Beyond Marketing: Building Brands That Last

Audio recording length: 10:54

The marketing world is crowded. Agencies of every size promise big results, flood the market with endless content, and focus on quick campaigns designed to make an impact. One only has to scroll through their inbox and social media feed to see the proof in the never-ending emails and brazen posts marketing a product or service. But at Tansley, we take a different approach. We do not rely on monotonous ads or crowded content calendars. We approach every brand like a distinctive structure that must berooted in solid groundcarefully imagined, andbuilt to endure whatever the environment might deliver. While others rush to “do more,” we pause to listenunderstand, andalways design a meaningful plan to build something that lasts.

The Architect’s Mindset

Skilled architects never build without a plan. Before the first shovel hits the ground, they study the site, anticipate potential challenges, and plan for the future. Tansley applies the same philosophy. Before we design, write, or launch anything, we return to three essential pillars that shape every successful brand: story, intentions, and objectives. These three critical elements form the bedrock of everything we build. Without them, even the most beautiful “structure” will eventually fracture.

Story

We begin with the brand’s story: the established history. Like an architect, we need to understand the story before we can understand what is required to make it stronger, and we always respect the existing story. If the brand is new, we work with the founders to understand and clarify their story. If the brand needs repair, we identify where authenticity has been compromised or drifted from its original focus, and we thoughtfully restore it to its intended purpose. Understanding the story enables us to develop strategies that can grow stronger over time.

Intentions

The next element is the owner’s intentions, the heart of the brand. Intentions give meaning to the story by revealing why the brand exists and what it intends to offer its clients. Just as an architect must understand the purpose of a building to design its structure, we strive to comprehend the underlying motivations behind every decision a brand makes. Is the goal to create change, offer something new, preserve tradition, or build community? These intentions shape everything from voice and design to strategy and experience. By bringing them into focus, we ensure that every action taken aligns with the brand’s true purpose.

Objectives

Finally, we focus on the business objectives, the practical framework that transforms vision into real results. Objectives provide direction and clarity to the brand, helping to define what success truly means. The goals are the measurements by which we evaluate progress and make decisions. Whether it’s expanding into new markets, deepening customer relationships, increasing visibility, or improving internal systems, clear objectives allow us to design strategies that are not only inspiring but also actionable. By aligning objectives with the story and intentions, we create a cohesive blueprint that drives meaningful and measurable growth.

Builders and Fixers

Brands come to Tansley in all kinds of conditions. Some are just starting, full of energy but lacking structure. Others are well-established but have lost touch with their original story. And some have been shaped by agencies that focused on trends rather than truth, leaving their foundations shaky. Since every brand is unique and faces distinctly different challenges, Tansley’s brand architect mentality empowers us to be designers, builders, and fixers, depending on what each brand needs. Sometimes that means laying the very first bricks. Other times, it means repairing walls, strengthening foundations, or reimagining spaces so the brand can grow again with confidence.

More Than an Agency

We don’t see ourselves as a traditional marketing agency. We adapt to the structure, environment, and situation to achieve the best results. Architects design not only for today’s needs but also for tomorrow’s challenges. The world will change, technology will evolve, customers will shift, and markets will move. However, a brand foundation built on an authentic story, clear intentions, and defined objectives remains strong, nimble, and primed for growth. By staying rooted in these pillars, we help brands evolve with clarity and strength no matter what comes next. We invite you to contact us to learn more about how we can help support your brand.

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Erahm Christopher is a filmmaker, social strategist, and all-around entrepreneur. An author and TEDx speaker, his projects have reached over 8 million people. In 2020, Erahm co-founded Tansley, aiming to revolutionize business engagement through storytelling. He continues to combine powerful storytelling with strategy to create meaningful brand narratives.

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David Gascon

Chief Creative Director and Partner
David Gascon’s career blends creativity and leadership in film and advertising, underscored by his deep passion for visual storytelling. After six years of academic training in filmmaking, David has spent over two decades as a director, producer, and cinematographer, significantly influencing both fields. He also contributed to film education, teaching for seven years and directing a film school in Montreal. Transitioning his focus to design, David co-founded his agency in 2019 and rebranded as Tansley in 2021 with partners Mathieu Guérin and Erahm Christopher. As the creative director of Tansley, he is committed to empowering entrepreneurs by shaping enduring brands and fostering a collaborative environment for diverse talents to thrive. At Tansley, David embraces the opportunity to create value in a noisy world, empower entrepreneurs, and build a legacy that aligns with his personal and professional aspirations. This role allows him to integrate his passion for filmmaking and teaching with his leadership in marketing, making Tansley not just a company but an extension of his values. David is an avid traveler and photographer, capturing breathtaking scenes from Iceland to Indonesia. He enjoys camping and star gazing, which allow him to connect with nature and escape the bustle of city life. While he is happy to have achieved many career milestones, David’s greatest source of pride is his son, Hadrien, who constantly inspires him to appreciate the value of life each day.

Erahm Christopher

Creative Strategist and Co-Founder
Erahm Christopher is an accomplished filmmaker, social strategist, entrepreneur, and speaker renowned for his ability to forge authentic connections through impactful storytelling. His career began when he created the influential Teen Truth series, which led him to address crucial issues within challenging educational settings across North America. Over time, Erahm expanded his scope, founding an educational content company, directing the feature film Listen, and spearheading mental health initiatives in communities across North America. His films and live experiences have connected with audiences of over 8 million people. Erahm is also an acclaimed author of several books, a TEDx speaker, and a contributor to the Washington Post. His combination of storytelling finesse and strategic planning enables him to work seamlessly with governments, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. In 2020, Erahm helped launch Tansley with a clear goal: to revolutionize how entrepreneurial businesses engage with their audiences through storytelling. Looking ahead, Erahm is eager to merge his varied professional experiences to enhance Tansley’s ability to craft meaningful brand narratives that speak to customers and drive tangible business growth. When he’s not strategizing at Tansley, Erahm loves to be outdoors—whether skiing in winter or kiteboarding in summer—and values the balance these activities bring to his busy life. He treasures time spent with his family, embracing the philosophy that life’s best lived with a blend of meaningful work, connections, and activity.

Mathieu Guérin

SEO | SEM Strategy Director and Co-Founder
Mathieu Guérin has sharpened his expertise in digital marketing and web visibility over fifteen years, backed by a solid foundation in administrative technology and e-commerce from UQAM. As Tansley’s CTO, Mathieu drives strategies that do more than function—they succeed, delivering quantifiable wins for our clients. He’s more than just the tech-savvy brain behind Tansley; he’s a visionary who has founded and steered two successful companies, mastering the complex world of digital strategies that elevate brands to industry leadership. At Tansley, Mathieu finds a perfect match for his dynamic, results-driven approach, ensuring that strategies are flawlessly executed to ensure clients exceed their objectives. Mathieu particularly values concrete metrics and genuine client relationships that define our work at Tansley. Away from the digital landscape, Mathieu seeks the tranquility and thrill of the ski slopes, where he recharges among mountain vistas and cherishes quality time with his family. His life revolves around three core values: family and friends, respect for others, and honesty. The commitment and care Mathieu brings to his personal life are also integral to his professional. Mathieu continually seeks new opportunities to enhance his skills and strives to integrate his passion for technology with robust business strategies at Tansley.