Stratus Rewards

Owning a niche through a new product launch

A great idea whose time had arrived

Five years ago, a study by a group of entrepreneurial executives uncovered a very big idea. They found that people were disenchanted with the rewards programs offered by typical credit card companies. Consumers who put a lot of charges on their cards each month were especially unmoved by the monogrammed golf putters and luggage they received. Stratus Rewards was created to offer the affluent something they wanted — difficult- or impossible-to-obtain items and life experiences as redeemable credit card rewards.

Stratus Rewards hired Denver's marketing agency, LeeReedy, to help launch its small upstart company into a highly competitive space dominated by giants with massive marketing spend.

Pinpointing with marketing research and development

As we began to explore the landscape, we quickly realized that the affluent are far and away the world's most skeptical audience because everyone is trying to get their money. Through research, we found it was best to avoid being cute and simply be straightforward about the benefits of this card as it related to the luxury lifestyle. Using emotional, dreamlike photography, high design, rich materials, and candid language, we began to craft the brand — appealing as much to our audience's good taste as to their desire for real value and simplicity.

Over the course of several years, we developed a wide array of marketing for Stratus Rewards, including messaging platforms, brand identity materials, a website, member kit, signage, print advertisements, a tradeshow experience, a brand film and the design of the credit card itself. With each, we were careful to always give the impression that Stratus Rewards was there to take intimate care of its members.

A luxury brand going places

Through the effort, we quickly gave the reigning champion in the luxury credit card category — the American Express Black Card — a run for its money. First-, second- and third-year membership goals were exceeded, and a powerful brand was built to help carry the Stratus Rewards "white card" far into the future.

Marketing luxury brands is one of our unique specialties. If you'd like to know more about it, I'm here kreedy@leereedy.com.