The aggressive headline, printed on a mat at a typical front door where a welcome greeting should be, immediately makes the reader look twice and consider what it means. For some, it is uncomfortable and unsettling,for some it is a call to action to help others in their community … and for some it makes them reflect on the way they are treated or how they treat others. Sadly, it is an example of the verbal abuse too many women face daily.

Madhouse Creative developed this provocative campaign for the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and is proud to have volunteered its help to the organization for the past two years. “This is a tough subject and we wanted to put the audience in the shoes of the woman who faces this and other types of abuse. Even more important, we need to let those that live with abuse know that help is available,” states Laura Gibbs, Senior Account Manager with Madhouse and Board Member for the Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
The campaign was presented to Valley First Credit Union who came on board with production and media buy funding.

Kelowna Women’s Shelter liked that the question played out to so many audiences. Not only does it come from the voice of the abuser, it also questions people who witness abuse as to why they don’t step in to help.
As well, it broaches the subject of involvement to potential donors and volunteers.

Another valuable insight that was uncovered during a focus group of women that have accessed the shelter’s services was that the headline serves as strong reminders to never go back to a partner that is abusive, how far she has come and how much better her family’s life is because of her strength to change their lives for the better.

Okay, so we moved awhile ago. But we’ve finally been able to put the finishing touches on our new space and we are officially in.

202 – 1353 Ellis Street is the address of our new office.

This revitalized heritage building, in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District, was once home to an apple warehouse and then a sheet metal fabricator. The historic attitude of the building is celebrated through the detail of original beams, timbers and plank floors. The traditional features are contrasted in the new space with contemporary lighting, glass curtain walls and hits of red. The place absolutely sparkles with creativity and sophistication.

The opening party is set to be a do-not-miss event. Live music by Les Copeland. Even a sneak peek of the great food that will be offered by Playa del Sol’s, Cabana Grille. Wines by CedarCreek and some bubbly by Summerhill Estate Winery. The overall evening will introduce a new page in history for this unique landmark. We are looking forward to a great success.

“A party seemed the perfect opportunity to celebrate our clients, our past and our future. Madhouse has changed a lot in 15 years”, remarked Tammy Moore, CEO of Madhouse. “Our company has grown tremendously and is staged for huge things over the next couple of years.”

Why Superheroes? “Most guys think they don’t qualify to be a big brother because they’re not a superhero, but to a kid, just taking the time to throw a ball, do some fingerpainting or share a laugh is enough. Those are the things that make a superhero to them,” explains Laura Gibbs, Account Director of Madhouse Creative.

Madhouse selects a pro bono client where we can make a difference and see results with strategy and creative that is pushed. The campaign for Big Brothers and Sisters of the Okanagan illustrates this well. From the initial strategy through to a strong public relations push and sending out masked press kits to the media, media training for the BBSO staff and a guerilla marketing tactic that saw life size stand-ups of superheroes spring up in the downtown cores of Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton. The program also involved inspiring mirrored posters that reflected the viewer’s face inside of a superhero body.

Big Brothers and Sisters of the Okanagan was very pleased with the immediate success of the campaign. This innovative campaign saw great results with numerous press interviews, media impressions and a huge upswing in website traffic. The goal of the program is to raise the awareness of a need for both Big’s – that is adults that can volunteer their time to make a difference in a child’s life, as well as children to be enrolled in the program. The campaign will be followed over the next year to track the ongoing results.

Madhouse was invited by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) of the Okanagan to develop the campaign for the 2007 Tommie program. The goal was to raise the profile and bar for the presentation of this industry recognition program. Developing a theme that begs the question, “Do you have the Tommie touch?” challenging the audience to aspire to this level of excellence.

The entire CHBC Tommie awards program was raised to a new level through the strength of the campaign. From an increase in the number of entries, to a more sophisticated presentation at both the Silver Tommie Awards evening and of course the Gold Tommie Awards Gala that was held on January 25, at The Grand Okanagan Hotel. The Tommie gold thumbprint was a fun and playful tool that everyone involved was able to appreciate.

When it came down to it, Madhouse Creative of Kelowna, did a great job of demonstrating our ability to have the Tommie Touch. Nine Silver Tommies and a Gold Tommie reinforced our ability to develop top caliber work that is recognized in our client’s industry.

“While we work in many other industries, it is great to see this kind of recognition for our brand development, strategy and marketing materials in the real estate development industry. With experience marketing over two billion dollars worth of real estate, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate our work.” explains Tammy Moore, CEO of Madhouse.

2007 Gold Tommie
Brochure | The Outback Ridge Homes by Okanagan Land Development Corporation

2007 Silver Tommie
Logo | Radius by Pentar Homes
Logo | Mosaic by Ocorp Developments

Website | Legacy by Kane Resources
Website | Mosaic by Ocorp Developments
Website | Radius by Ocorp Developments

Print Ad | Radius by Pentar Homes
Print Ad | Sheerwater by The Mission Group

Brochure | The Outback Ridge Homes by Okanagan Land Development Corporation
Brochure | Sheerwater by The Mission Group

Madhouse has already outgrown the beautiful heritage house on Bernard. Who knew just two and a half short years ago that the growth would happen so rapidly. A great space in the heritage warehouse on Ellis Street proves to be the perfect fit for the growing agency - 3500 square feet in an upscale, trendy warehouse in Kelowna’s Cultural District. It has Vancouver Yaletown written all over it.

Madhouse has changed a lot over the past fifteen years. Strategy development is something Madhouse has always done, but it was creativity, service and outstanding quality of execution that set Madhouse apart from the competition. With the integration of marketing efforts and being able to show a return on investment, it is pushing Madhouse out front and letting the Okanagan-based agency compete head on with agencies from Vancouver and Calgary.

Integrated marketing communications definitely breaks through the old adage - “I know half my marketing works, I just wish I knew which half.”

Madhouse offers fully integrated marketing communications. A defined concentration on public relations, market research and marketing strategy sets the company apart. Helping development companies achieve more than $2 billion in real estate sales, Madhouse’s land developers require this level of strategic thinking and execution acumen. Crafting the brand, buying the media, developing the creative, monitoring the response, tracking the conversion rate of response to buyers and following the buyers through the entire sales process. It doesn’t end with print media either, the media is selected to meet the strategy. Broadcast, online placements and strong websites with organic search engine positioning are all a crucial part of the marketing mix. But more importantly, using technology to track where the response is coming from and changing it up as required helps gather valuable intelligence for campaigns.

Major work is also underway in the tourism industry, both with organizations like Tourism Kelowna as well as accommodators Manteo Lakefront Resort, RentChalets, and Boutique Hotels - The Cove and The Outback. Madhouse also manages the brand and marketing for other organizations and businesses such as the BC Cancer Agency, Assured Software and the Economic Development Commissions throughout the Okanagan. Madhouse has recently done some outstanding work on game development and packaging for GiftTrap.

The energy of Madhouse is attracting hot new talent from all over the country. With immediate plans for growth, in the past year Madhouse has added to the team Nathan VanDriel from Grant MacEwen in Edmonton, Randy Reynolds - originally with The Rise, Jennifer Walsh, Darren Hull and Mike Eburne from Wasserman and Partners in Vancouver. And the hunt continues as Madhouse is looking to grow the team further by adding an assistant creative director, account executives and web developers.

Ocorp Development’s management has a long history in British Columbia, started more than four decades ago in the forest industry which undertook an natural transition to building family-based communities. With this experience comes an understanding of the construction industry, manufacturing process and, most of all, a tradition of quality that extends to the homes and communities Ocorp builds.

You may notice that the design of each home includes a touch of BC cedar shakes - a tribute to Ocorp’s history with Terminal Forest Products. It carries an unspoken promise of the company’s commitment to innovation, quality and customer service. Fundamentally, Ocorp is a family-run company that focuses on the importance of vibrancy and vitality in the homes built. These principles have contributed to the company’s success and will always guide the way for future projects.

Madhouse Creative is pleased to work with this innovative developer, and wish them continued success.

Pack your boxes, and prepare to be moved.
The minute you drive up, you’ll be impressed with the design and details that are The Ridge at McKenzie.
Visit The Ridge At McKenzie - http://www.theridgeatmckenzie.com

A two month communications campaign aimed at Westside residents launched on Tuesday, February 13th. The campaign encourages residents to “get informed” and “get involved” so they can make the right decision when it comes time to vote on the three governance options available to them: remain unincorporated, form a separate municipality or join Kelowna.

Madhouse Creative has played an integral role in creating an integrated communications solution and overall brand identity for the campaign which has been developed to stand out and make a strong impact with residents of the Westside. The tagline “your decision matters” lets residents know that their voice is important and they have a say in how they will be governed. The logo is bold and positive, implying action with a check mark graphic. In addition the the logo and tagline, communication pieces include an Overview direct mail piece, posters, print advertising and a website (www.westsidegovernance.org) which residents will be directed to as the main source of information. Radio and Television spots on CHBC and Shaw Cable are airing for the duration of the campaign as well.

We are proud to have been given the opportunity to work on this project and look forward to final outcome of the Spring vote.

The home for Madhouse Creative in Kelowna, is a heritage building dating back to 1907.

Madhouse Creative, the Okanagan-based advertising agency is the latest inhabitant for this stunning two story house, originally built by F.R.E. DeHart, the Managing Director of the Okanagan Fruit and Land Company. In 1907 W.D. Harvey, an Accountant and Secretary-Treasurer of B.C. Growers bought the house.

Jake A. Lietz and his wife Ann, purchased the house in 1946 and converted part of it to six rooms for rent. Cheryl MacKenzie bought the house in 1997 and did extensive renovations, finding the structure’s charm and creating a stunning, airy space.

It is great to have such interesting digs for our creative firm. The people on our team enjoy the space. Although an older building isn’t without its challenges! Just ask James how much he loved the heritage windows this winter when the temperature took a dive!

It is also great to be centrally located in the downtown core of Kelowna. Walking access to restaurants and the lake for a stroll at lunch just add to the character of the company.