We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again… we absolutely refuse to choose a favorite customer.  We love all of our clients equally and wholeheartedly.

… but are you seeing that thing to the left here?  Look at that frigging thing!  It’s so completely coated with tasty goo that we honestly believe that its makers invented brand new kinds of sugary deliciousness in their pursuit of the most decadent treat in the history of the human race.  And who sent us this over-the-top, diabetes-inducing, gut-expansion device?  Why, it was Chad at Garden Gates, of course.  Here’s the kicker:  this was just one of seven tasty delights that he had overnighted to our offices out of gratitude for a job well (and quickly) done.  If we may quote from one of Chad’s enclosed gift cards:

“There is nothing better in life than a slice of sweet cake… except The Garden Gates’ new pimpin’ website updates”

Just to be completely clear, The Garden Gates sells wonderful decorative items for the home and garden.  To the best of our knowledge, they do no actual pimping.

Anyhoo… back to our original point.  We refuse to choose a favorite customer.  Period.  But, if were going to, this is the type of thing that the competitors would be up against.

Fair warning.

A couple of days ago, Volusion announced the upcoming introduction of their new Partners Program.  In addition to being thrilled about the program itself, we were also flattered that they chose us to represent the type of partnership that they hope to build with each of the program’s members.  You can read the announcement here.  (Read all the way to the end to read our contribution.)

Of course, we’ve always made our feelings about Volusion pretty clear.  We’ve counted and there are over 23 bazillion uses of the word Volusion scattered throughout our site and at least one member of our staff has the Volusion logo tattooed on a very private region of their body, so we’re obviously down with the V, but it’s gratifying to know that our devotion is reciprocated.  How reciprocated?  Well, here’s what Volusion has to say about us:

“Over the past ten years, we’ve had the privilege to develop several relationships in becoming a leading ecommerce provider. One that stands out above the rest is our partnership with Brand Labs, an indispensable asset to our community. When we launched the Volusion Partner Network, we gladly welcomed Brand Labs as an Agency Partner. We are eager to further extend our collaboration with Brand Labs into the future by focusing on what is best in helping our merchants succeed.”

James Booker – Business Development Manager – Volusion

… to be fair, we added the bold to the “indispensable asset” part, but that was our favorite bit.

We look forward to the continuation of our long and happy partnership.  Thanks Volusion!

… presented without comment.

… okay.  One comment.  We agree.  (And thanks!)

We’re always happy to be tweeted.  Thanks Office Furniture Concepts!

By now, it’s become pretty clear to us that Chad Harris (of The Garden Gates) is both a very appreciative client and an extraordinarily generous soul.  What wasn’t entirely clear before today is the fact that he’s also an incurable romantic.

Today, we received a package addressed to the Jackie, Katelyn and Pauline… the ladies who’ve been most active with his account.  Inside were three beautiful phalaenopsis orchids in charming little Garden Gates pots.  As if the simple gesture of overnighting live orchids to your marketing coordinator, saleswoman and site designer weren’t enough, Chad also included what is surely the most heartfelt and poetic greeting available outside of a Hallmark card.

Hit the jump to see Chad’s message…

(more…)

In what is quickly becoming a trend (one that we’d like to encourage), Acure Organics (soon to be at acureorganics.com) has thanked us for their impending website in the best way possible: with baked goods.

Acure will soon (very soon) launch the new Volusion site for their own brand of organic body products.  Not only are the products and packaging environmentally friendly, but a portion of their profits will be donated to promote breast cancer research and awareness.  It’s a noble cause to be sure and if that weren’t proof enough that these are some very nice people, there’s this note that came with the cookies:

“To the great staff at Brand Labs, Thank you all so much for our wonderful website.  Enjoy!  Sincerely, Kristy & Jon Guerra”

So, if you’d like to send us cookies, cake, or cash, feel free.  Of course, it makes more sense if you happen to be a customer, but we don’t discriminate.  Just send whatever awesome stuff you’d like to: Brand Labs, 360 South Street, Suite 300, Rochester, MI 48307.  Please note: nothing says “thanks” better than an iPad.  Just a thought…

Asking us to choose a favorite client would be like asking a parent to choose their favorite child.  The suggestion alone is completely distasteful to us…

With that being said, Brand Labs is the most bestest client we’ve ever, ever had.  They’re so totally awesome to work with and the entire process was an absolute pleasure.  We couldn’t believe what an absolute delight they were and here’s what they had to say about us:

“Brand Labs is the best.  Period.  If you’re thinking of using anyone else, you’re a total dunderhead.”

Now, we don’t condone the use of antiquated Dutch insults, but they said it, not us.  Anyhoo, be sure to check out the new homepage and the fancy, dynamic blog feed included therein.  It’s the bestest.

Today we received  a mysterious package.  It was preceded by an email from one of our best customers, The Garden Gates.  The email contained a riddle.  It said:

Purple Green and ?

You don’t want the baby

It will make you fat

It’s 2010… finally.  Sure, 2009 was mostly filled with suck, but hey… new calendar, new hope.  So, we’re ready.

We’re ready to begin anew.  We’re ready to build on what we have.  We’re ready to make the best of everything and (in the process) to make everything that much better.  In short, we’re rarin’ to go!

We will, however, take a moment to reflect, courtesy of a lovely email that our Marketing team received from MedNetDirect.com:

“…just wanted to say Merry Christmas and thanks for all the help this year.  Much of our success has been attributed to you and the great work from everyone at Brand Labs.  Please let the rest of the team and everyone we’ve worked with know we really appreciate it.  We’re really looking forward to 2010…”

So are we.  Now let’s get to work…

Some time back, we received some kind words from Airsoft Atlanta.  As a Christmas present to ourselves, we’ve chosen to post them here:

“The site looks freakin’ awesome!!  We’re very happy with it!  Everyone in the company wants the new design online asap – especially if you compare it to our current site.  We’re shocked you were able to put post-apocalyptic, steampunk, urban warfare, and futuristic game design all into the design!  We love it!  It goes perfectly with the idea we originally had in our heads.”

Now we feel the warm glow of holiday love all the way from Atlanta.  Thanks, Airsoft!