Two men, appearing as PE & Portco experts, sit at a table with a laptop, deeply focused. The older man on the left wears a dark sweater, while the other in a gray vest looks thoughtful. Blurred wall posters provide a subtle backdrop to their engaged discussion.
A man with a beard, wearing a checkered shirt, is sitting and engaged in a conversation with another man in an orange sweater. Like seasoned PE & Portco experts, he gestures animatedly with his hand while their open notebook captures key insights from the discussion.
A man, a true PE & Portco expert, sits on an orange sectional sofa working diligently on his laptop. His blue shirt and brown trousers complement the scene perfectly as his loyal, large brown dog relaxes on the patterned rug nearby.

What we bring to every project

With expertise, precision, and foresight, we work as true partners – driven by a shared purpose to maximize brand value and create immediate impact.
Senior Guidance
Experienced leaders drive all branding initiatives with deep portfolio and PE expertise, ensuring alignment and lasting impact.
Efficiency
Your dedicated AE ensures seamless execution and proactive updates every step of the way, delivering on time with uncompromising quality.
Transparency
It’s our responsibility to address your blind spots and provide smart solutions. We make honest recommendations and pinpoint possibilities.
Passion
We pour creativity, passion, and purpose into every project, crafting branding that truly makes an impact.
Rigor
Every decision is rooted in deep research, grounded insights and flawless execution, turning creativity into consistent, credible, and impactful outcomes.
Collaboration
We learn your needs, challenges, and opportunities, uncovering insights and creating solutions aligned with your goals, timeframes and finances.

Strategic thinkers. Creative leaders. Brand builders.

From researchers and strategists to designers, storytellers, digital marketers, and change agents, our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and delivering results. Meanwhile, our mascot (Kona the golden retriever) plays his part by keeping our spirits high. Talk about creating value!

Scott Markman
Scott Markman

Founder & President

Chip Balch
Chip Balch

Partner & Creative Director

Richard Ashbaugh
Richard Ashbaugh

Chief Marketing & Growth Officer

Geoff Hays
Geoff Hays

Senior Director of Client Success

Elizabeth Cohen
Elizabeth Cohen

Senior Director of Research & Strategy

Dan Bauer
Dan Bauer

Senior Director of Research & Strategy

Lou Petrongelli
Lou Petrongelli

Director of Operations

Mike Stiff
Mike Stiff

Associate Creative Director

Sean Fermoyle
Sean Fermoyle

Senior Art Director

Michael Calk
Michael Calk

Brand Strategist Senior Account Executive

Isabelle Lunow
Isabelle Lunow

Account Executive

Our extended family

Our strategic partners are leaders in SEO, video, digital marketing, software, and more, providing top-tier solutions to meet all your needs.
Pilot Digital Logo
Pilot Digital

SEO, Conversion, and Data Analytics

Fungi Media Logo
Fungi Media

Digital Marketing

All Day Breakfast Logo
All Day Breakfast

Video and Photography

JumpPoint Logo
Jump Point

Video Animation

SVO Photography Logo
Scot Van Osdol

Photography

Miles Boone Photography Logo
Miles Boone

Photography

Splice logo
Splice Digital

Software

Meir Kahtan PR Logo
Meir Kahtan

Public Relation

A PE & Portco Expert in protective gear is spray painting a sign with green paint in an industrial booth. The booths blue and gray interior, illuminated by overhead lights, provides the perfect backdrop as the sign hangs vertically for precise application.

Branding that performs. Creativity with impact.

Our work goes beyond aesthetics. It’s built to drive growth, differentiation, and long-term value. From brand strategy and design to go-to-market execution, we craft solutions that make an impact where it matters most.

Our work