No, we aren’t talking about the latest political debates - those are boring.  We’re talking about insurance - old-fashioned commercial, medical, life yadda-yadda.  Higginbotham Insurance, founded in 1948 is an institution in Fort Worth.  And, over the years, they’ve grown to be one of the largest independent insurance brokerages in the country.  They aren’t flashy, they aren’t hard-sell, rather they are a reliable, trusted advisor for many. They needed a web-based facelift combined with some pretty nifty technical magic thrown in.

We refined their messaging and presented it in a timeless design, that both updated their image while streamlining the navigation of a several hundred page site.

With multiple locations that operate under separate brand flags, we had to create a universal CMS that worked across 7 different URLS, while providing limited local content management capabilities to the field offices.  

The result is a clean site that proves that work for a conservative company - doesn’t have to be boring.

A Schaefer Christmas Party

Everyone’s doing it…It’s time to make the rounds at company Christmas parties. This year we added a twist to our extravaganza. We started the night by spreading a little Christmas cheer to our fellow Fort Worthians (Is that word?? I’m still relatively new here) in Sundance Square, hopped on a party bus, dined at our office and finished the night at Pete’s Piano Bar.

Did I mention we were in costume? Here are a few notable look-a-likes from our group.
To see more of our holiday fun, visit our Facebook page.

Stay jolly,
~Kristin

Four score and 16 years ago, our fearless leader set off on a journey that would lead to the great…

Schaefer Advertising!

Although his anniversary was a few days ago, we held a surprise sweet sixteen celebration today complete with a sweet sixteen pin, troll, confetti, cups and cake.

Ken - At the end of the day it is what it is. Congratulations on 16 years! May the next 16 be the highest and best use of your time yet.

Cheers,

The team

The Chain of Love

Pop Quiz

Why did a fire truck show up at Schaefer Advertising?

A.  Our fearless wanna-be superhero thought the table cloth would actually allow him to fly off the roof of the building.

B.  The fashion faux pas (that is the leopard print shirt, pencil skirt and tennis shoes) was caught trying to escape and hide in the attic.

C.  Angry employee buckles under the stress and snaps, stealing every single post-it note pad in the office.

D.  None of the above.

There is no doubt that we live in an instant access world. Our technology is constantly having to adapt to our changing needs and desires of not wanting to wait in line, fill out forms or any other time consuming task.

TransCore partnered with Toledo Ticket Company in order to produce an RFID-based hang tag for wireless access control entry and exit points of parking facilities. Simply this means not having to wait in line, roll down your window, remember where you put the parking garage ticket and avoiding releasing more CO2 emmissions. 

From a marketing standpoint, we took the environmentally friendly aspect and ran with it. We created a campaign which focuses on the idea that ‘everyone could use a little more green’. 

Other key points that helped sell this concept to universities such as LSU, Alabama and A&M are efficiency, sustainability, personal security, accountability and customization.

The RFID rearview mirror hang tags are a good product that serves a great purpose. The tags are 3x faster than swipe cards, significantly reduce CO2 emissions, enhance patron security, they are convenient, hands-free and have simple back-office management. 

Increase Throughput. Decrease Emissions. Gain Peace of Mind. 

Back in the day, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags were individually pinned to cattle’s ears.  This allowed the ranchers to keep track of their livestock as well as save information about each animal. 

Today TransCore is using the same same technology to tag trains. The railroad industry has been using an archaic system for automatic equipment identification (AEI) data from passing trains.  This information about the cargo, freight distribution and train mechanics was often faulty and was not as informative as it could be. 

TransCore saw the need for better visibility and security for shipment tracking and distribution, so they created the Train Recording System (TRU).

TRU combined with the multi-protocol rail reader (MPRR) will strengthen the AEI information network while reducing the maintenance cost.  

We took the route of pitching this campaign as ‘over the years, locomotives have advanced, shouldn’t your AEI system?’. 

With this new system trains now operate more like our cars — sensors in the engine send signals to the dashboard to let to driver know the vehicle is overheating. With trains, the MPRR attached to the wheel bearings, for example, send signals to TRU to let the engineer or conductor know that the bearings are too hot and need maintenance. 

Instant information is power. Isn’t it time you and your equipment really started talking?

All In a Day’s Work

Monday’s are hectic, but we manage to get it all done.

• status meeting - check
• creative brief - check
• client brainstorm meeting - check
• change the air filters - check
• creative revisions  - check
• write press release - check
• Jam with the stranger on the front porch - check
• Copy edit - check

Busy day.  Can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring.

-Erin Naterman