724.814.4067 ronmac@step2branding.com
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Nothing speaks more about our business than the words of our satisfied customers and trusted colleagues. We are truly humbled by those who have chosen to go on record on our behalf.

Pick a design, pick a color and you’re good to go, right? If you don’t know anything about branding, it is easy to mistakenly assume that it is not too important. Consider this: branding not only helps you define your business, but it also creates the image that your clients see. They see it before you do business, and they see it after you do business. Get the image and messaging wrong and you have a big disaster — clients develop false expectations. So yeah, branding is critically important. How do I know all this? I learned from Ron at Step2 Branding and Design.

MARC GIGNAC

Owner, Big Sewickley Creek Brewery

We are a new start-up medical clinic with a unique approach to blending modern and alternative medicine, but with zero experience in web design. We had a vision about how we wanted to represent our business but did not know where to start. The Step2 Branding and Design team was able to translate all of our many ideas into the perfect logo, tagline, marketing brochure, and website. They took time to meet with us to understand what we were all about; and they were very skilled at pulling out the information that was needed. They were always open to all of our suggestions, but also willing to kindly challenge us when we were heading in the wrong direction. They were very prompt in responding to any questions or concerns. Step2 Branding and Design can work magic with images and make them look crisp, clean, and captivating. We couldn’t be happier with our website because it looks like us, feels like us, and portrays our message in an organized, professional, and personalized manner. Overall, it was a wonderful, educational, and fun experience. We are thrilled with the final outcome and would highly recommend Step2 Branding and Design.

BRANDON CUNNINGHAM, KATRICIA CUNNINGHAM, & REBECCA GOLLADAY

Owners, Bridging Health Clinic

I had a wonderful experience with Step2 Branding and Design. They were very attentive and dedicated. I had worked with several other companies and couldn’t get reasonable prices or a design that was anywhere near what I had in mind. They listened to what I said and explored ideas with me, and very quickly created many options for our logo that were fantastic and even better than we would’ve hoped for. We were able to get a logo that we loved! I am so happy I was referred to Step2 or we’d probably still be struggling.

ROD HOJAT

President, Happy Cat Farms

Step2 Branding and Design has played a critical role in propelling our organization’s image and internet presence to the forefront. They were responsible for designing our highly recognizable logo, business cards and brochures while assisting us in telling our story on a custom designed user-friendly website. Our website is very relational and as a non-profit we needed our website experience to move people to connect with our mission. Step2 Branding and Design exceeded our expectations. We continue to work with them as our needs continue to evolve and they respond quickly and always rise to the challenge.

JODY RAEFORD, MS

Former Executive Director, Foundation of HOPE

Step2 Branding and Design did a fantastic job on the redesign of the Moraine State Park Regatta website. From the very beginning, the process was straightforward. The design ended up being better than we ever could have imagined, and their ideas as far as organizing content were perfect. Working with a board of directors takes its own set of skills, and they were very accommodating to that process. I have always appreciated how Ron is not shy about sharing his opinion, because it is based on years of experience. He asks the right questions. Our new site is a huge upgrade to the last site, and really reflects the caliber of the event. This site will help us to better describe the event, and will reflect positively to attendees, media, and potential sponsors.

AMANDA BECKER

Event Director, Moraine State Park Regatta, Appleseed Events

Over the last 30 years, I’ve worked with many of the top agencies around the world. Sometimes you find that what you really need is right in your back yard. The Step2 team not only delivers top-notch creative work like the “big boys” (or girls) do, they do it without the excesses that sometimes come from larger firms. They’re also not afraid to challenge their clients when they think it’s needed. I find that particularly refreshing and vital to a productive relationship.

RON JESIOLOWSKI

Former Director of Design, DelMonte and GlaxoSmithKline Corp.

When I started my business, I had an idea about what my message was. I went forward with various people and firms developing individual marketing messages and spending money trying to get my them out — all with little to no success. I met Ron from Step2 Branding and Design, had a brief chat and arranged a meeting. I showed up at that meeting with lots of ideas and plans. Ron was very patient, listened to all my ramblings and then started asking me questions. Thirty minutes later, I was laughing, because he was coaching the coach on what my business really was, who my perfect client is, and what my Unique Selling Position is. Ron is not only creative when it comes to developing your marketing, he is brilliant in getting you to sharpen your message, understand what your real business is, and what you need to do to reach your perfect customer.

GREG EMSLIE

Certified Business Coach, FocalPoint Business Coaching of Western Pennsylvania

I was looking to re-design an older logo for my consultancy and selected Step2 Branding and Design to capture the collaborative nature of my business in life sciences. Ron immediately understood my audience and client base, and designed an enduring logo and companion graphics for my Alliance and Academy in two quick weeks. All of the images and templates are easy to use and my consultancy brand is growing into the EU and Asia. I wholeheartedly endorse Step2 for listening to my needs, augmenting my brand and giving great advice and tips along the way!

ALETHEA WIELAND

President & Founder, Clinical Research Strategies

You can see Ron’s creative mind whirling as you describe the concept you want him to consider. He understands quickly, thinks strategically about communication solutions, asks the really important questions, then produces an impressive result and stays flexible and open to change.

RICHARD SKAARE

President, SkaareWorks

As a social-purpose start up in the business of law-industry, my company’s marketing needs are specialized and complex. Step2 Branding and Design recognized this immediately, and worked with me to develop an affordable appropriate scope of services. Most importantly, I felt like I was working with both a consultant and a partner – experienced, reliable, diligent, and talented. By distilling and articulating my vision, Step2 put me in a position to promote my company to serious stakeholders, and, thus far, I have had measurable success in this regard. I definitely look forward to working with Step2 Branding & Design moving forward.

MIKHAIL PAPPAS, ESQ.

Managing Member, Legal Means

When I set out to brand my new business, I had no idea what a challenging process it would be. I turned to Step2 Branding and Design for what I thought would be help on the design side, but Ron offered so much more. He guided me through every step of the branding process, continually stretching my thinking until I was able to zero in on the message I wanted to convey. Ron’s guidance was invaluable, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is seeking branding expertise.

KATHY SERENKO

Business Writing Communications & PR, Your Selling Point

Ron played an integral part in building our company and product brands for more than ten years. He is an invaluable partner, aiding in photographic art direction, layout, design and even point-of-contact with finished print work. Whether developing print ads, electronic media or product logos, Ron worked with us to achieve the results we needed to move our brands into the marketplace.

ROBERT FIRMENT

Director of Operations, IRIS Technologies

I had just decided that I wanted to venture out on my own as a personal trainer and needed to get my name and brand out in time for the holidays. Ron took the vague ideas I had about the symbols and colors I wanted to use and crystallized them into my logo and brand. His work was exactly the jump-start I needed to get going, but the thing I appreciated most about working with Ron was his honesty and willingness to tell me what would and would not work and providing me with the occasional, much-needed reality check.

NISHA PATEL

Owner, Scythian Strength & Fitness

We’re relatively new owners of a long-established business in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District. Although we initially retained the original business name, we suddenly found that we needed to change it. Step2 “stepped in” and proposed several new ideas, including the name we selected and now use. A new tagline, logo and a few ads later, we never lost a step. We love our new name and look; our customers love it; and we’re moving forward!

ERIC NOLAN

General Manager, Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange

I quickly learned after running two businesses for 3 years, that having current, easy-to-navigate and thorough websites were extremely important. When the time came for me to invest in the project, I hoped that Ron would be available to assist me. He had created my logos, so I wanted the continuity in design. But I can honestly say I got much more than that. His ability to help me understand the process, his quick responses to my questions and his incredible understanding of what I wanted resulted in two websites that could not be more perfect. My clients not only have all the information they need in a single click, but they also enjoy seeing frequent updates, pictures and videos that I can easily add thanks to the ease of design. The hits to my site and the increase in clients is true testimony to the success of this project.

LUANNE O’BRIEN

Professional Ballroom Dance Instructor & Owner, Integral Ballroom

Having published more than 100 fine art lithographs, I understand the value of a superior designer. Ron has had an incredibly positive influence on my photographic endeavors. In many cases, he was as much the creator of the final image as I was. Many of my photographic prints are the result of several of my images being joined together in a preconceived manner for dramatic effects. Its Ron’s Photoshop expertise that makes that all possible. The term “Photoshop Wizard” is reserved for the elite operators in this business. For Ron, it’s well-deserved.

STEPHEN SIMPSON

Owner, Take a Hike Publishing

On behalf of David’s House Ministries, we are very satisfied with the logo and stationery design. Step2 is easy to communicate with and very creative. If you want creative, out-of-the-box thinking, I would highly recommend Step2 for your branding needs.

CECILIA CRAWFORD

Board Member, David’s House Ministries

I’ve known Ron since 1999. He’s a highly skilled, creative and versatile graphic designer adept in roles from writing content to strategic communications development. I worked with Ron for over seven years and feel that he would be an asset to any company looking to tap his skills and experience. From a creativity standpoint, his work is always clever, fresh and focused, yet he is also one of the best technical copy editors I have ever worked with. He wears many hats well. I look forward to working with him again in the future.

DAVE SHUTTS

Former Senior Manager, Tech Communications, Tollgrade Communications

I am a part owner of a recently opened food establishment business and I realized early on in the start-up process that we were going to need someone to help us with logo design and branding. I found Step2 Branding and Design by doing an Internet search. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I couldn’t be more pleased with my decision to select Step2 Branding and Design for this project. Ron MacDonald and his team were very easy to work with and assisted us each step of the way until we achieved the finished product(s). We ended up with logos and an icon that were easily then utilized for the creation of our exterior building signs along with hats and shirts for our employees. Later on, we then solicited Ron’s services again to create two wall murals for our dining room. Our signs and wall murals really make our interior and exterior pop. It’s no wonder that many of our customers ask us if we are a franchise. I believe having Ron’s team assist us with our designs is the reason our new business appears to others to be a franchise, when in fact, we are just a small family business at this point in time. However, if at some future time we decide to move forward with franchising, we will be set from a branding standpoint. I fully recommend Step2 Branding and Design services for any size business.

GAYLE SPEICHER

Owner, Pizza IQ

It has been a pleasure to work with Step2 Branding and Design. They are always quick to respond. Our website recently went through an update process and they went above and beyond to make it happen. They were able to combine what we were looking for with also making the website very functional. I always appreciate their quick feedback and willingness to work with us.

AMY COOPER

Operations Director, Foundation of HOPE

With Step2 Branding and Design you truly get a business relationship with people you can rely on. Ron is extremely responsive and took the initiative on a variety of different projects that I needed done. This is a company I have come to rely on for my own business and I would highly recommend anyone else do the same.

COLE GONGLOFF

Owner, Cole's Fish Tanks

When I decided to build the foundation, I had an image of what I wanted. I wanted a logo and a website that was my daughter, Moe. I want people to know when they look at the logo or visit the website, they are seeing Moe and what she loved to do. I don’t even think I had to explain more than that to Step2 Branding and Design. The logo is what I pictured it should be, and the website gave our foundation a place to share Moe’s story and the wonderful young lady she was. Working with Step2 was simple; the process was always communicated as we walked through each step. I never felt overwhelmed with the process, and it was simplified to help me get to where I wanted to go. The website is more than I could have ever pictured it would be. I am very thankful that I came across Step2 Branding and Design and I highly recommend them for your logo or website design needs.

ED ROSENSTEEL

President, Kaitlyn “Moe” Rosensteel Scholarship Foundation

O’Connor O’Connor Lordi recently engaged Step2 Branding and Design to refresh our company’s messaging and retool our website. They took the time to research our industry to absorb the nuances of our business. We were impressed with their ability to comprehend our company’s key competitive advantages and craft them into compelling story. They correctly guided our conversations to bring focus to what distinguishes our business. We plan to do another phase of improvements to our website and look forward to continuing to work with Step2 Branding and Design.

TIM TETRICK & SHARYL RELIC

Executive Recruiters, O’Connor O’Connor Lordi

Step2 Branding and Design has been an outstanding choice for our company! We were looking for someone to step in and take over from a departing provider, and needed help raising our marketing communications to another level. We truly value the collaborative relationship we’ve built. Thanks for consistently providing us with fresh ideas and continuing to help us stay current with market trends!

SALLY SAWYER

Marketing Supervisor, Edulink Solutions

As an author whose publisher had closed unexpectedly, and having been left with little to no on-line presence, I’d struggled with how to move forward. I needed to not only feel refreshed but roll out an image that was all my own. A mutual contact introduced me to Step2 Branding and Design. Since I live far away, I had to relay my situation through phone and email, rather than in person. After sharing information I felt important about me, my message, and the essence of what my writing embodied, I awaited Step2 Branding and Design’s suggestions for brand and logo. In quick time I was sent logo options to review. I was so excited at the work that was done. It was very clear that my information had been valued, and they were able to create a logo that was beyond my expectations. In addition to that, their advice and expertise in the branding process took the job out of my hands altogether, freeing me to work on other aspects of rolling out my new image. I would gladly recommend Step2 Branding and Design. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and my business!

REBECCA L. MATTHEWS

Christian Author, Rebecca L. Matthews

Working with Step2 Branding and Design on a refresh of our brand has been a great experience. I love the new logo. The look and feel is exactly right and Ron has been extremely responsive during the nearly two years we’ve worked together on various projects. If need to update your look, Ron and Step2 Branding and Design will do outstanding work for you!

SARAH PALYA

Owner/Founder, Gus Gear

The Step2 team has been working with Ainsworth Product Innovations since 2011. They consistently deliver the goods with high-quality package designs, whether original or expanding upon our existing brand lines, copy development and sales support. Much of the work we do is conceptual and gets presented to some of the world’s largest retail buyers. Step2 Branding and Design has been able to capture our vision and equip us with great designs for these important presentations.

WALT WDOWIAK

Former Director of Innovation, Insights and Packaging Development, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition

As an expanding but small, locally based religious and charitable mission serving the poor in Chimbote, Peru, we were definite novices when it came to developing a website that could effectively tell our story, inform our current donors, and attract and engage new supporters — all in a cost-effective manner. Step2 Branding and Design proved to be the perfect partner. Ron took the time to understand our objectives and provided both excellent technical services and practical guidance in developing our new site. He is thoughtful in approach, sensitive to our mission and financial stewardship obligations, and incredibly responsive. Our Board is delighted with the results of his efforts!

GRETCHEN ROOS

Member, Board of Directors, The Chimbote Foundation

Telemedicine is a new and growing area in healthcare. When we started our new venture, we knew that we needed to have a name, identity and internet presence that would allow our patients to know that we were their right choice for their physical therapy needs. For us, digital marketing was an important part of our business plan and Step2 Branding and Design was our solution. Their team was able to take our vision and create a digital experience that expresses our aspirations and values. I believe that by having Step2 on our team gives us that competitive edge.

ERIC O’BRIEN, PT, MS, OCS

Owner, TeleTherapy Direct

I worked with Ron at Tollgrade Communications for two years, at Netronome for almost three and several years thereafter. He’s one of the top marketing communications directors in Pittsburgh, with strong skills in promotion, awareness, lead-generation and tracking, and the best graphic designer you’ll meet.

JARROD SIKET

Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Netronome

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ron for nearly 20 years. From the beginning, he has guided our company from an infant start-up with little marketing and advertising direction to a small manufacturing company that reaches markets around the globe. From magazine ads, catalogs and brochures, to complete website makeovers, Ron has provided an invaluable service. Our company deals with thousands of manufacturers, both big and small; and I have given Ron’s name to any who have asked about our marketing.

MAX ANDRZEJEWSKI

Founder, CNT Motion Systems

I wanted to make sure my new business had the right logo and website and I knew it was time to rely on professional help. I was referred to Step2 Branding and Design by a trusted colleague. After working with Ron, we determined that a name change was also needed. Step2 came up with a name and identity that reflected both my values and how I wanted my customers to view my business. My cleaning company is now poised for growth with a new look, a refined message and clean website.

DANIEL LYNCH

Founder, Crescendo Professional Cleaning Services

After Foundation of HOPE expressed interest in creating a new brand image and accompanying promotional materials, Step2 Branding and Design worked closely with the HOPE staff to design an eye-catching logo that effectively represents HOPE. Step2 then designed a clean, inviting, easy-to-navigate website, as well as several brochures and business cards for our organization. We continue to work with Step2 to update our website. The Step2 staff never fails to be accommodating, professional and happy to help us with our various requests. It’s a pleasure working with them and it’s reassuring to know that we can consistently rely on Step2 Branding and Design.

SUSAN ORR, MA

Former Executive Director, Foundation of HOPE

After hearing countless clients and colleagues telling me that I’m, “Much more than a handyman,” I knew it was time to take a step back and consider re-branding my business. Luckily, I had already known Ron from Step2, and felt they would be the right fit. We got together and discussed my strengths, competitors and aspirations. After a thorough process of exploration, my business now has a new name, tagline, logo/identity, messaging and web site. My brand has finally arrived, and I couldn’t be happier! Everything was right on the mark! And, by keeping me involved in the process, I never lost ownership and am moving forward with something I can truly call my own.

TONY ROZIC

President, TRU Craftsmanship

I have had the unique opportunity and pleasure to work with both Karen and Ron at different companies. I find them each to be very creative in their approach, confident in their ability to deliver strategically on-target solutions, and self-motivated to manage projects under tight timelines. They have great communication skills and well-rounded experience in many aspects of the graphic design arena. I would highly recommend them for any graphic design project.

DIANE RIBA

Partner, Strategic Design, ConsumerCentric Marketing

As the Founder of a small, tech-based mobile app company, I have to act fast and watch my costs. Step2 Branding and Design was able to quickly understand my needs to be cost-conscious, while delivering a package that addressed all of my wants, all while listening to what I was asking for. Their experience helped us to create a logo, website and branding material … exactly what I was after.

LEVI BENSON

Owner, Get The Hookup!

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