Business Details
16 Years
experience
Strategic Communications & Branding Experts in Chicago
Dixonjames Communications is a Chicago-based independent marketing communications firm that delivers growth communications to accelerate business success. Founded in 2010 by Jim Heininger, a seasoned marketing communications expert with over 30 years of experience, we specialize in strategic communications, branding, change management, and crisis management. Our team of seasoned professionals brings big-agency expertise to small and mid-sized businesses, offering tailored solutions that drive transformation and growth. We focus on building corporate reputations, aligning employees, engaging stakeholders, and crafting compelling narratives that enhance brand value. Our proprietary methodologies in change management and rebranding have successfully supported organizations across diverse industries, including food service, financial services, technology, and nonprofit sectors.We combine creative strategy with actionable insights to help clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in an evolving marketplace. Our crisis management services emphasize proactive planning, mitigating risks, and safeguarding reputations through comprehensive preparedness. As a certified PROSCI change management firm, we leverage decades of experience to market change effectively, addressing cultural dynamics that influence organizational success. Our client-centric approach ensures cost-efficient, results-oriented solutions that align with business objectives while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. We are committed to delivering measurable outcomes that enhance competitive advantage and foster long-term client relationships.
Services
Strategic Communications
Branding
Change Management
Crisis Management
Nonprofit Support
Media Relations
Rebranding
Executive Positioning
Digital Marketing
Employer Branding
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in strategic communications and rebranding.
- Our team combines big-agency expertise with personalized, cost-efficient service.
- We are PROSCI Certified change management practitioners.
- We deliver tailored strategies aligned with unique business cultures and goals.
- Our crisis management planning saves clients $7 in losses for every $1 invested.
Associations and certifications
- PROSCI Certified
- Association of Change Management Professionals
What people say
Transformational work
Ideal positioning
Leaders in their industry
Fresh perspective
Successful crisis management
Services
Strategic Communications
We develop integrated communication strategies that align organizational goals with stakeholder expectations. Our approach combines media relations, thought leadership, and digital marketing to build reputations and drive business transformation. Services include executive positioning, content marketing, and employee engagement programs tailored to B2B and B2C markets.
Change Management
Our PROSCI-certified consultants implement tailored change strategies that address cultural, structural, and operational challenges. We focus on stakeholder engagement, leadership development, and communication frameworks to ensure successful implementation of business transformations, mergers, and system implementations across multiple industries.
Crisis Management
We provide comprehensive crisis preparedness and response solutions including risk assessments, plan development, and media training. Our services help organizations mitigate reputational damage through proactive planning, with a focus on vulnerabilities assessment and real-time crisis communications support.
Branding Services
Our branding experts create market-differentiating identities through research-driven positioning and visual design. Services include brand development, rebranding initiatives, employer branding, and digital marketing strategies that enhance brand equity and market relevance for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit Support
We offer strategic communications, branding, and board development services specifically tailored to nonprofit organizations. Our expertise includes campaign development, governance consulting, and rebranding initiatives that help mission-driven organizations increase impact and stakeholder engagement.
People
Jim Heininger
Founder | Principal
With 30+ years in marketing communications, Jim founded Dixon|James in 2010 after leadership roles at Ogilvy and Ketchum. He specializes in brand marketing and change management, having worked with McDonald's, Wendy's, and Procter & Gamble.
Lauren Timen
Media Relations Lead
Specializes in strategic media outreach and public relations, leveraging extensive experience in crafting compelling narratives that enhance corporate reputations and stakeholder engagement.
Curt Hamilton
Design Lead
Creative director focused on visual identity and digital design, bringing expertise in brand development and user experience for both traditional and digital media platforms.
Wendy Love
Research Lead
Strategic insights specialist conducting market research and audience analysis to inform data-driven communications strategies and brand positioning initiatives.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We work with clients in food/beverage, retail, financial services, tech, professional services, and nonprofit sectors.
How do you approach change management?
We use PROSCI-certified methodologies and proprietary assessments to create tailored strategies that address cultural dynamics and organizational readiness.
What crisis management services do you offer?
We provide vulnerabilities assessments, crisis plan development, spokesperson training, and on-site counsel during active crises.
Can you help with nonprofit organizations?
Yes, we specialize in strategic planning, branding, and board development for mission-focused organizations.
What makes your rebranding services unique?
Our team spun off a dedicated rebranding agency with proven success in transforming brand perception and market relevance.
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