Construction and manufacturing is littered with ‘high-quality,’ ‘craftsmanship,’ and ‘attention to detail.’ And let‘s be honest, no builder is going to claim being anything less than the best.
So, if everyone is saying the same thing, how do you stand out? Simply put, you don’t.
As critical as it is, relying on "high quality" as your main selling point is probably one of the biggest reasons your business is struggling to grow. In fact, it doesn’t make you memorable; it makes you invisible.
Quality is expected. It’s the bare minimum—the cost of entry. Your potential clients assume you'll deliver quality; they’re not going to choose you just because you say you do. And they certainly wouldn’t choose a contractor that didn’t deliver great work.
One of my favorite examples of helping a builder escape the quality trap was with Hancock Steel. Like you, they too boasted exceptional quality. But Instead of merely claiming it, we helped them substantiate it. Instead of “we pride ourselves in high-quality work” we made a bold promise:
“Done Right. First Time. Guaranteed. For us, fit is more than a priority: it's our promise. We guarantee your steel will bolt in perfectly the first time, or we will provide labor and materials to make it right at no additional cost. At Hancock, we stand behind our word.”
Now that's quality. It even came with a name and design: Perfect Fit Promise.
A promise like this not only reassures your clients but also distinguishes you in a crowded market. It’s not enough to say you're good—you need to show your clients exactly how and why you’re the best choice. That’s how you turn "high quality" from an empty buzzword in to a powerful differentiator.
Concise insights regarding your company’s vision and mission, positioning, competitors, customers, and framework to guide your brand identity.
Concise insights regarding your company’s vision and mission, positioning, competitors, customers, and framework to guide your brand identity.
Concise insights regarding your company’s vision and mission, positioning, competitors, customers, and framework to guide your brand identity.
Concise insights regarding your company’s vision and mission, positioning, competitors, customers, and framework to guide your brand identity.
Concise insights regarding your company’s vision and mission, positioning, competitors, customers, and framework to guide your brand identity.
Think of us as your strategic partner focused on getting crystal clear on who you are, who you serve, and how you win.
Vision & Mission: Align your leadership and team with a crystal-clear picture of where you're heading and how you'll get there
Positioning: Define exactly what you do, who you're for, and why they should care to become the obvious choice
Customer Persona: Dig deep to understand your customers–beyond their age and gender–to craft marketing that works
Meaningful Difference: Leverage your defensible differentiation, what your customers want and can't (easily) get anywhere else
Payment via wire, ACH, check, or credit card (+3%)
Our framework is intensive and fluid- you'll be challenged to consider and articulate your business in ways you likely never have before. As the expert in your field, you know your business better than anyone, but it can be hard to read the label from inside the bottle. We'll help you see your company from a fresh perspective and turn that insight into action.
Marketing just isn’t your thing – and it shows.
Your ads aren’t bringing in the business you expected.
You’re tired of sounding like another voice in the crowd.
You brand feels like it’s holding you back.
You’re not sure how to take your busines to the next level.
Expert guidance from strategy through execution
Craft marketing that actually sells
Stand out in a crowded market
Build a business you’re proud to lead
Invest with confidence
Hancock Steel, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, stands as a premier fabrication facility specializing in ornate architectural and miscellaneous steel fabrication.
Originally established in 2007 to support Charles Construction Services, Hancock Steel has transitioned from general construction to full-time steel fabrication. However, the misconception that they solely catered to general contractors hindered their ability to expand their client base. Despite their skilled team, low brand recognition posed a challenge in establishing credibility and trust.
Internally, the team felt undervalued, having played a supporting role to the construction business for years. This affected morale and productivity. Following CEO Weston Wenner's acquisition in 2021, the company aimed for growth, profitability, and a renewed workplace culture. “This business was originally created out of necessity as an add-on to another business. There was never any focus or attention given to it and that trickled down to the employees and they knew it: they didn’t feel appreciated, they didn’t feel like they mattered, they didn’t feel like anybody cared about them…”
Strategy
Naming
Logo
Brand Identity
Copywriting
Tagline
Marketing Collateral
Advertising Campaign
Website Design
Print Production
increase in monthly sales
increase in monthly sales
opened second location
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"Without Stewart Design, we'd still be struggling to talk about who we are and what makes Hancock Steel different. We loved Stewart Design's discovery process and how they crafted our key messages and branding around these critical conversations. The change in management and strategies necessitated a long-overdue branding overhaul. Our goal was to align our identity and message with a clear purpose, and Stewart Design has helped us shine."
Weston Wenner, CEO at Hancock Steel
“Stewart Design has been excellent. I’m very happy to have been able to work with those guys. They did an excellent job defining our mission.”
Judd P. Walther, Chief Executive Officer at ReBuilders Commercial Restoration
Concise insights regarding your company’s vision and mission, positioning, competitors, customers, and framework to guide your brand identity.