Montana Home Away offers more than just vacation rentals—they provide immersive, welcoming experiences nestled in the heart of Western Montana. With a focus on comfort, convenience, and nature-inspired relaxation, their properties are designed for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a true Montana escape.

When they partnered with Ape Forge, their goal was clear: create a brand that feels trustworthy, cozy, and local—then build a website that makes booking easy and inviting. We delivered a complete branding suite and custom-built website that captured the spirit of Montana hospitality and helped them stand out in the vacation rental market.

Discovery & Strategy
We began our process with a deep dive into what made Montana Home Away special. This wasn’t a faceless rental agency—it was a locally owned business, built on hospitality, with handpicked homes designed for comfort and connection. Our discovery revealed the brand needed to communicate:

• Warmth and approachability: It’s about feeling at home, even away from home.
• A sense of place: Montana’s landscapes are a selling point. The brand should reflect that.
• Professional polish: While it should feel personal, it also needed to instill trust for out-of-state and first-time guests.

Visual Direction & Concepting
We explored several logo directions—from scenic mountain landscapes to abstract icons of keys, cabins, and trails. The final concept merged the best of both worlds: a clean and memorable logo that blends nature and comfort.

• The icon we developed includes a subtle roofline and mountain silhouette, representing both “home” and “Montana” in one clean visual.
• The typeface was chosen for its modern simplicity with just enough rustic charm—balanced, legible, and timeless.
• The design works both with and without the icon, creating flexibility for signage, digital use, and print.

Western Tile came to Ape Forge looking for a refreshed identity that matched the quality and reliability of their flooring services. As a licensed and insured business providing both materials and labor for residential and commercial properties, Western Tile needed a professional visual presence that would convey trust, craftsmanship, and a modern edge. Our team delivered a complete brand solution—starting with a custom logo and finishing with a new, responsive website.

Discovery & Direction
Before we ever opened our design tools, we started with a deep dive into the Western Tile brand. We met with the client to understand their business, target audience, and long-term goals. Through those conversations, it became clear that their brand needed to reflect:

• Professionalism: They’re seasoned contractors, not weekend warriors.
• Durability: Their work is built to last, and so should their branding.
• Regional identity: The name “Western Tile” evokes a sense of place, and we wanted to honor that.

We explored competitor logos and gathered visual references to see what resonated in their market—and more importantly, what felt overused or stale. This phase helped us identify opportunities to differentiate their brand.

Since launching the new brand and website, Western Tile has a visual identity that matches the quality of their work. The logo is clean, professional, and scalable. The website is converting visitors into leads, helping the business grow their presence in a competitive regional market. This project was a perfect example of how Ape Forge approaches design—from research and discovery, to design execution and digital rollout. ​

When Gwen Frostic, a renowned boutique printmaking studio and shop, sought to enhance their online presence, they turned to Ape Forge through our collaboration as a Square Agency Partner. As part of our ongoing partnership with Square, we help businesses like Gwen Frostic seamlessly integrate their POS system with a custom-built website that reflects their brand values and operational needs.

www.gwenfrostic.comwww.gwenfrostic.comSince the website launch, Gwen Frostic has experienced:

• Seamless Operations: The integration with Square’s POS system has significantly reduced manual inventory work, saving time and improving accuracy.
• Increased Sales: A user-friendly online store has expanded their customer base beyond local buyers, with more orders coming in from across the country.
• Team Independence: With training and resources, the Gwen Frostic team can manage their website efficiently, making updates and changes as their business evolves.

Ape Forge’s collaboration with Gwen Frostic exemplifies the power of combining thoughtful design with practical functionality. By rebuilding their website and empowering their team, we helped preserve the legacy of Gwen Frostic’s artistry while equipping them for future growth. Visit www.gwenfrostic.com to see the work we did on this wonderful website and to learn more about Gwen Frostic Prints.

If you’re looking for a partner to help you build a website that integrates with your business tools and reflects your brand’s unique story, Ape Forge is here to help. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

With the website successfully revamped, our focus shifted back to social media. For several years, Ape Forge managed ABC Movers’ platforms, driving engagement and connecting with local audiences. This strategy not only built awareness but also established ABC Movers as a trusted name in the Toledo area.

Our philosophy at Ape Forge centers on empowerment, so we implemented our “teach a man to fish” approach. We trained Rick’s team to manage social media in-house, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to maintain the momentum we had built. This transition allowed ABC Movers to continue growing its presence independently while still knowing Ape Forge was just a call away for creative support.

When Tree City Catering approached Ape Forge, their objective was to revitalize their online presence through a new website and improved digital strategies. As Toledo’s premier full-service catering solution, specializing in upscale catering and professional serving staff, they sought a digital platform that mirrored their commitment to excellence.

Focusing on user experience and aesthetic appeal, we designed a website that:

• Showcases Services: Detailed pages were created to outline their catering services, including food and beverage options, staffing and service details, and logistics and equipment information.
• Highlights Menus: We developed sections to feature their customizable menus, ranging from breakfast options to wedding packages, emphasizing their ability to cater to various event themes and dietary requirements.
• Incorporates Visuals: High-quality images were integrated to reflect the elegance and sophistication of their events, providing potential clients with a visual taste of what to expect.
• Facilitates Engagement: Clear calls-to-action, such as ‘Get a Quote’ and ‘Contact Us,’ were strategically placed to encourage user interaction and inquiries.

In addition to the website, we also found some inconsistencies in the marketing materials Tree City Catering made. Ape Forge helped us fix those issues by making the logo look better, creating a consistent color scheme, and even setting up the company’s Canva account so everything looks the same.

Our partnership with Henderson Settlement began in 2015, even before Ape Forge was formally established. Inspired by their dedication to serving underprivileged communities in the Appalachian region, we donated our expertise to build a digital system that empowers their work and continues to support their outreach. Over the years, this collaboration has grown to include innovative solutions like an e-commerce platform that supports their mission in new and impactful ways.

As a nonprofit organization, Henderson Settlement required a website that could:

• Communicate their mission clearly to donors and volunteers.
• Streamline event promotion and program registration.
• Enable the team to manage content and updates independently.
• Support new revenue streams to fund mission work and provide opportunities for the local community.

At the same time, they wanted the confidence to handle day-to-day website tasks while knowing expert help was just a call away when needed.

Working closely with Henderson Settlement’s leadership team, we designed a robust and user-friendly platform that reflected their values and met their operational needs.

1. Building a Strong Digital Presence

• Mission-Centric Design: We developed a website that put Henderson Settlement’s story front and center, highlighting their programs, community impact, and ways to get involved.
• Dynamic Features: From an easy-to-navigate donation portal to program registration forms, we built tools that made it simple for supporters to engage.
• Team-Friendly Management: We created a system that their staff could update with minimal training, enabling them to keep the website current and engaging.

2. Empowering the Team
Our collaboration didn’t end with the website launch. We worked closely with the Henderson Settlement team to ensure they felt confident managing their new platform. This included:

• Training sessions on adding and updating content.
• Guidance on best practices for keeping their audience informed and engaged.

3. Expanding with E-Commerce
In 2023, Henderson Settlement launched their online craft store using the e-commerce functionality built into their website. This initiative serves a dual purpose:

• Fundraising for Mission Work: Proceeds from the craft store directly support Henderson Settlement’s programs, allowing them to expand their outreach and impact.
• Empowering Local Artisans: The store provides an opportunity for local residents to produce and sell handmade goods, creating economic opportunities within the community.

​This addition has been a significant milestone in their digital journey, showcasing how the website can adapt and grow to meet new goals.

In today’s competitive business environment, standing out from the crowd is crucial for success. Your brand speaks volumes about your business and its values, which is why effective branding is essential. At Ape Forge, we're passionate about helping businesses create a powerful and memorable brand identity. One of our recent and highly rewarding projects involved collaborating with Waters Cleaning, and it's a story worth sharing.

Understanding the Vision

Waters Cleaning, a professional cleaning service based in Toledo, Ohio, approached us with a clear, yet challenging mission: they wanted to refresh their branding to better reflect their core values of reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail. As a company dedicated to providing pristine cleaning services, the Waters Cleaning team knew that first impressions start long before the actual service is delivered. Their visual identity needed to communicate trustworthiness and excellence right from the start.

The Branding Journey

• Discovery Phase: Our branding journey commenced with a deep dive into understanding Waters Cleaning’s ethos, clientele, and market position. Engaging in detailed discussions with their team, we aimed to capture the essence of their brand and the unique value they offer their clients.
• Conceptualization: Next, our design team at Ape Forge embarked on the conceptual phase, brainstorming and sketching out various ideas that encapsulated the company’s spirit. We understood that the visual components needed to be clean, straightforward, and impactful—much like Waters Cleaning’s services.
• Business Card Design: One of the pivotal aspects of our project was the design of their business cards. Business cards are often the first tangible impression potential clients have of a company, and in the case of Waters Cleaning, they had to instantly communicate professionalism and trust.
  
  * We started with the logo: A symbol combining elements of freshness and cleanliness.
  * Color Palette: We chose soothing blues and crisp whites to symbolize purity and reliability.
  * Typography: Clean, modern, and easy to read fonts that conveyed a sense of professionalism.
  
  The end result was a business card design that not only looked elegant but also effectively communicated the brand values and left a lasting impression on clients.

Implementation and Beyond
Once the designs were finalized, we proceeded to print high-quality business cards that Waters Cleaning proudly distributed among their clients and prospects. Furthermore, we provided them with a cohesive brand guideline document to ensure consistency across all their marketing materials, from digital assets to physical collateral.

A Partnership for Growth
Working with Waters Cleaning has been a gratifying experience for the Ape Forge team. Their dedication to excellence aligns perfectly with our own commitment to producing creative solutions that drive success. This partnership highlights how thoughtful branding can significantly impact a business’s growth and client relationships.

In today’s visually-driven world, your brand is more than just a logo or a set of colors—it’s an experience and a promise to your customers. By understanding and reflecting the true essence of Waters Cleaning, Ape Forge has helped them craft a visual identity that resonates with their audience and stands the test of time.

Ready to transform your brand?
​Contact us at Ape Forge and let’s create something extraordinary together.

At Ape Forge, we take pride in our role as creative catalysts, transforming brands and bringing visions to life. One of our standout partnerships has been with First Priority Restoration, a company dedicated to providing top-notch restoration services. Through our collaboration, we've offered them our expertise in graphic design, social media management, and digital marketing. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we’ve supported First Priority Restoration in their journey toward achieving aesthetic excellence and digital prominence.

Graphic Design: Crafting Clear and Compelling Visuals

• Review Cards: First impressions matter, and for a company like First Priority Restoration that thrives on client satisfaction, review cards play a crucial role. We helped design visually appealing review cards that not only capture feedback efficiently but also promote a sense of trust and professionalism.
• Contracts: A clean, concise, and professional-looking contract is vital for any business transaction. We provided First Priority with well-designed contract templates that ensure clarity of terms and project a positive image of the company from the get-go.
• Advertisements and Flyers: To reach a broader audience, effective advertising is key. We've created diverse advertising materials ranging from digital banners to traditional flyers. Our designs accentuate First Priority Restoration’s unique selling points, ensuring they stand out in a competitive market.
• Presentations: Presentations are fundamental when pitching to new clients or providing updates to stakeholders. We crafted sleek, informative, and visually engaging presentation materials to help First Priority Restoration communicate their offerings and achievements effectively.
• Elevating Social Media Presence: In today's digital age, a robust social media presence is indispensable. Our collaboration with First Priority Restoration in this realm has centered on ensuring their brand voice is consistent and engaging across all platforms.
• Content Creation: We developed a range of content including graphics, videos, and blog posts tailored to their audience. This content serves to keep followers informed about service offerings, share tips related to restoration, and highlight customer testimonials.
• Strategy Development: A well-thought-out social media strategy can significantly amplify a brand’s reach. We analyzed market trends, audience behavior, and competitor tactics to design a comprehensive strategy aimed at increasing engagement and driving conversions.
• Community Management: Effective engagement is fundamental to building a loyal customer base. We've supported First Priority Restoration by handling their community management—responding to comments, direct messages, and reviews in a timely and professional manner to enhance customer satisfaction and improve brand reputation.
• Digital Marketing: Driving Online Growth: To supplement our design and social media efforts, our digital marketing services have focused on creating an omnichannel approach that maximizes First Priority Restoration’s online visibility.
• SEO and Content Marketing: By optimizing First Priority Restoration’s website content with relevant keywords and creating compelling blog posts, we’ve helped improve their search engine rankings. Higher visibility means more potential clients discovering their services.
• Paid Advertising: Our expertise in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and social media ads has driven high-quality traffic to First Priority Restoration’s website. We’ve created targeted campaigns based on thorough market research, ensuring that every ad dollar spent yields maximum ROI.
• Email Marketing: To maintain ongoing communication with current and potential clients, we crafted email marketing campaigns featuring newsletters, promotional offers, and updates. These campaigns were designed to nurture leads and keep the audience informed about the latest developments within the company.

The collaboration between Ape Forge and First Priority Restoration serves as a testament to the transformative power of creative and digital marketing services. By focusing on tailored graphic design, robust social media strategies, and comprehensive digital marketing, we’ve helped them carve out a more compelling and engaging presence both online and offline.

At Ape Forge, we believe in making our clients’ success stories our own. Working with First Priority Restoration has been a rewarding experience, and we look forward to continuing to support their growth and success in the future. If you’re looking for a creative agency that can elevate your brand through impeccable design and digital marketing strategies, look no further than Ape Forge. We're here to forge the path to your success.​

January - February 2023 Newsletter Cover

Wild Ride is an app designed to make it easy and convenient to get around Toledo, Ohio. With Wild Ride, users can call for a ride with a electric car from any location in the city. Simply open the app, select your destination and a nearby electric car will be dispatched to pick you up. Plus, Wild Ride allows special pickups from Wild Side Downtown - just select the "Pickup from Wild Side" option to get started. Wild Ride takes the hassle out of getting around and provides an eco-friendly ride with zero emissions. Give it a try and experience the convenience of Wild Ride today!

Ape Forge was approached by Wild Side Brewery - Downtown to create an app and accompanying marketing materials to help promote their business, as well as design and develop an accompanying website. After taking on the task, Ape Forge efficiently created the desired app, marketing collateral, and website to ultimately help Wild Side Brewery - Downtown reach a broader audience and increase engagement.

You can download this app for iOS and Android devices, along with the web app version. Visit www.wildride.app to learn more.

The Bier & Cheese Collective is an iconic Astoria, New York-based business that underwent an exciting rebranding project. Ape Forge had the honor of helping Rick and his team every step of the way, from crafting the perfect logo to creating the perfect brand assets.

​Taking the necessary time to honor Astoria Bier & Cheese's legacy and create something new and fresh was of utmost importance throughout this process. Visit their stunning website, designed on the Square Online platform, by clicking www.bierandcheese.com.