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Helping leaders, influencers and organizations lead and communicate betterTAKE THE FIRST STEP >
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ODB is a strategic management consultancy designed to help senior leadership gain clarity and confidence for their organizationTAKE THE FIRST STEP >
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ODB delivers a very different, holistic approach to designing effective brand strategy and corporate communicationsTAKE THE FIRST STEP >
The Meeting That Can Change Everything
Organizational Leadership | Cultural Development | Message Management | Strategic Communications
Schedule your free initial consultation to start your leadership and your organization moving in the right direction
$500 value
ODB delivers more than just award-winning corporate communications, it delivers thought leadership and strategic direction to grow your organization intelligently and profitably.
What we do
ODB’s process is to inform and guide senior leadership in their strategic and communications initiatives. The clearer the vision, purpose, and strengths your organization has, the more intelligently it can structure itself for success. Getting a high level view of the organization’s grasp on critical issues reveals how effective it is on communicating its purpose, its message, and its value. This clarity through process is what is needed to effectively communicate your brand. ODB offers a very different consultancy to help you execute your communications effectively.
Our suite of services delivers critical insights to your organization’s unique value, culture, and strategic direction. With insightful research and tools, thought leadership, and creative strategy, we help our clients communicate effectively and meaningfully – making a strong and lasting connection through their performance as a leader, their culture and their marketing.
ODB offers clients precisely what is needed: clear, candid conversations and an evaluation process that puts the organization’s performance into perspective while discovering unique pathways to best express their message. That’s what makes the difference.
Suite of Services
Brand & Cultural Audit
Message Audit
Executive Services & Coaching
Thought Leadership
Team Building & Offsite Services
Change Management
Board Assessments
Employee Engagement
Strategic Insights
Consumer Research
Message Development
Message Management
Onboarding Process
Graphic Design
Board Coaching
Brand Management
Marketing/Communications
Corporate Identity
Packaging
Logo Identity
Environmental Design/Branding
Web / IT
Board Development
Approach

Vision
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The idea
We help our corporate and individual clients discover and clarify their authentic vision. We learn what’s really happening inside the organization by assessing leadership, the structure of the organization, and the validity of vision that’s needed to drive results. We learn what’s really happening inside the organization by assessing leadership and the structure of the organization. vision is critical to driving results.
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Message
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THE Articulation
Moving from the heady idea of a vision to something tangible like a message requires thought leadership to guide you. Your message must be authentic or there’s no buy-in from your team or your prospective customer.
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Execution
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The Expression
You can have an expansive vision and a profound and meaningful message, but without excellence in expressing that message, you lose influence. Tight, aligned brand management with creative direction and execution is the critical step in delivering your message to the audience that’s waiting for it .
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C Level Leadership requires courage. Courage is the confidence to confront yourself, your culture and your ability to effectively lead
What does the data tell you?
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Message Clarity
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Positive Leadership
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Effective Communications
The real conversation you’ve been wanting to have about you, your company, and your vision for the future.
Leadership Portfolio
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As Level Five grew, the need for a focused brand grew greater. We believe that brand is the external perception of who we are (i.e., the company’s culture). Developing our brand required a partner that not only held this belief true, but also had the skills necessary to understand and define culture. Only once our culture was understood could an accurate and effective brand be developed. Finding the right partner meant looking outside of the traditional brand strategy category as those companies typically measure external perception for defining brand, which is inherently limited. Owen has many years of brand experience, as well as the right philosophy, skills, and approach to truly perform brand strategy. Owen takes the time necessary to understand each component within an organization, leading to a well-formed strategy. One of his greatest tools for gaining insight is his ability to listen and observe in a nonjudgmental way.
Once a deep cultural understanding is formed, Owen adds customer and competitor research to his collaborative branding process. Owen’s goal is to make a real, lasting connection between our offering and the consumers of our brand. He works with each member of our organization to manage and cultivate our culture so that every customer interaction leads to a great brand experience, resulting in loyalty to our brand.
– Dave Berck
CEO, Level Five Solutions, Kansas City, MO
ODB provides invaluable analysis. This company has devised a process to use standard style and motivational testing, in conjunction with their qualitative analysis to provide remarkable insights into people and culture. Each of the assessments help to create a picture of the individual who influences a company’s brand, but the qualitative analysis is what creates a complete picture. ODB has a way of asking questions that helps individuals articulate their concerns and think through possible solutions. Their approach to interviewing helps the conversation move in unexpected directions and uncover valuable information.
Their methodology used to gather their qualitative analysis with the data from the assessments is unlike anything I have seen before. ODB has developed an approach to show not only how someone may be in the wrong role, but also how they may be counter to an organization’s culture. As ODB’s expertise lies in brand, they continually look for ways to understand why a company’s culture can be out of sync with their brand. By analyzing both the people and the culture they deliver a process to help repair a company’s brand. I can’t imagine a company that wouldn’t see a value in this kind of service. Their analysis can not only help to repair brand and culture concerns but also can help identify when there are employees that may be counter to culture and causing discourse within the company. I would recommend ODB to any company that is struggling with their brand, their culture, or even with personal issues.
– Jamie Gable
Business Analyst, Kansas City, MO
I have recently had the absolute pleasure to work with ODB/Burg Communications. Their approach to strategic planning and creative direction is profoundly unique. Their process emphasizes strong relationships with clients, which promotes a comfortable and personalized environment where organizational change can be carried out effectively. Owen’s calm manner and ambitious vision culminate to provide unprecedented service and success to their clients.
– Brandon Magliolo
Health Policy Data Analyst at American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN
I have known and worked with Owen D Baker for over 25 years. He is a capable thought leader who has a talent for making broad concepts come true. Whether it be for executive coaching, team building, strategy development, or personal coaching, I very highly recommend him. He has an unwavering commitment to excellence and the success of his clients. Very knowledgeable – ‘no bull’ approach. His unwavering commitment to doing the right thing anchors his vision and results in solutions that ‘stick.’ I highly recommend Owen as a business professional and as a person of very high integrity. Worth every penny… and then some.
– Bernard Rosauer
Greater Milwaukee Area Insurance, Milwaukee, WI
Owen D Baker has a gift for listening, directing, and coaching. I went through a change which caused a lot of indecisiveness in defining my own goals. Owen was able to concretely walk me through a process that helped me in evaluating where I had come from and where I wanted to go. Owen is quick to encourage and succinct in creatively communicating new paths and ideas. Owen is a treasure to anyone that has the pleasure of knowing him.
– Jessica Buck
Founder of private company, Los Angles, CA
Owen D Baker was my sole provider for marketing materials for the launch of my legal consulting firm, and his company has done a fantastic job. I essentially started all of my marketing from scratch, including logo, website, display, brochures, business cards….with a very, very tight deadline. I looked at a number of agencies, but ODB was the only one willing to take on the project and treat it as their own. I spoke to Owen on the weekends and after hours, many times, and he orchestrated the project from beginning to end, meeting all deadlines, and ensuring that I received all of the materials I needed for my launch at an expo in Las Vegas.
I must emphasize his very rare trait of treating my problem as his own. He made absolutely certain that the materials were perfect and managed all of the details so that they were there when I needed them. I have since received many comments on how very professional my materials look (and it is marketing agents making these comments). I have a cohesive, professional image, and I have ODB’s team to thank for it; I will certainly use their services in the future, and would encourage anyone to do the same.
– Randall M. Raziano
MD, Medical Imaging Experts, Montrose, CO
From a corporate as well as a personal standpoint, I have always been pleased with ODB Burg Communication’s creative service. There is a whole process that accompanies the development of the strategy and the message, and they know how to work through those important steps.
Their level of service always translates into the highest regard for their clients. They establish positive and ongoing communication with their client, so that there is a clear understanding of our needs. Projects meet deadlines, and the final product is always delivered to the client for approval in various media outlets without delay.
We have been very satisfied with ODB’s work because of their ongoing dialogue and ability to interpret our needs. There are no surprises. At the end of a project, the client can sit back and be proud of what has been created and its delivery to the market. One particular characteristic that this company possesses is a unique ability to understand the client’s business and discern not just what the client wants, but needs. They understand the marketing process in our organization and culture as it relates to creating the right message and using the right channels.
– Mike Swanton
VP marketing, First National Bank, North Platte, First National Bank, FNNI, Omaha, NE
We have worked with ODB/Communications for close to 15 years. They have displayed excellent customer service. They are very professional in their approach to marketing and communications. We cannot be more pleased with the product produced. The last occasion we worked with ODB was on a rebranding for our bank with a common theme for wide geographical market area. They brought that theme together to position the bank to all of our markets properly. This was a difficult task as we had number of opinions and how it might be done. They were successful with it.
This company takes average ideas and make them salable and professional. We look forward to working with them again in the future.
– Rick Kolkmann
President, First National Bank, North Platte First National Bank, FNNI, Omaha, NE
For over 10 years we have worked with ODB. His firm’s resources were readily available no matter what the size, complexity, or deadline that the project had. The turnaround was always prompt with professional quality. If a consultation is needed to develop the concept, image, or campaign, it’s an advantage to working with Owen D Baker/Burg Communications. You can brainstorm rough concepts and by the time you’re through discussing you will have a workable concept based on the focus of your business. I recommend ODB/Burg Communications to any business, large or small. Personal attention and professionalism is a dependable investment.
– Crystal
Marketing Director, First National Bank, FNNI, Omaha, NE
Our hospital has worked with Owen D Baker/Burg Communications since 2006. We are very pleased with our partnership and with the service and support provided. ODB is very customer oriented, professional, honest and easy to work with. Our organization will present ideas and concepts to them and they put it all together to keep our brand messaging consistent and appealing. My deadlines are dependably met and ODB is always available to help when I need something done ASAP.
We’ve partnered with them in our annual report to the community, quarterly direct-mail newsletters, website redesign, brochures, advertising and much more. The company is willing to help with any project I have. It has been said many times “what’s on your desk that we can help with?” I would, and have recommended Owen D Baker/Burg Communications to any business.
– Leann Tobin
Director of Marketing, Montrose Memorial Hospital, Montrose, CO
I have consulted with Owen D Baker for over 10 years. During that time he has served as my mentor and my friend. His strong values, fresh perspective, and passion for life and those he comes in contact with yields a man with high ideals and incredible drive. He has supported, counseled, and inspired me from day-one of meeting him. I’ve been fortunate enough to grow from the council and assessments he provides which allowed me to shape a better understanding of my own strengths and aptitudes.
His empathy, vision, and ability to formulate new ideas are priceless attributes to his character. I truly believe that Owen has the capability to turn any situation or circumstance that has seemingly mediocre value into something astounding and unexpected. He breathes new life into his professional relationships, his own business, home life, and the dreams of others. His counsel is truly a blessing to every person who crosses his path.
– Courtney Dravitzki
Private Client, New Zealand
There are times when a CEO needs a sounding board, someone to help think and process ideas. In those moments, Owen brings not only his visionary and tactical perspectives, but also a discrete empathy. He listens and responds in a way that helps a leader who finds him or herself in the minutia, climb back up to a level of perspective that can give encouragement for the continued journey. He lends a critically important perspective that can continue to help guide a leader, help them to navigate the challenges they face; he’s a great sounding board.
Owen’s unique value to a CEO is his ability to grasp a vague concept very quickly… amazingly quickly, and then translate those vague and loosely connected ideas or concepts into a statement that is clear and resonates. To leadership, that provides needed clarity.
I’ve known Owen D Baker for years as a gifted communications and branding guru. What I didn’t know was that Owen is equally gifted as an executive coach, trainer, author, and public speaker. His reach, to me, was so much greater than I ever imagined. The same deep-listening and driving questioning guided us to express our corporate brand based upon values and the legacy intended to be left behind. Owen can unravel the intimate and delicate issues of executive couples and struggling leaders. Owen has a way of quickly establishing intimacy and trust; before you know it, you’re friends. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with him on my company’s branding and even more so in experiencing him as a trusted coach through the process.
– Lisa Dominisse
President/CEO Family Service Society, Inc, Fort Wayne, Indiana Area
When it comes to casting vision, thought leadership, identifying, articulating and communicating the very essence of a brand, and engineering brand strategies and implementing them culturally,
ODB has no peer.
– Founder, Guts Branding, Kansas City, MO
Creative Portfolio
The most effective communication is that which flows from confidence in leadership, authentic vision and shared purpose.
CONTRIBUTORS

OWEN D BAKER
Founder & Principal
Owen D Baker founded Burg Communications in 1990 as a strategic communications and marketing consultancy, targeting the financial, healthcare, retail, and tourism industries. He is an accomplished consultant with over 25 years of experience consulting clients in corporate branding, strategic planning, communications, organizational initiatives, and thought leadership. Owen utilizes his team’s expertise and process to deliver vision and brand identity to make a lasting connection between the organization and the end user. He has demonstrated his ability to partner with organizations during development and implementation of the change process by establishing a clear vision of change and developing direction for the corporate mission. Owen is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he earned a degree in Journalism with a minor in Sociology and Art.

Brittany Brauer
Communications Officer
Brittany began working with ODB in 2006. She is a highly motivated, creative professional with nearly a decade of experience in both publishing and marketing. As communications officer, Brittany is involved in growth development for clients with experience in messaging, strategy, and technology implementation. Brittany is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a double major in Communications Studies and Anthropology.

Kurt Bartolich
Research Strategist
Prior to partnering with ODB, Kurt spent six years as a senior brand consultant with Frank N. Magid Associates, Inc., the global leader in media research and strategy. Throughout Kurt’s 25-year career, which includes experiences at advertising agencies and in broadcast media marketing, he has helped companies in a myriad of industries — retail, healthcare, technology, non-profit, media, and more — transform their brands through sustainable, creative, and pragmatic strategies.

Ciara Brewer
Ethnographic Consultant
Ciara Brewer joined the team at Burg Communications in 2014 as an Ethnographic Consultant. As a formally trained Anthropologist, she propels the cultural research and analysis at Burg Communications. Throughout her career, Brewer has conducted research and led brand initiatives in a variety of fields on both local and national scales. Using a variety of qualitative research practices, she helps to inform the branding and marketing communications strategy decisions that contribute the holistic vision of Burg Communications. Brewer is a graduate of DePaul University with bachelors degrees in Anthropology and Creative Writing.

Dave Christiansen
Creative Director & Graphic Designer
Dave brings over 25 years of creative design experience, setting the creative approach, design direction, and marketing application for projects. His award-winning expertise is known for creating sharp, professional design messages with a cost-effective approach. Dave’s resume includes over two decades of creative direction for clients in the healthcare, lawn and turf, and outdoor recreation/hunting industries. Dave received his degree in Graphic Design from Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska

April Martin
Project Manager
April started working with Burg Communications in 2014 as a graphic designer. She is an open-minded innovative professional who has over fifteen years of customer service. As project manager, April assumes the responsibility of recognizing and understanding goals, planning and execution of a project. April is a recent graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in Web Design & Interactive Media as well as an Associates in History from Rose State College, Oklahoma.
CONTACT US

1375 125th Blvd. Suite 300, Stromsburg, NE, 68666
Text your leadership question
or schedule your free initial consultation
877.890.2874
