The sharpest minds in brand strategy — at your fingertips.

Nico Ruffini
Chief Brand Officer | Creative Director

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Shana Williamson
Business Consultant

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Chloe
Chief Barketing Officer

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tl;dr

Equal parts operator, brand builder, designer, I've developed a unique DNA that doesn’t fit into a narrow industry box. The common thread has been a focus on collaborative problem solving, breaking down silos, and centring brand as an engine for innovation and growth. I've worked extensively as an operations executive, marketing leader and creative director, in-house and as a founder. I live in pursuit of artistry and excellence.

I combine a wealth of strategic and creative experience to help companies and their leaders address the most critical financial, technical, social, political and environmental challenges we face today. Then execute on their vision with taste, impact and precision.

My work has a high win rate based on my ability to forecast the direction of culture, technology, markets, and consumer trends — and translate those observations into tactical, commercial applications. Strategy, imagination, design-thinking and an innate understanding of complex systems is hard-wired into my process.

I see the world not as a set of fixed categories, but as an ecosystem of connected possibilities. lasting success comes from unifying people, ideas and talent towards exceptional outcomes. The future belongs to restless minds. Those who refuse to be confined by disciplinary borders.

Two decades of global brand experience, with a balance of B2B and B2C: from tech, services, and cannabis startups to billion dollar construction firms and multi-national insurance brokerages. Account management has included Best Buy, H&M, Aritzia, MEC, Scotiabank, Coast Capital, CBRE and BGIS. Operations at Nortel, Ledcor, Devonwest and Airworks. Strategy, marketing and design for Dogwood Ltd, Kinloch Wellness, Birchwood Landscapes, HUB International, Adidas, Mercedes-Benz and many more.

I've also founded a few brands of my own.

My belief is that artistic vision and strategic thinking can transform an object into an obsession, a product into a paragon and a business into a brand. 
the long version
Marketing teams that need support in brand management or creative direction.
In-house teams in need of strategic support, operational expertise and a fresh perspective.
Agencies looking to increase their capacity without adding headcount.
Founders, investors and equity owners who need executive management for a brand or portfolio.
Who I work with
Mercedes Benz, Adidas, Ghost Growth, Flow Scientific, Dogwood Group, HUB International, DevonWest Sheet Metal, Airworks Insulation, Vulf Consulting, Corsiva, Kinloch Naturals, Kinloch Wellness, Superblunt, Birchwood Landscapes, Total Fitness, The Paralord, BC Farm Museum, Embellished Design, Rome Cafe, Dragon Risk Management, DRM Tactical, Lee Nails, Rain Aromas, MEC, Apostle Ink, El Sol Sauce, Forma Living, BC Hop Company, Blind Tiger, 1364 Services, Acre Distillery, Nulook Coatings, NXT Digital, Monolith, Phantom Wines, Mantra Mushrooms, Evanesce Farms, Ledor, Telus, Valar Stone, Peak Sleep, Telos Power Systems, Elite Homes, Blackpine Brewing, Praxis, Lacour Atelier, Panorama Estates, Wander Church, Balotelli, Milner Farms, Barra, Scotiabank.
Select clients
DAKOTA ROBERTSON, FOUNDER @ GROWTH GHOST

"Before working with Nico, I didn't have a clear direction to my brand. It didn't have a consistent feel and look. When I hired him I initially thought okay, I'm gonna get a logo and some typography, but he absolutely blew my expectations out of the water with what he delivered… we delved deep into strategy and the meaning behind my brand and vision... I highly recommend working with Nico. He is absolutely top notch, so if you actually want to build a brand and not just a following, he is your guy. I cannot recommend him enough.”

DAVE FRASER, GENERAL MANAGER @ BIRCHWOOD

"Nico has been instrumental in the growth and sustainability of our company. He executed a complete rebranding of everything from our company name, graphic design, and website to the core values we demonstrate every day when providing our services and look for when making hires. His team managed our social media presence, where we have seen exponential growth in engagement, brand awareness and, ultimately, leads. We gained more brand awareness and positive social engagement in one year than in the previous ten ears combined!! I recommend nico to anyone looking for a creative, professional and personable approach to branding and marketing management. Thank you for everything you do!"

ADAM FEDORIUK, OWNER @ TOTAL FITNESS

"When I purchased my business, I knew I had to put a lot of work into branding and advertising/social media to bring the business back to life. I purchased a local fitness facility that was on the decline (to word it nicely). The gym was stuck in the 90's and I knew I had what it took to bring it back but ialso knew it would take time. The only thing I was missing personally was the skills for proper branding, marketing and web design to help the gym get noticed. I reached out to nico for help with all this. Within a couple of months I noticed a dramatic difference in eyeballs looking at the business and people beginning to spread the word. Nico created an entire brand ecosystem that was bringing the business forward and making it relevant again. I can't say enough good things about his customer service and the professionalism. If you are looking to improve your business, call him."

TYLER PHILLIPS, FOUNDER @ DEVONWEST SHEET METAL

"Genuinely loves his craft of design and marketing. Nico has the intelligence, grit and creativity that it takes to help a business grow no matter what the market is doing. He understands how people, ideas, systems, finances and timing all come together to make a company successful and really stand out from the crowd. Ballsy and not afraid to push you when it's needed, he challenged our ideas and made us think big. He understood our business and brought relevant ideas to the table. Really has his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in marketing and business."

TROY MEUSER, ARTIST/ FOUNDER @ PARALORD

"Working with nico was a smart choice for us. He understood our goals, vision and what we were trying to accomplish.Then helped create it from the ground up by developing all ofthe stratgies, design systems and assets we need. The artistry, strategy and flow that nico brought to the table measurably improved our business. He's been an incredible partner in our journey."

TYLER MOSHER, CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT @ KINLOCH WELLNESS

"Nico and his team are exceptional to work with. They brought our vision from concept to reality."

JASON SMITH, CEO @ THE DOGWOOD GROUP

"We have been working with Nico for all our marketing and design needs since 2015. And his studio since 2020. He and his team consitently do great work, and deliver on time. Communication is #1 to us and this is why we continue towork with nico. We can't recommend him enough. Heshould be your top choice of strategic growth partners for design, marketing and brand development."

JENNIFER SMILEY, FOUNDER @ EMBELLISHED DESIGN

"Nico doesn't just create designs for likes and impressions.His work is focused on purpose and positioning. He did agreat job of building us a well-versed brand that's created real results and made us money, without the extra fluff othermarketing companies produce. We found him to be timely,professional, and pleasure to work with. We highly recommend going with nico for brand building and product design."

JULIE MAGRUDER, FOUNDER @ CORSICA AND STASH CASHMERE

"Absolutely has the best process for developing the look, feel, and character of your brand. Nico's process makes you deep dive into the heart and soul of what your brand is all about and helps you communicate that to your target audience. You will be left with comprehensive brand guidelines and design that accurately reflect your goals, mission, and target audience. If you want to build a brand with meaning, then working with nico is a must."

STEPHANIE OSTRANDER, SALES DIRECTOR @ FLOW SCIENTIFIC

"We love working with nico and his team because they are responsive and listen, but ultimately steer the right course for the brand story and marketing platforms. Nico brings a refined visual appeal to the creative output. We continue to use his talent and look forward to the next project."

TAYLIN SIMMONDS, FOUNDER @ GHOSTLY

"I worked with 3 brand consultants before Nico. None of which were that helpful. I was reluctant at first, but nico blew my expectation away. His actionable approach to branding combined with his ability to understand my brand better than I ever could has made my rebrand take only 30 days and cost half as much."

ANDY YUNG, FOUNDER @ DRM TACTICAL

"Nico has been a life saver from day one. We have clear view of how to make our brand and design help sales and improve the customers experience."

JASON SEUNARINE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT @ DOGWOOD

"Nico is an excellent marketing and brand leader. His ability to  navigate the landscape of brand strategy, marketing, messaging, tech, social, PR,  problem solving, and demand generation is unmatched among the people that have worked with us over the last decade. When he says he will get something done, it is done and you don’t have to worry about it. He has tremendous work ethic, enthusiasm and creativity, and has played a key role in our growth over the last decade."
DON'T take my word for it