Our Founding Principles

It's only been a few years since we wrote them, but we've gotten more positive feedback on these from complete strangers than we could have imagined. We've clarified the language a bit, but historians will note that we're still saying the same stuff. And we still mean it.

• Recognize Talent
  Our team members do what they do because they're great at it. We find talent first and then find work for the talent we've got. Anything else betrays the trust that you, our clients, give us.

• Think Creatively
  Branding without creativity certainly exists. But it doesn't work so well. And it isn't fun. And we don't do it. If template-based branding is what you want then we'll have to pass on your opportunity.

• Be Honest and Forthright
  If we aren't candid about who we are, how we work, and what we can do (and won't do) then we're bound to have problems down the road. If we can handle your project we'll say so. If we can't - we'll say that too - and most likely before you even ask. The same goes for project updates and other ongoing work. You'll know where we are whenever it matters - and even when it doesn't.

• Keep At It
  The job doesn't end because the clock says so. Nor does the job end when your final check hits our account. The job also doesn't end when we reach a certain number of pages, name candidates, or words. Thinking that the job ends when you say it ends would be easy, but that too would be wrong.

  The right answer? The job doesn't end. Once we are involved with you it is our responsibility to keep your interests in mind and help to protect your investment. Markets aren't static, and we'll help you keep tabs on what's changing and how to anticipate or respond.

• Be Reachable
  Clients have access. Period. You want the president? We'll put you through (though you already have his cell-phone number.) Have a technical question? Our project managers are a phone call (or visit) away. Need help through an internal roadblock? Our facilitator's email and phone number are in your welcome package.

• Be Accountable For Things We Control
  We hold ourselves to unreasonably high standards for quality and service. If you're dissatisfied with the quality of our work or service just let us know and we'll do everything within our abilities to make things right.

• Be Real
  We are who we are. We're not going to act out roles for you. If we come across as energetic and creative it's because we are in fact energetic and creative. How can we help you discover and develop your own true and effective identity if we're busy hiding behind one we've invented?

• Be Respectful
  We treat our clients, partners, and employees with common sense and common courtesy. We ask the same from anyone who chooses to do business with us.

• Nurture (or jumpstart) Growth
  Whether it's a staffer wanting to expand his or her capabilities or a client ready to pursue an untapped market, we'll do our best to make it happen. Everything that we do at Stokefire is built around this idea. We take a company, product, an idea, or that metaphoric ember and figure out how to make it grow. It may be a gentle tweak, or it could be the equivalent of a few well-placed pokes with the branding stick. We've got to live up to our own name.