About
Welcome to 834 Design. Who are we? What do we do? Well, the answer to this is more about who you are and what you do. We are designing, literally and figuratively, around you. Instead of us deciding to start a marketing communications company, we started the firm based on requests for our talents. As flattered as we were to do side projects while continuing our full time careers in marketing and writing, the demand became such that it was time to launch 834.
Why the name? Every number has a symbolic meaning, and that is how we chose the grouping of numbers. First is 8, which signifies business success and wealth. Through strong marketing communications, this is what we bring to you. Second is 3, signifying intuition and advantage. Sure, we do market research, analysis, case studies and other technical safety nets, but when it comes down to it, you need to have a feel for what works. Through a strong intuition, you create an advantage. Last is 4 – stability and grounded nature. For you we create brand recognition, a sense of familiarity with your company and its offerings. People want to feel stability, and they will naturally give their business to a company that they feel is familiar and comfortable.
In addition, the number 4 describes us, 834 Design, and how we work. You will not be supporting our lavish offices, because we work from our homes and our favorite coffee shop. We will come to you at your convenience, we don’t have “ad exec” attitudes with corresponding overhead. Make no mistake, we have access to top quality vendors, printers, and, well, the Rolodex is full. Simply, we have 25 years combined experience in top notch marketing communications and we know how to get it done…professionally, competitively, effectively, and at a pleasingly low price. Browse the website, and then contact us; let’s sit down and discuss your next, and greatest, strategy.
Kim Bode, Partner
Kim Bode, Principal of 834 Design, received her bachelors degree in communications from Grand Valley State University in 1997. By that time she was already employed by the University, rapidly working her way up the administrative ranks. By 2002, Kim was with a GVSU start up entity, the West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative. Most recently, Kim served as WMSTI’s Director of Marketing.
Kim is an advanced graphic designer who has extensive experience in strategic planning, marketing communications, media relations, event planning, and fundraising.
In 2008, Kim was featured in both Grand Rapids Business Journals’ and Grand Rapids Magazines’ Forty Under 40 in addition to Grand Rapids Magazines’ Influential Women. In 2009 Kim was nominated for the Athena Young Professional award.
Also in 2008, Kim began receiving numerous professional freelance requests from local corporations who saw her design work. Although she had been doing design work under the name 834 for several years, it was during this time that it became her sole professional focus and passion.
Kim’s drive and ambition, added to her desire to deliver the best quality product to her client make her one of the most in-demand professionals in Grand Rapids. The year 2008 ended with Kim recruiting like minded and equally skilled professionals to enhance her 834 team, looking to expand the business in 2009.
Memberships and Board Affiliations:
Board Member, American Marketing Association, West Michigan
Board Member, Goodwill Industries Young Leaders
Board Member, Van Andel Institute J-Board
Association of Corporate Growth Marketing Committee
American Cancer Society, Cattle Baron’s Ball Marketing Committee
Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts
GVSU Young Alumni Council
MichBio Organization Planning Committee
Society of Manufacturing Engineers Great Lakes Conference
John Kowalski, Partner
With over 18 years of b2b marketing communications experience, Kowalski thrives on strategy development, branding and integrated communications planning and creative execution. Kowalski is driven by a passion for all things marketing, problem solving and creativity while truly providing marketing ROI and value to clients.
Partnering with Kim Bode, 834 Baba is a unique consulting firm built around maximizing efficiencies of sales, marketing and brand development while providing solid execution and public relations management.
With a degree in advertising/public relations, Kowalski has worked in non-profit, broadcast, agency and the corporate side in a variety of marketing and sales service functions.
Kowalski has held corporate positions at X-Rite as director of strategic marketing, industrial and corporate marketing. Kowalski has also worked as senior marketing communications manager for Cascade Engineering, a manufacturer of engineered plastics products for the automotive, industrial and solid waste markets, which included a corporate re-branding. He also held the position of Creative Manager of Sales Services at Herman Miller.
Compiling corporate as well as agency experience John provides proven results in the office furniture, plastics, polymers, color measurement hardware and software, food service, roofing equipment, custom display, private label dental products, concrete cutting tools, and several other industrial manufacturers.
John lives and breathes Marketing and is on the Van Andel Institute’s J Board, a member of the American Marketing Association and has spoken at several Grand Rapids area colleges. John’s passion for marketing and communications is his way of helping other companies with branding, strategic planning, communications strategy development, campaign development and networking.
Nicole Huston, Marketing Associate
Nicole Huston received her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Grand Valley State University. Although her degree is focused on marketing, she has experience in public relations, design, and event planning. She is a driven individual who has a passion for everything marketing and thrives to provide outstanding work for her clients and employers.
Huston began her career working for a non-profit international business consulting organization assisting them as an administrator and designing various marketing pieces. Later, she interned at a Grand Rapid’s based jukebox manufacturer who taught her general business practices, as well as, the ins and outs of the marketing process.
Presently, Nicole Huston is a marketing specialist for 834 Baba, a non-traditional marketing, public relations firm. She specializes in social media, event planning, and branding strategy for both 834 Baba and clients.
Nicole Huston is very passionate about marketing and is involved in organizations throughout West Michigan, and volunteers her time frequently. She is a committee member for March of Dimes, West Michigan Chapter, as well as, a member of American Marketing Association – GVSU Collegiate Chapter. Huston also has presented at several events, and she is committed to assisting companies and individuals in becoming more effective and efficient in spreading the word about their product, services, and company.
Partner Company – JLG Consulting
Orlando, FL
JLG Consulting, INC., has a strong business network in the 7 county Central Florida region as well as the 26 states east of the Mississippi. We specialize in long term, targeted relationships with key individuals in the real estate and A/E/C industry. Beyond simply participating in leads groups or attending networking functions, JLG proactively fosters working relationships with senior, ‘C-Level’ professionals from a wide array of professional services. We are very proud of the quality of the individuals we work with and consider them our fundamental resource in business development.
JLG Consulting, INC., was formed in 2009 by Johanna Lixey-Greene. Johanna obtained her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University. She has worked as a Director of Business Development and Marketing in the real estate and A/E/C industry since 2002. Before starting JLG Consulting, INC., Johanna worked as the V.P of Business Development & Marketing with C.D. Barnes Associates in Grand Rapids, Michigan. C.D. Barnes is a General Contractor/Construction Manager/Design Builder and Real Estate Developer. She was then recruited and relocated to Orlando, FL by QORE Property Sciences. She served as the Central Florida Director of Business Development. Following QORE Johanna led NOVA Engineering & Environmentals’ business development and marketing efforts as the Director of Business Development.