Your Go-To Creative Group • About Us • BTD BRAND : BTD BRAND

meet your creative
brand & marketing agency

our team can help make your ideas a reality
with ease and empathy every step of the way

once upon
a time…

Way, way back in the year 2012, Sarah Steil and Lisa Reed joined forces and officially launched Be That Design LLC, now BTD Brand. Their work together began years earlier as an in-house creative group that provided graphic design and branding services to University of Minnesota clients. A shared love of typography, design, restaurants, and delightful customer service experiences shaped their partnership and the way in which they serve clients both small and large.

Sarah

partner, brand strategist

+ -

Steil

Born with keen observational skills, immense focus, and a tendency to be highly sensitive to the needs of others, I spent much of my early free time exploring and interacting with countless “visually complex stuff” found in my nearby grandparents’ home just a few blocks away.

Since then, I’ve been collaborating with for-profit and non-profit companies of various sizes for the past 20+ years in the area of brand creation, assessment, and evolution. My work experience has included a boutique brand and marketing agency, and design firms, including co-founding Be That Design LLC in 2012 after completing my Master’s of Fine Arts Degree in Interactive Design.

The reason I show up to work each day is to improve and refine the quality of communications for our education, manufacturing, professional services, and restaurant clients. Learning each day, our team becomes a more closely integrated part of our clients’ communications and marketing teams. Together, we collaborate, discuss, and launch the most effective and impactful brand communications possible while meeting client timing and budget parameters.

EDUCATION: B.A. Studio Art, University of Northern Iowa; M.A. Interactive Design, University of Minnesota

LET'S CONNECT ON LINKEDIN

Lisa

partner, creative director

+ -

Reed

Being self-employed in the service industry for much of my childhood, I filled my days designing countless menus, creating seating charts, taking customer orders, providing crayons to the the kiddos, preparing and serving plastic food (sometimes hibachi-style), and attending to my ‘real’ and ‘stuffed’ customers’ every need. I’ve been creating immersive customer experiences since I can remember.

Each day, I enjoy the challenge of concepting, creating, and evaluating the potential impact of all types of visual communication for specific and diverse audiences. My educational background and work experience have become intertwined as we collaborate with clients to deliver design that inspires action, expands awareness, and educates.

I collaborate with clients to reach beyond what is comfortable, familiar, and safe to deliver surprising, affordable, and effective solutions. Working closely with clients, our understanding of their businesses, objectives, and needs is continually clarified so that we can create visually exciting, engaging, and focused graphic and interactive materials that meet and exceed client expectations of a brand and marketing agency.

EDUCATION: B.S. Graphic Design / Retail Merchandising, University of Minnesota; Minor: Business Management, Carlson School of Management

Lauren

copywriter, social strategist

+ -

Beaubaire

With a background in film and communication, I received a BA in Studies in Cinema and Media Culture as well as in Communication Studies. And having worked most of my career extensively in media, I know it’s the words and stories we tell that shape who we know ourselves to be, how powerfully we show up in the world, and determine what we think is possible to create and imagine. This is why I believe the stories we tell matter and why I love capturing and sharing other’s unique stories.

I’ve written copy, edited, and proofread for a variety of clients ranging from in-depth research pieces and creative social media posts, to lifestyle articles as well as technical copywriting and brand marketing — effectively connecting the audience with the brand and organization.

I am a multifaceted writer with my work crossing diverse genres. I thrive in the creative process and love the experience of being immersed in learning and problem solving. And through writing I endeavor to engage, connect, and inspire.

EDUCATION: University of Minnesota

Lindsey

graphic designer

+ -

Osterman

Having a background in both interior and graphic design, I am a creative problem solver at heart. While I am a graphic designer by day, I still get to scratch that interior design itch with home renovations and projects around the house.

With 10+ years of experience in the marketing and design world, my artistic vision is always evolving. Spending much of my career with in-house marketing and creative teams,I have gained experience in branding, print and digital design. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing our client’s concepts and ideas come to life.

EDUCATION:
B.S. Visual Communications, Brown College

Study abroad program, graphic design, American InterContinental University, London

A.A.S. Interior Design, Dakota County Technical College

Steve

SVP sales, business development

+ -

Steil

Before landing at BTD Brand, I put my business administration, sales, and marketing majors to use in retail and commercial locations for Sherwin Williams. And in what turned into a 25-year career, my endless curiosity and customer-focused work ethic led me to work in a plethora of different fields including retail, commercial, industrial, and outside sales, as well as management.

Now working in sales and business development for a brand, design, and marketing agency, I’m able to integrate my business acumen, sales expertise, and interpersonal communication skills to build meaningful relationships with clients, understanding their goals, needs, and concerns.

I look forward to the always-new connection with people — learning about what they do and discovering how we can help grow their business, develop their brand, and connect with their own customers.

EDUCATION: American Institute of Business

Ryan

web developer

+ -

Hunter

Growing up I probably excelled most at art and math. I remember spending hours into the night creating realistic portraits of my family and friends. I completed all my University required math while in Highschool and probably enjoyed it more than anyone should enjoy math. I’ve always had a little bit of a perfectionist tendency. I suppose those attributes have more or less lead me to find great satisfaction in my career as a web developer.

I have worked professionally as a web developer for about 9 years. After graduating at UVU and working for several Utah companies, I decided to move to Guatemala and continue my work building my reputation as a freelancer. I’ve loved the years I’ve spent in this beautiful country. I live here currently with my wife and we work part time with several school and humanitarian pursuits while working full time producing websites. I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful people and companies like Zoom. I was the developer to create Zoomtopia.com, a few other websites, and about 20 pages on zoom.us.

I like working with a team where everyone has a role and skills that help us work stronger together. I have particularly enjoyed being a part of BTD and working closely along side Sarah and Lisa. My work is made better and I know our clients benefit from their exceptional design expertise and people skills.

EDUCATION: B.S. Digital Media, Web Technologies emphasis, Utah Valley University

Max

motivational pawfessional

+ -

Max is a good dog.

core values, at your service

1

Receptive

We hear you, for real. Your ideas and input fuel our ability to create an amazing, memorable brand and great marketing for you. To realize your vision we listen to your needs, address any possible hurdles, and work in tandem to deliver what you need.

2

Resourceful

Your tight budget, tricky project, or a last-minute request is at the top of our list. We know how to get great work done. Every project, big or small, gets our full creativity, ideas, and solutions so any problems along the way don’t stall, stunt, or stop our progress.

3

Responsive

You need answers. Whether it’s a do-or-die emergency or a quick how-to question, we’re ready to help. Never wonder if it’s ok to call, email, or schedule a meeting because chances are if you are wondering about something, it’s time to ask.

why partner with btd brand?

OUR MISSION = MAKE YOU LOOK GREAT while removing hassle, friction, and frustration along the way. We do it with an empathic framework for defining and managing brand, marketing, and design projects.

OUR WORK = 100% SUPPORT OF YOUR GOALS with creativity, flexibility, and deep understanding of your needs. As part of your team, we accept your challenges as ours and collaborate to solve them together.