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What Type of Brand Are You? (And Why the Distinction Matters)

Business
Karen, a blonde woman, holds a phone while talking to Jen, a redhead in a black top, standing in front of a brick wall.
Not all brands are created equal — and understanding what kind of brand you’re working with can make or break your creative strategy. In this case study episode, Jen breaks down the four key brand types Redhead often encounters in their work and explains how each one calls for a distinct approach when it comes to identity, storytelling, and long-term planning. Whether you're launching something new or thinking about a rebrand, knowing what kind of brand you're building helps you make better, smarter choices.

Every brand has its own unique challenges — but not every brand should be approached the same way. In this episode, Jen shares four brand categories she and her team at Redhead work with most often: corporate, place-based, boutique, and entrepreneurial. From the layers of stakeholder input in corporate branding to the emotional nuance of placemaking, we break down how each type calls for a tailored approach to strategy, voice, and visual identity.

We talk about how understanding your brand’s category can help you choose the right creative partner, avoid costly missteps, and ultimately build something that resonates with the people who matter most — whether that’s leadership, customers, peers, or influencers. Inspired by Redhead’s blog post “The 4 Types of Brands We Build (and Why the Distinction Matters)”, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of brand strategy or rebranding.

El Pepino

El Pepino

Tequila
A tequila cocktail in a glass with a Tajín-rimmed edge, garnished with cucumber slices, placed on a wooden surface with lime wedges nearby.
El Pepino is a spicy, garden-fresh tequila cocktail that packs just the right kick. Muddled cucumber and jalapeño bring a crisp brightness and heat, balanced with fresh lime and sweet agave. It’s shaken cold and served over ice in a Tajín-rimmed glass — perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon when you want something refreshing with a little attitude.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4-inch wheels cucumber
  • 2 1/4-inch wheels fresh jalapeño
  • 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila
  • 3/4 oz agave syrup
  • 1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • Garnish: Chili-salt (or Tajín) rim + cucumber slice

Preparation

  1. Add cucumber, jalapeño, and tequila to a shaker and muddle for 10 seconds.
  2. Add agave syrup and lime juice, then fill shaker with ice.
  3. Shake for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Double-strain into a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

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