SMS Success Story

The LeapZone team is incredibly proud of the impactful work we’ve been able to accomplish alongside SMS Engineering. Their dedication to implementing strategic changes and commitment to growth has been inspiring to witness. It’s this focus on continuous improvement and excellence that has driven their remarkable progress and measurable results. We’re excited to celebrate their success story and the bright future ahead as we continue to kick-ass together!

Before partnering with LeapZone, SMS Engineering was known for quality and technical expertise, but they faced several internal and external challenges that were holding them back from reaching their full potential. Their brand was outdated and lacked the clarity and focus needed to truly stand out in a competitive and commoditized industry. As Chris Hewitt (president of SMS) explained, “We were known for quality but felt restrained by an image that no longer resonated with us nor fully represented our genius.” This outdated identity made it difficult for SMS to communicate their true value and differentiate themselves from competitors.

Internally, the team lacked a unified sense of purpose and alignment with the brand’s vision. Despite doing excellent work, employees weren’t inspired to become brand ambassadors or engage with the company’s mission. This led to fragmentation, overwhelm, and a lack of accountability, where individuals often felt they were working in silos rather than contributing to a cohesive team effort.

Another challenge was a scattered focus that diluted SMS’s impact. The company often stretched its resources across multiple projects without a clear prioritization framework, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. This lack of strategic focus not only created burnout but also prevented SMS from fully capitalizing on their expertise and delivering consistent value to clients.

With these obstacles, SMS Engineering faced the risk of remaining stagnant in an evolving market. They needed a transformation that would clarify their positioning, energize their culture, and align their team around a shared vision for growth and impact. Their journey with LeapZone began with a critical need for focus, alignment, and a refreshed sense of identity—one that would empower both their team and their clients.

Working with the LeapZone team, SMS Engineering embarked on a full brand transformation, one that reshaped their identity both internally and externally. Through strategic sessions with ownership and leadership, and coaching with the staff via Mastermind Groups focusing on Efficiency & Organization, Time & Focus Management, Mindset & Inner Game, and Positioning & Influence, LeapZone guided SMS in uncovering their core identity (their Brand DNA) and aligning the team with both their aspiring vision and tangible objectives. The process has been a deep dive into the essence of who they are as a brand and as a team. Chris described it as “open-heart surgery,” emphasizing that the results brought new life, clarity, and energy to the company, setting SMS on a path of sustainable growth and purpose.

Some of the most impactful changes to date include:

A Strong, Focused Brand Identity: LeapZone helped SMS Engineering identify and articulate what truly sets them apart in the industry. No longer a “cautious” brand, SMS now stands confidently as a proud, purpose-driven entity. Every team member understands the brand’s energetic mission, the brand promise as well as what differentiates SMS and they’re empowered to share it openly with clients, partners, and within their networks and most importantly, act with alignment.

Empowered, High-Performance Culture: Through LeapZone’s guidance, SMS Engineering now cultivates a vibrant, engaged culture where every team member feels more deeply connected to the company’s ethos. This elevated culture is grounded in a shared commitment to excellence and mutual support. Initiatives like “Bubble Time” give staff dedicated moments to focus on personal growth and essential tasks, creating a balanced, supportive environment that nurtures productivity, creativity and collaboration. The team no longer sees their roles as isolated tasks but as vital parts of SMS’s overall mission.

Enhanced Accountability and Focus: With brand clarity and strategic alignment at the core, SMS Engineering now moves with a shared purpose and with unity. Accountability frameworks and regular practices ensure that every project, decision, and initiative supports SMS’s vision, values and promise. The leadership team is more cohesive, fostering a streamlined, intentional approach that enhances productivity and minimizes distractions. This heightened focus has transformed how SMS manages projects, helping them deliver with precision and excellence.

An Energized, Aligned Team: Beyond productivity, the new culture at SMS Engineering has sparked a sense of pride across all levels. Team members feel a renewed sense of purpose and are more inspired to act as brand ambassadors. The internal alignment is turning SMS into a brand that isn’t just seen as a service provider but as a trusted partner who stands for quality, innovation, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact.

Tangible Financial Growth: SMS Engineering is seeing and experienced tangible financial growth and success as a result of working with LeapZone and although some growth can be attributed to post-COVID recovery, their redefined focus and brand positioning clarity has and continues to greatly contribute to this upward trajectory.

LeapZone is exceptional at what they do, especially in differentiation, strategic positioning, mindset, and culture elevation. Their expertise continues to be invaluable in helping my team and I anchor the transformation and elevate our confidence in the business we’ve dedicated so much to.

Working with LeapZone didn’t just impact SMS Engineering’s brand—it sparked a company-wide evolution that elevated every level of the organization. Here’s what else changed:

Stronger Client Relationships: With a clearer brand and more confident communication, SMS Engineering now builds stronger, more transparent relationships with clients. Clients see SMS not just as a service provider but as a trusted, strategic partner committed to their success.

Elevated Team Cohesion and Morale: The entire team is more aligned with SMS’s brand ethos, leading to a more cohesive work environment where everyone is motivated to work towards shared goals. The culture of accountability and support is fostering a sense of pride and ownership that is refreshing.

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: Through Mastermind Groups focused on efficiency, time management, mindset, and influence, the team is always refining processes, becoming increasingly more organized and intentional in their work. This increased efficiency has positively impacted project timelines and overall productivity, while understanding that nothing is perfect and everything is a continuous elevation journey!

Refined Leadership and Empowerment: SMS Leaders are continually working towards operating with a unified vision and strategy, allowing them to make decisions that align with SMS’s long-term goals. This clarity continually empowers the leadership team to more confidently drive growth and innovation.

A Renewed Focus on Strategic Growth: Equipped with LeapZone’s guidance and a clearly defined brand, SMS Engineering is now positioned for and creating strategic growth. They’re making intentional moves toward new diversified opportunities that better align with their core values and strengths, creating growth velocity.

SMS Engineering’s transformation is a testament to what can happen when a company commits to a doing the work in clarifying their brand identity, brand positioning and culture. Chris shared, “LeapZone helped us rediscover our pride. Now, not only are we recognized for our work, but we also feel deeply connected to what we stand for. We’re excited to take this further and if you are ready to elevate your business with a brand that inspires, a culture that energizes, and a strategy that delivers, LeapZone is a very safe bet!”