About FORGE worldwide

Strategic Brand Building

FORGE is a nimble strategic branding team with a core group of globally experienced strategists, writers and designers. We are built like a core political advisory team for national caliber candidates. Small. But powerful. We focus on uncovering your Bedrock Truth - your core truth that is emotionally and intellectually shared by you and your customers. We focus on positioning that truth convincingly in people's minds.

And we bring your brand to life in innovative, memorable ways. Doing these three things, and doing them well, builds communities of people who connect with you, believe in you, and buy what you're selling. Simply put, we forge strong relationships between you and your customers - often through complete brand identity systems. We help you surpass your goals. It's what we love doing. We'd love to help you.

Capabilities

  • BRAND AND MARKETING STRATEGY
  • Brand Development
  • Positioning and Message Platform
  • Marketing Communications Planning
  • Media Planning and Buying
  • Social Media Strategy
  •  
  • RESEARCH
  • Brand Audit
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Quantitative Research
  • Qualitative Research
  • CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
  • Branding & Identity Systems
  • Interactive & Print Design
  • Advertising (Print, Digital, Broadcast)
  • Environmental & Signage
  • Video Development
  •  
  • DIGITAL AND INTERACTIVE
  • Website Development
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Content Management
  • Social Media Integration
  • Rich Media Development

Harry Chapin

President

Harry crafts strategies and builds brand programs for FORGE clients. Harry has 19 years of experience rising through the ranks of account and brand management, gaining expertise in advertising (Hill Holiday), design (Cipriani Kremer/Arnold Worldwide), direct marketing (Pamet River Partners), and just about every other form of marketing communications that it takes to solves clients' problems.

And that's just what he's done with great success for a broad range of clients like IBM, Fannie Mae, Fidelity Investments, Lesley University, MCI Telecommunications, MIT, WPI, Bridgewater State College, Regis College, and Northeastern University. Most of all Harry likes to build things that last - brands, furniture, stone walls. "They all require thoughtful planning, purposeful design, and relentless execution."

Rob Stewart

Partner + Executive Creative Director

Rob is a writer by trade. A trade perfected at big agencies all over the country. First and foremost, however, Rob is strategic. Intensely so. It's why his work, always award-winning in creative circles, works so hard. As an Abe Lincoln nut, his favorite Lincoln saying is this: "If you have 3 hours to cut down a tree, spend 2 hours sharpening your axe." Rob's thinking has helped numerous brands including

Lexus Automotive USA, Merrill Lynch, Sears, Lesley University, and Northeastern University. Rob has also worked on Marquis Private Jet Membership, Radisson Hotels, New Zealand Air, Miami Motorsports, and BJ's Wholesale Club. His work is strategic. His work is creative. His work always elevates brands and gets results.

Erica Berger

Director of Operations

With 12 years of experience exploring the publication, agency, and client sides of the communications business, Erica has learned what it takes to make things work smoothly. At FORGE, these skills have earned her the responsibility of overseeing agency operations with a focus on human resources, workflow, and finance. Erica is passionate about making FORGE an inspiring and satisfying workplace where all employees can collaboratively deliver creative and strategic solutions to our clients with optimal efficiency.

Who makes you laugh?
Chelsea Handler, Tracy Morgan, my husband & daughter

Favorite time-wasters (off hours of course)?
Bad reality TV, Words with Friends, Cooking

What's for dinner?
Lemon/dijon salmon, orzo salad, roasted veggies

Lindsay Shanholt

Mike Pilato

Creative Director

Prior to joining FORGE, Mike spent the past three years as a freelance art director with top-tier Boston-area advertising agencies including Arnold Worldwide, Full Contact, Digitas, MMB, Conover Tuttle Pace, One-To-One Interactive, and AMP. He spent four years at Arnold Worldwide as an Associate Creative Director was a Senior Art Director at ISM/Boston. Mike began his career as an Art Director with Hill Holliday.

Do you have any pets?
No, but as a boy I tamed a squirrel I happened upon in our yard. I dubbed him Sir Nuttingham.

What's your biggest fear?
I am very uneasy around spreadable cheeses. Never trust them. Never.

Who has had the greatest influence on your career?
In terms of my dance career, Michael Flatley. If you're talking about my advertising career… probably also Michael Flatley.

What is your worst professional regret?
Letting someone else write the answers to my bio questions.

Jesse Strawbridge

Director of Business Development

Believing that our work can only be as strong as the partnerships we build with our clients, Jesse is always on the lookout for like-minded organizations hoping to energize their brand and drive their business forward. Jesse's passion for marketing comes from his intuitive understanding of and appreciation for the art of brand communications. When Jesse is not spending time with his wife and two kids, he likes digging for new music, working on the yard and reading on the train.

Jesse is generally the first person you'll speak with if you're interested in learning more about FORGE. You should give him a call.

What's on the playlist?
The Black Keys, Tribe Called Quest, Martin Sexton, Atmosphere, Junior Kimbrough.

What's on the DVR?
Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Tosh.0

What's in the pantry?
Pistachios. Lots of pistachios.

Leadership