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.
Trusted Guides. Expert Navigators.
On a mission to help clients reach clarity.

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

Jason Vanderground
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 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
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 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 Resheske
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
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 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 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




