About Us
Mike Hardy
Principal & Managing Director
Mike Hardy is a brand strategist and creative leader with over three decades of experience helping businesses clarify what makes them worth choosing — and turning that clarity into focused, effective marketing.
At the core of Mike’s work is a simple belief: the best strategy starts with listening. Whether working with clients or leading creative teams, he focuses on understanding the real challenges beneath the surface, then bringing people together to solve them collaboratively. That approach allows Hardy Branding + Design to thrive in high-pressure situations, align quickly, and consistently exceed expectations.
Over the course of his career, Mike has worked across a wide range of environments — from boutique studios to large international agencies — developing brand strategy and creative for companies including Starbucks, Harley-Davidson, Procter & Gamble, Duracell, Coors, Kroger, Ace Hardware, Polaris, and more. His work has earned more than 50 Addy Awards across multiple disciplines.
His path has taken him from rural Michigan to Los Angeles, Denver, Hawaii, and back home again. Along the way, he worked inside global agency structures and experienced firsthand how culture, leadership, and standards shape the quality of creative work. Those experiences broadened his perspective — not just on branding, but on leadership, priorities, and what truly drives meaningful results.
They also clarified what he didn’t want to replicate. Mike saw how politics, rushed timelines, and surface-level thinking could dilute strong ideas. He also saw how discipline, pride in craft, and clear process could elevate them. Hardy Branding + Design was built intentionally around that second standard: conscientiousness, strategic rigor, and true partnership. The goal was simple — do right by clients, remove guesswork, and rely on proven processes that lead to clarity and results.
More About Mike
Mike’s introduction to branding began early in a farming town of just a few hundred people, where hunting, fishing, and hard work were part of everyday life. A high school school-to-work program placed him inside a graphic design and print shop — an experience that shaped his appreciation for craft, business fundamentals, and real-world execution. He later earned a B.S. in Visual Communications from Ferris State University, where he also played collegiate basketball.
Today, based in Traverse City, Michigan, Mike leads Hardy Design Co. alongside a highly experienced, deeply trusted team of strategists, designers, and specialists — a true dream team built around shared standards, disciplined process, and a commitment to doing the work the right way. Together, they specialize in brand strategy, creative execution, and white-label support for agencies seeking reliable, senior-level expertise. Mike believes the team he’s assembled is among the strongest creative groups in Northern Michigan — and one that clients quickly come to rely on for clarity, consistency, and results.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, and working on projects that blend performance, design, and engineering — interests that mirror his approach to branding: thoughtful, disciplined, and built to perform.
Based in: Traverse City, Michigan
Outside the Office: Automotive Enthusiast • Pickleball Player • Lifelong Pistons Fan
Creative Team
Award-winning brand strategy and creative execution—recognized by more than 50 Addy awards, as well as awards from ADC, Reggie, and 2 Emmy nominations.
Marc Levitt
Senior Brand Designer
A third-generation designer, Marc Levitt began his 30-year career at the legendary firm Chermayeff & Geismar, where he designed the Showtime logo. His work has been recognized by AIGA, Communication Arts, Print Magazine, The Type Directors Club, and The Webby Awards, and has been published internationally in books and magazines. Graphic Design USA named Marc one of their “People to Watch.” He is a Board Member Emeritus of Spark Design Professionals, a nonprofit organization supporting design business owners.
Based in: Edwardsville, IL
Outside the Office: NYC native gone Midwest • Guitarist in two bands • Snowboarder & Cyclist • Dad of two teens
Brandon Jenkins
Copy & Creative Lead
Brandon Jenkins is an award-winning creative director and copywriter with more than 17 years of experience developing work that cuts through the noise and drives real results. Known for pairing strong ideas with disciplined execution, Brandon brings a sharp editorial eye and a strategic mindset to every project.
His work has received national and international recognition from Communication Arts, Lürzer’s Archive, LogoLounge, and the American Advertising Federation, spanning brand campaigns, identity systems, and marketing initiatives designed to generate awareness and action.
Based in: Traverse City, MI
Outside the Office: Sneakerhead • Musician • Bulldog Dad
Rich Connolly
Production Director
Rich Connolly is a multidisciplinary creative with a deep hands-on approach to production. With experience spanning layout design, illustration, and writing, Rich is known for his adaptability and willingness to dive into whatever a project requires.
A natural problem-solver, Rich thrives in fast-paced environments and takes pride in figuring things out when challenges arise. His attention to detail, efficiency under pressure, and sharp sense of humor make him an invaluable presence—especially when deadlines are tight.
Based in: Providence, RI
Outside the Office: Home Chef • Collector-of-Hobbies • Gardener • Tinkerer • Whittler-of-Woods • Girl Dad
Heidi Jones
Operations Manager
Heidi Jones brings extensive project management experience across multiple industries, with a talent for aligning teams and keeping complex projects moving smoothly. Organization is her strength, and thoughtful workflows are her specialty.
Known for her reliability, follow-through, and steady leadership, Heidi believes great work comes from clear communication, a strong work ethic, and a collaborative mindset—along with a healthy sense of humor along the way.
Based in: Traverse City, MI
Outside the Office: Proud Mama • Beach Bum • Pianist • Rotary Phone Collector • Voracious consumer of vintage comedy
Sheri Kowalski
Art Director & Photographer
Sheri Kowalski is a seasoned creative with over 20 years of experience in creative strategy and execution. Known for her ability to visualize outcomes with clarity and bring them to life through design, photography, and writing, Sheri brings both vision and precision to every project.
She spent 11 years working in motion graphics for CBS Television Studios, earning multiple Emmy nominations for design and animation. Her background across mediums makes her a uniquely versatile creative partner.
Based in: Harbor Springs, MI
Outside the Office: Outdoor Photographer • Illustrator • Cross-Country Skier
Joseph Roberts
Lead Website Developer
Joseph Roberts is a web developer specializing in building clean, functional WordPress websites that are easy to manage and built to last. With a strong focus on usability and collaboration, Joseph translates custom designs into responsive, intuitive digital experiences.
He is known for his attentive client service and ability to bridge technical execution with real business needs—helping brands clearly communicate their message through thoughtful development.
Based in: Traverse City, MI
Outside the Office: Family Man • Community Volunteer • Explorer of the less taken path
Nehemiah Harmsen
Designer & Video Producer
Nehemiah Harmsen is a multidisciplinary designer with a strong foundation in user experience, visual design, and storytelling. His background spans fine art, logo and print design, animation, audio production, and video editing.
Driven by curiosity and versatility, Nehemiah continually expands his creative toolkit to ensure each project receives exactly what it needs—balancing aesthetics, function, and accessibility throughout his work.
Based in: Ann Arbor, MI
Outside the Office: Music Playlist Curator • Aspiring Film Maker & Movie Theater Supporter • Lifelong Bills Fan
Chuck Vroom
Sr. Graphic Designer
Chuck Vroom has spent his career designing for global brands including Ford, Jeep, UnitedHealth Group, OnStar, and Rocket Mortgage. His experience spans everything from digital advertising campaigns to full-scale rebrands.
A hands-on designer at heart, Chuck is most at home deep in the details—refining, iterating, and pushing work until it feels right. As he puts it, he’s simply driven to make amazing things that people love.
Based in: Meadville, PA
Outside the Office: Red Wings Fan • Guitarist • 3D Printing Nerd & Woodworker
Edison “Eddie”
The Bulldog
Eddie is the heart of the office and a full-time morale booster. Known for his affectionate “hugs” (sitting directly on feet or laps), Eddie is convinced he’s a lap dog—despite weighing in at 65 pounds.
With his muscular build, striking blue eyes, and playful athleticism, Eddie rarely goes unnoticed. When he’s not supervising — or enthusiastically interrupting — client calls or hopping into the car for a ride, he’s on the lookout for his favorite snacks: popcorn, cheese, broccoli, hard-boiled eggs — and, oddly enough, sauerkraut. Around the office, he answers to Bubba, Tater, and Meatball.
Based in: Mike’s Office
Outside the Office: ‘Tug tug’ • Lap-dogging • Destroyer of boxes
TEAM AWARDS
Over the years, our team has amassed numerous accolades, including more than 50 Addy Awards and 12 GC USA awards spanning brand strategy, identity design, advertising, and digital.
National Addy Awards – National Silver Award for Direct Mail Marketing
District 15 Addy Awards – Gold Award for Direct Mail Marketing
Central Coast Addy Awards – 33 Awards including Gold Awards for Direct Mail Marketing, Corporate Identity, and Industrial Self-Promotion
Central Coast Addy Awards – 23 awards including 2 Gold Addy Awards for poster design and Multi-Part Campaigns, and Best of Advertising Award for Multi-Part Campaign
PIA Awards of Southern California – 4 awards including the People’s Choice Award for Advertising Excellence
Hermes Creative Award Gold Winner – Wilbanks Energy Logistics Logo Design
Hermes Creative Award Gold Winner – Wilbanks Energy Logistics Website Design
ADCD Silver – Duracell Museum of the Obvious; for Duracell/Procter & Gamble
Reggie Award – Green Caps for Green Energy; for Silk/Whitewave Foods
NDAC Denver 50 – Green Caps for Green Energy; for Silk/Whitewave Foods
NDAC Denver 50 – Museum of the Obvious; website for Duracell/Procter & Gamble
AIGA Making the Case – Figment Brand Identity, Watershed Project
AIGA (Re)design Award – Sustainable Design Category, 2nd place
Communication Arts Award of Excellence – MHS Reunion
FWA Site of the Day – M Studio
GD USA – 12 awards for Avivi Beauty Packaging, Kristine Foley Photography, LMCCE Catalogs, MHS Reunion Invitation, NY Sailing Center, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, Sparkle Collagen Packaging, Thirsty / Thirty logo, VMFA Invitation, Wigwam Mills Branding, Wigwam Mills Packaging, Xerox Annual Report
Mohawk Annual Report Collection, Outstanding Achievement – American Museum of Natural History
Mohawk Show, Top Finalist – Caban/Lilien wedding invitation
Print Regional Design Award, Certificate of Excellence – Elseware
Type Directors Club, Certificate of Typographic Excellence – Alkemist Labs Brand Identity
Certificate of Typographic Excellence – MHS Reunion Invitation
Webby Awards, Official Honoree – Friend & Johnson Website
Let’s Get Started
Clarity is the first step toward momentum.
Ready to work with a team that’s as invested in your success as you are? Start with a free 20-minute conversation — no pressure, just clarity.