“Hello, I have a reservation for 5, last name is Hansen.”

“Oh, welcome Mr. Hansen. Nice to see you again. We have your table overlooking the lake.”

I knew my dad didn’t own the restaurant that shared our last name. They spelled Hanson with an “o-n”, and we spell Hansen, “e-n.” Still, the hostess treated us like VIPs. Every single time we went for Sunday brunch. They made us feel important, like one of the family, and they made sure we had a rewarding experience. As a 12-year-old, I was into it.

I don’t know if my dad was a sucker for this like I was, but I know he appreciated the service. I mean, how many businesses make you feel like you own the place? The Hanson House restaurant people took care of their customers just like my dad served his clients through a successful sales career. I hope my dad tipped them well.  

We had many options for our Sunday brunch outings. Some were closer to our home; most were less expensive; a few served better food at charming lakeview tables. Only one connected with us personally. The Hanson House experience stayed with me, and so has the name, though I’ve corrected the spelling.

Hansen House Communication

I’m not a restaurateur (though I do make a delicious omelet). But, like the good people at Hanson House in the late 1970s, I’m in the business of making people feel special, like part of the family, connected and cared for. That’s the service model I chose when I launched Hansen House Communication in 2010. And it’s my work style today.

As an independent communication strategist and writer, I strive to be part of the team. I’m achingly curious and will learn the business strengths, its audience, and its goals. I’ll work to solve problems with the same zeal as the company founder. And I’ll ask lots of questions on a journey to a better solution. This works well for me because I know it works best for the companies I serve.

This model for my agency is an evolution for creative agencies today, and it’s different than so many agencies I’ve worked with or observed over the years. When I started Hansen House, I made sure I was going to solve problems first and propose ideas within budget. I would focus on relationships and problem solving, not simply on being “creative” and billing hours.

For more than 10 years, Hansen House Communication has served clients with rewarding work in communication strategy and creative storytelling. Just like Hanson House Restaurant rewarded the Hansen family on Sundays.

And I’ll keep a lakeview table ready for Sunday brunch. What would you like in your omelet?