Behind the Brand

A smiling man with glasses, beard, and mustache wearing a black cap and a dark outdoor vest over a blue shirt.

Brendan Buffa

I’m someone who believes the heartbeat of our communities lives in the hands of small business owners.

That belief didn’t come from a classroom or a boardroom. It came from my family. My grandparents and parents worked the kind of jobs that don’t make headlines but keep the world turning: a fruit vendor, a baker, a concrete worker, a local salesman. I saw firsthand how small businesses shape neighborhoods, build trust, and show up for the people around them. It’s that roll-up-your-sleeves mindset that shaped who I am — and exactly who I love working with today.

Before starting Labrador Media Group, I worked as a journalist in Kalamazoo, where I told stories that mattered to real people. That led me into marketing and communications roles where I partnered with senior living communities, hospitals, community-focused banks, and even national brands like the NFL and the country’s largest mortgage lender. Through it all, one thing remained constant: a desire to help people connect with their community through storytelling, creativity, and strategy that actually feels human.

Labrador Media Group is how I bring that mission to life. We help small businesses show up with purpose, grow with intention, and tell their story in a way that feels true to them. If you're the kind of business owner who cares more about impact than ego — you’re exactly who we’re here for.

Founder, Labrador Media Group

Whether you have a specific project in mind or just need a little guidance on where to begin, we’re here to help. Share a few details below, and we’ll be in touch soon to schedule a time to connect. No pressure - just a thoughtful chat about how we can support your vision and help your business grow with purpose.

Let’s start the conversation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We specialize in helping small, community-rooted businesses and startups with people who are passionate about what they do and who they serve. If you're sleeves-rolled-up and all-in on your mission, you're our kind of people.

  • Both! Whether you need a one-time brand refresh or ongoing marketing help, we’ll tailor a setup that fits your goals and capacity. We’re flexible—think of us as a partner, not a package.

  • Pricing varies depending on the scope of your needs. Most projects fall between $75–$100/hour or are priced by the project after a discovery call. We’ll always be transparent, fair, and happy to work within reason for your budget.

  • Absolutely. A lot of clients come to us with questions, not answers. We’ll walk through what’s working, what’s not, and what might move the needle. No pressure, just a conversation.

  • We typically book projects a few weeks out, but we try to stay nimble for the right fit. Submit the intake form, and we’ll get back to you quickly with next steps and timing.

  • We start with a discovery call to get to know you and your business. From there, we’ll outline a plan (or proposal) based on your goals. We collaborate closely throughout. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. You’re part of the process.

  • Yep! We support everything from strategy to social media, writing, branding, email, content, and even print collateral. If we don’t do it in-house, we’ll point you to someone trusted who can.