Advantage Design Group

Background

Advantage Design Group, established in 1998 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is a multimedia design and software development firm specializing in virtual orientation platforms for higher education institutions. Their flagship product, Advantage Orientation®, offers personalized and interactive onboarding experiences for new students, families, and staff, aiming to enhance student orientation, transition, retention, and success. The company has partnered with over 350 institutions across the United States, providing tailored solutions that align with each institution's goals and budget.

Key Strategic Focus

Advantage Design Group focuses on delivering innovative virtual orientation solutions that streamline the onboarding process for higher education institutions. Their Advantage Orientation® platform is designed to provide video-rich content, engagement strategies, and real-time data analytics, facilitating successful student transitions and improving enrollment strategies. The company emphasizes design excellence and customization to meet the unique needs of each client.

Financials and Funding

As of recent estimates, Advantage Design Group's annual revenue is approximately $10.9 million, with revenue per employee around $184,500. The company has experienced significant growth, increasing its employee count by 28% in the past year. In April 2020, the company secured a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to support its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Advantage Design Group's Advantage Orientation® platform is a proprietary virtual orientation system that offers personalized and interactive experiences for new students, families, and staff. The platform includes video-rich content, engagement strategies, and real-time data analytics, enabling institutions to monitor and enhance student engagement and success. The company utilizes technologies such as QuickBooks for accounting, LinkedIn Ads for advertising, Power BI for business intelligence, Umbraco for content management, and Microsoft Dynamics for enterprise resource planning.

Leadership Team

Samuel Swingle: Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the company has developed and expanded its virtual orientation solutions, partnering with numerous higher education institutions.

Catherine Swingle: Chief Operations Officer. She has been instrumental in overseeing the company's operations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services.

Johnny Kraus: President. He plays a key role in strategic planning and business development, contributing to the company's growth and success.

Jeremiah Sulewski: Director of Technology. He leads the technological development and innovation efforts, ensuring the company's products remain at the forefront of the industry.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics: The virtual orientation and onboarding solutions market for higher education institutions is competitive, with several companies offering similar services. The demand for such solutions has increased as institutions seek to enhance student engagement and success through innovative technologies.

Competitor Analysis:

Taoti Creative: A digital agency offering web development and design services, with an estimated revenue between $10 million and $50 million.

eDesign Interactive: Specializes in web design and development, with an estimated revenue of $10 million.

Slide UX: Focuses on user experience design, with an estimated revenue of $10 million.

MaxMedia: Provides digital marketing and design services, with an estimated revenue of $10 million.

O360: Offers web design and marketing solutions, with an estimated revenue between $100 million and $1 billion.

Blue Fountain Media: A digital agency providing web design and online marketing services, with an estimated revenue between $50 million and $100 million.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Advantage Design Group has established partnerships with various higher education institutions to implement its Advantage Orientation® platform. Notable collaborations include:

Big Bend Community College: Introduced a state-of-the-art online recruitment tool for prospective students in partnership with Advantage Design Group.

Howard University College of Medicine: Partnered to develop unique online student orientations tailored to the institution's needs.

Michigan State University: Collaborated to create customized online student orientations, enhancing the onboarding experience for new students.

Operational Insights

Advantage Design Group's strategic focus on virtual orientation solutions for higher education institutions positions it uniquely in the market. The company's emphasis on personalized, interactive experiences and real-time data analytics provides a competitive edge. By leveraging proprietary technologies and maintaining strong partnerships with numerous institutions, Advantage Design Group continues to enhance its market position and deliver value to its clients.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Advantage Design Group is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for virtual orientation and onboarding solutions in the higher education sector. Future opportunities include expanding the Advantage Orientation® platform's capabilities, exploring new markets, and strengthening existing partnerships. By continuing to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of educational institutions, the company aims to maintain its leadership position and drive further growth.