Trusted Guides.
Expert Navigators.

On a mission to help clients reach clarity.

Brandhaven team 01

Services

Discovery & Brand Research

We believe great ideas are born from deep understanding. Our immersive research process uncovers unique brand truths and opportunities for differentiation.

  • Interactive Ideation Sessions
  • Comprehensive Communication and Competitive Audits
  • Opportunity Assessment and Gap Analysis
  • Target Segmentation and Audience Profiling
  • Key Messaging and Strategic Insights

Audience & Market Research

Empowering decisions through insights. We transform raw data into actionable intelligence, enabling confident strategy development.

  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Concept, Message, and Proposition Testing
  • Behavioral and Trend Analysis
  • Multi-channel Surveys (online, email, phone, and qualboard)

Brand Positioning & Strategy

A distinct position is the foundation of any successful brand. We craft strategies that connect emotionally and inspire action.

  • Value Proposition and –EST development
  • Brand Promise and Pillars
  • Strategic Messaging Frameworks

Creative Development

Big ideas spark momentum. Our creative team transforms strategy into compelling narratives that captivate and convert.

  • Integrated Messaging Platforms
  • Bold Creative Concepts
  • Engaging Storytelling and Design

Campaign Development

We build campaigns that drive impact by leveraging insights, creativity, and integrated execution. Our approach ensures your brand outshines the competition.

  • Multi-channel Campaign Strategy
  • Go-To-Market Execution and Management
  • Media Planning (Owned, Earned, Paid)
  • Performance Tracking and Optimization

Brand Identity

Your identity is your story. We ensure it’s unforgettable, cohesive, and speaks directly to your audience.

  • Brand Promise and Personality
  • Visual Identity Systems (logos, typography, color palettes)
  • Verbal Identity (tone of voice, tagline development)

Consulting & Management

Leadership meets execution. We provide strategic counsel and operational expertise to maximize marketing impact.

  • High-Level Marketing Consultation
  • Team Collaboration and Alignment
  • Workflow Optimization and Process Design

Public Representation

Be heard where it matters. We amplify your voice through strategic representation at pivotal moments.

  • Media Spokespersonship and Key Messaging Delivery
  • High-Stakes Partner and Donor Relationship Building

Event & Activation Support

We create immersive experiences that connect audiences with your brand. From strategy to execution, we handle it all.

  • Event Concepting and Planning
  • Talent Engagement and Integration
  • Custom Event Materials and Activations

Planning & Marketing Operations

We bring structure to strategy, ensuring seamless execution across all efforts.

  • Integrated Marketing Calendars
  • Partner Coordination and Collaboration
  • Operational Process Improvement

Entertainment & Influencer Engagement

Cultural relevance drives influence. We connect your brand with the right voices to expand reach and build affinity.

  • Influencer and Partner Collaboration
  • Strategic Engagement with Entertainment, Arts, and Fashion Leaders
  • Story-driven Partnerships that Resonate

An agency model built for your needs, not ours.

One size fits all solutions generally don’t fit anyone. That’s why we bring more to the table.

The Lead Team

We're with you every step of the way, leading all aspects of the work from ideation to implementation.

Freelance Talent

With hand-picked talent to meet your brand’s needs, you don’t just get one idea, you get ideas in waves.

Agency Network

Together, with a breadth of worldwide agencies, we’re able to curate the absolute best campaign for our clients.

Strategic Partners

Our vast network of partners assists in research, strategy, and management of large-scale campaigns.

Meet our lead team.

Bill mckendry

Bill McKendry

Founder + Chief Creative Officer

As the founder of BrandHaven, Bill draws from a career highlighted by over 1,500 award-winning campaigns for brands like Target, Rubbermaid, and World Vision. Previously co-founder of Hanon McKendry and vice chairman of JDA Worldwide, he specializes in branding for nonprofits and causes. A public speaker and author of the bestselling book Do More Good®, Bill was inducted into the AAF National Hall of Achievement for being a champion of creative cause marketing excellence that drives impact.

Jason vanerground

Jason Vanderground

President

Jason brings nearly 30 years of marketing expertise, driving success for leading brands across industries such as Steelcase, Corewell Health, and Irwin Seating. At BrandHaven, he oversees strategic direction, blending a core team of creatives with a vast network of specialists to deliver innovative branding solutions. Previously, Jason led transformative campaigns at Hanon McKendry and consulted for renowned nonprofits. He resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife, Jen, and their teenage sons, enjoying sailboat racing, coaching, and coffee with friends.

Amber peterson

Amber Peterson

Brand Director

Amber works directly with BrandHaven clients to define their branding and marketing communication needs and oversees the account team. Amber started her career at Amway on the Global Creative Services team, and prior to joining BrandHaven, she worked for Steelcase where she managed large brand initiatives and product launch campaigns.

Ashley brown

Ashley Brown

Senior Brand Director

With over 15 years of experience, Ashley specializes in brand strategy and marketing communications, helping brands grow through impactful storytelling and strategic execution. She has led high-profile campaigns across corporate and agency settings, balancing creativity with data-driven decision-making. Before joining BrandHaven, she managed national brand initiatives at Kappa Delta National Headquarters and led marketing communications for a Steelcase subsidiary.

Lauren maher

Lauren Maher

Brand Specialist

Lauren excels in managing strategies, projects, and client relationships, ensuring every campaign delivers exceptional results. She plays a pivotal role in helping clients elevate their brand presence across digital and traditional platforms. Since joining BrandHaven, Lauren has become a key player in driving impactful marketing initiatives for a diverse portfolio of companies and organizations, blending strategic insights with a creative approach to deliver measurable success.

Jon resheke

Jon Resheske

Creative Director

Jon cut his teeth as a copywriter at Target Corporate, crafting campaigns in their in-house creative department. He then took his talents to space150, a trailblazing digital agency in Minneapolis, before making his mark at RIESTER in Phoenix. Now at BrandHaven, Jon brings 15 years of experience working with powerhouse brands like Dairy Queen, Buffalo Wild Wings, McDonald’s, American Eagle Outfitters, Hormel Foods, General Mills, and American Express.

Jamie hagan

Jamie Hagan

Senior Art Director

After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, Jamie has built her near decade-long career working in various creative and marketing disciplines in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. She specializes in creative concepting, design systems and design thinking. Her work has helped to evolve the BrandHaven brand as well as bring fresh ideas to our clients across the country.

Erin marklevitz

Erin Marklevitz

Art Director

Erin specializes in campaign concept development, brand identity, packaging, print materials and digital design. She started with BrandHaven as a graphic design intern and has quickly grown to become one of the firm’s lead creatives, helping a wide range of companies and organizations elevate and differentiate their brands.

Michele gulbuhar

Michele Gulbuhar

Executive Assistant + Agency Manager

Michele ensures seamless operations at BrandHaven with her 35 years of administrative and managerial expertise across corporate, nonprofit, and family-owned businesses. She excels in streamlining processes, managing schedules, and supporting leadership to maximize team efficiency. Michele’s extensive experience makes her a cornerstone of BrandHaven’s success.

Awards & Recognition

Clio Awards
Adweek
ADDY
Telly Awards
Obie Awards
W3 awards
PRSA Foundation
New York Festivals Advertising Awards
Gabriel Award
Clio Awards
Adweek
ADDY
Telly Awards
Obie Awards
W3 awards
PRSA Foundation
New York Festivals Advertising Awards
Gabriel Award

Clarity is power. Are you ready to move forward?

Let’s Talk
Waves with topography graphic