Approach
We strive to approach work from a place of “unwavering positivity,” to quote Will Guidara. And we combine that positivity with our passion for getting things done and getting people to work well, together. This formula usually leads us to the best possible outcomes.
All the while, we try to have fun while doing it.
Figuring Out What To Do
Often, our first scope is scoping. We design and conduct interviews with owners, guests and staff. And after that, we facilitate discussions with ownership and senior leadership to set priorities and determine next steps.
Red Pencil typically reports to owners and CEOs but then works independently with onsite teams, or with current or future agencies to tackle the work. Sometimes Red Pencil sources from its own network the industry’s best staff and agents, or uses the ones preferred by the client.
The ways we do it.
Flexibility
With flexibility at the heart of our values, Red Pencil sets out to honor the client’s unique culture, hierarchy, business structure, and readiness for change. And while we are always there to help you move forward, sometimes, a little progress is better than none, and we’re here to help you find a balance.
Fun
Fun is a critical element for success. Can we open a meeting with music, eat candy or use bright colors? Should we drop in a disco ball or something wildly off kilter for the environment? Should orientation crescendo with bubbles on the 81st floor? Would removing the doors to bring in Liberace’s Rolls Royce be of any use?
Done
Achievement is another core value. You can expect Red Pencil to keep conversations efficient and, when needed, create educational sessions to help teams understand what’s at stake. We encourage forward movement and have the experience to know how to do it.
The Things We’ve Delivered
A fan of many crafts and disciplines, we strive to apply as many of our favorite talents as each task requires. Here are some of our specialties:
Insights & Answers
We conduct qualitative studies—such as interviews and observations—to understand needs, discover where people are at, and identify sources of information to create gameplans and playbooks. We also set up quantitative research studies, partnering with agencies and tools to establish accountability measures that help companies achieve revenue and service goals.
Gameplans & Playbooks
When preparing to design a new brand or launch a new product, we facilitate discussions that help teams create brand books and playbooks that are easy to follow and support decision-making for large teams and leaders.
Build-outs
Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment groups hire Red Pencil when they need someone to lead development—whether that means curating or directing general contractors, F&B consultants, chefs, and operating teams. We can manage projects from the ground up, working within the budget to bring a vision to life.
Identities & Technology
Most projects involve digital solutions, and Red Pencil brings 20 years of experience in software research, selection, and launch. We’ve led the roadmapping and rollout of websites, mobile apps, marketing tech stacks, bots, newsletters, intranets, and text messaging systems.
Teams & Culture
Our favorite area of focus is studying groups and crafting compelling workplace cultures along with communication and training systems. We enjoy facilitating team discussions to find solutions for a company’s toughest challenges.
Client
Work
