| Testimonials From Clients: Colleges and Universities, K-12 and Higher Education, Nonprofits and Others |
St. Catherine University (formerly College of St. Catherine)
"We retained McVey Marketing Inc. to help St. Catherine's evaluate and advise the institution as it was planning a change in name and status from a college to a university. This included working with college leaders and staff to develop new brand strategies, key messages to advance the brand, and sample taglines to position the university going forward. The branding and messaging work the firm performed, and the quality of its presentations and recommendations, were instrumental in helping St. Catherine's make the historic decision to change from a college to a university.
"Firm President Gary McVey has deep knowledge of branding and marketing, is extremely professional and responsive, and is a valuable and trusted partner. I highly recommend Gary and his firm to others who want to reposition and build their brands and advance their organizations."
-Amy Gage, Director of Marketing and Communications
St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minn.
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
"The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University retained McVey Marketing Inc. to enhance their marketing and communications operations by strengthening their regional and national media relations programs. Gary McVey and his firm developed three strategic media relations plans, one for each institution and a joint plan focused on advancing our coordinate efforts. These institutions have a unique relationship, and Gary very quickly grasped the complexities and nuances needed to be successful in positioning and marketing Saint Ben's and Saint John's. He also ensured that the media relations plans we developed supported and advanced our broader strategic goals, including important objectives in the areas of enrollment and fund-raising.
"Our presidents and other cabinet officers were thrilled with the quality and comprehensiveness of the firm's work, as well as the value of the investment we made. Gary is one of the most talented and experienced marketing and branding professionals I know, and I enthusiastically recommend his firm. We won't hesitate to partner with McVey Marketing again."
-Jon McGee, Vice President for Enrollment, Planning and Public Affairs
College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn., and Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minn.
Independent Colleges of Washington
"McVey Marketing Inc. completed a market research study of Washington state policymakers and business and philanthropy leaders to help our organization evaluate its activities, identify opportunities, and to develop strategic recommendations for the future. The quality of the research findings and recommendations that Gary McVey provided to us, his depth of knowledge, and his experience, exceeded our expectations. The work impressed our board and helped us focus the conversation in areas of greatest return.
"I believe the work we've done together will help our organization achieve even greater results for our 10 member colleges and their students. I highly recommend Gary McVey and his firm to others, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with him in the future."
-Violet A. Boyer, President and CEO
Independent Colleges of Washington, Seattle, Washington
St. Olaf College
"St. Olaf College retained McVey Marketing Inc. to serve as a consultant and partner as it worked to enhance the appearance, effectiveness and consistency of its visual brand identity. This included consulting with and providing recommendations to the college on issues related to the official college logo, tagline and visual identity standards, as well as managing what was a very complex project. Firm President Gary McVey provided us with valuable expertise and counsel, effectively led and facilitated several meetings of college stakeholders, and completed an excellent report highlighted by clear, actionable recommendations. We've already implemented a number of these improvements, and our visual identity and brand are stronger today because of our work with McVey Marketing. I highly recommend Gary and his firm to others seeking first-rate marketing counsel that is worth the investment and makes a difference."
-Janet Kringen Thompson, Interim Vice President for College Relations
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
"Minneapolis Community and Technical College hired McVey Marketing to conduct a marketing audit for the college. The results were tremendous. The audit gave us a cost-effective look at our current efforts, as well as excellent recommendations for better use of our marketing and advertising dollars.
"Company President Gary McVey was the consummate professional. His work was thorough, timely, and reflected in-depth knowledge of marketing and higher education. He managed our work together very effectively, completing a large project on time and within budget. I would recommend McVey Marketing without hesitation for strategic marketing consulting, research and analysis."
-Ann Freeman, Former Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Olympic College
"We retained Gary McVey and McVey Marketing Inc. to consult with us on the development of a college brand and a comprehensive marketing plan. He provided excellent strategic recommendations, new ideas, and provided tremendous value to our efforts. He was very responsive to our needs, a pleasure to work with, and a true partner in our work together. Gary also proved to be an excellent presenter and facilitator -- skills which helped us effectively engage our internal staff and constituents.
"Gary helped bring out the best in our abilities, as well as constructively challenged our assumptions when necessary. We have adopted many of McVey Marketing's recommendations and believe they will successfully position the college to achieve even stronger results in the future."
-Jennifer Hayes, Communications Director
Olympic College, Bremerton, Washington
Minnesota Independent School Forum
"We retained Gary McVey and McVey Marketing Inc. to consult with us on the development of a new visual identity and brand for a new educational organization, and to provide strategic counsel and communications to advance equity and achievement in K-12 schools. The logo and brand identity the firm developed for Coalition for Kids was very well received by our stakeholders, and it was instrumental in raising awareness and enhancing our image with key target audiences.
"The firm's counsel and communications activities in support of our public policy agenda and other strategic goals has been important to our success and helped us achieve results and exceed expectations. I value the outside expertise and skills that McVey Marketing brings to our efforts, and confidently recommend Gary McVey and his firm to others seeking to build strong brands and achieve results."
-Jim Field, President
Minnesota Independent School Forum &
Co-Founder Coalition for Kids, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hamline University
"I worked closely with Gary McVey at Hamline University and found him to be extremely knowledgeable and skilled in the areas of market research, marketing and strategic planning, and in developing marketing communications strategies that achieve results. One of Gary's chief accomplishments as Hamline University's chief marketing officer was working closely with members of the Board of Trustees, the President and others to lead the university through a comprehensive branding process. The successful development of the Hamline brand has strengthened the university's market position and reputation, as well as helped achieve important increases in student enrollment, retention and fund-raising. Gary is results driven, collaborative, and well-respected by his peers. He made a real difference at Hamline University, and he would be a strong asset and ally to any organization."
-Percy L. Nelson III, Former Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment Management
Hamline University, Saint Paul, Minnesota
"Gary McVey's leadership and expertise made it possible for Hamline University to significantly increase the professionalism and effectiveness of its market research, marketing planning and brand development functions -- all critically important. Hamline recently completed a successful $150 million fund-raising campaign, which exceeded its initial goal by more than $60 million. Gary provided key communications leadership and support during the fund-raising campaign, working closely with me and the university's development team, the President and other leaders to accomplish the goal.
"Gary led the development of new tools for tracking and analyzing competitors and changes in the marketplace. He also led the development of new methods for conducting more consistent, in-depth market research with the university's key market segments. Among Gary's other chief accomplishments were developing the initial marketing plans that launched the university's new location in Minneapolis, its successful new weekend program in the School of Law, and other important new initiatives throughout the university's five schools.
"Gary achieved strong results for us, and I enthusiastically recommend him to any organization that is looking to strengthen its brand and improve its integrated marketing and communications operations."
-Dan Loritz, Vice President of University Relations, Emeritus
Hamline University, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Gabriel deGrood Bendt Advertising
"Our advertising agency worked closely with Gary McVey and Hamline University for five years. The combination of Gary's thoughtful presence, his ability to navigate complex issues, and his years of experience make him an unusually good strategic thinker and marketer. Hamline made great strides under his leadership, and he was instrumental in advancing the university's reputation, brand and marketing."
-Tom Gabriel, Co-Founder and Principal
Gabriel deGrood Bendt Advertising, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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