Hustle & Grow
Earning the permission & encouragement to pivot
Commissioning client
2016
Owners
Industry
Fabrication
Ownership model
Family-owned
No. of employees
8
MEB category
Strategy
Function
Business strategy
Focus
Feasibility study
Capabilities
Organization
Year founded
Commercial signage
Business type
Pivot
Phase
2018
Year of collaboration
Strategic planning
Growth planning
Market research
Consensus building
Transition planning
Change management
After ownership succession, commissioned by second-generation owners to explore the feasibility of a strategic pivot from sign fabrication company to a design firm with expertise in commercial signage.
LISTEN | EXPLORE | PRESSURE TEST
Conduct a deep dive of present + potential industries, markets, competitors and peers to determine
Current reputation and the extent of the gap to the desired reputation
Opportunities to establish net new introductions to second-generation founders - or transfer reputation and relationships from original founders
The existing industry’s white space vis a vis new leadership’s vision
The current and desired industries’ overall potential to accept a pivot
Targeted, one-on-one interviews for deeper insights with peers, clients, referral sources and trusted competitors
Independent market research of current signage and branding landscapes, and future economic development and commercial construction trends in key regions
An Insights & Recommendations report delivered
An extensive account of the overt or hidden white space in existing industry and key regions as it aligns with the owners’ vision
Recommendations for new revenue sources or partnerships and collaborations
Counsel on change management for current or returning clients
The encouragement and support of a competitive but tight-knit industry community that champions agile and adaptive businesses
VALIDATION | CLARITY | CONFIDENCE | ENCOURAGEMENT
Short range
The data & insights proved both industries and markets are open to and desire the next-generation leaders’ vision. The most effective market research returns either permission or redirection. For this team, the magic was three-fold:
Permission to pivot in the form of overwhelming championship from peers and competitors;
Concrete direction on how, when and where to fill the white space immediately in reach; and
Assuredness of their readiness for the moment when their reputation, expertise, and their genuine talent collides with opportunity, timing and the dynamic forces of their industry.
Based on this exploration, Studio Dzo established
Their standards of operations,
The criteria for which they would evaluate new business opportunities, and
An entirely new reputation as a modern creative services agency.
Long range
Studio Dzo pivoted fearlessly and now lands clients aligned with their vision - those who equally desire and respect high-caliber design.
case study
case study