Every December, we do something that has become one of our favorite traditions at Design Theory: we call every single one of our clients.
Not to sell. Not to upsell. Not to pitch the next big thing.
We call to listen.
We want to hear how their year went. What milestones they reached. What challenges they overcame. And most importantly, how we can continue to support them as they step into a new year.
This year, those conversations were nothing short of inspiring. Our clients showed up in ways that reminded us exactly why we love what we do. Here are just a few of their stories.
“My Confidence Has Grown from 25% to 1000%”
When Stephanie Leandre answered our call, she was in the middle of notarizing a document for one of her clients at Simply Noble Services, where she provides financial services like budgeting, planning, and notary services.
But she took the time to reflect on her year with us anyway. And what she shared stopped us in our tracks.
“Oh my gosh. What can I not say about Design Theory? Let me tell you, Nicole has challenged me throughout the whole year, she has shaped me in different ways business wise.”
Stephanie joined us for in-person and virtual classes, participated in our Vision & Victory sessions, and took the Zero to 2K Challenge not once, but twice. The second time around, she made two sales that led to more exposure and referrals for her financial services.
But the transformation wasn’t just about revenue.
It was about what she accomplished along the way:
- Got her business trademarked (something she never thought she’d do)
- Joined the Better Business Bureau and earned an A+ rating
- Created her first free e-book after attending a GHACC event where Nicole presented on AI
- Built a quiz for her clients to discover their personal finance spending persona
But perhaps the most powerful shift?
“Fear kept me from doing things,” she told us. “Between in person and virtual classes and the zero to 2k challenge, I did 2 with her, the second one I was able to make 2 sales from it, which then helped me to have more exposure in my services that I offer and people referred me to other people.”
And then she said something that hit us right in the heart:
“My confidence, I can honestly say, has grown from 25% to 1000%. I feel confident speaking with people, approaching businesses, building B2B relationships.”
When we asked her what made the difference, she shared this:
“Nicole said, ‘just be you. You are the face of your business. Speak normally, it is relatable.’ She said there is a different way to get the message out, can be authentic.”
By the end of the call, Stephanie asked herself a question that every entrepreneur should be asking:
“At this point, what can I not do?”
When a client goes from being held back by fear to asking themselves what’s not possible… that’s the kind of transformation that reminds us why we started Design Theory in the first place.
“We Are Working with the Department of Education”
LaChena Clark runs Sudsy Water, two laundromats and dry cleaning service locations in New York City. When we called to check in on her year, she had news that made us want to jump through the phone and celebrate with her.
“We are working now with the Department of Education, which is a huge milestone for us. Also with the City of New York Department of Homeless Services. We have been busy.”
Landing government contracts isn’t just a big deal—it’s a massive deal.
It requires credibility. Clear messaging. Systems that can support the scale. Processes that communicate professionalism and reliability. And the confidence to compete at that level.
LaChena has built all of that.
She followed up with gratitude that meant the world to us:
“Thank you for all of your assistance and help throughout the year, thank you so much.”
From laundromats serving neighborhoods to partnering with the Department of Education and NYC’s Department of Homeless Services, LaChena’s business is making a real impact. And we’re honored to have been part of that journey.
“I’m a Creative and You Guys Are Gifted at the Other Stuff”
Michael Preacely is an American baritone who captivates audiences with his powerful voice and versatility across opera, Broadway, and contemporary music. He’s been acclaimed for roles in Phantom of the Opera, Tosca, and Porgy and Bess, and has performed on major stages worldwide.
When we spoke with Michael, he was refreshingly honest about where he was struggling and about why he needs Design Theory:
“I am a creative and you guys are gifted at the other stuff. I don’t have time to do all the other stuff. Recent performances, posting to social media. I just did the Grinch, but I’m not capitalizing on that on my end.”
Michael recognizes something that a lot of creatives struggle to admit: being brilliant at your craft doesn’t automatically mean you’re great at the business side.
He knows he should be releasing “Mary Did You Know” at the start of every season because people are playing that song in their homes. He knows he should be posting about his performances. He knows his website is beautiful but not being used.
And he knows he needs help.
“What I really need is to keep me current, without me being current. My issue is, I need to get you the information. Quarterly requests for what he has going on so we can make those content updates. That’s the type of business you have always ran, the connections are always there. That’s why I am still here. I know as I continue to grow it will gain more depth.”
Michael’s preparing for a keynote speaking engagement in February and Design Theory is excited to support him on the journey.
And here’s the beautiful part: he gets it. He understands that the relationship matters. The trust matters. The history matters.
That’s the kind of relationship that goes beyond vendor and client. That’s partnership.
“I Really Appreciate All You Guys Do. You Guys Are Great. I’m a Big Fan.”
Kraig Kann is a former on-air personality on Golf Channel, former Chief Communications Officer of the LPGA, and current Managing Director of Kann Advisory Group and Host on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio.
When we checked in with Kraig about his 2026 plans, he mentioned that his team (Meg and John) have been in conversation with us about putting together a landing page for a boot camp they’re doing for the NBA pre-draft camp.
“As far as putting together a landing page for a boot camp we are doing for NBA pre-draft camp, which will be pretty awesome.”
But it was what Kraig said next that really hit home:
“I really appreciate all you guys do. You guys are great. I’m a big fan. I appreciate you all. I wish you all the best, nothing more important than family. Tell everybody there, Thanks.”
This is what long-term client relationships look like.
Kraig works in the high-profile world of professional sports media and advisory. He could work with anyone. And yet, he keeps coming back to Design Theory.
Why?
Because trust matters. Consistency matters. Quality matters.
And when someone at that level says, “I’m a big fan,” it’s not just a compliment—it’s a testament to the work we do and the relationships we build.
Why We Do This
These calls aren’t just check-ins. They’re reminders.
Reminders that our clients aren’t just names in a CRM. They’re entrepreneurs, creatives, performers, business owners, and changemakers who are out there doing the hard work every single day.
They’re:
- Going from 25% confidence to 1000%
- Landing Department of Education contracts
- Performing on the world’s biggest stages while building their brands
- Working on NBA pre-draft camps
- Getting trademarked
- Earning A+ BBB ratings
- Asking “what can I not do?” instead of “I can’t”
And when they tell us:
“I can’t say enough about Design Theory.” — Stephanie Leandre
“Thank you for all of your assistance and help throughout the year.” — LaChena Clark
“That’s the type of business you have always ran, the connections are always there. That’s why I am still here.” — Michael Preacely
“I’m a big fan. I appreciate you all.” — Kraig Kann
It reminds us why we started Design Theory in the first place.
We don’t just build websites, manage social media, or create marketing campaigns.
We walk alongside people as they build something meaningful. We help them show up with confidence. We give them the tools, the frameworks, and sometimes just the permission to be themselves.
Here’s to 2026
To our clients who made 2025 incredible: thank you.
Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.
From financial planners finding their confidence to laundromat owners landing government contracts, from world-class baritones needing business support to sports media professionals trusting us with high-profile projects—you inspire us every single day.
And to those of you reading this who aren’t clients yet: this is what it looks like to work with Design Theory. We’re not just your vendor. We’re your partner, your cheerleader, and sometimes the voice that says, “just be you.”
If you’re ready to step into 2026 with more confidence, more clarity, and more support, we’d love to talk.
Because at the end of the year, we don’t just want to call you and ask how it went.
We want to celebrate what you’ve built.
Ready to write your own success story in 2026? Schedule a call with our team or join us in the next round of the Zero to 2K Challenge starting in January.
What was your biggest win in 2025? Drop a comment below or tag us on social media—we’d love to celebrate you.
Design Theory reading these testimonials was so inspiring. It is exciting to know that applying the necessary tools for business has elevated confidence, visibility in the marketplace, increased sales and overall great business practices.