Howdy!
My name is Ryan Combs. I’m a creatively wired, commercially savvy strategist with a strong vision for the role of brand building in value creation.
Prior to my career, I learned about myself to compete as a college distance runner, then enough about other people to make a humble living playing poker.
Eventually, learned that I don’t know jack about squat, but that I could maybe, just maybe channel some of that competitiveness, deep thinking, and a lifelong passion for design into a career in brand strategy.
So far, so good.
Since joining Rivers Agency as the first member of a brand new strategy team, I’ve formalized our strategy offering and led the development of all internal documentation, processes, and frameworks. In addition, I founded our newsletter, Upstream, which you should see on the right.
Splitting my time between our home office in Chapel Hill, NC, and an outpost in sunny London, England, I’ve helped to win over seven 7 figures in new business, facilitated 4 brand transformations, completed 3 naming projects, and contributed to the launch of 2 new companies. Both biotech, but cool enough, right?
I’ve also spent a hell of a lot of time digging on Reddit, and consequently, a lot less time than I’d spend researching elsewhere. Not always the right approach, sure, but different hats for different cats.
Throughout this time, I’ve been fortunate to pick up a toolkit that includes:
- Mixed-method research — ethnography, category analysis, opportunity-spotting
- Positioning and brand architecture
- Creative brief development and delivery
- Writing and designing slide decks
- Shortening, and shortening, and shortening said slide decks
...and on a more limited level:
- Communications planning
- Product and innovation strategy
If you wanna talk shop, you can always contact me at ryandavidcombs@gmail.com or shoot me a DM on LinkedIn.
Newsletter
Upstream
01
CAMPAIGN STRATEGY
Autobell
02
BRAND IDENTITY / UX strategy
Ribometrix
03
SOCIAL MEDIA