Meet Reid Holmes

Brand Igniter

I help brand marketers increase their marketing ROI. Not by asking people to care about you, but by proving you care about them.

I’m an award-winning creative director and speaker, best-selling author, and the guy brands turn to when they can no longer afford to blend in.

Why I Do What I Do (And Why It Matters)

Some kids grow up wanting to be astronauts or rock stars.

I grew up wondering why people liked Coke more than Pepsi. Fast forward a few decades, and I’m still asking those kinds of questions—only now, I get paid to answer them.

I’m Reid Holmes, a brand strategist, creative director, author and the chief instigator of a new way for brands to break through called Appreciated Branding. It’s about getting noticed by igniting appreciation, not more wasteful interruption.

And after three decades in this industry—working with brands like H&R Block, Coca-Cola, and Mayo Clinic—I’ve seen firsthand that when you do things that matter, people care – and sales follow.

Along the way, I’ve worked with some amazing creative teams, taken brands from overlooked to unignored, and had a lot of fun. But what drives me today is the proven power of proactivity to help brands reignite their relevance—not by spending more, but by spending less to get noticed and appreciated.

The Philosophy Behind

Appreciated Branding

Getting new customers through pure interruption is getting more expensive every day. Appreciated Branding flips the script. The process helps brands genuinely earn their audience’s attention by earning emotional appreciation.

This means more effective advertising all around because you’ve inspired people to care about you and notice your message.

How We Make It Happen

Every brand performs better when it’s providing signal, not noise.

I have a team at the ready to help you go from ignored to irreplaceable. Here’s my three-step remedy for creating strong, memorable brands that command higher profit margins:

Digging for Gold

I start by digging deep into each brand’s story to find the good stuff—the things that deserve the spotlight.

Telling Stories that Stick

With over 600 TV commercials and countless campaigns under my belt, I know how to turn those insights into stories people want to share.

Building a Brand with Meaning

This isn’t just about “purpose” driven-marketing. And it’s not just about social good. It’s about more – building something that makes you, your customers, and your company more valuable, more connected, and more profitable.

Ready to make your brand appreciated?

See My Work

(Spoiler alert: these brands went from bland to grand.)

Recognition and Awards

Proof That Doing Things Differently Pays Off

One Show Pencil – Silver
Communications Arts Advertising Annual
Telly Awards – Gold
American Advertising Awards
Addy Awards – National
Addy Awards – Gold, Silver, Bronze (Chicago, Detroit)
Jay Chiat Planning Awards
Minnesota AdFed PushPin – Gold, Silver, and Bronze
Cannes Lions
Effie Awards – Silver

By the Numbers

Because what’s an About Page without a few fun stats?

Million

New customers generated for H&R Block.

TV commercials written or filmed.

Billion+

In media exposure budgets overseen for clients

Continents where I’ve wowed audiences with a mic and a message.

Let’s Reignite Your Brand

(Come on, we both know it’s time.)

Un-Boring Talks To Build

Unignorable Brands

Your audience deserves more than just another marketing talk. My humor, insights, and no-fluff advice turn stale strategies into unforgettable and immediately implementable brand lessons.

After 30+ years with top brands like Coca-Cola and H&R Block, I’m here to challenge, entertain, and inspire.

Invite Reid to Speak

(Get ready for rave reviews and happy audiences.)

The Official Bio

Reid Holmes is an award-winning creative director, best-selling author, and awarded speaker. He believes in making brands unforgettable, more impactful, and those who guide it more successful. With over 30 years of experience in branding and creative strategy, he’s worked with some of the world’s most iconic brands to bring their stories to life and build meaningful connections with audiences. His approach, Appreciated Branding, is all about proactively solving bigger problems that earn positive meaning and connection so communication messages are appreciated, not ignored.

Throughout his career, Reid has led teams, managed high-stakes campaigns, and developed award-winning work across every medium—from TV to digital. His work has been recognized by the Effies, Communication Arts, The One Show, and Cannes Lions. Reid is driven by his love for curiosity and storytelling, always aiming to help brands—and the people behind them—connect, inspire, and evolve.