Case Study: True North Branding Plan

About the Client:

Founded in 2000, True North Management Services is a turnkey telecommunications company providing leading edge telecommunications services. True North builds wireless networks and offers emergency response services throughout most of the US. What truly sets them apart is their “Band of Brothers” mindset, dedicating themselves to each other and their clients’ best interests.

Marketing or Communications Challenge:

With their strong-hearted culture, True North knew they were capable of performing well in larger projects but they needed their brand to reflect their capabilities. Their marketing materials did not reflect their abilities and professionalism. True North was simply being outshined by their competitors. They needed a brand image that mirrored their true capacity to meet the expectations of their sophisticated, technically advanced customers.

Strategic Solution:

True North approached Kolbeco in early 2014 with one simple request: “We need marketing help.”

Kolbeco helped True North clarify and breathe life into their brand. Starting with a discovery session, they worked together through the steps of developing the language and materials to communicate clearly, consistently and powerfully.

With True North being open to explore and invest in a new approach, the marketing plan was crafted with several components. They were willing to make big changes, but it was important to them to remain authentic to their own heartbeat.

Kolbeco developed and executed on the following plan:

  • Branding
  • Collateral
  • Custom imagery
  • Web development
  • Trade show strategy
  • Video
  • Public relations

Results:

The impact on True North can be seen in both their overall growth and how they think more clearly about their business and their brand.

In 2014, their INC 5000 award was due to a 247 percent growth over the previous three years as well as increasing their employee count by more than double. Now with three locations, their 2015 award reflected a three year growth rate of 281 per cent while adding nearly 20 more employees. Most importantly, they are now acquiring the contracts they know they deserve.

“Kolbeco gave us great guidance in several areas. The INC 5000 list is one example. It changed our business and turned out to be one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

~ Steve Myers, co-owner