Homestyle Direct

We built and designed a website with an e-commerce meal shopping and ordering experience, a multi-level case manager referral form process and integrated it with the company’s CRM system.

Problem

Homestyle Direct recognized the need to evolve its brand to better align with its growing offerings and changing market dynamics—the company had grown from a meal delivery service for food insecurity into a comprehensive healthcare company offering home-delivered meals to Medicaid Advantage and Medicare members.

The existing brand identity was 26 years old and no longer fully represented the company's full offering, necessitating a comprehensive rebranding. The challenge was to develop new messaging and a visual identity that positioned Homestyle Direct as a healthcare company with many meal choices and meals that were medically tailored to specific disease states - heart disease, renal disease, diabetes, gluten intolerance and other chronic conditions. Additionally, the rebranding had to be implemented across all platforms, including an outdated e-commerce website, to ensure a cohesive and seamless experience for multiple audiences: elderly, adult children, healthcare case managers, state agencies and healthcare companies.

Solution

The initial step involved comprehensive market research to understand industry trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape. This research laid the foundation for developing a messaging strategy that would resonate with the target audience. The key focus was to hone in on the messaging that accurately reflected the brand's values and offerings. Alongside the messaging refinement, a new visual identity was developed and launched. The visual identity comprised a new logo, colors, supporting graphical elements, iconography, font packages and photography style. Once approved and trademarked, we updated the website design, all social media channels, and email templates to reflect the new brand image and messaging. This also included programming a new e-commerce website (not only frontend design), fully designed to meet the needs of multiple audiences, including a shop for meals, referral forms for case managers and information for state agencies and partners. To ensure effective implementation, training and communication were provided to the internal team on how to use the messaging toolkit and all new sales collateral effectively. This step was crucial to maintaining a unified brand voice across all departments and platforms. Included in the training was lots of new swag given out to employees, including puffer jackets, hoodies, stickers, pens, and more! The final step was launching a comprehensive marketing campaign targeting Case Managers, and also the company’s database of current members. The invigorated communications were sent consistently and frequently to both case managers and the existing members. We leveraged Homestyle Direct’s social media channels, CRM databases, and national press releases to communicate new medically-tailored meals, updated menus, and the variety the company provided for its members.

Impact

Here's the exciting part: We met the challenge and exceeded it! Meal orders skyrocketed by an impressive 87% year-over-year, and we grew their customer base by 32% after the first marketing campaign post-rebrand. Now after 2-years, revenue grew from $40M to $60M due to the re-branding, new marketing efforts, strong sales team and stronger operations overall.

Vannin Chief of Staff

Problem

Formally known as Vannin Consulting, their name and brand did not clearly explain the benefit of what they deliver. They were about a year into business, but growing quickly. When Vannin started, there were not many doing what they did in the marketplace.

Solution

We immediately changed their name from Vannin Consulting to Vannin Chief of Staff to be more specific around what they offered—placing chief of staff in scaling and global companies. We createda brand that was more engaging and dynamic than the limited organizations in their industry. We wanted them to standout so we went with a bold approach vs. the traditional feel that we got from our competitor research. Keep in mind there were not many competitors at the time. They came to us in the early states with a basic brand using stock photos, limited color and lack of clear messaging. We improved their messaging to align with who they were at the time, but we thought about the future and the potential they had. We updated their logo and visual identity to be unique, bold and modern. We implemented a marketing plan focusing on Linkedin, collateral for clients such as pitch decks and brochures, and also got started on media outreach for credibility.

Impact

Vannin Chief of Staff has reported 80% growth year-over-year since branding then and they’ve seen their followers increase from almost nothing on Linkedin to now more than 3,000 and growing. Not only have they increased their revenue threefold over two years, our PR efforts have helped them be recognized in global business publications. We also helped the founder/CEO apply for awards and she was named a 40 under 40 person to watch by the Denver Business Journal.

Connected EC

Problem

Connected EC, a 12-year-old leadership coaching firm at the time of rebranding, had evolved over the years and faced challenges communicating its services and unique value proposition. Their website was intended to attract more executive coaches and clients (large corporations and organizations), but very few understood what the company did. Additionally, they needed assistance positioning themselves as an authority in the industry and increasing their visibility among positive organizational psychologists, researchers, and corporations worldwide. This was a huge issue because its value proposition, core services, mission, and vision were unclear, preventing them from scaling and reaching their goals.

Solution

ShuBu Creative addressed challenges faced by Connected EC by defining its core services, focusing on leadership, teams, and organizations, and creating a tagline, "CREATE THRIVING LEADERS, CONNECTED TEAMS, AND POSITIVE CULTURES." They modernized the brand's look with vitality-inspired colors and graphics. ShuBu also developed a digital content strategy, monthly social media posts, and earned media, enhancing brand awareness and credibility. Their content covers wellbeing, leadership, burnout, vitality, and positive organizational psychology while maintaining a consistent visual identity.

Impact

The partnership with ShuBu Creative has transformed Connected EC, propelling its growth and enhancing its market visibility. The rebranding initiative, which more effectively communicated the company's core functions, coincided with a doubling in revenue in the same year. This success was further augmented by the expansion of the coaching team and significant media coverage in CEO Global Magazine, Colorado Biz Magazine, various blogs and podcasts, and local news stations.

The impact of the launch of a robust digital content strategy was immediate and substantial. Within just five months, Connected EC's LinkedIn presence surged by 1000%, drawing the attention of academics and corporations globally. This increased exposure, coupled with a more impactful brand presence and broader reach, is a testament to the effectiveness of the rebranding.

Overall, the collaboration with ShuBu Creative not only elevated Connected EC's brand positioning but also played a crucial role in its rapid scale-up and success in the industry. The company's revised messaging, overhauled website, and strategic digital content approach were key drivers in this remarkable growth trajectory.

Connected EC reported that its revenue nearly tripled following the rebrand and marketing efforts due to people knowing what they did when they got to the website. They were also able to attract more talent to work for Connected EC for the same reason. With this newfound brand clarity, they were able to clearly communicate their mission, vision, services, etc.

Butterfly Rising Institute

Problem

Butterfly Rising Institute, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting single mothers, faced challenges with its outdated website, unclear messaging, and unrefined branding. They needed help to effectively communicate their mission, connect with their target audience, and secure partnerships with notable groups.

Solution

ShuBu Creative partnered with Butterfly Rising Institute to revamp its brand and online presence. Through a collaborative process, ShuBu Creative identified the key issues and devised a comprehensive solution.

• Website Redesign: ShuBu Creative developed a visually appealing and user-friendly website for Butterfly Rising Institute. The new website showcased its mission, programs, and success stories compellingly, creating a seamless user experience.

• Logo Refinement: ShuBu Creative refined Butterfly Rising Institute's logo to align with its vision and values. The updated logo captured the essence of transformation, resilience, and empowerment, visually representing their mission.

• Clear Messaging: ShuBu Creative worked closely with Butterfly Rising Institute to craft clear and impactful messaging. They refined the organization's brand story, mission statement, and program descriptions to communicate their value proposition to potential partners and single mothers.

Impact

The collaboration between ShuBu Creative and Butterfly Rising Institute resulted in significant positive outcomes:

City Program Partnerships & Workshops: Through the brand transformation, Butterfly Rising Institute secured a partnership with the City of Denver Wellness Program. This partnership allowed them to offer their 8-week program for single mothers to a broader audience, enhancing their reach and impact. This improved visibility attracted the attention of other notable groups, leading to more partnerships and collaborations that further expanded their influence.

Enhanced Clarity and Engagement: The clear messaging developed by ShuBu Creative resonated with single mothers and critical stakeholders. It helped prospective participants understand the value of the 8-week program, leading to increased enrollment and active engagement within the community.

Public Relations Coverage: Butterfly Rising Institute has been featured in various podcasts, blogs, trade pubs and more due to ShuBu’s ongoing public relations efforts to increase brand awareness.

Overall, ShuBu Creative's strategic approach to branding and messaging revitalized Butterfly Rising Institute's image, enabling them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of single mothers. By providing a compelling online presence, refined logo, and clear messaging, ShuBu Creative empowered Butterfly Rising Institute to reach its target audience, forge valuable partnerships, and foster positive change in the community.

Epilectra, A Graphic Novel Series

Problem

Author and creator of Epilectra, The Graphic Novel Series, Sue Seserman, came to ShuBu Creative with the brilliant concept of a team of superheroes with disabilities who were making the world a better place. The script was written and the illustrations were hand-drawn by Sue herself. She presented it to ShuBu in a spiral-bound notebook. Sue and her husband, Doug, a seasoned corporate marketing professional, knew this book had a promising future and a vital message to spread. First, however, they wanted help getting it launched and looking professional and then wanted marketing and PR support after it was published. 

Solution

First, we tackled the brand. We worked with the author, Sue Seserman, to narrow down the key brand pillars of her novel and visually develop the characters in a digitized way. We solidified a clear mission, vision and values as well as a tagline: Transforming Disability into Superability. We created a logo, color palate, fonts and unique visual identity.

We determined how to position the book to preteens, parents, and loved ones of those with disabilities as “edutainment” as well as inspiring. We worked with Sue to hire an illustrator that fit the needs, vision, and style of the book. Once we found the right designer, we went to work to bring the characters and brand to life.

We developed the characters, the storyboards, and the brand messaging pillars. Once we determined the characters and the brand messaging, we created a website, media kit and other marketing materials like business cards and talking points to bring to conferences and networking events. At the same time, we worked on building a social media presence, followers and general disability awareness. 

We implemented an ongoing monthly e-newsletter and blog to Sue’s growing database of contacts to keep audiences engaged while we waited for the book to publish.

After three years of hard work, Epilectra was published in 2024! We strategically began a PR campaign leading up to the launch in order to have credibility when the book was released. We executed heavy media outreach 6-months prior to the release knowing that coverage would happen closer to book launch.

We also increased our social media presence during this 6-months time-period, layering in more content, reels, stories and more static posts. We continued the monthly blog and newsletter, but added in more email marketing in addition to the monthly e-newsletter. Additionally, Sue did speaking engagements during this time and anything to gain more exposure. At the time of the book release, we already had buzz. Finally, we hosted a book launch party and celebrated with friends, family and industry contacts.

Impact

Through ShuBu’s partnership, PR, branding and marketing efforts the graphic novel received national and local attention. Social media audiences grew from zero to thousands of followers on Linkedin, FB, Instagram and Twitter. The novel received endorsements from associations such as the National Epilepsy Foundation, Invisible Disabilities Association and The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation, and was covered in numerous media outlets including but not limited to: Denver’s prestigious 5280 Magazine, Denver’s Fox31, 9News, Westword, Colorado Public Radio, The Daily Camera, Chicago’s Midwest Book Review, Pittsburgh, The Gazette, and more! The novel’s sales continue to slowly increase as times goes on and is available via Amazon and other online retailers such as Barnes & Nobles.

Jewish Association of Death Education

Website & Visual Identity

When a brand focuses on educating a community about death practices—before, during and after, it can be a challenge to visualize and also message. Based on a practice in the Jewish religion, the Hebrew word for pebble is also a word that means “bond.” By placing a stone on the headstone, it bonds the deceased with the visitors. We created a brand around rocks, water and the beauty of life. Check out how this brand turned out overall below. What feeling do you get? Also, visit www.jadeinfo.org to learn more about this new non-profit organization.

Website: Since the organization did not exist, our interviews and consumer research revealed insights into what people would want from this entirely new organization—the Jewish Association for Death Education (JADE). From our research, we gained insights that influenced the core services, headlines and messaging that you see in the above website. Visit www.jadeinfo.com

Visuals:

The color palette represented shades of greens and blues. It started with looking at the color Jade and expanded from the color Jade into greens, blues, and water-like tones—water is an integral part of Jewish death rituals and practices, so it made sense to incorporate these colors.

Problem

The journey to develop the Jewish Association for Death Education (JADE) began with a clear recognition of the need for a compassionate, educational resource during the deeply sensitive and challenging times of mourning. Our consumer research and interviews uncovered a profound desire for an organization that could offer solace, understanding, and practical guidance to Jewish individuals grappling with loss. The absence of such a resource highlighted a significant gap in support for the Jewish community and beyond, during one of life's most distressing periods.

Solution

Shubu Creative embarked on an in-depth exploration to understand the needs and expectations of those seeking support in times of loss. This foundational research informed every aspect of our strategy, from content development to service offerings.

With a solid understanding of the community's needs, we crafted a comprehensive brand strategy, laying the groundwork for JADE's core services, messaging, and online presence. This strategy was the blueprint for developing a brand identity that embodied empathy, serenity, and understanding.

We meticulously designed JADE's visual identity to reflect calmness and reassurance, selecting colors and styles that convey a sense of peace. The branding was consistently applied across all touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and comforting presence.

The creation of the JADE website was the culmination of our efforts, designed to be a digital sanctuary for those in mourning. It serves as a central hub for education, support, and community connection, easily accessible and reflective of JADE's core values.

Impact

The launch of JADE marked a significant step forward in providing targeted support and education for those facing the loss of a loved one. The brand has become a pivotal resource, offering:

Through its calming visual identity and thoughtful content strategy, JADE offers a comforting presence to those in mourning. The JADELINE and core services, easily navigable through the website, ensure that individuals have access to essential resources during their time of need. JADE has fostered a sense of community, providing a platform for shared experiences and support among those who are grieving.

Through strategic insight, creative execution, and a deeply empathetic approach, Shubu Creative has successfully addressed a critical need, creating a lasting impact on individuals and families during their most challenging times.

Youth Healthcare Alliance

Problem

The Colorado Association of School-Based Health Care (CASBHC) faced challenges in effectively communicating its mission, services, and impact to its target audience. The organization's previous name, branded as an acronym CASBHC was confusing, making it difficult to differentiate themselves from hundreds of other Colorado health-based organizations and make new legislators (their primary audience) aware of their cause, which equals more funding for school-based healthcare clinics. 

Solution

CASBHC partnered with ShuBu Creative to lead its rebranding strategy. Collaborating closely with the Executive Director, staff, and board, ShuBu Creative embarked on a comprehensive branding process to redefine the organization's identity and develop a compelling brand narrative.

ShuBu Creative began by facilitating brainstorming sessions and conducting in-depth interviews to gain insights into the organization's values, goals, and target audience. Through this collaborative process, a new name, "Youth Health Care Alliance," was chosen to reflect the organization's mission better and focus. The tagline, "Champions for Colorado School-Based Clinics," was also developed to succinctly convey the organization's dedication to advancing healthcare access for youth.

To further strengthen the brand, ShuBu Creative refined the brand power words to encapsulate the organization's services: "Advocacy, Advancement, Access, and Equity." These words became the pillars of the brand, representing the core values and impact of the Youth Health Care Alliance.

Impact

The rebranding efforts led by ShuBu Creative had a significant impact on the Youth Health Care Alliance. The organization's new brand narrative now effectively communicates its purpose of improving healthcare outcomes for youth in Colorado. The refined brand power words provide a clear framework for the organization's work and resonate with its stakeholders.

The visual identity of the brand was also transformed to reflect a youthful yet sophisticated image. ShuBu Creative designed modern iconography and selected vibrant colors that captured the attention of the target audience, creating a visually appealing and engaging brand presence.

With the successful rebranding, the Youth Health Care Alliance experienced several positive outcomes. The organization's new name and tagline helped position itself as a leader and advocate for school-based clinics in Colorado. The clear and concise brand messaging improved communication with stakeholders and increased awareness of the organization's services.

The impact of the rebranding efforts extended beyond the visual identity. The Youth Health Care Alliance witnessed enhanced recognition and engagement from key stakeholders, including school administrators, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The organization's revitalized brand presence and narrative attracted new partnerships and funding opportunities, further fueling its ability to advocate for accessible and equitable healthcare for youth.

To learn more about the Youth Health Care Alliance and its impactful work, visit their website at www.youthhealthcarealliance.org.

Mikvah of East Denver

Problem

A unique development was coming to the Jewish Community in Denver—this project entailed developing a brand for a Mikvah 'coming soon to Denver. While the Mikvah was not operational, the goal was to raise enough money to sustain construction.

Therefore, we need a strong brand that catches high-end donors' attention.

Solution

While being built, we developed a strategy to promote the construction project and gain awareness in the community with a vibrant and relevant visual identity and messaging system. The messaging was open to anyone and education-focused, while the visual identity needed to be fresh and modern.

​Impact

The brand reflected a water-like feel derived from what a Mikvah is for the Jewish community. The dots resembled a Jewish star within the design, which was modern and catchy. In addition, a watercolorist enhanced the brand by texturing the renderings and photographs, giving the entire brand an elevated and classy feel.

We helped a 20-year in the making vision come to life and launch in six months. Now, the Mikvah not only raised $250 Million in the capital, but they are also up and running now and serving the Jews in Denver and surrounding areas.

EAU, CPA

Problem

We did a completely new brand for EAU, CPA—a new CPA firm in Denver. From the ground up, we wanted to create a brand that showcased Beth's approachable and cool personality, sophistication, and also years of experience.

Solution

EAU CPA is a full-service accounting firm providing accounting, tax and advisory services focused on providing outstanding customer service. EAU's goal is to help small business owners focus on what they do best - run their business! The brand is focused on three words and pillars that represented Beth's unique attributes. By doing customer interviews we found she is "experienced, approachable, and understanding." We also tied in her love for basketball and the fact that she is a basketball referee for disabled adults by taking photos of Beth with her basketball and referee shirt and tied in some. headlines, such as "Raising the Bar for You and Your Business," with basketball photos. Check out her website and brand by clicking below!

Impact

EAU is a thriving business and the owner says she gets compliments all the time on her website. Her business has had no challenges with marketing and branding since the branding, and continues to grow in revenue.