What is Strategy Lab anyway??

Started in 2012 in Regina, Strategy Lab has been growing ever since. From websites and video production to workshops and guerrilla marketing, we’re a close knit team of driven individuals with a unique set of skills.

There are a lot of agencies that do what we do. They share the same what and how, but folks work with us for our why and our who. We’re misfit creatives and innovative rebels who like doing impossible things. Every day we do work that matters to us and our community.

Care hard, work smart, be human.

These are our values, it’s what we live by.

This is the fabric of our culture and the framework for all decisions made within the walls of StratLab. They shape who we are, who we work with, and the art we create.

1. Leaders Eat Last.

(Hat tip Simon Sinek) Being a leader isn’t telling people what to do. Leading is inspiring, listening, helping, and staying humble. Never give someone a task to do that you wouldn’t do yourself. Servant Leadership is the only leadership.

2. Be available

Forget 9 to 5. Forget boardrooms. Forget receptionists. Forget scheduling a meeting with an “assistant”. We promise you can pick up the phone and actually talk to the person who’s doing the work. It’s after 5pm or on the weekend?!? Oh Heavens to Betsy! It’s 2018, we’ll answer or call you back within the day.

3. We promise to be honest

We might not agree with everything you say. But we promise we’ll tell you the truth so you can improve. We think being honest is more valuable than being a “yes man”.

4. ABM (Always be measuring)

Measuring data helps us figure out what works, and what doesn’t. Just like in Moneyball, we have a small advantage when we measure properly. We want to give you that advantage.

5. People before policy

Our friends are your friends. If we can find someone who can help or is better fit for your needs, we’ll put you in touch. We feel people and relationships are more important than any policy or business outcome you can focus on.

6. There is always a better way

There is always a faster, cheaper and more efficient way of getting the job done. That is why we are always testing, trying new things, and never using the excuse “but that’s the way we’ve always done it“!

7. It’s okay to fail

If you aren’t making mistakes you aren’t moving fast enough. (some Zuckerberg said that!) Being vulnerable and failing is something we’re okay with because it’s how we learn and improve as humans. We’d never pass up an opportunity to learn from a mistake. After all, if you learned something valuable from a mishap, was it really a mistake?

8. Create history

We only get one shot at this and if you just want to advertise or market we’re not interested. As Shep Gordon would say, we need to create history. We need to do the work that changes things, the work that dints the status quo, that still means something days, months, if not years after. Truly doing something remarkable.

If you want to create history we should talk.

9. Remember the Marketing Hippocratic Oath

Before we recommend anything we must ensure we aren’t doing more harm than good. Never recommending something we wouldn’t do ourselves. We won’t sell you on something we don’t believe in, it’s a promise.

The Family

Angela Bailey

In the third grade, I clearly remember wanting to be a teacher just so I could play with Sticky-Tac all day. Even up until grade twelve, I still had that career in mind, with different intentions of course, but it wasn’t until I got into photography that I discovered design was a passion of mine. I’m forever thankful that a part-time internship for school turned into a place I can call my family. As a breakfast food enthusiast, antique lover, and creative spirit, I feel at home with Strategy Lab. Today, I am certain that this is where I belong; amidst ping-pong tournaments and late-night jam sessions!

Carter Lovelace

So who am I? No, I’m serious, that’s not just rhetoric; I still have no idea who I am… But people say I’m nice so I guess that’s a good place to start: I am always happy to lend a helping hand. I always appreciate input and advice, and will offer the same if you are looking for some.
I like to consider myself a decent enough writer, but clearly I’m not the best at writing about myself. With that said, if any other StratLabber would like the opportunity to share their thoughts about me – or just make me say something ridiculous – you are entirely welcome to edit this blurb.

Dyson Nordwick

I have a Costco fake ID to get in for food, don’t snitch. I started playing hockey when I was 5 and i’ve been playing ever since. I also played football throughout high school. I fell in love with both sports because they’re team games. You learn from others, and you meet friends that you know will have your back, on and off the ice and field. I love fitness After high school, I moved to Sweden where I continued my hockey career. I was all about the dump and change as well as the forecheck, back-check, pay-check. I gave up the NHL dream to pursue my other passions, photography and videography. I traded the dressing room for the ping pong table at Stratlab.

Marc Gagnon

The arts, especially film, have always been of interest to me. I am looking forward to learning everything the people at Strategy Lab can teach me. I usually audit one class every semester at the University of Regina. When I am not at class or at Strategy Lab, I might be at the Y or at a Yoga class or at a movie.

Edwardo Alvaro

I have never been one to go with the crowd – if everyone went left, I’d run to the right. For as long as I can remember, being different and standing out have been important to me. Through graphic design and other creative outlets; photography, filmography, etc., I can express my individuality while still producing eye-catching products – it also helps when you love what you do. I have a personal challenge of making at least one person smile each day. And when I put my art into our clients’ products I try even harder to get that smile. As I grow, both as a designer and as a person, being passionate about something and remembering to be human first are what matter to me the most. Other passions of mine are creative expression, dancing, and of course, pizza.

Maybe You?

Do you see the world through purple tinted glasses? Do you love capturing people’s attention? Big fan of Vermicelli bowls? Want a flexible work life where you can work from where ever you want? Do we have a place for you!

Jeph Maystruck

I love marketing and making people smarter. I grew up in Regina and will one day show the world how amazing our little city is. I’m a self proclaimed master chef (not really, just kind of a fatty on the inside, I love to make delicious food) I read lots, yeah you’re right, that sounds nerdy. I assure you, I’m not a nerd. I like positive people, loud shoes and I believe when cooking you can never add too much butter, chocolate chips, bacon or cheese. Think about it. I play tennis, golf, hockey, volleyball, bocce ball, and Ping Pong. I’ve been a consultant for the past Eight years and have learned a lot in my time working with an array of businesses. Strategy really is about choosing what not to do. Defining your vision, values, and BHAGs*, is probably the most important thing you will do in your business. *Big Hairy Audacious Goals
“You can either fit in or stand out but you can’t do both.” -Seth Godin

Brandon Wu

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated with building things. Lego, soapbox cars, weedwacker-powered scooters, and DIY camera gear are a few things in my portfolio, but it wasn’t until I built my first blog, that I really found my groove. Without the intent of making money, I began looking into ways to build websites more efficiently and eventually started helping others. I really just wanted to watch out for other entrepreneurs who shouldn’t have been spending massive amounts of their hard earned marketing dollars on an overpriced website. I believe Seth Godin said it best regarding recognizing the importance of a straightforward website: “For most people, that’s all you need. A website that’s good enough. Not that breaks new ground, establishes a new identity, discovers new ways for people to interact online. Just a good enough website that didn’t kill you to launch.” I build websites that make the most sense for your business. The one that helps a prospect gain trust and get information. For most, this is about good content, easy navigation, and simplicity.

There is no limit to what you can do.

We work with forward-thinking companies and non-profit organizations that challenge the status quo and aren’t afraid trying new things. More importantly, we work with people that have a greater purpose than simply growing their bottom line. People that have a desire to grow and give back to the community in which they live and work in.

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