As we reflect on the past 10 years at Emerge, one thing stands out above all else…gratitude.
Gratitude for the clients who said “yes” early on.
Gratitude for those who trusted us (not just with a project) but with their vision, their brand, and in many cases, their business goals.
Gratitude for those who have grown alongside us.
From the very beginning, we’ve approached every client relationship a little differently.
We’ve never believed in “one-and-done” projects.
Instead, we ask: ‘How does this one step help move your business forward long-term?’
We meet our clients where they’re at. Whether that means starting small, moving at a slower pace, or building over time to align with their goals, timeline, and budget. Because real, sustainable growth doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through intentional, strategic steps taken consistently over time. Kind of like the turtle…slow and steady wins the race!
Several of our long-term client relationships reflect exactly what that looks like in action. Here are a few highlights from our long-term clients who have been with us and STAYED since the beginning.
Hostetler Precision Ag Solutions:
Building a Brand Over Time
Shelly first began working with Kent Hostetler over 10 years ago during her time as Marketing Director for Ag Spectrum. Kent was an area manager representing the Maximum Farming System while also selling for a wide range of precision agriculture brands.
But Kent wasn’t just a dealer. He was (and still is) a trusted advisor.
With more than 20 years of experience researching and testing products on his own farm, Kent built his business on helping farmers improve their operations effectively and efficiently. Today, Hostetler Precision Ag Solutions represents 16 leading companies and continues to grow alongside his sons and team.
From a marketing perspective, Kent was often jokingly referred to as the “race car driver of brands.” He represented so many strong companies that he wanted to feature them all.
And we did…at first.
We started simply with a soil sampling flyer, then expanded into:
- Direct mail event invitations
- Biannual mailed newsletters
- Trailer wraps and vehicle signage
- Building signage
- Print advertising
In 2018, we developed his first product catalog, which we continue to update annually.
Over time, we intentionally shifted the focus to elevate his brand (Hostetler Precision Ag Solutions) positioning Kent as the leader, not just a dealer/manager.
And in true long-term partnership fashion, it wasn’t until 2023 that we refreshed his logo (yes… we worked off a JPG with no vector files for nearly nine years!).
Most recently, Kent stepped into the digital space with social media and his first-ever website, a HUGE milestone for a well-established business.
What’s next? Digital ads, an eNewsletter, and continued brand growth in a competitive industry.
Working with Kent has been an honor and a perfect example of what long-term, strategic growth and partnership looks like.
The Oakwood Inn:
Creating an Experience Worth Traveling For
When we first met Bill and Bridget Johnson of The Oakwood Inn in Okoboji, they had just purchased a property with history…but not quite the past they envisioned for the future.
While the location had once been high-end, it had shifted into more of a party scene: far from the restful, upscale experience they wanted to create.
From the beginning, Bill and Bridget were clear: although they would put together a plan, it wasn’t going to be built in a day. They were in it for the long run.
We started with a strategic planning session in 2017, and from there, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside them as they built something truly special.
Over the years, we’ve supported:
- Brand and signage development
- Social media marketing
- Website design
- Advertising and messaging
- Event and guest experience strategy
One moment I’ll never forget?
Their first viral social media post.
I was literally pumping gas when Bridget called to say they were being flooded with messages (people from everywhere trying to win an overnight stay). That single post generated over 1 million impressions in less than 24 hours…without any paid boost.
Those were the days!
Today, The Oakwood Inn stands as a premier, adults-only destination, exactly the kind of bed & breakfast escape they set out to create. Watching their vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding.
City of Manning:
Bringing a Community Brand to Life
Another long-standing partnership has been with the City of Manning.
With an established identity and the tagline “It’s Refreshing,” our role was to help bring that brand to life in meaningful and consistent ways.
Over the years, our work together has included:
- Strategic marketing planning
- Brand messaging and implementation
- Homeowner recruitment materials
- The Manning Cares initiative during COVID
- Visitor guides and advertising campaigns
- The Stay & Play program
- Downtown banner design
- Promotional videos and social media management
- Website RFP facilitation
- Marketing workshops for local businesses
More recently, we’ve supported:
- A bi-monthly eNewsletter and printed flyer
- Localhood reels
- Out-of-state digital advertising campaign
- A beautifully designed community guide
All of this…for a town of fewer than 1,500 people.
That’s the power of vision, leadership, and consistency.
Manning Regional Healthcare Center:
A Partnership That Changed Everything
And then there’s Manning Regional Healthcare Center, the client I never imagined having, but who has become our #1 client.
When their HR director first reached out about a full-time role, it was tempting…especially in the early days of Emerge. But instead, I offered to consult alongside their existing marketing staff member.
What transpired was something much bigger.
For nearly 10 years, Emerge has provided 100% of MRHC’s internal and external marketing and communications support.
Through this partnership, we’ve:
- Shared powerful patient stories
- Highlighted organizational culture
- Introduced new providers and services
- Supported grant writing and fundraising
- Communicated critical updates during COVID-19
Working alongside their team during the pandemic (helping keep the community informed and supported) was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.
And along the way, something unexpected happened…
I gained a deep respect (and genuine appreciation) for rural healthcare.
Every testimonial we capture, every story we tell, and every impact we help share is an honor.
More Than Just Clients – We are Partners in Purpose
Each of these stories reflects what we believe at Emerge:
We don’t just complete projects.
We build relationships.
We don’t just deliver marketing materials.
We help create momentum.
And we don’t measure success by one campaign,
we measure it by the long-term impact our clients achieve.
To our clients who have been with us from the beginning,
thank you for trusting us.
Thank you for growing with us.
And thank you for allowing us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Here’s to the next decade of continuing to build, grow, and emerge together.
