We were lucky to catch up with Cari Schmoock recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cari, appreciate you joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard
We are in the Business of Standing Out
Galvanized Creative has never been a typical creative agency because we believe in pushing boundaries and embracing the extraordinary. Our mission is to break away from the norm and deliver unique and captivating experiences for our clients. We are not just another run-of-the-mill agency; we are pioneers, innovators, and scientists of unusuality.
At Galvanized Creative, we thrive on thinking outside the box and exploring uncharted territories. We challenge conventional norms and strive to create remarkable and memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact. Our team of experts is driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to disrupt the status quo. We embrace the unconventional, the unexpected, and the audacious, pushing the boundaries of what is considered ordinary.
With our scientific approach to creativity, we experiment with different elements, blend diverse ideas, and craft solutions that stand out from the crowd. Our team is constantly exploring new techniques, technologies, and trends to ensure that our clients receive the most cutting-edge and impactful strategies. We take pride in being at the forefront of innovation, constantly seeking to exceed expectations and deliver truly extraordinary results.
In a world where conformity often reigns, Galvanized Creative stands tall as a beacon of originality and inventiveness. We believe that true success lies in embracing uniqueness and daring to be different. Our commitment to being scientists of unusuality drives us to continuously push the boundaries of creativity, delivering exceptional experiences that captivate audiences and set our clients apart. When you partner with Galvanized Creative, you can be assured that you are working with a team that is dedicated to making your brand shine and leaving a lasting impression on the world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have lived my entire life in White Lake, Michigan. I was born and raised in the home that my father grew up in, and I am now raising my family here, the third generation. It was here that I learned my creative side. My mother was extremely crafty. She encouraged and nurtured my artistic soul and my individualistic nature and style in viewing the world and my place in it. I lost her in 2006 when I was only twenty-four and still finding my future. If she were still with us, she would be a writer on my staff and proofing everything I write.
During my mother’s illness, I was working on my degree in Art Education but decided to take a break and get my cosmetology license. I desperately needed to do something with my hands and utilize my creativity. I became a great stylist and colorist and worked in the field for 8 years. During this period, I married and created three beautiful boys.
After my youngest was born, I got the itch to finish my bachelor’s degree, which I did in Graphic Design. My friend Brielle, who I have known since elementary school, was a web designer and hired me to do some graphic design for her company. From there, she referred me to a part-time contract job as a graphic designer with a forensic journalism website called “Who, What, Why”. After three years, I left as their Associate Art Director to pursue my own business, which was always my dream. During all this career change, we remodeled our farmhouse and took on homeschooling with our boys. In addition, my father also lives with us, in the home he grew up in.
After leaving my previous position, I immediately started taking on some freelance clients. One of my very first was a firm called Grennan Construction who had posted on Facebook looking for a graphic designer. Soon after getting that contract, they needed a new website. It was at that point I had to teach myself website design. With the help of a few friends who were website developers, I made the leap into web design and the new direction that I would now take my career and company. Grennan Construction is still one of my top clients!
Our Niche is Unique to Us
At Galvanized Creative, we pride ourselves on specializing in a specific niche: James Hardie Elite preferred contractors. We recognized a gap in the market and decided to focus our expertise on serving this exclusive group of contractors. Being the only marketing company dedicated to this niche sets us apart from the competition and showcases our commitment to delivering tailored and effective marketing solutions for James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractors.
By focusing solely on James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractors, we have gained in-depth knowledge and understanding of their unique needs, challenges, and target audience. This specialization allows us to develop highly targeted and customized marketing strategies that resonate with their specific customer base. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of the James Hardie brand and has a deep understanding of the industry landscape, positioning us as trusted advisors to our clients.
Our exclusive focus on James Hardie Elite preferred contractors means that we have established strong relationships and networks within this community. We are actively involved in industry events, stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, and collaborate closely with James Hardie to ensure our clients receive the most relevant and up-to-date marketing support. Our expertise and unique positioning enable us to provide comprehensive and specialized services that truly align with the goals and objectives of James Hardie Elite preferred contractors.
Choosing Galvanized Creative means partnering with a marketing company that not only understands the James Hardie brand inside out but is also dedicated to the success of James Hardie Elite preferred contractors. We go above and beyond to create tailored marketing strategies that effectively showcase the value and quality of their work. Our unique niche focus gives us a competitive edge and positions us as the go-to marketing experts for James Hardie Elite preferred contractors, delivering unparalleled results that drive business growth and success.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
At Galvanized Creative, we prioritize building strong relationships with our clients and fostering brand loyalty through personalized and attentive communication. We understand the importance of being readily available and providing a personal touch in every interaction.
First and foremost, we believe in open lines of communication. We make ourselves available to our clients through various channels, including email, text, and phone calls. This accessibility ensures that our clients can reach out to us whenever they need assistance or have any questions. We respond promptly to their inquiries, addressing their concerns and providing the support they require in a timely manner. We build trust and demonstrate our commitment to their success by being responsive and attentive.
In addition to regular communication, we schedule monthly one-on-one meetings with each client. These meetings serve as valuable touchpoints where we review their goals and tasks for the upcoming month while reviewing the progress made in the previous month. Discussing their objectives ensures that our strategies align with their evolving needs and remain focused on achieving their desired outcomes. These meetings also provide an opportunity to address any challenges, brainstorm ideas, and fine-tune our approach to maximize results.
While digital communication is essential, we also recognize the value of face-to-face interactions. That’s why we schedule in-person meetings with our clients at least twice a year. These meetings allow us to strengthen our personal connections, deepen our understanding of their business, and foster a sense of trust and partnership. By meeting in person, we can delve into their goals, visions, and challenges more intimately, ultimately enabling us to provide tailored solutions that resonate with their unique needs.
By dealing directly with the owner, our clients appreciate the personal touch and attention they receive. As the owner of Galvanized Creative, I am actively involved in every aspect of our client’s projects. This hands-on approach ensures that our clients have direct communication with someone deeply invested in their success. It also allows me to provide strategic insights, leverage my expertise, and make quick decisions that align with their objectives. This level of personalized attention creates a strong bond and cultivates trust, crucial for fostering long-term brand loyalty.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Our active involvement in our local chamber of commerce has been the best source of new clients for us. We are members of the chamber and take it a step further by actively participating as a member ambassador and serving as the president of one of their referral network groups. This level of engagement has truly been instrumental in fueling our client acquisition efforts.
As a member ambassador, I have had the privilege of representing Galvanized Creative at various chamber events and functions. This involvement has allowed me to network extensively and build relationships with other chamber members, local business owners, and influential community leaders. Through these interactions, we have showcased our expertise, demonstrated our commitment to quality, and established ourselves as a trusted resource in the business community.
In addition to being a member ambassador, I also hold the position of president within one of the chamber’s referral network groups. This role has given us a unique platform to cultivate relationships with professionals from diverse industries who are also seeking to grow their client base. By leading this group, I have facilitated meaningful connections, fostered collaboration, and created a mutually supportive environment where we can refer clients to one another.
Being an active participant in the chamber has provided us with numerous opportunities to showcase our services, raise awareness about Galvanized Creative, and generate leads. We have been invited to speak at chamber events, share our expertise through workshops, and contribute to the chamber directly by providing them with marketing assistance. These avenues have allowed us to position ourselves as industry leaders and thought partners, which has led to an influx of inquiries and referrals from chamber members and their extended networks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://galvanizedcreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galvanized.creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Galvanizedcreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/galvanized-creative/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@galvanizedcreative
Image Credits
Taylor Walker Lucy George