Blackbridge Harley-Davidson

The motorcycle industry is very competitive, but Blackbridge Harley-Davidson revved up its marketing efforts this past year with some amazing results. The company leveraging content in-house on social media platforms which resulted in worldwide attention, especially after news of their relationship with actor Jason Momoa (Aquaman and Game of Thrones) went viral. Throughout the pandemic, direct mail marketing has been key and with the launch of their online retail store they’re now seeing monthly sales of $10,000 to $15,000. Their Instagram following has grown by more than 2,000 in the last year to 3,750 followers, reaching nearly 30,000 accounts alone in one month – many of whom are part of a younger demographic. Also, the Blackbridge Harley-Davidson team has joined forces with a dealership in Western Canada to launch a fun interactive game to encourage people to get out and ride to new destinations.

Red Wind Studio

When it comes to an ‘official’ marketing plan, Red Wind Studio owner Tracey Doogan-Benoit admits she didn’t really have one in 2020. Instead, she went with her ‘gut’ and dived heavily into social media after moving her shop to downtown Preston just as a major two-year roadwork project ramped up outside her door. She survived that and then COVID-19 hit. It was then she upped her game on Instagram and has been attracting plenty of attention. But it has been her weekly Facebook live events that have been a driving force in the continued success of her business which has seen its sales increase 100% in the past year. Tracey doesn’t rely on charts and graphs to show her success, but instead proudly points to the fact Red Wind Studio has continued to thrive despite three years of uncontrollable turmoil.

Rico Nectar

Despite a tough year, Rio Nectar owner and founder Shane Gray took a chance and opened a second location in Guelph, just two years after opening his first shop in Cambridge. A second location was a bold move for this paramedic and self-studied nutritionist which so far has been paying off. In fact, there are plans in work for a further expansion this summer. Rio Nector, like the delicious and healthy food it offers, has built a following organically on social media and has been able to reach more than 20,000 people, using any money in its marketing budget to make charitable donations instead. Again, this is not a traditional approach, but Rio Nectar is not your typical eatery and Shane, a self-taught entrepreneur, is clearly proud of that fact.

SM Marketing & Management

Making an impact with their business and serving their clients well, plus attracting new ones, were key objectives for SM Marketing & Management in the past year. Using all the ‘big’ social media platforms – Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google My Business, Facebook – plus the more traditional avenues of radio and TV, this young company easily spread the word about how they offer great service. This includes offering 24/7 virtual assistant support. Communication has been key to ensure their success and with more 1.5 thousand followers, and as managers for more than eight businesses, owner Stephanie Melo says they have received plenty of positive feedback from worldwide marketing agencies. Also, a Cambridge Times Readers’ Choice Award last year and positive analytics reports have shown SM Marketing & Management is reaching its objectives.