Matt Grogan. Brand leader, writer, and founder of Elevation Design Co. I help companies build across all four pillars of brand leadership — product, economics, positioning, and people. Balance beats brilliance.
Great brands aren't built on one genius stroke. They're built across four pillars, held in balance.
I work at the intersection of brand strategy, creative direction, marketing, and business leadership—which is a rare combination. Most organizations struggle not because they lack talent or resources, but because they lack clarity and alignment.
My background allows me to bridge those gaps. I understand how brands are built visually, how they perform strategically, and how teams need to align internally to execute effectively.
I help organizations define their direction, communicate it clearly, and build systems that support sustainable growth. I also run Elevation Design Co., a studio that handles brand execution—so when we define strategy, I can ensure it’s built and implemented correctly.
I’m currently focused on stepping into organizations as a brand and strategy leader—helping drive clarity, alignment, and long-term growth.
Creative + Design
With my education and experience in Graphic Design, I have a strong understanding of visual communication and aesthetics. I use design thinking principles to create impactful brand identities that are visually appealing and meaningful. By combining creativity and strategic thinking, I help your brand stand out and connect with your target audience.
Communications + Marketing
With my Master’s in Marketing Communications, I can develop effective marketing strategies that increase your brand’s visibility and impact. I know how to combine branding and marketing plans to maximize exposure and attract the right audience. By using strategic marketing techniques, I ensure that your brand message reaches the right audience, driving engagement and conversions.
Business + Strategy
With a background in Business Management and Finance, I have the expertise to develop brand strategies that align with your business objectives. I consider market trends, consumer preferences, and financial implications to create brand identities that drive results. By focusing on the intersection of business and branding, I help businesses build profitable brands.
Leadership + Management
With 12 years of military service, along with experience as a business leader, I have a strong ability to lead people under pressure and adapt to demanding environments. I know how to build effective teams, guide them toward shared goals, and manage budgets/programs with discipline and accountability. I have a steady leadership style that balances strategy, execution, and results.
A career that looks accidental in hindsight and deliberate from the inside.
2015 - Present
Creative + Design
Comm + Marketing
Business + Strategy
Leadership + Management
Elevation Design Co.
Night & Gale
As a Business Owner and Brand Consultant, I shape distinctive identities from the ground up, guiding strategy, design, and experience to build brands that connect, stand out, and endure.
2019 - 2024
Creative + Design
Comm + Marketing
Business + Strategy
Leadership + Management
S&T Telecom
S&T Communications
As Chief Marketing Officer, I led the company’s brand transformation, built the marketing function from the ground up, and drove growth through strategic rebranding, acquisition integration, and market expansion.
2015 - 2017
Creative + Design
Business + Strategy
Atlas Advertising
As an Art Director at Atlas, I inspired clients and teams through thoughtful creative leadership while consistently delivering polished, high-quality work on time.
2013 - 2015
Comm + Marketing
Business + Strategy
Medicus
A results-driven recruiter with strong sales acumen, clear communication skills, and a tireless work ethic, I built trusted physician relationships and matched the right talent to the right opportunities.
2004 - 2013, 2024 - 2027
Business + Strategy
Leadership + Management
United States Marine Corps
United States Air Force
Completed four deployments, including three in combat zones, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Operation Epic Fury (Iran). Led troops in demanding conditions and developed strong organizational management, operational discipline, and personal leadership skills under pressure.
Four pillars. One cadence.
01 - Creative
Design with a thesis
I treat design as communication. Every mark earns its place by making the argument clearer.
02 - Strategy
Economics first
Margin and pricing are brand decisions. I make them before the logo.
03 - Marketing
Positioning as discipline
Sharp positioning does more work than any campaign. I start there and come back to it.
04 - Leadership
Clarity and cadence
Teams drift without clarity. I build the rhythms that keep everyone aimed at the same objective.
If You're Here Because...
You're hiring for a brand leadership role
I’m open to VP and Director-level roles. Here’s my CV and the work.
You're inviting me to speak
Keynotes, workshops, and classroom sessions on brand leadership.
You're considering the studio
Elevation Design Co. takes a handful of engagements a year.
When I'm Off the Clock
Colorado raised, I’m grounded by the mountains, fresh air, and time outside, whether that’s a long ride on my mountain bike, a day on a snowboard, or a quiet beer with a view. My family is the center of my life. My wife and I have been married for 14 years, we’re raising our daughter, and we share life with two dogs. We moved to the high plains a couple hours from Denver to give our family room to grow, and we love spontaneous trips that remind us to stay curious and connected.
I’m motivated by service, craft, and purpose. I’ve completed four deployments with the Marine Corps & Air Force, which shaped how I show up: steady under pressure, committed to the team, and focused on doing work that matters. I’m energized by veteran issues, the outdoors, and great design in all forms, from art and architecture to interiors. Formal design training helped sharpen my perspective, and I bring that same eye, discipline, and intention to the work I take on.