Frequently Asked Questions about ThomasBoston
Advertising's Creative & Marketing Services

A. ThomasBoston Advertising is the core business of Thomas Marketing Services Corporation, now in its 21st year. Tom Lanen, its President and Creative Director brings
over 30 years experience as a messaging specialist and brand strategist. A self-proclaimed “determined optimist” with a tenacious energy level, Tom has created and produced thousands of projects in consumer, retail, technical and business-to-business products and services categories. Please see the informal bio. His CV is available upon request. LinkedIn Profile

The practice is located 26 miles west of the Boston, MA, in the town of Hopkinton. The office is right at the starting line of the world-famous Boston Marathon, and about 5 miles from the world headquarters of EMC Corporation. It is easily accessible to all point in New England, off Route 495, one exit South of Route 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike). It is about 45 minutes from Logan Airport in Boston; the Manchester, NH and the Providence, RI airports are each approximately one hour away by automobile. TOP

Q. What does it cost to engage ThomasBoston?

A. We first "ballpark" all projects, which then are are quoted upon agreement to move forward. You'll know what the cost will be, and will have approved it before we start. And there will be no 'cost surprises' when the project has been completed. You pay only for the services and resources you need to boost your top-line, and keep hefty 'agency' retainers and fixed-cost marketing staff off your bottom line.

Be assured we work to client budget parameters, and will make budgets go as far as possible, and the deliverable aligned with its objective.

All outside production company expenses, such as those related to the support of our well-vetted web development firm, are billed directly to the client without typical 'agency' mark-ups. This can save you from 17.65 - 40%, and have a significant impact  TOP

Q. With what kinds of businesses does ThomasBoston work?

A. ThomasBoston works primarily with small business owners and retailers, as well as with mid-market companies. Here’s a listing of some of the companies, brands, and categories in which the firm has worked.

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Q. How does ThomasBoston define a “small business?”

A. While IBM defines companies with under 1000 employees as small, that would likely be a top limit for ThomasBoston. Typically, our independently owned clients range from 2 people to around 300.

We also work with small and mid-market business units and divisions of large corporations. An example of this is Velcro USA Inc., which is a subsidiary of Velcro Industries B. V. Within Velcro USA Inc. there are two primary business groups: the Industrial Division and the Consumer Products Division.

When we started working with Velcro USA in 1990, we first were assigned projects by the Consumer Products Division, which included consolidating their packaged cut-goods and specialty (retail-packaged) product lines. We executed all aspects of this trilingual program (English, French – sold in Quebec and Canada-wide, and Spanish) from new packaging and in-store visual ID systems, to sell sheets. Part of this was to support sell through in prominent retails channels such as Home Depot, Lowe's, and Wal-Mart, each of whom had their own set of branding standards and in-store merchandising requirements. We also worked on the launch of Velcro® brand Toys, and many other innovative products.

We were then introduced to the Industrial Division, and worked with their market managers (Automotive, Medical Products, etc.), and their product managers (High Technology Hook, Laminates, etc.), as well as their Sales staffs, which sell direct to OEMs, as well as through wholesale (stocking distributor) channels. TOP

Q. What's the most important characteristic of a successful client relationship?

A. First and foremost, we’re interested in the “fit” between us and the clients with whom we work. This is basically a communication question: we must mutually assess our ability to communicate effectively, both objectively and subjectively.

The marketing disciplines have become considerably more science- and technology-based with the onset of the Web, measurable return practices, and risk management capabilities. However, there are still many aspects of the business development and creative process that require like-minded intellectual transparency.

The capacity for mutual trust is also a critical factor. TOP

Q. Does the practice require a minimum client spend level?

A. ThomasBoston welcomes the opportunity to discuss the business development and marketing needs of all who inquire about engaging the firm’s services, regardless of initial budget levels. There have been instances when were not able to accommodate potential client budgets, but more often it’s a matter of “fit,” and each party’s mutual best interests. TOP

Q. What happens when someone inquires about ThomasBoston services – what is the process?

A. First up in the business development process is arrange a meeting, either by phone, the Web, or in person. This first meeting is offered at no cost and with no obligation.

Tom Lanen’s primary objective for this meeting is to listen to you, and your initial thoughts about the projects or programs you are considering. Basically, this first meeting is an informal and mutual “fit” assessment meeting. We don’t provide marketing or creative solutions at this juncture, but rather try to get a true snapshot of your situation and the breadth and scope of your initiative. Typically this will include a discussion about company, and the decision makers who will be involved in the program, as well as vendors with whom you have existing relationships.

If it’s mutually agreed that the potential for a good relationship exists, Tom will then prepare a document that outlines the scope of the mutually-determined program, as well as clearly define all associated costs and the contract duration for your review and acceptance.

Once this document has been executed to the satisfaction of all parties, and issues such payments have been agreed upon, the program will proceed according to the terms of the agreement.

Your questions are welcome both before and during the messaging development process. We believe there are no insignificant questions when it comes to the well being of your business. We also believe that creating understanding is the basis for building relationships with clients (and their customers too).

Tom Lanen will provide more information about the development process upon your specific inquiry. TOP

Q. Are long-term agreements required to engage ThomasBoston?

A. No, a long term agreement is not required. While we’ve enjoyed a number of long-time relationships, such as the 17 years we worked with the Velcro companies and the nearly 15 years working on Thermo Scientific legacy brands, the only time requirement relates to that which is needed to successfully achieve mutually agreed upon objectives. Our mission is to make you more successful to the extent it becomes in your best interest to take us with you as you grow. TOP

What of your questions haven’t we answered in ThomasBoston FAQs section? For on-the-spot answers, including cost ranges for any given project type, please call me directly. Or complete the simple Contact Us form, and I'll respond in a timely and complete manner.

Thank you for visiting ThomasBoston.

Tom Lanen | | 800.452.6131 | +1.508.497.8900

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