StaffCannabis branding agency Wick & Mortar and next-generation communications agency Chapter 2 have announced a comprehensive, long-term strategic joint venture to create the first “one-stop super agency,” leveraging Wick & Mortar’s mastery of cannabis brand identity, design, marketing, and content creation, which will be amplified by Chapter 2’s expertise in powerful PR storytelling, brand strategy, network, and VIP/Influencer Services.
The idea is that the two companies will take clients from seed to shelf to becoming a household name. With a desire to give back to their community at this time of need during the Coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic fallout, the agencies have accelerated their partnership to launch immediately and dedicated their resources to a project aimed at providing much-needed aid to independent cannabis companies whose businesses have been heavily impacted.
Undeterred by the pandemic, the two companies are jumpstarting their venture on April 20 by offering pro-bono services in a program called High Grade Hope – highgradehope.com. to three personally selected cannabis companies, which will include branding and marketing services to relaunch their brand in time for the economic recovery.
“Working remotely as we kick off our new strategic partnership gave us the perspective and drive to give back to our cannabis community during these hard times,” says Jared Mirsky, CEO of Wick & Mortar. “As powerful – and now united – agencies that have driven change and spread positive impact across our industries, we are eager to channel our expertise and passion into these companies in their moment of need. With precision and our ability to be agile, we will work together for a strong relaunch of these brands as we bounce out of the global coronavirus crisis. Our goal is to help small cannabis businesses reorganize and come back stronger and ready to dominate their respective markets.”
High Grade Hope will offer a suite of their premium services, including top level brand development and full brand identity from Creative Director Derek Muller. This service includes product packaging designs and content creation for each brand’s relaunch. Working seamlessly with Wick & Mortar’s processes, Chapter 2 (with offices in NY/LA/Miami) will consult on brand strategy coupled with 12 months of public relations, content distribution, digital marketing consulting, and VIP/Influencer Services to bring their new brands to the forefront of their category in cannabis.
The combined teams will lead the rebranding relaunch seamlessly as they flow from development to launch to expansion, with every member of the team collaborating on every project at every level. Adding a layer of education and consultation for the business owners, Green Flower Media will offer free courses in their extensive cannabis curriculum and Ricky Williams will offer one on one guidance through his astral-branding techniques. Additionally, a who’s who of cannabis has stepped up mentor participants through the High Grade Hope incubator including Steve Deangelo – Last Prisoner Project, Al Harington – Viola, Simon Maxwell – Green Flower Media, Josh Kesslemen – RAW, Renee Gagnon – Women Grow, Javier Haase – Journalist, David Tran and James Zachodni – Farechild Events, and Layne Schmerin – Top Tree.
To apply for this program or for more information to be involved visit High Grade Hope – highgradehope.com or follow @highgradehope. Submissions are currently open and will be until April 27, 2020. By May 1st, 10 finalist companies will be invited to present to both agencies. The teams at Wick & Mortar, Chapter 2, and the program mentors will vote on the final 3 to 5 participants by May 7th, and the process of transformation will commence.
