Round created the brand visual identity and website for the launch of restaurant chain ORO.
This “do more with less” era is a custom fit for Round.
The Toronto-based agency has carved out a unique niche for itself by rethinking the traditional agency model and trimming the fat. Founded in 2018 by veterans Mike Davidson and Paul Riss, Round operates without the overhead of a large full-time staff. Instead, it assembles tailored teams for each project working with a roster of experienced independent talent, ensuring high-quality work at a fraction of the typical cost.
“We believe clients deserve access to the very best talent,” says Davidson. “Any client that works with us is getting senior, experienced, award-winning talent on every project, regardless of the budget.”
That maverick philosophy extends to their straightforward pricing model. Unlike agencies that live and die by billable hours, Round takes a more straightforward approach. “We don’t count hours,” he says. “We agree on deliverables and a price and unless the deliverables change significantly, there are no additional costs.”
For home furnishings leasing company Nickson Living, Round developed a video showing what life would be like ‘unfurnished’ and it wasn’t a very ‘fun’ way to live your life. Hence, unfurnished is unfun.
In exchange for that clarity, Round makes a simple request: it wants direct collaboration with the senior decision-makers on the client side. Round, explains Davidson, works best with more entrepreneurial organizations that, like the agency founders, “have skin in the game.” According to Davidson, those sorts of clients share a similar passion and approach, creating a strong alignment in philosophy. “We’ve learned we’re a better fit for companies with that mentality,” he explains.
Davidson says it’s not uncommon for Round to inherit projects from other agencies, where misaligned priorities cause friction. “We’ve seen work that’s clearly self-serving, designed to win awards rather than achieve results,” he notes. “We don’t care about that. We’ve won all the awards we need.”
Heading into its seventh year, the agency has an extensive client base that includes a significant number of growth companies, in addition to well-established brands. Davidson points out that the agency is particularly well-suited to venture capitalists and private equity firms that are investing in businesses where branding plays a critical role. “We’ve opened the door to a lot more growth companies,” he says. “We’re a great fit for those types of firms because they understand how important a strong brand is to their success.”
Round created a new brand visual identity and website for Muskoka Timber Mills after it was acquired by AnnexPark Capital.
Consider its recent work for Nickson Living. The Dallas-based Series B company has been a client of Round since it’s early start-up days. For Nickson, Round recently developed a complete brand campaign, including video, digital and other components aimed at driving exponential expansion of its customer base and revenue.
Round helped launch the new eatery PYRO by developing the brands visual identity and website
Round was able to get the entire campaign up and off the ground in less than a month in order to hit the client’s aggressive deadlines. The company founder is an experienced investment banker that has relied on Round over the years to help build the business. “He’s tough on us,” says Davidson. “He’s a really smart VC guy who knows the category in and out. He knows that, with us, there’s no BS. We deliver quickly and effectively.”
For new client Simply Protein, makers of plant-based protein bars and snacks, the agency is currently managing a comprehensive rebranding project, including packaging redesign and strategic repositioning. Working directly with the Founder/CEO and board of investors, the agency is ensuring the brand’s evolution aligns with its goals.
Another standout is L’OCA, a high-end chain of specialty food emporiums launched by a large privately held corporation, Go Auto. Round has already launched a full brand, visual identity, website and app for the chain, as they launch new stores.
The success they’ve achieved means Round is planning to add more project management capabilities to its small staff, and is considering bringing in junior partners. Regardless, the founders still plan to be involved in every project. “We’re not changing our approach,” he asserts. “We believe in working with independent talent and avoiding the overhead of traditional agencies.”
So, as Round grows, look for it to remain dedicated to its mission: delivering outstanding results through a model that values efficiency, senior expertise and collaboration. In short – results without the drama.
CONTACT:
Mike Davidson
Managing partner
mike@weareround.com
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