Setting Up for Success with Empire Solutions
August 6, 2025
We travel where our clients need us. That’s what we did last month, heading to Nashville with our friends at Empire Solutions for Aluminum USA.
We travel where our clients need us. That’s what we did last month, heading to Nashville with our friends at Empire Solutions for Aluminum USA.
As a small business that supports other small businesses, we get pretty fired up when the government makes changes that have the potential to screw
If there’s one thing about us, we love proving people wrong. One evening we were doing what we do best – you know, sipping on
Last week LinkedIn alerted us to the fact we are 16 years old. You’d think we would keep track of such a momentous occasion…we didn’t.
We dig fall, some might say it’s our favorite season, or at least the person writing this blog will (it’s Kim). It’s the season of
We really do get to pitch the coolest stuff. From Michigan’s most iconic caps, women blasting through glass ceilings, fighting family homelessness in our community
Why do brands these days always have to get political? Um…how can you not? Besides, it’s important, it drives business and create customer loyalty. If
First off, dive is a relative term; these places are pretty damn awesome. Some of us have been frequenting them for a long time, no
Instead of cold-messaging on LinkedIn, we recommend spending time building your network in a thoughtful and strategic way. If you’re early on in your career,
Hey there young Derk, Deek, Sterkenberger, Dstek…or whatever other nicknames you had back then. You’re an inquisitive little one and that’s okay! You’re asking the
Spring has arrived in Michigan to a flurry of snow, rain and sleet. Spring is drunk, but we’re excited anyways. In true 8THIRTYFOUR fashion, we’re
We’re pretty sure a person’s attention span nowadays is .00001 second, which means no one is reading all of those words you’re writing. In fact,
We’re not big into feelings and lovey-dovey stuff over here but we have to tell you, 2021 wouldn’t have happened without our incredible clients. Partnering
We write these blogs mostly for ourselves because half of these wins seem like they were 3 years ago versus this past year. Also, we
We were discussing blogs the other day, something we actually do quite often and we realized we have tackled a lot of topics this past
There are WAY too many great businesses in our community to narrow it down to one measly blog. It definitely called for a part deux.
The story our friend, Valerie Lego of WZZM 13 did on rethinking the 9 to 5 shone a light on mental health in the workplace
Last week we held our “Won’t you be our neighbor?” party with the major themes being gratitude, empathy and celebration. It was amazing to come
According to the Harvard Business Review (and endorsed by us), a complete strategy has to encompass carefully coordinated choices about the business model with the
Cool title, right? We had to tie this into Halloween somehow, it’d be a marketing miss otherwise. It’s hard for businesses to truly understand public
You know that feeling when you leave a really great project kick-off, get back to your desk (or maybe, more likely) end a Zoom call,
Hey Jules, it’s “older Jules” checkin’ in! How’s it going? I am picturing you as an 11-year-old navigating your way through West Middle School for
Being an integrated communications agency means we focus on not only inbound but also outbound marketing, and print is an important part of that. Outbound
If you haven’t listened to our latest podcast on The Great Resignation, we suggest you take approximately 8 minutes to do so before diving
We’re throwing lots of client love toward our friends at Cubi Market, we loved the work we did with them, and we really wanted to
Stewardship is the act of taking responsibility for the well-being of the environment and doing something to restore or protect that well-being. Now, we know
If you live in and around West Michigan, you may have noticed some bright blue locker/shipping containers pop up in Eastown or downtown Holland. Our
Hey younger me, how’s it going? Knowing us, you’re probably stressing right now about where you’re headed or if your next leap is going to
When did we start using the phrase Sunday Scaries? What it is referring to is the anxiety many of us have about the week ahead.
Changemakers, purple cows, outsiders or entrepreneurs; it doesn’t matter how you label them, they’re changing the world and succeeding despite it. One of our favorite
WE ARE SO EXCITED FOR FALL!!! Every fall, we share our favorite activities, this isn’t a blog you ever ask for, but we simply do
Every single one of us is working more independently than ever before. We can thank the pandemic for that, which also means we have to
Hi, 👋🏼 As you’ve probably noticed from our socials, we are in a new location on the NE side of Grand Rapids, known as Creston,
Nothing says holidays like a raging hangover. Since 2020 has been…a year, we wanted to help you along in your journey to a horrible next
Listen, you don’t need another blog on why you need or should shop local. What you do need is a list of the cool shit
It’s that time of year where we think about the things we are grateful for as we navigate corn mazes while picking apples and gorging
Being named one of America’s Best PR Agencies in 2021 by Forbes will forever be a highlight of 2020 (at least something good came out
We’re writing this blog the week prior to the election. America is at a boiling point. When this blog publishes, who knows what crazy shit
Here’s a special blog directly from Kim: I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you’re gonna be ok. My approach to running a
It is possible to build a network from the comfort of your couch. COVID has changed the way we interact with each other, but it
Anyone out there a morning person? Do you wake up to birds chirping and Happy by Pharrell playing in your head? If so, WTF is
The world of digital marketing is confusing to most of us common folks, to say the least. You’ll hear words like funnel, metics, conversion, A/B
Aaah…summer. We know Michigan summer looks different this year due to quarantine, social distancing, masks and limited togetherness, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy
It’s the season of PSL. We’ll spell that out for Kim – Pumpkin Spice Latte. We probably should have held our Basic Party in fall
When the snow really starts to fall in Michigan it seems as though the entire state goes into hibernation. Why? Because there are few things
When winter hits Michigan, it hits hard. The last few weeks have seen some of the crazy winter weather that our Mitten State is known
Support your community this Saturday, November 24th, by shopping small for Small Business Saturday. The team at 8THIRTYFOUR has taken all the work out of
As far as unofficial holidays go, we can’t think of a better excuse for celebrations than National Happy Hour Day on November 12. Because we
This year, Small Business Saturday takes place on November 24th and we want you to participate! The initiative was launched in 2010, by American Express,
If you are a long-time resident of Grand Rapids, then you know all of the hustle and bustle that comes along with ArtPrize. The annual
*This article was originally published in West Michigan Woman Magazine* If there are two things that people should know about Michigan State Spartans, it is
We love a lot of things at 8THIRTYFOUR, but if we were pushed to give a Top 5 List, it would probably look like: Dogs
It’s the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and you know what that means. And, if you don’t, we’re about to tell you. Yes, you may be feeling
Calling all badass college students, we want you! Yes, you. 8THIRTYFOUR is hiring not one, but two interns for the Winter 2018 semester! Our
Millennials often get the ‘short end of the stick,’ and understandably. We’ve forced chain restaurants to go out of business, are to blame for the
Q: Are traditional media kits considered, “dead?” A: No. Q: Should you consider spicing up your traditional media kit to gain more attention? A: Yes. Today,
Your Biz, Your Town is back and better than ever! This month we featured Russo’s International Market and Rustic City Living, both small businesses based
Where has the time gone? The summer has flown by, and it’s already time for August’s Your Biz Your Town segment. For those of you
Guess who’s back? Back again? Your Biz Your Town. This month’s Your Biz Your Town segment with Shelley Irwin on WGVU 88.5 FM was packed with fabulous
It’s official! Our wolf pack has expanded! We’re excited to officially announce the hiring of Sarah Abel as Managing Director As managing director, Sarah will serve as
About the organization – Grand Rapids Pride Center: The 29th annual Grand Rapids Pride Festival hosted by the Grand Rapids Pride Center (GRPC) is taking
The grind can be tough when the sun is shining and you can’t shut down for an afternoon extravaganza. We’ve come up with a few
This month’s Your Biz Your Town with Shelley Irwin was jam-packed with the brightest of organizations and businesses within West Michigan. The full interview with Multi-Lab LLC.,
This is an old post! Check out our updated one here. Graphic design and public relations are often thought of as two separate disciplines, independent
Disclaimer: This blog is not about employee advocacy. While that’s still very important, we are focusing on personal online brands, and why you and your employer should equally
Kayden Grinwis is the newest member of #Team834, and he will be leading our web division. His background covers all things digital – PPC advertising, SEO, website
Failure Sucks Failure can really suck. It’s embarrassing. It derails your confidence. It can be held over your head for months to come. But when
As an integrated marketing firm, we handle anything and everything, from marketing and PR, to design, website development, SEO and event management. Our clients engage
Well, Michigan. It’s been a great 32 years, but it’s time to say goodbye. I’ve found someone else and am leaving you. In case you
We’re closing up shop on 2016 and looking ahead to what 2017 has in store. Between special happenings for our clients and events we support
We are excited to announce 834’s newest employee, Leigh Rapaport! Leigh is stepping in as project manager and will be working with a number of
We love being a part of the Grand Rapids community. You probably already know this because you see us EVERYWHERE. Our specialty is to divide
We dream of sunny summer days all year long, and it’s finally beginning to feel like the season is upon us. From vibrant blues on
The blog post you wait all month for is here-PR current and future pros reflecting on their careers and lives in a “letter to my
Here in West Michigan we are surrounded by a thriving art and design culture. The West Side is host to multiple art museums, art-focused organizations
The blog post you wait all month for is here-PR current and future pros reflecting on their careers and lives in “letter to my younger
Typography is absolutely essential to every project a designer creates: layout, composition, brand identity, etc., because type can convey almost any message to your audience.
Your Biz Your Town is a monthly segment with Shelley Irwin on WGVU’s 88.5 FM that focuses on local happenings within our community from a business, entrepreneurial and nonprofit standpoint/focus. On
Today we are taking things in a different direction. Today we are talking about design thinking. Since I am currently the most dissatisfied airline passenger there
Wow. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and support we felt firsthand at our 834 Summer S’moirée. You
Your Biz Your Town is a radio segment that airs the 4th Friday of every month on The WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin. The
Just because it is summer does not mean networking stops. Trust us…there is WAY too much great stuff happening to be ignored; May’s edition of
Sometimes a cause is so compelling, so basic, that we are forced to share it with the community. Here is your monthly nonprofit discovery post
What does Commercial Real Estate, Gluten-Free and a Latin Extravaganza all have in common? Your Biz Your Town…of course. As usual, we bring a very
Sometimes a cause is so compelling, so basic, that we are forced to share it with the community. Here is your monthly nonprofit discovery post
We hope you all enjoyed a relaxing, food-filled holiday with family. For us, it is time to get back to work and we can’t think
Today’s Your Biz, Your Town segment on WGVU’s Morning Show with Shelley Irwin was focused on small businesses and the importance of building and maintaining
I have to take a moment to shamelessly plug the 834 team. We have had a VERY busy couple of weeks and though it is
Local Company Semi-Finalist In National $1 Million Business Plan Competition ENRG Power Systems, a StartGarden recipient, is recognized as a semi-finalist in Accelerate Michigan Innovation
Today’s Your Biz, Your Town show guests are a diverse bunch, and we love it. I would like to point out that I am not
For most of my nonprofit career, I’ve been involved in volunteer management, most recently as Manager of Volunteer Services for a small nonprofit with a
Okay, so perhaps one of my longer blog titles…but admit it, pretty catchy. I don’t know how to even begin relating or explaining to all
By: Danielle Josephine DeWitt, guest contributor When you were young and learning your first words, more than likely there were a few key phrases your
Grand Rapids, Mich., April 26, 2012 — Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge’s marketing department and 834 Design & Marketing have been honored with the 2012
We love events and we love them even more when they are for amazing organizations like the Grand Rapids Red Project. We had the privilege
To be honest, I completely forgot to write a recap for the March 30th, Your Biz, Your Town…and for that I feel truly terrible. Shelley
I often say that I love our client, because without a doubt it is true. We have had the pleasure of working with a local
Dear Small Business Owner: There are companies thriving in this economy, including many small businesses. In a highly competitive market, effective marketing can make a
You’re a small business and money is tight (or non-existent), so what do you do to increase your company’s visiblity? Here are a few tips
Over the years, 834 has formed many relationships with vendors from all service areas. From video to print t0 large format printing to window sticks
So lately, I have endured a few painful volunteer experiences. As a former non-profit professional, and now serving the non-profit industry, here are a few
By: Renay Shoenmaker Well it seems to be that time of year again. Summer rays have begun fading away; while Fall’s crisp winded days are
I have had the opportunity on several occasions to work with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and I never cease to be impressed by
I gotta tell ya, I love cramming Shelley Irwin’s WGVU studio with guests every month for Your Biz, Your Town. This month was no different,
In November of 2011, the West Michigan based law firm, Smith Haughey Rice Roegee will be moving into the historical Flat Iron Building in downtown
In September of 2010, 8THIRTYFOUR was asked to plan a very special event, one that would honor Former First Lady, Betty Ford. It was an
Companies that serve the health care or life science industry, sometimes have a hard time telling their story to the local community. When the services
I can’t think of a better way to end the last day in 2010 than another segment of “Your Biz, Your Town’ with Shelley Irwin
‘Tis the season for much networking and professional growth. Today, November 30th we chat with GROW, Humane Society of Kent County and a returning American
What a month July was, and August is shaping up to be just as full of opportunity for those looking to expand their network. Lots
June marks the beginning of summer fun and all the great events that go with it! Grab your sunscreen and take a swing at a
Personal branding is a must. It is open season for jobs and employers are on the look-out for the right candidate. With networking events, golf
April showers bring an outpouring of events to Grand Rapids! If you are a professionals looking to be build your personal brand, now is the
March Events With spring just around the corner, Grand Rapids is celebrating with lots of chances to connect in the month of March. There are
I am looking forward to participating in a panel discussion through the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce titled “Marketing Yourself & Business”. The topic could
The Month for Love, Fun, and NETWORKING:Business professionals, are you looking for something fun to do, while still keeping warm? Below is a snap shot
Great segment this morning of “Your Biz, Your Town” on WGVU’s Morning Show with Shelley Irwin (95.3 & 88.5 FM). On the segment we welcomed