One of the great challenges in business is assembling the right team for the job. At Grand Brands, we are proud of our team and believe we have something unique to offer thanks to the international partnerships we have formed since our inception. With global connections we can scale our team for virtually any project, having access to expertise, competitive pricing and turnaround times that are put ahead of the pack.
Our Brisbane team is based in a boutique office in Hawthorne. We have formed great relationships with print suppliers around Australia, and have a number of web programmers, search engine marketing/optimisation and online media experts around the world. It means we can assemble from four to forty or more professionals for any given job, with the perfect skill set for your project, to deliver within the timeframe and budget available. Yes, it’s different. But yes, it works.
Italian-born, Australian bred, Dario founded Grand Brands in 2007 with a mission to give his clients design solutions that were visually appealing yet also practical when considered with a business mindset. It is this prerequisite that still influences all Grand Brands' creative work under Dario's guidance and translates into designs that are spot-on in meeting their brief and being effective.
Dario's ability to drive these solutions stems from his degree in Industrial Design, which he completed with distinction at Queensland University of Technology. It was here that Dario learned valuable design theory and market research skills that are transferred into each and every Grand Brands project. To Dario, it's not enough to just design in order for it to look good. It needs to be backed up with research, logical thinking and extensive development.
Not only does Dario bring excellent theoretical knowledge to Grand Brands, but he also carries a wealth of experience from previous production and creative roles for news, media and public relations companies. Dario has worked in every part of the 'production chain' and understands exactly how to make the cogs turn to deliver amazing results.
Starting his working life at age 14, Dario is no stranger to hard work. He goes above and beyond to get the job done, and get it done well. A customer service champion, Dario delivers when it counts and our clients love him for it.
A proud perfectionist when it comes to design, Matthew works skilfully on both print and web projects for Grand Brands clients.
Matthew holds a Diploma of Graphic Design (with honours) from Brisbane North Institute of TAFE. It was there that he developed a great appreciation for design theory, typography, branding and web design. Matthew was solely selected from his graduating class to work on an interactive online ethics training course for the Queensland Government.
Having worked as a freelancer and voluntarily for not-for-profit organisations, Matthew has had plenty of opportunities to share his personable, friendly nature and creative design skills to help solve numerous design challenges from logos to flyers, websites to brochures.
Matthew even experiments with new design ideas in his spare time – he really is that passionate about it.
Upon graduating from a Bachelor of Business Management (majoring in Marketing) at the University of Queensland, Ben began his communications career in the office of a State Minister. Here he worked liaising with industry bodies and small business owners to develop positive and productive working relationships. Working at the Ministerial level Ben gained a breadth of experience and skill in high level negotiation, project coordination, copy editing, media liaison and image management.
Through years of experience monitoring media, economic and political environments, Ben understands the challenges and opportunities of a dynamic environment and is equipped with the savoir faire to rapidly adapt to suit his clients’ needs.
A true wordsmith, Ben possesses an incredible natural flair for professional and creative copywriting.
Specialising in delivering copywriting, media and publicity results for Grand Brands’ clients in an array of industries, his intuitive and flexible writing style, coupled with a vibrant and determined disposition leads to nothing but the highest standard of work.
Ben has a charismatic nature and as a natural power-networker, he spends his spare time attending media launches, industry events and venue openings to build valuable relationships.
Nearing completion of her undergraduate studies at the Queensland University of Technology, Kathleen joined the Grand Brands team as an intern, eager to obtain real world experience. Studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in marketing, with a key interest (and basic skills) in graphic design, Kathleen hoped to gain employment within a multi-disciplinary marketing agency where she could apply both her strategic knowledge and design skills to create effective communications and build successful brands.
Her key willingness to learn and gain experience is not only demonstrated by this internship, but also through taking on small marketing projects in addition to university commitments for friends and small businesses. Kathleen continues to impress with her skills and tenacity, even so soon into her career, which is why Grand Brands is proud to have welcomed her into the team as a paid member of staff now that her internship is complete.
Kathleen provides invaluable support to the Directors and consultants in the form of research, assistance with the development of client proposals, and writing and designing communication pieces, for both online and offline mediums for clients.
