“When the world gives you lemons, make some lemonade.”

That’s exactly what James Powell (JP), owner of APT Haul, did earlier this year. Let’s face it, 2020 pretty much sucks; with an ever growing list of business closures, it’s hard, for any owner, to keep their company afloat. After, sweeping federal shutdowns, JP knew, he needed to revision his service model, or he too, would be added to that list.

So, he sat down with his financial advisor, looked at the hard numbers, and took a structured financial risk. See, JP owns a moving company; he spent his days relocating his clients across town and across country. But, a few months into the pandemic, his phone literally stopped ringing. “I’m not gonna lie”, said JP, “I was freaking out; I had bills to pay and a family to take care of.” JP told us, his advisor suggested he start moving what people needed. So, after some research, and a few calls to fellow drivers, JP learned there was a huge need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) transportation. “I have to admit, there was a bit of a learning curve. But, the product was literally sitting on the docks just waiting for someone to come and pick it up”, said JP.” However, once we had the proper licenses and equipment, we were ready to go. Well, almost.”

See, one of the golden rules of business is people don’t buy what they don’t know if for sale. So, JP called us for a rebrand of his services. We were happy to sit down with him, review his offerings, and design a visual game-plan to meet his needs. A new visual identity was designed, along with a website, and all new graphics for his fleet.

“Calls started to pick-up; a month ago. And, we just received a 1 million dollar order for PPE.”, says JP. “My client found us online! They said, they knew we could get the job done, because our website was so professional and informative. Now, my stress is hiring a staff to handle all the work. But, hey, don’t get me wrong”, laughs JP, “that’s a problem I’ll take any day.”

Thank you, JP, for reaching out and trusting us with you new adventure; we how you keep on trucking for years to come.

Services Used:

• Identity Development
• Signage
• Web Design

“Go Hard or Go Home.”

“I created Hardcore Serious Fitness Inc. in 2009, with the ambition to provide clients with the knowledge and tools needed to meet their individual fitness goals.” says Bear Robinson, owner of hardCORE Serious Fitness. “The mission of hardCORE is to use the power of fitness to build confidence by revealing potential of each individual,” he says. “Our clients have the option to do one-on-one training, small group training, and large group training. It’s all tailored to meet the specific goals and needs of each individual.”

“However, I realize, I’m not the only game in town; there’ a lot of competition in my industry. It’s incredibly important to say relevant, be visible, and gain trust. So, as I grew, I knew I needed help getting my message out to my target market. When I reviewed my plans for expansions with Greta, she was able to put some sweet graphics to all the ideas that have been rolling around in my head for years”, said, Bear.”  “Soon, we had logos for each class, a website my clients could use to sign up for classes, and social connectors to build a community. It’s a good day to be hardCORE!”

Thanks, Coach, for trusting us with your passion and dreams; we absolutely look forward to watching you grow. Go Hard or Go Home – indeed!

Services Used:

• Visual Identity Rebrand
• Graphic Design
• Collateral Design
• Social Media Marketing
• Website Development

“I have always loved being creative.”

Hobbies sometimes have a way of becoming more than a simple daydream when we’re at work. That’s exactly what happened to Martanna Schroeder, owner of The Grateful Fork, in scenic Escanaba, Michigan. By day she’s a Library Administrative Assistant, at Bay De Noc Community College, but on the weekends, and some weeknights, she’s a baker extraordinaire.

“I started decorating cakes for my children when they were little, then later, for friends on special occasions.” Over the years those daydreams grew from simple “word-of-mouth” treats to a steady stream of baking. However, it wasn’t until she made a particularly intricate cake for her daughter’s wedding, that Martanna felt it was time to bake professionally. “I had so many people encouraging me to open a business that I finally decided to give it a try and see were it led me. Now, I get paid to do what I love!”

To keep her start-up costs low, Martanna decided to become part of the growing Cottage Industry; now she can do all of her baking from home. However, without the benefit of a brick-and-mortar storefront, she needed to be a little more savvy with her advertising. “I have to rely heavily on social media.” Martanna says, “I use Facebook mostly; it allows me to instantly share my creations, which allows our followers to instantly like and share them with their friends. It’s great.”

But, like most industries, there’s always going to be some competition, so it was very important for Martanna to understand her brand, and showcase it to her target market. “Having a solid and unique brand identity was very important to me.” she says, “My business name and logo needed to be as distinctive and memorable as my creations. After working closely with Greta at Spring Loaded Designs, that’s exactly what I got, and I couldn’t be happier!”

Well, Chef, we’re happy your happy; and if one of your creations happens to find its way to us, well, we’ll be grateful too!

Services Used:

• Visual Identity Build
• Graphic Design
• Collateral Design
• Social Media Marketing

Necessity is truly the Mother of Invention.

“Another lost weekend”, that’s what drove Brian Heiting to start his powersport business, Race-Driven, Inc., late one evening. Being a race enthusiast, Brian had already spent many years competing in the local motocross circuit located in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Unfortunately, many of those weekends were spent replacing broken parts that failed to weather the extreme conditions associated with off-road racing. It was in that moment, in Brian’s garage, an idea was born to offer riders quality parts at affordable prices, allowing them more time on the trail and less time repairing.

In the years since, Race-Driven has grown into a major supplier in the powersport industry. To date, they offer over 45,000 aftermarket parts; including, customer favorite, sintered metal severe duty brake pads and three terrain specific custom rotors. If that wasn’t enough, Brian has branched into a multi-brand company, with the creation of Cyclone Premium Helmets, Road Dog Apparel Company, and Back 40 Outdoor Clothing.

“At Race-Driven we guarantee customer satisfaction. We’re dedicated to providing the best customer service available in the industry. Our goal is to simply make our customers happy.” says Brian.

Well, if that means more time riding and less time fixing, we’re sure everyone will agree. We’re proud to have been a part of this “late night” grand idea, and look forward to working with Brian and the Race-Driven Team on their next endeavor.

Services Used:

• Visual Identity Build
• Graphic Design
• Collateral Design
• Packaging Design
• Label Design
• Clothing Design
• Digital Advertising
• Catalog Design

“Out with the old, and in with the Renewed!”

In a time of disposable everything, it’s refreshing to see the folks at Lemon Bowl Renovations look past the outdated and see new possibilities. Margo Pemmaraju, owner of Lemon Bowl Renovations, and her partner, Mike Gray, believe in finding the beauty lost to years of neglect. “We’re passionate about revealing the hidden potential in an older structure;” says, Margo, “and, then balancing those discoveries with current trends.”

The same can be said for her company’s own structure. A few years ago, Margo was co-owner of Lemon Bowl Designs, but, when her then partner moved onto other opportunity’s, Margo decided to continue on with the business, but with a new twist. She already had a steady social media following, but didn’t want to confuse the current audience with complete brand overhaul.

So, she gave us a call. We sat down with Margo and Mike went over her their target market, industry trends, and future plans. In the end, it was simple, build upon the current design by renovating the old Lemon Bowl Design iconography.

“The updated logo now encompass exactly what we do.” says, Margo. “It’s still easily identifiable to our followers, but now truly reflects our passion.”

Congratulations, Lemon Bowl Renovations, on your new twist to an old idea!

Services Used:

• Logo revisit
• Print
• Web Design
• Signage