featured Archives

All Work

Special Olympics Illinois

the challenge Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) is a storied organization with an incredible legacy. When they came to us with the goal of recruiting more athletes, volunteers and donors of all demographics—we grasped the opportunity to do something extraordinary. We...

GIVE Foundation

the challenge Since 2007, the Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere Foundation (GIVE) has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of Iowa’s military heroes through therapeutic golf instruction, social engagement, community outreach and more. The work they do and...

Next Door & Window

the challenge Next Door & Window is a titan of window and door replacement, a paragon of quality and service. But in a saturated market, prospective customers were looking through them, rather than at them.the solution Open the door to new clients by creating...

Oswald’s

the challenge Oswald’s, Naperville’s oldest family-owned-and-operated pharmacy, has been a constant for families throughout the last 145 years. But as the store changed ownership to the next generation in the middle of a pandemic, they needed a new script to lead the...

Dunkin’

the challenge Before America could run on Dunkin’, the Midwest market needed help to turn a Boston import into a hometown hero.the solution For over 20 years as a prolific Dunkin’ partner, we’ve perked up brand loyalty and kept excitement brewing in 53 markets all...

AltoonaNow

the challenge As economic development hit western Des Moines, investors largely ignored the City of Altoona, just to the east. They perceived it as a “small, sleepy town”, failing to see the potential just beneath the surface. But this wasn’t a boom waiting to happen:...

RW Hardware

the challenge Tall order: take a 140 year old hardware brand, and honor its legacy while simultaneously swinging it into the future. Then, we heard a story about a 92 year old piece of hardware made for the Rockefeller family that still works like it’s brand new. the...

Scientel Solutions

the challenge Scientel Solutions is up there with the world’s leading innovators, delivering high-tech solutions like Drone Defense and Smart City Infrastructure. They’re basically the James Bond-meets-MacGyver of tech companies. Unfortunately, when we first met them,...

Balance Autism

the challenge “The Homestead” was ready to grow into a national autism organization, but the market perceived them as “small-time” and “local.”the solution Through emotional branding & strategic implementation, MACLYN rebranded the organization as “Balance Autism,”...

Avanade

the challenge To achieve their ambitious goals and grow their audience, Avanade needs a creative partner who champions their brand while continuously pushing them to greater heights. o the question: What is Avanade about? the solution For nearly a decade, MACLYN has...

IMRIS

the challenge IMRIS was a life-saving surgical revolution with a limited market perception. But their perceived value as “just a tech company” was costing more than just revenue: it was time to remind the world what mattered. the solution MACLYN created “For the Human...

LABS

the challenge LABS had an awareness & perception problem. The target market perceived them as “intimidating” and “elite,” while their unique location hid them from public view: literally and figuratively.the solution We gave the gym some sick gains with “Chase Your...

BrownWinick

the challenge BrownWinick is a law firm headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, home to some of the most respected attorneys in their respective fields. But in law, as in life, you’re only as good as your reputation: BrownWinick needed a new brand that lived up to theirs....

NAMCO Entertainment

the challenge PAC-MAN Entertainment is an interdimensional realm of 8-bit awesome, boasting an arcade, bowling, full service restaurant, office meeting spaces, sports bar and more. BANDAI-NAMCO, (creators of the iconic ghost-chomping PAC-MAN) needed to broaden the...

Choose Dupage

the challenge Choose DuPage is the economic development alliance for DuPage County, Illinois. A public/private partnership between business and government leaders, their collective mission is to foster a business-friendly community while growing, attracting, and...

Iowa Finance Authority

the challenge The Iowa Finance Authority makes life better for Iowans. It’s that simple. However, when we first started working with them in 2015, most people weren’t aware of the organization’s statewide programs or the impact they have on local communities. In order...

Wannemaker’s

the challenge Wannemaker’s Home and Garden is Chicagoland’s best garden and home boutique – but as they looked to expand their customer base, the community pillar needed a fresh brand that was relevant to today’s customers while still honoring their roots.the solution...

First Impressions: Some Advice for Launching Your Brand

Oct 13, 2020

Everyone knows that first impressions matter. When you meet someone for the first time, the impression that you make stays with them long after the conversation is over, playing a disproportionate role in shaping their perception of you. That’s why, when we first meet...

The Art of Branding: Crafting a Visual Identity

Oct 5, 2020

At its simplest, a Brand can be broken out into 2 sections, Core Messaging and Visual Identity. Neither is more important than the other, but today…it’s all about the Visual Identity. So, let’s break down the elements that make up the “look” of a Brand. Logo. Often...

What is Content Marketing? How To Create Brand Value

Sep 2, 2020

In 2020, to win sales you first have to win souls: and content marketing is how you reach hearts and minds. And value is the key. Let’s back up: because it’s the current and future paradigm, you see the phrase Content Marketing thrown around so often that...