A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP AT THE BIRD HOUSE
Two days of done-with-you brand strategy, led by Kristen Graham Brown. You arrive with a business. You leave with a brand you can articulate, defend, and build on.
THE BRAND BEING METHOD™ INTENSIVE
Spoiler alert:
it's going to feel pretty amazing.
Spoiler alert: it's going to feel pretty amazing.
Next Cohort:
Wednesday, October 7th - Thursday, the 8th
You can’t read the label from inside the jar.
You know your business better than anyone. That's exactly the problem. Founders are too close to their own story to see which parts of it matter to anyone else. The insight that would set you apart sounds obvious to you, so you never say it out loud.
For sixteen years, Hoot has pulled that insight out of founders through the Brand Being methodology. It's the same process behind our full client engagements. The Intensive is the done-with-you version: same frameworks, same facilitation, compressed into two days at our table with a small group of people doing the same hard work.
Brand is the Being. Marketing is the Doing. This is two days spent entirely on the Being.
What we’ll build
The Work
Brand Heart Your vision, values, and purpose. Not the framed-poster version. The version you'd actually make decisions with: who you hire, which clients you turn down, what you do when the year gets hard.
Brand Positioning Who your brand is for and why they should care. We'll define your one brand advocate, map your point of difference, and write the belief statement that makes the right people lean in.
Brand Tension Point Two words that hold your entire personality in tension. This is the tool that keeps your voice and visuals consistent long after the workshop ends, whether the person executing is you, a new hire, or an AI.
Day One
The Bird House at Hoot Design Company HQ
1007 N College Ave.
9:00 AM
Welcome breakfast & introductions
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Intensive discovery session (with lunch break)
We'll explore your personal journey, company origin story, values, vision, and what drives you to create change in the world.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Working session.
We’ll workshop your Brand Being before we break for the day.
Day Two
9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
We’ll review your content and look at it together with fresh eyes.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
We’ll prepare for the next phase, personality development by defining and developing your Brand Tension Point.
Together, we'll fine-tune your Brand Being. You’ll walk away with a source document to build everything from, whether you’re training AI tools or human beings.
The Brand Being Manual
Every exercise in the Intensive feeds one document: your Brand Being Manual. Vision, values, purpose, positioning, brand advocate, tension point, and voice, all in one place.
This is the strategy layer of the same manual our $50K clients receive. Visual identity execution isn't included, and that's intentional. When you're ready for design, you (or your designer, or we) will build on a foundation that's already solid, instead of decorating a brand that hasn't been defined.
Tools, not deliverables. The manual is built to be used.
Who should be in the room
Founders and small business owners who've outgrown the brand they started with. Marketing leads who own the brand at their company and are tired of being the only "brand barometer," deciding what's on-brand by gut alone.
Each cohort is capped at 12 seats. Small enough that Kristen works through your specific brand with you, not at you. Large enough that you'll hear other founders name the exact problem you couldn't articulate.
Bring a second person from your business for $7,500 total. We recommend it. A partner, co-founder, or marketing lead in the room means the brand gets built into two people instead of living in one head.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Bird House, our retreat house located at Hoot HQ. 1206 Smith Street, Columbia, MO 65201
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Day One: 9-4pm
Day Two: 9-2pm
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We’ll cap at 15 people
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All materials, catering both days, and your completed Brand Being Manual (strategy, not visual execution).
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$5,000 per person. $7,500 for two from the same business.
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Not at this time, but never say never
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Yes, but you’ll hear about other businesses as well and this will make your experience stronger
Your Complete Travel Guide for The Brand Being Method™ Intensive
We're excited to welcome you to Columbia (affectionately known as "Como" by locals) for our Brand Being Intensive! This vibrant college town offers the perfect blend of Midwestern charm, cultural richness, and modern amenities. Our office is located in the Arcade District, making it easy to explore everything downtown Como has to offer.
Getting to Columbia
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The Convenient Choice: Columbia Regional Airport is located approximately 12 miles southeast of downtown Columbia, making it the most convenient option for our workshop attendees.
Flight Information:
Currently served by American Airlines with non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare
Beginning September 25, 2025, United Airlines returns with non-stop flights to Denver and Chicago O'Hare
Short 15-minute drive from the airport to downtown Columbia and our office
Travel Time to Our Office: Approximately 20 minutes by car or rideshare from COU to our office: 1007 N. College Ave.
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More Flight Options: St. Louis Lambert International Airport offers more flight options and may be more convenient depending on your departure city.
Distance & Time:
120 miles from Columbia
Approximately 1 hour 42 minutes from STL airport specifically to Columbia
Transportation Options:
Rental car (most flexible)
Private car service or rideshare (expect higher costs for this distance)
Our Office Location & Amenities
1206 Smith Street
Columbia, MO 65201
What We Offer:
Conference Room: Available for reservation if you need to take calls or hold private meetings
Full-Service Kitchen: Feel free to store items in our refrigerator or use our facilities to heat up meals
Convenient Downtown Location: Walking distance to some restaurants, shops, and local attractions, short 2 minute drive to downtown access.
Logistics + Comfort
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Wear something comfortable that makes you feel authentically yourself. This is about being genuine, not impressive.
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We've got you covered with breakfast, lunch, and breakfast the next day. Let us know about any dietary restrictions.
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Bring a notebook for personal reflections. We'll handle all the documentation and provide you with everything digitally.
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If you're bringing key team members, prep them on the depth and vulnerability required for authentic brand work.
There may be a moment when we need a single source of truth, make sure the whole team knows who that is.
This workshop requires vulnerability and introspection.
Come prepared to:
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We'll dig into your personal and professional journey, including the pivotal moments that shaped your vision.
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We'll challenge you to think differently about your business and industry
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Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and we'll guide you there safely
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We'll explore your legacy vision and long-term impact on the world
Brand Being work is deeply personal. Expect to:
Feel energized by articulating your true purpose
Experience moments of clarity that feel like breakthrough
Possibly feel overwhelmed by the depth of the work—this is normal and valuable
Leave with a profound sense of alignment between who you are and what you do
What This Workshop Is:
An intensive deep-dive into your authentic brand foundation
A collaborative process that requires your full engagement
The beginning of a transformation that will impact every aspect of your business
A strategic investment in clarity that will guide all future decisions
What This Workshop Isn't:
A surface-level branding exercise
About creating a logo or visual identity (that comes later)
A passive experience where you sit back and receive
A quick fix—this is foundational work that requires commitment
Where to Stay
Boutique Downtown Hotels
The Tiger Hotel (voco)
Modern comfort meets historic charm at this beloved Columbia landmark that captures the magic of the Roaring Twenties. Built in 1928, this 4-diamond hotel features the famous neon Tiger sign and is located in the heart of downtown.
Website: thetigerhotel.com
Right next to the University of Missouri
Features three onsite restaurants: Glenn's Café, Twain, and Vault
The Broadway Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton)
Downtown Columbia's premier hotel destination with spacious rooms, world-class dining, and rooftop entertainment. Just a few short blocks from the University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College campuses.
Website: thebroadwaycolumbia.com
Features the popular rooftop bar "The Roof" with panoramic downtown views
Home to 11Eleven restaurant
Chain Hotels
Columbia also offers all the familiar chain hotel options including Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Marriott properties, and more throughout the city for various budgets and preferences.
Our Favorite Local Dining Spots
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![Brick storefront labeled 'Mazers Market' with outdoor seating, potted plants, and large windows in a parking lot under cloudy sky.]()
BeetBox
Middle-Eastern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients in a casual setting where music is part of the experience. Fast-casual eatery focused on Middle Eastern-inspired fare with specials that change daily.
Location: Walkable! 602 Fay St
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![A modern building with a sign that reads 'Logboat Brewing Co.' in front of a grassy area with picnic tables and a tree with red and orange leaves, under a clear blue sky.]()
Logboat Brewing Company
Inspired by those who came before us. Beer as we all came to know it: Light. Crisp. Delicious. Features a huge park with outdoor seating that's pet and family friendly.
No kitchen but regularly hosts food trucks
Location: Walkable! 504 Fay St
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![Interior of a modern bar with a dark polished counter, hanging woven lamps, and a fully stocked back bar with various bottles of alcohol on shelves. A bartender is preparing drinks, and a digital menu board is visible. There are wooden chairs in the foreground.]()
Irene's
BBQ, Tex-Mex, and cocktails. A beloved local restaurant.
Staff Pick: Chicken Torta
Location: Walkable! 711 N College Ave
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![Interior of a modern restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, a counter with staff, and large windows letting in natural light.]()
Ozark Mountain Biscuit Company
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![A bartender with dreadlocks and glasses is preparing a drink behind a bar with a shelf full of liquor bottles. A woman in a white shirt is sitting at the bar, visible in the foreground.]()
Barred Owl
Local meat and products, cocktails - popular dining destination specializing in high-quality meats.
Staff Pick: Butcher Board
Location: 47 E Broadway
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![Interior of a modern cafe with wooden tables and white chairs, large windows along the right wall, and hanging pendant lights, decorated with plants on wall-mounted shelves.]()
Nourish
Serves organic, locally sourced, nutrient-rich food, cold-pressed juice, superfood smoothies, and healthified desserts.
Location: 1201 E Broadway ste b
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![The exterior of a building with a wood-paneled facade and a clock made from airplane propellers. The sign reads 'FLYOVER'. There are potted plants and firewood outside the entrance, with a shaded area on the right side.]()
Flyover
Family-Style Midwestern Cuisine. Local favorite gathering spot for small plates.
Location: 212 Grn Mdws Rd STE 9
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![Inside of a restaurant with empty tables set with glasses, napkins, and condiments. The walls are decorated with paintings and wall sconces, and the floor has a decorative tile border.]()
Sycamore
American cuisine, wine, and cocktails - perfect for a refined dining experience.
Staff Pick: Patchwork Pork Loin
Location: 800 E Broadway
FlatBranch
Pizza, beer, and burgers - great for groups. Staff Pick: Veggie Burger
Le Bao
Ramen and steamed buns for those craving Asian cuisine. Staff Pick: Spicy Chicken Ramen
Room 38
Pizza and cocktails in an upscale setting. Staff Pick: Lobster Mac
Cafe Berlin
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Staff Pick: The Starving Artist
Additional Local Favorites
Broadway Brewery
Local craft brewery with excellent food pairings. Staff Pick: Pretzels & Beer Cheese
Shakespeare's Pizza
Columbia institution known for pizza, beer, and salads. Staff Pick: Panda's Pepper
Addison's
Nachos, pizza, and beer in a casual atmosphere. Staff Pick: Italian Nachos
44 Canteen
Tacos, burgers, and beer with a laid-back vibe. Staff Pick: Fish Tacos, Nachos
Coffee Culture
Columbia has an excellent coffee scene to fuel your workshop days:
Wynnsome Cake and Teahouse.
owned by Hoot employee, Will Schuchardt, and his wife Emma
Shortwave Coffee Artisan coffee shop.
Staff Pick: Mint Mayday
Acola Coffee Local roaster with specialty drinks.
Staff Pick: Sweet Cinnamon Latte
Fretboard Coffee Musician-themed coffee house.
Staff Pick: Dirty Chai
Sage
Staff Pick: Croissant
What Else You Should Know
Getting Around Columbia
Walkable Downtown: Our office location puts you within walking distance of most downtown attractions, restaurants, and shops
Rideshare & Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate in Columbia
Parking: Street parking and public lots available downtown
MKT Trail: Great for jogging or cycling
Weather Considerations
Columbia features hot, humid summers with temperatures typically around 30°C (86°F) and mild to cool winters. Pack accordingly for the season of your visit.
Local Culture
Columbia is a vibrant college town with a rich arts scene, excellent local music venues, and a strong sense of community. You'll find 7 state parks within a 15-minute drive if you want to explore Missouri's natural beauty.
University Town Energy
Home to the University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia has that energetic college town vibe with great restaurants staying open late, live music venues, and a walkable downtown district.
Ready to transform?
Your Brand Being is about to emerge. Trust the process, embrace the journey, and prepare to see yourself—and your business—in a completely new light.
Questions? Reach out to us at hi@hootdesigncompany.com
We're here to support you every step of the way.
Conner Herman, Percy
“The most profound professional experience I’ve ever had.”
Steve Schnarr, Missouri River Relief
“I’ve worked through many branding exercises and I’ve never had anyone come close to what you’ve done today.”
