Callosum guides purpose-driven outdoor brands through critical strategic thinking, disruptive brand story creation, and brand marketing which result in measurable cultivated relationships. Purpose is a fairly new term and we love seeing it gaining traction as that’s what Callosum is all about! Our purpose is to bring people into nature for a healthier life.
Callosum launched in Chicago in 2005 as a graphic design firm and revamped into a branding consultancy in 2007. Heading west in 2010, a 2nd office was established in Vail, CO. In 2015, we narrowed our niche to outdoor recreation and mountain destinations. In 2018, we layered on purpose-driven work as a commitment to making nature accessible to all grew. While we began to provide baseline design services for all industries, you’ll see it’s a story of evolution to the outdoors based on our company values.
At Callosum we value:
- Adventure: We’re pro risk-takers. We’re comfortable at being uncomfortable. We’ll go first every time!
- Depth: We are deep-thinking strategists. Our insatiable curiosity and drive awaken the magic within to create transformational results.
- Empathy: We see you. We feel you. We intentionally hold space for your success, guiding you step by step.
- Partnership: We’re designed to be in relation. Extending a hand comes naturally to with purpose, integrity, and gratitude.
Global crisis abounds and society is showing signs of being ready to take action, and ownership, at last. We believe we are at a precipice – a time when taking action, making an impact are crucial to better humanity and the planet. The United Nations has identified 18 global crises. Callosum educates businesses in how to bake purpose into a business model at the onset rather than years down the road adding department, title, or band-aid. When the purpose is baked in businesses are shown to grow at 2 to 4 times faster (Forbes).
Within the Eagle River Valley, we are the only brand strategy firm with an outdoor industry niche. Not only that, but we intentionally only work with purpose-driven clients as we are committed to working with folks that hold growth mindset, are open to innovation, and are risk-takers.
It’s frustrating to see businesses plateau based on inability to hire or complacency. We have such a vibrant valley. I’d like to help with change management to shift to a culture of innovation and impact. Let’s be the next Montrose, Telluride Incubator or Jackson Hole who are committed to the economic development of the outdoor industry. Better yet, let’s break the mold and start over!
We have two cohort offerings that aim to cultivate a healthy startup and growth phase for new businesses – Brand Boost (BB) and Comprehensive Brand Build (CBB). Both BB and CBB were created as we observed new businesses struggling with focus, overwhelm and often going it alone. In the world of purpose, we believe in open source – sharing resources to help each other grow. There’s no such thing as competition – it’s collaboration! We want to guide them through the challenges of getting off the ground and moving from startup to growth-stage. The elements we provide within will have them ‘graduate’ being consistent, polished, and memorable – our three favorite adjectives for a healthy brand.
While we have national clients, with community as one of our four values, we are committed to Colorado. You may be familiar a few of our local clients – Vista Bahn Ski Rentals, Seagull’s Cycles, and Vail Lacrosse Tournament. We have worked with nonprofits Friends of Vail Mountain Rescue and Sacred Cycle. Our founder/CEO, Clare Hefferren, is an active community member having held four board roles with Vail Valley Business Women culminating in Presidency. Having recently stepped down as executive director with Sacred Cycle she is currently keen for her next opportunity to engage with a non profit.
Over our 16 years we have seen many potholes and soaring heights. Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, our goal is to return to a robust salaried staff recruited from our local residents. Now in 2021, we are also beta testing an add-on service called Brand Advocacy Matchmaking where we introduce an outdoor brand to a nonprofit in need and then bring voice to the strategic connection through an influencer or celebrity. We see a need to further educate outdoor brands on how to be good multi-year strategic partners, while advocating for the nonprofit. Often the NPO has a lean staff and tight budget. It’s beneficial to step beyond the transactional financial or in-kind donation to consider the best way to create a strategic partnership. One of our favorite recommendations is for the brand to create a co-lab for graphic and media creation followed by education/budget for media buys and social scheduling. When aligned in values and purpose, it’s a win-win for both parties.
Budget is always a concern for our clients, we too strive to grow as well. We solved this in 2021 by launching the cohort offerings. In terms of helping clients with budgets, we are in discussion with several state and federal agencies regarding pass-through funds to support startup and growth-stage outdoor businesses.
You can work with Callosum in a cohort, flat-fee or retainer fashion – easier said they are “you do the work, we do the work together, we do the work for you” models.
Visit us at www.gocallosum.com, email hiya@gocallosum.com, and via our social channels: www.instagram.com/gocallosum and www.linkedin.com/company/callosum
