

WELCOME TO KRAKEN
WE HELP MAKE 'SMALL BUSINESS' SMART BUSINESS
We are a family-operated, hyperlocal brand marketing boutique & commerce accelerator focused on helping our clients unlock creative & innovative ways to reach more customers.
~ SEE WHAT DWELLS BENEATH ~
UNLEASHING YOUR BRAND & BUSINESS POTENTIAL BY FINDING HIDDEN TRUTHS
We seek to help local businesses make an outsized impact so their brand remains part of the fabric of our community for generations to come. We bring:
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Big brand experience, expertise & access to independent, talented creators.
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Hyperlocal insights that reflect our unique area's character & our shared values.
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Geotargeted media planning & local content strategies that are performance-driven.
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Brand collaborations, beneficial partnerships, local influencers, sponsorship opportunities.

WE MAXIMIZE YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL WITH HYPERLOCAL PRECISION & MEANINGFUL BRANDING
Our marketing approach draws from decades of advertising, media, sales, and marketing strategies. We have distilled these methods into a simple, easy-to-follow approach that is tailored to your business's unique needs and designed to deliver results.
Integrated Marketing Solutions
Custom marketing plans to deliver your unique message to the right people right around your location
Social Engagement Strategies
Focus on only social media channels that generate results for your business and your future fans
Hyperlocal Media Plans
Geotargeted audiences through hyperlocal digital plans powered by AI-enhanced proprietary tech
Local-sourced Creative Content
Hyper-relevant custom content that connects your business authentically and supports local artists, creators, and writers
Easy-to-Follow Performance Reporting
Clear reporting of gains made and what’s working most effectively with ongoing digital media investment

LET'S GET KRAKEN
We focus on serving businesses in and around
Lake Forest & Lake Bluff in pursuit of a more connected community in the place we live & love.
We help solve real marketing & communications challenges for businesses that seek to stand out in the ever-shifting modern marketplace.
Meet the Crew
A business partnership 23 years in the making
3 great kids • 2 special dogs
20-year residents of Lake Forest & Lake Bluff

John Manley
Brand Development
John is an advertising and marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience and a proven track record in developing integrated marketing plans that get results. His experience encompasses a cross-section of advertising, media, digital, social, retail, and experiential.
Over his career, John has worked with some amazing brands including McDonald's, Nike, Jeep, and State Farm while working at premier agencies like Ogilvy, DDB, and Martin.

Katy Manley
Business Development
Katy is an experienced sales and marketing professional with a unique ability to make a net-positive impact in generating new business through strong relationships.
Spanning medical and pharmaceutical industries, Katy is a collaborative leader, problem-solver, and relationship-builder often nationally ranked as a top-performing sales liaison. A Registered Nurse, Katy has a range of experience with Northwestern, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, and GSK.