on our end by our photographers, in-house creative director, marketing and communications staff and faculty physicians.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A recent article, after publication, is believed to have resulted in more than 100 referrals of patients to the physician interviewed in the article.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective on their end. They turn around corrections and proofs very quickly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed with their good communication, collegiality, and ability to solve any problems—and most importantly, their good design.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of.