Our Branding Agency Services

The brand experience is the brand.
From many interactions, one brand.
Manage the journey, and control the brand.
Delivering your brand through the lens of the brand experience.
Starfish is an independent full-service branding and creative communications firm that pioneered the discipline of Brand Experience.

This unique and nontraditional perspective enables us to reimagine and activate brands with innovative and creative omnichannel capabilities.

WHAT WE DO

Everything.
From Brand Strategy
to Creative Development
to Activation.

We help organizations audit, analyze, align, and implement all their physical and digital touchpoints in order to create more intuitive and meaningful brand interactions.

We believe it all starts with a sound brand strategy and employ proprietary methodologies to achieve an extraordinary level of brand integration and customer engagement.

OUR SERVICES

Everything we do, regardless of whether it is a full brand strategy, an ad campaign or an isolated activation, is created through the lens of the brand experience, and it is why our suite of services includes everything needed to build, deliver, and maintain a world-class brand experience.

OUR CLIENTS

  • NYC Dept of Social Services
  • NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
  • NYC Department of Homeless Services
  • 18 Doors
  • New York Theatrer Workshop
  • Women's Prison Assn.
  • Interfaith Family
  • Jersey Cares
  • Worldwide Shelters
  • CANY/Correctional Association of New York
  • FPWA
  • LiveOn NY
  • Carter Burden Center for the Aging
  • Rising Treetops/ Camp Oakhurst
  • ADL
  • ABGU American Associates Ben Gurian University
  • Community FoodBank of New Jersey
  • Sodexo Headquarters
  • Avis Budget Group
  • Choice Hotels International
  • Carpathian Whiskey
  • Pernod Ricard
  • Global Spirits
  • Craft and Art Wine and Spirits
  • Khortsika Vodka
  • LEAF Vodka
  • Olmeca Tequila
  • Bushmills Irish Cream
  • Wild Turkey
  • Montway
  • Purolator International
  • Holman Enterprises
  • Atlas Air
  • EmpireCLS
  • Soda Stream USA
  • Izzo
  • Bullfrog
  • Panasonic
  • Sharp Electronics
  • Samsung
  • Hisense USA Corp
  • Haier America
  • Fotile America
  • Casio Inc
  • Pandigital
  • Intergrated Electrical Service
  • Prime-Line
  • Jaclo Industries Inc
  • Comfortex Window Coverings
  • Repipte Specialists
  • Garden State Tile Inc
  • Grohe America
  • 24 Hours Fitness
  • NFL
  • DBTKE
  • DeBeers Diamonds
  • Sold Jeans
  • Avacor
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Phat Fashions
  • Revlon Corporation
  • ERB
  • Adtalem
  • American Public University System 122
  • PAVE Charter School
  • Reader's Digest
  • House & Garden Magazine
  • Mail Online
  • Elle Magazine
  • Advance Magazine Group
  • NJ Monthly Magazine
  • Niche Media LLC
  • Conde Nast
  • Property Building Corporation USA
  • RFR Holding LLC
  • Seagram Building
  • Vornado Realty Trust
  • JLL
  • Empire State Building
  • Global Holdings Management
  • Associated Estates Realty Corp
  • 505 Fifth
  • 1212 AVE OF AMERICAS-STAWSKI PARTNERS
  • 100 Wall Street
  • AYASDI
  • Amyris Biotechnologies Inc
  • TEKsystems
  • MadisonLogic
  • Integral Ad Science
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Corsis
  • Avidyne
  • CatapultX
  • AdMarketplace
  • Datran Media
  • Knowledge Information Solutions
  • Arris
  • Majesco
  • Dstillery
  • Swish
  • Underwriters Laboratories
  • ABB Inc
  • Vodafone
  • Oxford Immunotec Inc.
  • ProHealth
  • Rancho Medical Family Group
  • RiverSpring Health
  • Optum Care Network
  • Onzetra
  • Vyleesi
  • TherapeuticsMD
  • Hu-Friedy
  • Hologic, INC.
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Currax Pharmaceuticals
  • Brooklyn Hospital Center
  • Benedictine Living
  • Contrave
  • Skylight Healthcare Systems Inc
  • Entellus Medical
  • Pharma Capital Ventures
  • Texas Children's Hospital
  • Enhanced Care Intitatives
  • Hearts & Science
  • Winston & Strawn, LLP
  • Navigant/Guidehouse
  • Lowenstein Sandler LLP
  • First Source
  • Gallup
  • Guardian Life Insurance
  • Debevoise & Plimpton
  • BDO
  • Cognizant Technology Solutions
  • Market Source
  • Withum Smith + Brown
  • PwC
  • Asurion
  • Principal Financial Group
  • Trustmark
  • StoneX
  • Freedom Mortgage
  • Combined Insurance
  • Sun Coast Bank
  • CIT
  • Cornerstone Capital Group
  • Circle Lending
  • American Stock Transfers & Trust
  • Barron Capital
  • CIT Group Inc
  • American Stock Exchange
  • Western World Insurance Group
  • Lincoln Financial Services
  • Nationwide Insurance
  • Bonefish Grill
  • Outback Steakhouse
  • Blue Coral Restaurant
  • Flemings Reastaurant
  • Roys Restaurant
  • Paul Lee's Chinese Kitchen
  • Natural Grocers
  • GoGo squeeZ
  • Maison Kayser
  • Metropolitan Coffee and Concession
  • Chiquita Brands LLC
  • Sprig Restaurant
  • Vizza
  • Just Salad
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • Pepsi-Cola North America
  • Tomato Heads
  • Carrabba's Italian Grill, Inc.
  • Da Farmer and the Chef Hawaii
  • Panera Bread
  • Mentos
  • Chewy
  • Burton Snowboards
  • Bonobos
  • Aska
  • Amazon
  • AccuWeather
  • The
    People

    The <br> People

    David Kessler

    FOUNDER & CEO

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    FOUNDER & CEO

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    Jeff Negrin

    Managing Director

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    Managing Director

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    Samantha Aliferov

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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    CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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    Sheri Mandry

    GROUP ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

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    GROUP ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

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    Larry Goldstein

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COPYWRITER

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    CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COPYWRITER

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    Vasily Davydov

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER

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    CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER

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    Jimena Garcia-Santos

    BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

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    BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

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    Jaime Lopez

    Digital Director, Designer

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    Digital Director, Designer

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    Heidy Young

    ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR

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    ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR

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    Grant Wood

    MANAGEMENT SUPERVISOR

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    MANAGEMENT SUPERVISOR

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    Rachel Gilson

    ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR

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    ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR

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    Vanshika Patel

    JUNIOR DESIGNER

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    JUNIOR DESIGNER

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    Andreas Winsberg

    SENIOR DESIGNER

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    SENIOR DESIGNER

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    Alexis Lazarus

    SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    Zack Kessler

    ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR

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    ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR

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    Andrea Trump

    ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

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    ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

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    Ellie Cascio

    ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    Hannah Anderson

    COPYWRITER

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    COPYWRITER

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    Spencer Kaplan

    ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

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    ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

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    Amanda Capra

    ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    Andrea Soto

    ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    Giana Carra

    ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    Alicia Stephens

    ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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    Randi Lenahan

    CONTROLLER/BOOKKEEPER

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    CONTROLLER/BOOKKEEPER

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    Emily Gandolfo

    Senior Production Designer

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    Senior Production Designer

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    Gayathri Raj

    ASSOCIATE VISUAL DESIGNER

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    ASSOCIATE VISUAL DESIGNER

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    Marty Cunningham

    Marketing Team Leader

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    Marketing Team Leader

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    Jackson Kessler

    Chief Cuddle Officer

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    Chief Cuddle Officer

    David Kessler

    David is veteran of the branding and advertising industry. Having worked on some of the world’s most formidable brands, David brings deep expertise and experience to the Starfish team and all of their clients. David is known as a pioneer in the branding world as he founded Starfish on the idea of Brand Experience which today is embraced by companies and agencies the world-over. David is renowned in the industry for his strategic acumen, business savvy, as well as his ability to anticipate and deliver upon his clients’ needs.

    Jeff Negrin

    World class integrated marketer with 25+ years experience on client and agency sides. Jeff has brought an integrated approach and a strategic rigor to Starfish for more than 16 years. Previously CMO at Grohe after PE acquisition, Jeff relaunched brand into both B2B and B2C channels. Launched Mercedes-Benz’s M-Class, their first-ever SUV, the with ground-breaking direct mail and advertising campaign driving vehicle sell-out before it was launched. Expertise includes Brand Experience, Brand Positioning, Brand Architecture, marketing plan development, and an attuned creative eye.

    Samantha Aliferov

    Samantha is an award-winning, published, creative director, designer, illustrator, and contemporary artist. Driven by her deep connection to pop culture, music, the history of New York City and global art history, Samantha is able to elevate a client vision and inspire. She delivers a fresh approach and believes that great design cannot happen without passion and personal commitment. She is currently on the jury for IDA, International Design Awards.

    Sheri Mandry

    A strong client advocate specializing in healthcare brand launches—from uncovering meaningful insights to leading the team to deliver successful integrated campaigns. Sheri has run many Global accounts that have yielded successful marketing programs in the US and aboard.

    Larry Goldstein

    With a career that has seamlessly bridged advertising, branding, start-up, client-side, and PR, Larry brings great dimension and depth to the Creative Director role. A brand builder by passion and craft, his ability to strategically and creatively problem solve has allowed him work seamless across industries and sectors. Always searching for the brand, human, cultural, and category truths, Larry’s work drives engagement, influence, and meaningful connection.

    Vasily Davydov

    Award-winning art and creative director with 18+ years of experience, Vasily helps to drive Starfish’s creativity through combining his classical art and design training with innovative thinking that inspires unique solutions. Working with many dynamic brands, such as Avis, PwC, Cadillac, Principal, Samsung, QVC and Horizon, Vasily has developed various artful strategies and applications that have helped his clients communicate successfully across many creative channels.

    Jimena Garcia-Santos

    Curious, tenacious and creative, Jimena is a problem solver backed by multiple fields of study. She brings with her a foundation in creative analysis and psychological research, instilling her work with a deep understanding of human connection and aesthetic appreciation.

    Jaime Lopez

    Jaime has extensive experience in leading and managing a team of designers and developers in the creation of innovative and visually appealing digital products. His skills in design strategy, user experience design, and project management allow him to oversee and guide projects from concept to launch, ensuring that all deliverables meet high standards of quality and align with business goals. Jaime has a strong background in both graphic design and front-end development, allowing him to effectively communicate with both creative and technical team members. He is proficient in a variety of design tools and technologies, and has a strong understanding of current trends and best practices in the industry.

    Heidy Young

    Heidy is a disciplined, expert planner and process leader with an eye for detail and creative design. With agency experience and a background in political science and studio art, she brings a highly strategic and creative approach to building brands. From uncovering meaningful insights to leading the team to deliver successful campaigns, Heidy looks for ways to help brands simplify the complex, creatively differentiate, and execute seamlessly.

    Grant Wood

    Brand and marketing strategist focused on building better brand experiences for purpose-driven organizations. Grant applies brand experience thinking to engage customers, employees and other constituents in a helpful way that leads them to brand engagement and brand loyalty.

    Rachel Gilson

    Rachel is a curious, trustworthy, fast-paced marketer and leader with 5+ years of creative agency account and brand management experience spanning consumer goods, DTC, non-profit, education, finance, real estate, tech, B2B, healthcare, and start-ups. She has a proven track record of launching successful brands and implementing strategic, multi-channel campaigns.

    Vanshika Patel

    ​​With the core passion for building a connection with every piece of graphic created, Vanshika is an omnific thinker with an eye for detail. Her passion for design thinking and imaginative creations flows through her experience in branding and marketing. She finds her inspiration from cultural and humanistic details of life and links it to creating strategic and aesthetic designs.

    Andreas Winsberg

    A multi-talented designer with expertise in graphic design, user experience research, and brand strategy. Andreas brings together his eye for aesthetics and functionality to create seamless and intuitive products and digital experiences for customers and businesses alike. He works to promote inclusivity in all designs, with a particular focus on the digital space.

    Alexis Lazarus

    Alexis is passionate about leadership, strategy, and collaboration. With experience in marketing and development for various consumer and business-to-business brands, she brings a strong work ethic and positive attitude to all her projects. Working on a variety of projects ranging from brand strategy, strategic communiation, video production, and website development, she brings curiosity and genuine desire to help to every conversation.

    Zack Kessler

    Zack Kessler is a seasoned professional in the field of advertising and branding. With nearly a decade of experience, he has a proven track record of success in creating and implementing effective campaigns that drive brand awareness and customer engagement. Zack has a talent for understanding the unique needs and goals of his clients, and a passion for delivering innovative solutions that drive business growth. Whether working with small startups or global enterprises, Zack brings a strategic and results-oriented approach to every project.

    Andrea Trump

    Andrea is a passionate, dependable account lead with 6+ years of experience in B2B/corporate communications content marketing, social media/digital marketing & strategy, thought leadership and brand strategy. She has worked with companies spanning several industries, including finance, real estate, and energy. One of Andrea's favorite parts of her work is getting to know her clients and helping them achieve their business goals, whatever it takes.

    Ellie Cascio

    Intellectual curiosity drives everything Ellie does. She embraces each opportunity to engage with clients to drive brand growth and create a seamless experience for brand users. Her agency experience arms her with a creative lens, unrelenting curiosity, and compassion through which all her work is built upon. As an adept thinking and first-class writer wise beyond her years, Ellie approaches intricate problem solving with a desire to discover what makes each and every brand uniquely positioned for success.

    Hannah Anderson

    Highly insightful and mindful in her approach, Hannah blends communications and psychology into her brand work. An avid runner who understands the meaning of “going-the-distance” her discipline and energy bring out the best in people and work. Hannah has a B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology from Northwestern University.

    Spencer Kaplan

    An integrated marketing and communications leader with experience running teams and demonstrated skills in driving revenue and sales for brands. Has partnered with numerous brands across DTC, CPG, B2B, nonprofits, and startups. In the process of helping my clients reposition, differentiate, or develop a vision for the future of their business.

    Amanda Capra

    With a background in marketing and communications and a passion for developing content through a creative lens, Amanda demonstrates a hunger to learn, leads with integrity, and adds fuel to a dynamic work environment. Her experience across diverse mediums, including PR for television and publishing, creative writing and rhetorical strategy, and news production, brings a unique writing style to the table. She dives into her research and campaigns with a thorough and insightful approach.

    Andrea Soto

    Andrea Soto is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional in the field of advertising and branding. With a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing, she brings a deep understanding of the latest theories, trends, and techniques to her work. Andrea has a talent for developing effective campaigns that deliver results, and a passion for helping her clients achieve their business goals. She is a creative and strategic thinker, with the ability to identify unique opportunities and turn them into successful campaigns. Whether working on small projects or large-scale initiatives, Andrea is dedicated to delivering exceptional work for her clients.

    Giana Carra

    Giana is a dedicated and intellectually curious strategic thinker who is thorough in her work with her meticulous attention to detail. With a background in client services and marketing communications, she prides herself on relationship building with her strong interpersonal skills. She brings a strong work ethic and motivation to see all projects through with her clients best interest in mind.

    Alicia Stephens

    Alicia Stephens is a recent graduate of Elon University, where she earned her degree in advertising and branding. She is a driven and ambitious professional, eager to start her career in this exciting and dynamic field. Alicia has a strong foundation in the principles of advertising and branding, and a passion for developing creative and effective campaigns. She is a quick learner, with the ability to adapt to new environments and challenges.

    Randi Lenahan

    A skilled professional, demonstrating success in financial operations, office management and human resources.

    Emily Gandolfo

    Emily Gandolfo is a highly-creative, multi-talented designer with over 5 years of experience who conceptualizes thoughtful and innovative design every day.

    Gayathri Raj

    Gaya is a multifaceted designer driven by an everlasting curiosity and empathy for human behavior. A problem solver by nature, her interdisciplinary background in various arts and neuroscience helps inform her design strategy. Her constant desire to discover unique solutions for all design problems results in creative work that centers both the client and customers.

    Marty Cunningham

    For over 30 years, Marty was Principal Partner and co-founder in three separate research and management-consulting firm. His primary role then and now again with Starfish, is developing and nurturing new client relationships. He is an expert in lead generation processes and tools required to identify and capture new business opportunities. A leader in developing new business strategy, business development effectiveness and the tactics that are employed to drive new business.

    Jackson Kessler

    I am the furry backbone of this company. Really, who can provide human resources better than man’s best friend? The best part about working at Starfish is my generous pay of pets and scratchies. However, I will say, I find the casual attire of my colleagues to be a little ruff, I mean I put in the effort to wear a full tux everyday - not a hair out of place. You won’t find a harder working employee on this page, and if you caught me sleeping on the job - no you didn’t.