Montana Archives - Julie Green, Billings, MT

August 1, 2019

Becoming The Face of My Business

Julie Green, copywriter, freelance writer, Billings, Montana

There was a time not that long ago when the idea of putting a photo of me anywhere near my website—much less the idea of becoming the face of my business—was met with a swift “nope.”

Admittedly, it’s somewhat ironic. You see, while a lot of people are afraid of things like public speaking and training, none of that phases me in the least. I do brand discovery sessions and branding presentations in front of groups of stakeholders and decision-makers all the time. But putting myself out there in the digital world? Well, THAT was infinitely more uncomfortable. Continue reading “Becoming The Face of My Business”

December 27, 2017July 6, 2019

Freyenhagen Construction

I first had the opportunity to meet Jeremy Freyenhagen years ago during a business meeting about his marketing efforts; however, I knew of him and his company long before that. Many of the articles I’d written for Magic City Magazine were related to Billings homes that had undergone renovation, and the Freyenhagen name was one I’d heard over and over. It was synonymous with remodeling projects that featured beautiful, modern kitchens and spacious rooms that reflected the personality and lifestyle of the families who lived in those homes. I could often walk into a home and know instantly that it was Freyenhagen Construction that completed the renovation. That’s why it was my pleasure to have the opportunity to work with him on marketing efforts that celebrated his 20th year in business as well as other projects that helped to tell the story of this truly remarkable company.

Business Lessons from Freyenhagen Construction

Before showing you some of the work Box 117 Creative was able to help Jeremy and his team in creating, I want to share some of the things that are remarkable about Freyenhagen Construction:

The first is a lesson that I think many of us in business can learn from: Jeremy found a niche. When he started the business, there were few contractors in Billings that specialized in home renovation–most were focused on building new homes. He saw an opportunity to build his business helping people who loved the location of their home but who wanted to improve their home to make it work better for their family or their lifestyle.
Over time and as Freyenhagen Construction grew, he also identified who is ideal clients were and the kinds of projects his company could truly excel in finishing. He also began to focus on additional products and services that would be serve the needs of the company’s target customers, essentially creating a “one stop shop” to make the process more convenient and enjoyable for the people he serves.
Freyenhagen Construction took the steps and made the investments needed to offer its clients a one-of-a-kind experience from start to finish. It starts by interviewing clients in their homes to learn what their goals are, then allowing them to watch their project come to life digital before “demo day” ever begins. The company’s unique scheduling system also lets clients know exactly what’s happening next on their project–giving them a level of communication that makes them feel a part of the process.

Storytelling in Marketing

Many of the opportunities Box 117 Creative was able to work with Jeremy and the Freyenhagen Construction team on came in the form of print. We worked closely with Drew Bennett at Freeform Design to create ads in local publications designed to keep Freyenhagen Construction top of mind for potential clients while also showcasing the company’s work.

The first series of ads introduced the company’s new tagline “Built for YOUR life,” created to emphasize Freyenhagen Construction’s emphasis on creating spaces that were uniquely designed to fit the clients’ life and lifestyle. They also celebrated the company’s 20tb anniversary–no small achievement in their industry. The look and feel came from the newly updated, SEO-copy rich and fully responsive website we’d created for the company partnering with Billings, Montana based Webgrain:

The next series of print ads built on the first, continuing the emphasis on storytelling while expanding to show more of the company’s work. By including before-and-after images and floor plans, prospective clients could see that a once closed-off space could become the open concept so many homeowners want.

Jeremy even chose to do a full spread in one holiday issue, making it instantly feel a part of the magazine rather than just an ad.

As we moved forward, we looked for a more innovative way to call out some of the company’s USP’s, which include their attention to detail, commitment to timelines and ability to manage everything all under one roof. Client photos and story continued to be incorporated in the ads–something which has long been associated with the company’s marketing efforts.

It was also my pleasure to work with Freyenhagen Construction and Billings video production company Spotlight Productions to create videos that speak to the company’s quality and work:

When a company has a company has a great story to tell, it’s a privilege to help tell it. Freyenhagen Construction is one of those companies. To learn more about them (and to see their amazing renovation work), visit them online at www.freyenhagenconstruction.com. And to find out how Box 117 Creative can help your company tell your own exceptional story, use this handy contact form.

July 16, 2017July 6, 2019

The Moss Mansion: Helping Tell the Story of Billings

Almost anyone who has visited Billings, Montana and certainly every one of its residents knows about the Moss Mansion. Built in 1903, it has stood as our community’s “Grand Lady,” with many of its original and charming features remaining intact for more than a century. It is maintained by the Billings Preservation Society, and my friend Stephanie just happens to be a member of its Board of Directors.

In 2014, not long after Box 117 Creative was established, Stephanie asked if I would be willing to write the book for the organization’s annual Heritage Home Tour, which kicks off the Moss Mansion’s busy season. My answer was a resounding “yes!”

Interesting Homes and Interesting People

Writing the book that year allowed me the chance to meet the most captivating people and tour some interesting homes. One of my favorites that year was the home of Jessica Smith, a local artist with a truly fascinating life story. I also got to sneak a peek in one of Billings’ oldest homes on Virginia Lane, tour a beautifully updated cottage on Yellowstone Avenue, learn more about a 1950’s era ranch, and hang out in a loft as cool as the young lawyer who owned it. It was an experience I enjoyed, but not one I thought I would have the chance to repeat.

That’s why I was pleased the following year when I received another call and was asked to write the guide for the second time. Once again, I enjoyed each of the homes I got to tour and the owners I had the chance to meet–and I learned a little bit along the way. I never knew, for example, that Smokey Lane was named after Will James’ horse, until I got to tour the home once owned by the late writer/artist. Likewise, I had never seen the artwork of Loren Entz until I interviewed him in his home–one designed by CTA founder Everett Terrell for Will James’ compatriot Earl Snook. It was a pleasure seeing the stunning new Kibler & Kirch Design Studio just before it opened and talking to its owner, entrepreneur Jeremiah Young. And I loved finally getting to see the beautifully restored interior of a Poly Drive home I’d driven by for years.

Sadly, when I received the call last year, my schedule wouldn’t allow me to undertake another book for the 2016 Heritage Home Tour put together by the Billings Preservation Society. So imagine my surprise when I got a text from Stephanie this spring, asking me if I would consider undertaking the tour guide interviews in 2017. I was able to say yes–and I’m so glad I could.

Montana Mid-Century Modern Marvels

For 2017, the Board decided on a theme for the tour, and it was one that surprised a lot of people. It would focus on Mid-Century Modern homes in Billings–a style few people associate with our community. In addition to Pub Station, there would be 6 homes in the tour, each of which (I would come to find out) is owned by individuals who appreciate the architectural style for different reasons. It was also a joy to discover that while the homes possessed some similarities in terms of overall design, each was unique. One has retained virtually all of its original design components, from its cinderblock planters to its Lauan paneling. Another, destroyed by fire, was rebuilt to encapsulate many Mid-Century elements while incorporating today’s aesthetics. A third bore little evidence of its Mid-Century Modern roots, but in its basement tour guests would find a symbol of the times: a Cold War bomb shelter. All in all, however, the homes blended the best of both “then” and “now” and it was a great experience for me to have the chance to share those elements in the guide.

My “Why”

So why am I sharing this experience? Why am I including it here on the Box 117 Creative blog? The answer is this: because it illustrates why I most love being a writer. My job allows me the remarkable opportunity to meet people, learn about them, hear their life experiences, and then craft a story that encompasses them. I have the same chance when it comes to helping a small business or a large company share who they are. The tour guides I have been able to do to help support the Moss Mansion even give me the chance to tell the stories of places–whether it’s the houses that have been homes to countless families, or the community that my family and I have called home for more than a decade. For that, I have to consider myself very lucky indeed.

To learn more about the Moss Mansion, or to find out how you can support it, I hope you’ll visit their website, MossMansion.com.

Note: The photo of the Moss Mansion featured in this story comes from the Moss Mansion website.

November 12, 2014July 6, 2019

Time Savers Article

I began my freelance career writing for an award-winning local publication called Magic Magazine.

My first article coincided with the 30th anniversary of Roots, and I had the opportunity write about something I’m actually fairly fascinated with: genealogy. Since that time, I’ve written countless articles on homes (getting to tour people’s homes is awesome, in case you’re wondering) for the magazine, and occasionally have the chance to whip up something a little different. Once such occasion was late in 2013, when I was challenged to write “Time Savers That Aren’t.” The goal of the piece was to look at those things that are supposed to essentially make life more efficient but instead do precisely the opposite.

There are times in every writer’s life, I suppose, when prose practically falls from their brain through their fingertips and right onto the screen. Those block-free moments are pure, unadulterated joy. It just so happens, this article happened precisely that way. The inspiration struck, and out everything came in a lighthearted stream. As I recall, it took less than 45 minutes to write from start to finish, and I had a ball.

I do wish that all of my freelance writing projects could be that fun and that easy; after all, I’m like everyone else who’s ever experienced writer’s block and agonized over every letter in every word in every sentence. So I look at it as a gift, and can’t wait to receive another one just like it.

November 12, 2014July 6, 2019

LINK Magazine Premiere Issue

In early 2014, not long after I launched Box 117 Creative, I was contacted by the special publications team at the Billings Gazette. Working in conjunction with the Billings Chamber of Commerce, they were in the process of creating a new quarterly publication called LINK, and asked if I would write a story for the new magazine. Having worked on Magic Magazine and other Gazette publications, I was happy to do so.

Writing the lead story, “Defining Tomorrow” was a great opportunity to meet new members of our business community.

As a freelance writer for over 5 years, I knew several of the individuals I was to interview, but was excited to talk with others to whom I had not yet been introduced. Every person to whom I spoke was gracious and excited to share their ideas about the future of our city. Given the fact I was just starting out on my own, hearing their enthusiasm was infectious, and gave me greater insight as to the possibilities for both personal and professional growth right here at home.

As with any project, not everything goes as smoothly as one would like. In this instance, the story was nearly to press when one of the main individuals I had interviewed stepped down from his position. Working frantically with my editor, I was able to set up an interview with another community leader, rework the story to accommodate his thoughts and replace the lead-in faster that I ever thought possible.

Work completed:

Interviews
Article writing

November 4, 2014July 6, 2019

Why Black Friday and I May Be Breaking Up

Black Friday and I, it seems, may be breaking up this year

A two decades-old relationship is coming to an end, ruined by stores who fail to see the value of the Black Friday brand and the experience it provided.

It’s been nearly 20 years since the first time I set my foot out the door, shivering in the frosty chill as I scraped off my windshield and headed out into the pre-dawn darkness. My hair was a mess and I’d only taken the time to brush my teeth and take care of the basic social necessities, but with my mission clear in my mind, it didn’t really matter.

As I recall, it was a VCR that was on sale at ShopKo that had drawn me out for my initial Black Friday adventure. Of course, I had friends who’d been shopping it for years, especially to take advantage of toy offers for their kiddos. I’d called them crazy, but when I saw the price of that piece of television tech, I decided it just might be worth it after all.

I arrived and took my place in the long line of women at about 4 a.m. Most, like me, looked as if they’d just rolled out of bed. I chatted with people I didn’t know, and there were a lot of giggles about how we were silly to be up this early. I suppose you could call it a comraderie of craziness, a club of ladies committed to getting deals while having fun.

Did I get that VCR? Actually, I can’t remember—but the experience remains etched on my mind. For every year thereafter, with few exceptions, I would head out for those early morning Black Friday deals. It wasn’t about the sales, mind you; it was all about the experience. Pouring over the Thanksgiving Day ads and planning where to go and what to buy. Heading out with other wives and moms, having fun huddling together in our pajamas and coats, laughing as we waited in long lines and sharing the deals we’d snagged. It was even worth it when we returned from 12 hours of shopping, exhausted, feet hurting but with bags full of finds.

In a way, you could say this was the Black Friday brand. A brand I loved—enough to be a part of a CNN story a few years ago about my shopping strategies. It’s also a brand that has, especially over the last 3 years, diluted itself to the point of being virtually unrecognizable.

Now stores are opening almost as soon as the last bite of turkey has been consumed, and the fun of it all has declined. It’s not just that more people are coming out—it’s that they’re coming out complaining every step of the way. The lines are too long, they say. They don’t understand why the store may only have 3 of those $199 70” televisions in stock. They push, they whine, they argue. Men who would never dream of getting up at 3 a.m. are being dragged along by wives and girlfriends, and they aren’t happy about it. I’m not the only one to dislike the practice, mind you; in fact, 62% of Americans who participated in a recent survey reported they either disliked or “hated” the practice of opening it up on Thursday.

I can do all my shopping online and get the same deals, so I don’t see any reason to go out in my pajamas when I can certainly stay at home in them. So perhaps that will be what the Black Friday brand will ultimately become—a day of staying in. Which is a little ironic, considering that’s exactly what Thanksgiving Day used to be.

So Black Friday and I, it seems, may be breaking up this year—a two decades-old relationship coming to an end. Ruined by stores who fail to see the value of the Black Friday brand and the experience it provided.