Recognition Highlights Women-Owned Agency’s Growth, Award-Winning Culture and Expanding Client Portfolio
Barbara Martin and Jayne Sandman, co-CEOs and founders of The Brand Guild, have been named to the Inc. Female Founders 500. The Inc. Female Founders 500 highlights entrepreneurs leading high-growth companies across sectors, including consumer brands, media and professional services.
Founded in 2010, The Brand Guild is an integrated marketing and communications agency that helps founders, companies and destinations grow through strategic communications, branding and marketing. The firm specializes in strategy, public relations, creative, experiential events and design, serving clients across consumer lifestyle, commercial real estate, hospitality, food and beverage, spirits and the tech-enabled new economy.
Clients include Sweetgreen, Saatva, Spindrift, Four Roses, Levain Bakery, Room & Board, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, OpenTable and Glowbar. Glowbar founder Rachel Liverman is also included on this year’s Inc. Female Founders 500 list. The Brand Guild also partners with city leaders and developers, including Brookfield Properties, National Landing BID, EastBanc, The Wharf, Skanska USA Commercial Development and Gateway Jax.
“From the beginning, we set out to build an agency that helps visionary brands transform ideas into movements,” said Martin. “Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with founders, companies and destinations that shape culture, build community and create momentum. Being recognized alongside so many inspiring female founders is incredibly meaningful, and it’s a reflection of the talented team we’ve built at The Brand Guild.”
“This recognition is especially meaningful because our growth has always been tied to the growth of our clients,” said Sandman. “When Barb and I founded The Brand Guild, we believed strategic communications, branding and marketing could be powerful drivers of business momentum. The work I’m most proud of is helping brands we admire grow in ways that increase relevance, build visibility and support long-term scale.”
Martin and Sandman have also prioritized strengthening the communities where the firm operates, including support for the Greater Washington Talent Capital campaign and raising more than $1 million to restore Glen Echo Park.
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