Author: Geile/Leon

HIRING: Brand Manager

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

HIRING: Brand Manager

Communications Agency

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications is now hiring a brand manager!

The Brand Manager ensures that client needs are met by completing a variety of tasks that guarantee projects are completed on time and on budget and agency workflow is managed appropriately. 

This person has a drive to provide excellent client service and has 4-5 years of experience within the marketing communications field (agency or client side). Excellent verbal and written communications skills, personal organization, interpersonal dynamics and an eagerness to learn are keys to success. 

Reports directly to VP, Director of Brand Strategy

 

Responsibilities:

Client Interaction

  • Serves as day-to-day point of contact for assigned clients
  • Leads tactically-oriented client meetings and discussions
  • Gathers and assembles background information and analysis as needed by Brand Management in development of reports, plans and strategies    
  • Manages client expectations and alerts supervisor to any potential issues/problems that jeopardize the account
  • Addresses scope challenges/issues/status with client; alerts VP, Director of Brand Strategy, when needed
  • Articulates client’s brand strategy and ensures strategy carries through in service delivery
  • Manages third-party relationships and identifies possible new relationships that enhance capabilities of the agency
  • Develops and provides direction for client and media materials: plans, presentations, reports, and communications documents

Project Management

  • Develops and executes high-quality programs from conception to execution 
  • Provides input during brainstorming sessions for new ideas and development of client strategies    
  • Prioritizes project tasks so that tasks stay on track
  • Handles and maintain files on all client activities, competitors and industry   
  • Proofreads copy, artwork and layouts 

Financial Management

  • Develops and manages budgets and ensures profitability
  • Develops scope of service and project agreements, in conjunction with clients and available consultation with senior level staff
  • Works with Senior Brand Manager/Assistant Director of Brand Strategy /VP, Director of Brand Strategy to facilitate resolution, with clients of budgetary issues
  • Provides forecasts for agency income to senior level staff

Knowledge

  • Learns, understands, and internalizes assigned brands in detail; deeply knows brand’s competitive positioning and messaging
  • Understands internal project and operational processes
  • Stays current with interactive trends and developments; shows ability to suggest application to clients’ needs
  • Develops and maintains communications plans
  • Brings new, innovative thinking to clients
  • Analyzes competitor activity and consumer trends related to client accounts

Business Development

  • Assists with new business pitches by researching, developing a deeper knowledge of the prospect and industry 
  • Ensures case studies are created at the conclusion of projects to assist agency in new business efforts

To apply, send your resume to our Vice President and Director of Brand Strategy, Randy Micheletti at [email protected]  

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To keep your brand relevant, don’t blow it up. Get Dynamic Branding!

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

To keep your brand relevant, don’t blow it up. Get Dynamic Branding!

B2B

The world is changing more quickly than ever. And so are consumers. With that in mind, do you know if your brand is still relevant? We’ve been working on a strategy to help brands be dynamic, so they can shift with behavior changes and stay aligned with consumer sentiment.

We’re pretty excited about it. It’s the culmination of what we’ve done successfully for over 30 years in creating new brands, refreshing brands and helping them adapt.

You might be going through a merger, gaining new leadership with a new vision, entering into a new market segment, experiencing a market shift in attitude towards your product, or simply just having an outdated brand visual identity, logo, or message. There are countless ways a brand can lose relevancy, and sometimes it happens so gradually that you don’t even notice.

As they say, the only constant is change.

That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to blow everything up and start over. Your brand may still have a lot of equity. A recent DENTSU survey found that the top concerns for CMOs are understanding consumer shifts and behavior changes, as well as staying aligned with ever-changing consumer sentiment. Our dynamic branding process helps brands remain relevant in a world where change is constant.

It’s something we preach AND we put into practice. We proudly point to our new website as an example of not throwing the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. Our brand needed to reflect how both we and our marketplace have evolved over the past few years. So we surveyed the landscape of our industry, took some time to assess our own brand’s relevance, and worked to align it with who we’ve become and how we serve our clients.  This refreshed branding is being reflected in our newly launched website, social media efforts, and public relations.

But like anything, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s what dynamic branding is all about. We get to learn about brands, get to know them, gain a deep understanding of their market and find a unique solution to regain brand relevance.

If any of this resonates with you (and in 2022, it would be surprising if it didn’t), then we would encourage you to get in touch to schedule a quick, 15-minute call to assess your brand’s relevancy. It’s easy and pretty enlightening.  We also have a quick self-assessment survey available on our GL homepage that helps identify why your brand may need a refresh. Lastly, check out our video series all about dynamic branding – you can start your viewing here:

 

 

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Construction + Tool Brand Portfolio

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Construction + Tool Brand Portfolio

General

We like to consider ourselves a design-build marketing agency

Having worked in the construction industry and other related trades over the last 20+ years, we were exposed to a term in the industry called “design-build”.  A design-build construction firm provides the architectural design, engineering, and construction on a project… a one-stop-shop in theory.   From initial planning and design through finished construction, a design-build firm assumes responsibility for all phases of the construction process.   

I like to think of our marketing communications agency as a design-build marketing firm. We handle projects from the initial brand/communication planning phase through design/concept and finally campaign implementation /execution.    So if you want to see how we’ve helped bring our design-build marketing approach to the construction and tool category, check out our newly released portfolio of work!

GL_ConstructionTool_PortfolioDownload
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WE’RE HIRING: Bookkeeper/Business Manager Position

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

WE’RE HIRING: Bookkeeper/Business Manager Position

General

Geile/Leon is seeking a Bookkeeper/Business Manager to join their team. If you’re enthusiastic, fun, energetic and love to work in a team-oriented, high energy, client-focused environment, this might be for you.

Company Overview

Yes, it’s pronounced Guyel-Leeon. But, we aren’t French. We’re Midwestern. We’re a lean pack of professionals. We aren’t about talk. We’re all about results. We work hard to make sure everything we do means something. Every project, every interaction and every relationship. We’re a close-knit agency that resembles a family more than business. We like to do great work and have fun doing it. And our clients feed off that energy – and appreciate it, too!

Why Choose us

  • Flexible schedule. We work from home on Wednesdays.
  • The safety of our employees is at the heart of everything we do. We are heavily invested in measures aimed at keeping employees healthy during COVID-19.
  • We’re fun and we like hanging out together (when we can). Our yearly Fun Calendar has everything from potlucks to parties. Every month there’s something to look forward to. And we enjoy our summer Fun Fridays where we leave the office early and enjoy all things St. Louis.
  • Our culture is amazing. You’ll love working here as we treat everyone with respect. 83% of our employees have been here 5 years or more!
  • We enjoy a great work/life balance. We understand that there’s a time to work and a time to take some time off and enjoy life.
  • Our benefits are awesome. Here are just a few:
    • PTO days that increase the longer you’re here & you get your birthday off
    • Medical/dental/401k and more
    • Tuition reimbursement opportunities

Who We’re Looking For?

We’re looking for someone that will roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Our Business Manager will take on ownership and management of all aspects of the accounting function at the agency. They will work with agency leadership to help guide the financial health and performance of the business, providing reports, insights, and perspectives to aid in decision-making. In addition, they will help administer HR functions related to onboarding, documentation, timesheet oversight and PTO tracking. We’re looking for an experienced accounting and financial professional who enjoys working in a close-knit environment, solving problems, contributing to the success of a business, and having a little fun along the way!

A Couple Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance and/or Business Administration or equivalent degree.
  • Agency experience is a plus

Job Responsibilities

Accounting/Bookkeeping:

  • Management and execution of all accounting functions- AR/AP, invoicing, payments, reconciliations, month-end, year-end, etc.
  • Records all entries and generates monthly financial reports through agency financial software Workamajig.
  • Administers payroll in third party system
  • Administers 401(k) and makes scheduled deposits
  • Issues payment for vendor/supplier invoices, company credit cards, etc.
  • Maintains all digital and hard copy agency accounting files.
  • Generates and issues invoices to clients.
  • Provides partners with financial information when required.
  • Makes bank deposits and reconciles bank statements.
  • Processes estimated tax payments and tax filings as needed.
  • Works closely with accounting firm on year-end and other tax-related matters.
  • Produces monthly summary reports of aged accounts receivable and contacts clients’ accounts payable when overdue.
  • Issues, manages, and reconciles company credit cards.
  • Reviews and authorizes all capital asset purchases.

HR Responsibilities:

  • Maintains employee records including PTO tracking and other information affecting wages, deductions, vacations, etc.
  • Assist with onboarding new employees, ensuring proper documentation is administered.
  • Maintains benefits programs and provides employees with necessary claim forms and assistance when needed.
  • Work with partners annually to update Employee Handbook.

Time Requirement

Full-time, possibly 3-4 days/week

Salary Range

Commensurate to experience level and number of days worked

How to Apply

Please email your resume to Tim Leon, President, [email protected]

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Geile/Leon Announces New Member of Ownership Team

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Geile/Leon Announces New Member of Ownership Team

General

St. Louis (Feb. 15, 2022) – Geile/Leon Marketing Communications is pleased to announce that long-time team member Randy Micheletti is now a shareholder of the company and has an ownership stake in the business.

(From Left to Right): Dave Geile, Randy Micheletti, Tim Leon

Micheletti, who joined the St. Louis agency in 2014 is Vice President, Director of Brand Strategy. This move helps Geile/Leon cultivate a new generation of leadership ensuring the legacy and future of the agency, said Tim Leon, president and brand strategist.

“Over 32 years, we’ve built a great business and reputation. We can attribute much of this success to our people,” Leon said. “We want to recognize Randy for his hard work and commitment and are excited to have him as part of our management team helping us execute our business plan and achieve our growth goals.”

Dave Geile, owner and creative director, added: “Randy has proven himself to be a true dedicated partner. Much of our growth and client satisfaction levels can be attributed directly to Randy. We are proud to have him as part of the ownership team.”

About Geile/Leon Marketing Communications Geile/Leon is a brand-driven strategic marketing communications firm that helps clients solve their biggest brand challenges. The company offers a full range of services including brand development, advertising, design, public relations, video content, digital and social media. The company has a staff of 14, serving clients that include Lincoln Electric, Metro Imaging, Grant’s Farm, Hussmann Corporation, Washington University and the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

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Higher Education Branding

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Higher Education Branding

General

An article published late last year by Forbes Young Agency Council highlighted top challenges marketers need to be prepared to solve in 2022 and beyond.  Within the list of challenges, one in particular resonated with us as it relates to what our branding firm is always working on for our clients. And that is bringing  “consistency of creative content and branding across all platforms.”  

This may seem like a no-brainer, but the challenge most institutions for higher education face is having to work across multiple communication platforms and multiple audiences (online students, undergrad students, adult learners, etc.). It’s imperative to have a brand message/theme/identity that can translate across the board, and defining your content strategy and identity comes from defining your brand positioning and understanding the value it delivers to your target audience.

Here’s a look at some of the campaigns we’ve done in this category that may inspire you and your brand!

GL_HigherEd_Portfolio_10.14.21_LoResDownload
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Geile/Leon Becomes Grant’s Farm Marketing Partner

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Geile/Leon Becomes Grant’s Farm Marketing Partner

General

St. Louis (Aug. 25, 2021 ) – Geile/Leon (G/L) Marketing Communications is proud to announce that it has been retained by Grant’s Farm to provide the iconic St. Louis destination marketing, public relations and advertising services. 

The 281-acre Grant’s Farm has been home for the Busch family for 118 years, and in the last 67 years, has welcomed more than 30 million guests of all ages. A legendary St. Louis institution, it is home to more than 100 types of animals, including some of the world-famous Clydesdales. It is owned by five Busch family members who will also assume management and operations from Anheuser Busch on November 1. 

From left to right: Grant’s Farm ownership Group Peter Busch, Trudy Busch Valentine, Andrew
Busch, Robert Hermann, Jr. (not pictured: Beatrice Busch von Gontard)

“Grant’s Farm is a one-of-a-kind treasure that has provided lifetime memories for my family and is truly an iconic brand,” said Geile/Leon President and Chief Strategy Officer Tim Leon. “We are thrilled to be named their marketing communications firm, and a valued partner in their marketing and branding efforts.”

About Geile/Leon Marketing Communications 

Geile/Leon is a brand-driven strategic marketing communications firm that helps clients solve their biggest brand challenges. The company offers a full range of services including brand development, advertising, design, public relations, video content, digital and social media. The company has a staff of 14, serving clients that include Lincoln Electric, Metro Imaging, Grant’s Farm, Hussmann Corporation, Washington University and the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

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Social Media Video Reference Guide

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Social Media Video Reference Guide

General

Content is king, and the content that is proving to be royally valuable for brands is video.

Studies have shown that 81% of consumers have been convinced to purchase by video. Not only is video way more engaging, but it has greater recall than any other media form. However, effective results go beyond simply creating a video. You need to know the specifics for each platform. That’s where we come in. 

We’ve gathered some useful information and insights for a handful of social media channels for your reference.

If you need help creating a powerful social media video strategy, let’s chat. We have an in-house production team and social media strategist to help you achieve your goals at any level of the funnel.

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Has TikTok Become a Sneaky Opportunity for Online Video Marketing?

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Has TikTok Become a Sneaky Opportunity for Online Video Marketing?

General

When we talk about online video content, we often discuss the importance of picking the right channel. Often, our clients ask about YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. But what about TikTok? 

Before you dismiss it as a channel for teeny boppers without disposable income, let’s talk it out. It turns out that TikTok is a more attractive avenue for branded video content than many realize. 

Not only did a recent survey show that 30% of respondents said it was their favorite social media platform, surpassing Instagram, but it also has seen huge growth, especially since the beginning of the pandemic. And even though the platform does skew younger (although usage amongst adults 35-54 tripled during 2020), the overwhelming majority (41%) of users have household incomes of $100,000 or more. Second highest income bracket? $75,000 to $100,000. 

Of course, the third highest income bracket is less than $25,000, which illustrates the importance of fostering a deep understanding of your target audience and also what you hope to accomplish with your video content marketing. This is also important if you’re looking to buy real TikTok followers, as you’ll need to understand what you’re working with and who will need to be targeted directly to make your boost worthwhile.

So, like anything, it boils down to knowing your audience, understanding your objectives and knowing at what point on the funnel your campaign is intended. It’s one thing to create a fun video. It’s another thing to do it with a purpose and to Make It Mean Something. And that’s where we come in. 

We have three decades of experience of staying ahead of trends, understanding how they fit within a plan and basing everything upon a foundation of tried-and-true marketing fundamentals. Get in touch to see what type of online video campaign would work for your brand’s needs. 

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3 Ways Tool Manufacturers Can Grow the Skilled Labor Workforce

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

3 Ways Tool Manufacturers Can Grow the Skilled Labor Workforce

Branding

Over the recent months, we have read a lot about how the labor market is in an unprecedented state of transition. While many jobs that were eliminated have returned, we have also seen many jobs, often those with poor pay and minimal benefits, remained unfilled. At the same time, skilled labor is seeing much of its workforce head to retirement as the Baby Boomer generation reaches their golden years. With that in mind, now is the perfect time for skilled labor fields like welding, machining, HVAC/R, construction, roofing and plumbing to take advantage of disillusioned service industry workers who wish to begin a real career with a brighter future. 

How can tool manufacturers help with the skilled labor shortage? 

Throughout these skilled labor industries, employers would like to see these jobs filled immediately. There’s no doubt that this is important since there is always important work that needs to get done. However, now is the perfect time to resort to more creative measures. Sure, finding experienced workers is ideal. But there is a great opportunity for contractors to fill the help they need, including non-skilled workers, while still maintaining the quality craftsmanship that their customers demand. 

Of course, tool manufacturers depend on these contractors, as well. Without workers, there is nobody to use their tools! So, let’s discuss three ways that these tool manufacturers could do to help grow the workforce in these industries that they support. 

Make tools easier to use 

In a recent article entitled Tools Tackle the Labor Shortage, Supply House Times provides several examples of manufacturers developing tools that have a lower barrier to entry for use by making them more intuitive for a less-skilled laborer. In this article, DEWALT Product Manager Daniel Heiney-Gonzalez explains, “This has provided an opportunity for innovation to come in and make these workers who are working more efficient.” 

Marketers can support these efforts by gaining an in-depth understanding of customers and keeping an open dialogue with sales teams, who spend so much time with customers that they gain a wealth of knowledge of their needs and pain points. This was the case when Geile/Leon helped Parker Hannifin launch a new product that reduced the time that HVAC/R contractors spent joining pipes by simplifying the process. Brazing pipe is a learned skill that can take many, many hours to master. But with ZoomLock, employees with minimal experience in the field can confidently join pipes together, and the skilled workers could do it faster than they ever could before. 

Curious as to how we did it? Then check out our case study here: https://geileon.com/work/sporlan-zoomlock/

Support trade school education

Thanks to the efforts of Mike Rowe, along with many companies and individuals in a variety of industries, in promoting skilled trades as a logical alternative to a four-year college degree, trade schools are steadily gaining in popularity. This is a very promising trend for companies who wish to see a larger pool of skilled labor, but there is even more potential for growth. 

Manufacturers should support these schools and take advantage of this momentum. There are many groups that help collectivize and maximize these efforts, like SkillsUSA. In addition, they could donate tools and funds to these schools. Not only will it lead to a future with a wealth of skilled employees, it will also foster brand loyalty from day one as these future employees will enjoy hands-on instruction with your products and come to recognize them as a trusted industry standard. 

Our client, Harris Products Group, is one of those future-focused companies who supports high school trade classes. In fact, they had their efforts recognized recently in a news story. We’d highly encourage you to check out this inspirational story and see how they have brightened the future of Grayson County students who are learning brazing and soldering skill training. 

Work to diversify your industry’s workforce

The Associated General Contractors of America’s Culture of Care program launched last year and is doing great work in attracting a large pool of skilled tradespeople. With an expected 10-million-person labor shortage by 2023, according to the nonprofit Bridging America’s Gap, now is a perfect time to seize an opportunity to invest in recruiting and training people of all backgrounds. Not only will this provide an opportunity those in marginalized populations who have an immense amount of talent, but it will also create a workforce that is stronger due to its inclusive nature. 

We think another really great example can be found right here from our client, Clayco, a St. Louis- and Chicago-based commercial construction firm. You can see how we helped them to brand and promote their Clayco Rising diversity and inclusion program, breaking through barriers of income, race, sexual orientation and gender. The tagline, “Clayco Rising, People Above All Else,” is a clear indication of their dedication to leading the industry to bring positive change from top to bottom, not only internally but also in their contractors and strategic partnership. 

Actions speak louder than words

Manufacturers and the industry groups that they belong to can be the catalyst that ends the current labor shortage, but that means thinking beyond traditional methodologies and recruitment strategies. When we invite everyone to participate, we not only help those who deserve an opportunity, we help our companies by unlocking potential that could have remained untapped and by creating an inclusive company culture that is a boost to morale across the board. Opportunities don’t just appear out of thin air. Those who create them are the visionaries who rise to the top of their industry. 

Ideas require action, however, and a strategic marketing partner can help you maximize these campaigns. We have a great deal of experience and success in finding unique and inclusive solutions for employee recruitment. Let’s talk about what we can do for you. Get in touch now and let’s get started!

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