History
Our Church Branding Story
Be Known for Something® Church Branding Company History
Our history starts in 2001, originally as PinPoint Creative, Mark MacDonald established a branding agency after his successful climb in Canadian advertising agencies.
EARLY HISTORY
- Wanting to use his extensive secular business world experience (including Creative Director of one of Eastern Canada’s leading agencies) to work with Pastors and Churches. His heart was to better evangelize the world through effective church communication.
- After working with many churches, national church associations (National Assoc of Church Design Builders, National Assoc of Church Business Administration, The Church Network, National Assoc of Church Facility Managers, etc.), and ministry organizations through the early 2000s, Mark was propelled to the national stage as a Church Communication influencer.
- Mark was asked to write church communication articles for many magazines, blogs, and websites. Over our history, we’ve published over 860 and counting!
- We have always been committed to creative quality. And having fun doing it! That’s why the first year we were open, Mark implemented Ice Cream Fridays. When we regularly celebrate our wins. And look forward to a ministry-packed weekend. Join us, be known for eating ice cream (especially on Friday)! If we’re together on a Friday, we’ll treat!
THE CHURCH NETWORK HALL OF FAME
- In 2017. Mark was inducted into the National Association of Church Business Administrators (NACBA), The Church Network Hall of Fame for Be Known for Something’s significant contribution to the national church. Making history!
RECENTLY
- Be Known for Something became a leader in Church Brand development with the release of Be Known For Something | Reconnect with Community by Revitalizing Your Church’s Reputation which became an Amazon bestseller in Church Leadership and Church Growth. A post-COVID edition was released in Nov 2022.
- After working with the 3000+ Florida Baptist Churches and continuing to influence 1000’s of churches through Mark’s role as Executive Director of the Center for Church Communication, Be Known for Something is creating innovative products better to serve Pastors, Communicators, and Ministry Leaders.
- Over the history of Be Known For Something Church Branding Co. has had dozens of amazing, creative, and talented people working full-time, part-time, and under contract. Kurt, Mindy, Tammy, James, Jenny, Alison, Luke, Kyle, Wesley, Brady, Gena, Eric, Stephanie, Daniel, MacKenzie, Kirk, Jay, Daniel, Soumya, and the list goes on and on… and will continue to grow!
- In 2020, Be Known For Something church branding company was named “Most Influential Church Branding Agency” in North America by Corporate Vision International (Small Business Awards).
- Be Known for Something introduced the Fastest Way to a Church Brand in 2020. The only company or agency offering something similar! This 2 or 3-day retreat became the most sought-after church branding product — we build the brand quickly with the church’s leadership!
- In 2023, Mark MacDonald was asked to speak at 15 national and regional church conferences! We continue to have a national impact on the church!
- 2024: 23 year anniversary! God is good. For the gospel!
— 860 Church Communication Articles published (and counting)
— 80+ podcast guest appearances
— 50,000 social media followers and growing!
— Over 100 in-person Pastor and Ministry Conferences have asked us to keynote, speak, or lead a practical workshop! Interested to have Mark MacDonald at your event? Speaking information here
A National Voice in Church Logo Branding
OUR HISTORY CONTINUES
- The history of Be Known for Something® Church Branding Company continues as we speak and appear at the largest church communication conferences and on many of the popular communication and ministry podcasts. All while launching new products and services to help our clients communicate effectively!
- In the fall of 2023, we continued to streamline our church branding products by releasing a simplified church branding system. 2024 became the biggest year ever for our team. God blessed our history of work!
WE ❤️ OUR CLIENTS
Brady Shearer, CEO
Pro Church Tools
"Be Known for Something is helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift our world has seen in the last 500 years."
Craig Swift, Dir Experience
Perimeter Church
How helpful and insightful! Mark came to do a mystery visit but his team did a great amount of pre-work so he could see through the eyes of our target audience. Mark’s pastoral heart, expertise, love for the church, and humorous way of delivering information were an inspiration!
Jon Carlson, Graphic Designer
Fox River Church, Wisconsin
“… Mark made me feel like a Million Dollars”
Mike Hunter, CCA, Sr Pastor
Midland, Texas
“BeKnownForSomething’s work is relevant and contextual for where and how the church should communicate and inspire in this digital age. His skills are scalable for churches of any size. We all should be listening!”
WFX Expo Attendee
Worship Facilities Expo
“Great speaker, relevant content. Excellent, best speaker of the day!”
Rev. Phill Martin, Deputy CEO
The Church Network (NACBA)
“BeKnownForSomething’s steady leadership and support has developed our new brand and communications that will significantly impact our work in the next century”
Rex Miller, Author, Thought Leader
Mindshift
“Mark delivered more insight and value in one hour than anyone I’ve ever met with or hired. I’ve done these drills many times with marketing folks who make big promises but give you stuff you already know. What makes Mark different is the amount of homework and analysis he did. He found details that I wasn’t even aware of. He was respectfully blunt and gave me positive steps forward. I was both motivated and equipped to begin taking control of my brand.”
Dr. Rick Blackwood, Pastor
Christ Fellowship, Miami FL
“Be Known for Something) can help you get the Word out to others. Mark is a kind and thoughtful person who can be a guiding light for those who just need to broaden the scope of those they wish to serve.”
Kevin J Matthews, Pastor
Hillside Baptist Church
"This is the motherlode, jackpot, unbeatable win for a church staff and board team-read"
Noble S. Mosby, Dir Communications
First Baptist Jonesboro, Atlanta
“By helping us better understand the needs of our community, BeKnownForSomething discovered…ministry solutions that attract and influence our community for Christ”
WFX Expo Attendee
Worship Facilities Expo
“information provided in a lively and relatable way. Loved it! Very useful”
Teaching Pastor, Oregon
Presbyterian Church Client
Your church branding system is the path that helped us break through into our community. With so many churches in our area, we were so ignorable. Our thread has opened doors and discussions. The focus it's given our congregation is worth its weight in gold. Thank you!
Dr. A. Olinger, Sr. Pastor
Waypoint Church Kansas City
We discovered our thread! The retreat process united our team and focus. Best of all? The branding launch Sunday brought in 31 NEW families. Such a great response. We love working with Be Known For Something church branding.
Administrative Lead
Philippines Christian Seminary
You totally changed my thinking and gave me the right path to improve. I absolutely loved our time together! It's hard to keep up with everything you suggest but it's worth every minute.
Dr. Mel Blackaby, Pastor
Jonesboro Baptist Church
"Any church that is intentional about reaching people outside its walls needs the insights offered in this agency and book."
Mike Ricks, Worship Pastor
Callahan First Baptist
"We discovered our thread! Massive community buy-in with people in our community using the thread too! Church attendance has almost doubled in 5 years. Incredible!"
Walker Armstrong, Exec Director
Triad Church Network, NC
“Be Known For Something helped at a key pivot point. We wanted a streamlined, simplified approach and Mark brilliantly facilitated discussion with timely advice to finding our ministry thread. We renamed and got clarity for helping churches “go beyond survival”. We’re now positioned to do enhanced work for years to come!”
Josh Starr, Entrepreneur and Pastor
Pixel Painters, Scarlet Hope, Shopify Audit
“Be Known for Something is the national voice of becoming relevant. Every organization needs this process.
Brian Schwarberg, Lead Pastor
“I buy into working with {Mark and BeKnownForSomething} 100%. They helped change the trajectory of our church in a significant way.”
Zack Langley, Student Pastor
Cookeville First
"I've attended many instructional trainings. The time spent discovering how we can Be Known for Something now tops the list as the most practical and applicable! I was challenged to think outside of the box and wrestle with changes that need to be implemented to grow God's Kingdom. The retreat was WAY MORE than I expected it to be."
Josh King, Dir of Comm
Perimeter Church
"Be Known for Something's mystery visit was invaluable to us. The data, insights, and recommendations shared provided a solid foundation to make some much-needed improvements to our website, messaging, signage, even welcome culture, and more!"
Gary Chapman, Ph.D., Author
The 5 Love Languages
"Pastor or church leader… use this as a study tool for your team, committee, or board. If you are ready to grow, this book will point the way."
Ben Trites, Exec Director
Bayside Camp, Canada
“… their creative process has transformed our marketing and communications”
Denise Craig, CCA
CEO, The Church Network
"Be Known for Something is passionate about finding your unique thread and then communicating it creatively to others. When you're unique, you stand out from the crowd, and Mark shows you how to do that!"
Cathy Hutchison, VP, Marketing
Acoustic Dimensions, Dallas
"…your leadership (has) helped us navigate our hurdles… and allowed us to be effective in making decisions”
Senior Pastor, Texas
SBC Church
I've been to 8 or 9 Southern Baptist Convention annual meetings. Our time together this year? Easily, the most productive time ever at an SBC meeting! I need more of this!
Joe Carbonaro, Exec Director
Kingwood UMC, Houston
“it’s been a fascinating journey of discovery through each and every step of the process. We wholeheartedly recommend them to every church!”
Dr. Rick Blackwood, Pastor
Teaching Pastor, Christ Fellowship (Miami)
"Be Known for Something can elevate a church's focus. Their passion is real for the church."
Dr. James Forsyth, Sr Pastor
Cedar Springs Presbyterian, Knoxville, TN
“Be Known for Something took the time to understand not only our passions but also the people God has called us to reach. Their insights, thread, and strategy that followed have been profoundly helpful to our church.”
Courtney Tucker, Dir Communication
First Baptist Lafayette
"This is a game-changer! Be Known For Something's insights transformed how we communicate, helping us craft a message that truly connects with our community. They didn’t just offer strategy — they genuinely partnered with us to bring our church brand to life."
Kem Meyer, Author
Communication Advocate
"Thankfully, Mark wastes no time talking about the marketing and branding that’s hurting your church. Even better? He moves past the problem fast to get to the good stuff—what to do about it. I didn’t even get through page 15 before grabbing my favorite pen to start taking notes and answering questions. Reading this book is like sitting down with one of your trusted best buds."
Jeff Nelson, Lead Pastor
“Our church is 115 years old. We needed a fresh start. [BeKnownForSomething] pushed us to be clearer in the way we communicate with our community. They patiently worked with us. And we’re delighted with the result. It’s re-energized us as a church.”
Carl Barnhill, Founder Owner
Church Visuals
“Be Known for Something has helped transform our entire ministry! Their expertise in branding and thread identity has been crucial to us. Highly recommend!”
Zachary Young, Discipleship Pastor
CrossRoads Community Church
Mark teaches the underlying concepts of change, the knowledge essential for our ministry's future growth and effectiveness. Beyond grateful for our coaching time together!
Dr. Rob Peters, Sr Pastor
Calvary Baptist Church, NC
“I thank God for Be Known for Something and your work”
Ben Stapley, Exec Pastor
The Life Christian Church
“Be Known for Something knows how to narrow down your brand and help it stand out in a world oversaturated in banal messaging. They have a proven track record over decades of helping organizations and individuals connect to their audience in the profit and non-profit worlds. Need help understanding your core message and finding your core audience? Mark’s your man!”
Jim Wagner, Vice-President
EH Events and Publishing
“Mark has been an essential part of our Conference and Publications. His understanding of church communications is irreplaceable. He has a keen observation of social media and tech trends, and creative marketing”
Senior Pastor, Alabama
Pastor's Conference
Every moment with Be Known For Something is well worth the time. I learn something each time.
WFX Attendee, Ministry Leader
Worship Facilities Expo
“practical application with a good theory. Best presentation of the day! Gave me hope that there is a way to be effective in what I do and make people happy and people actually get info.”
Be Known for Something has helped transform our entire ministry! Their expertise in branding and thread identity has been crucial to us. Highly recommend!
Be Known for Something is passionate about finding your unique thread and then communicating it creatively to others. When you're unique, you stand out from the crowd, and Mark shows you how to do that!
Be Known For Something helped at a key pivot point. We wanted a streamlined, simplified approach and Mark brilliantly facilitated discussion with timely advice to finding our ministry thread. We renamed and got clarity for helping churches "go beyond survival. We're now positioned to do enhanced work for years to COME!
"Be Known for Something took the time to understand not only our passions but also the people God has called us to reach. Their insights, thread, and strategy that followed have been profoundly helpful to our church.
"Mark is a kind and thoughtful person who can be a guiding light for those who are just starting out and for those who just need to broaden the scope of those they wish to serve.
I buy into working with [Mark and BeKnownForSomething) 100%. They helped change the trajectory of our church in a significant way."
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