December, 2023
Sprint to the Finish
This month at UPBrand, we’re hitting the gas to finish the year strong. But before we sail off into the land of candy canes and cranberry sauce, here’s a look at all things UPBrand.
Holiday Feature
We're Taking a Break
UPBrand will be closed from December 25 – January 2 for holiday break. To our longtime clients, that’s no surprise. But to our newer clients, it warrants some explanation.
Everything we do around here — creative, strategy, digital — it’s all about solving problems. And we’ve found that the best way to approach any problem is with a clear mind. So every year around the holidays, we take a little extra time off in pursuit of just that: spending time with family, picking up an old hobby or just savoring a good meal — whatever makes us feel refreshed and recharged. And as we head into that holiday break, we’re wishing the same for all of you.
Creative Showcase
Take to the Skies
Back in October, our team went down to Jalisco, Mexico to shoot a virtual tour of Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, the award-winning distillery behind El Mayor Tequila. We showcased the entire process from plant to pour using drone footage to give viewers an up-close look at how their favorite tequila is made. Check out these teasers — and be on the lookout for the finished product soon.
Listen Up
The National Contemporary Orchestra is an up-and-coming touring orchestra dedicated to showcasing the works of today’s composers — that is, the world beyond Bach and Beethoven. We had the privilege of partnering with the NCO and its music director, Andrew J. Lyon, to bring this vision to life through a brand identity and platform. At its core is a logo that is bold, abstract and inviting — everything the NCO hopes to inspire for a new generation of patrons spending an evening at the orchestra.
Agency News
Our Next Chapter
A couple of weeks ago, we made a big announcement: our own McKenzie Telthorst has been promoted to President of UPBrand. From the time she joined us in 2012, McKenzie has made an incredible impact on our agency through her expertise, leadership and client advocacy. As President, her efforts will be spent leading the agency and providing guidance to key clients.
As for Founding Partner Jeff Insco, his role will evolve to focus on providing strategic counsel to key clients while championing UPBrand’s strategic plan — with an emphasis on geographic expansion.
Please join us in congratulating both of them on this exciting news!
High on Beef
Good news comes in waves. We’re excited to close out the year with two new clients: Lion’s Choice and Heya Wellness. If you know St. Louis, you know Lion’s Choice. As their new agency of record, we’re excited to help take this regional brand to the next level with a strong creative vision — and eat lots of sandwiches along the way.
Heya Wellness is an up-and-coming player in Missouri’s booming cannabis market, operating several growing facilities and retail shops across the St. Louis region. With Heya, we see a tremendous opportunity to create a brand that resonates with the modern cannabis consumer and highlights the true potential of this plant.
Word on the Street
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
– J.R.R. Tolkien