About
A true brand research and positioning firm, we understand that brands reside in the space between consumers’ ears but are built from within the organization. We believe that a brand that is infused in every aspect of a company is the only way to create an impervious foundation, brand-centric culture and genuine experiences for everyone.
Our Team
Kurt Bartolich
Founder and Brand Expert
Prior to establishing BrandCertain, (formerly GUTS Branding), Kurt spent six years as a senior brand consultant with Magid, the global leader in media and entertainment research. Kurt quickly became the firm's go-to brand and positioning strategist, tackling some of the most challenging assignments like the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Azteca America and spearheading brand development for lottery, utility, healthcare, banking, and food industry clients.
Throughout Kurt's 25-year career, which included stints in advertising and media, he has guided companies in a myriad of industries—retail, healthcare, technology, non-profit, media and more—through brand transformation. He is also a frequent presenter and guest instructor for the Kauffman Foundation's FastTrac program for entrepreneurs and author of the book, You Can't Ride Two Horses With One Ass.
Denise Fensholt
Vice President, Brand Insights
Before joining BrandCertain in 2018, Denise developed her skills in increasingly responsible marketing communications roles for some of the biggest names in Kansas City: Cerner, Sprint and Lockton Companies. If there’s a theme running through her overall career progression, it’s brand experience. In her most recent role at Lockton, Denise lead the 34-person creative services team. In close partnership with the creative director, she helped guide and implement a brand refresh across the organization, reimagining not only the way Lockton presented itself to its audiences, but also how creative services presented itself to the organization.
Denise learned the process of gathering insights through research during her early years at Sprint, planning consumer research that helped business units make key marketing decisions. She had the opportunity to further hone those skills while at Prairie Dog | TCG. As account vice president, she helped healthcare clients uncover brand insights through qualitative and quantitative research. Using those insights as a springboard, she was then responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategic plans and marketing campaigns.
Throughout her career, she also honed her skills as copywriter, idea generator and, maybe most importantly, relentless question-asker. And at BrandCertain, she loves finding the answers to all those questions.
Curated Agency Partners
We're very selective about who we form alliances with. Our curated partners are likeminded thinkers who value research-driven insights, willing to challenge conventional thinking, and excel at executing company strategies and marketing and creative campaigns. If BrandCertain doesn’t make sense for your current needs, we are certain our agency partners will.
