40 Years of Helping Organizations Innovate
The challenges we have solved, the results that followed, and the organizations that keep coming back.
Schedule a MeetingExperience you can measure.
A few numbers from the work we are able to share.
The problems behind the results.
Most of our work stays strictly confidential, since the results are often intellectual property and sometimes provisional patents. These are examples we are free to share.
Disruptive innovation, faster and cheaper
Even in the 1990s, our work was so disruptive that Procter & Gamble's finance department audited it against similar projects.
Over 10 years of never ending innovation
We helped a global spirits company build a system and culture of innovation.
Overcoming industry distrust
In automotive care, 76% of people feel they have been sold unnecessary services and 73% feel overcharged. SpeeDee Automotive earned high trust from existing customers, but needed new services and experiences that would make new customers believe the promise too. A copy-cat answer would not do.
Read the complete story
Actionable, disruptive product ideas
What is it like to work with the Eureka! team? Samsung describes the experience of creating new product ideas with us in their own words.
Read the complete story
The system behind the big idea
Inventing a new category of super-premium cards was a great start for American Express. Success also required reliable systems to deliver on the brand promises, because exclusive benefits drive demand and the system makes them work.
One day of inventing and accelerating
We helped a non-profit create ideas for new products and services, along with a way to expand from regional to national reach.
Reinventing how whiskey is made
To create a great new product, the entire process of whiskey making had to be reinvented while still fitting within the guidelines. The result was incredible taste and preference.
Reinventing a struggling idea
A new technology for pore strips was initially unprofitable. By reinventing the marketing and the business model, it became the number one beauty product in the USA.
More than batteries
We helped Eveready become more than batteries, with the first smart charger and a first safety and security line, working together on technology, brand, and manufacturing.
Inventing a new category in tea
To tackle changing tastes, we invented new dimensions of what tea could be, creating the category Real Brewed Tea.
A pipeline that produced a patent
After training, a team generated concepts to fill a new product pipeline. The result was a patented non-slip floor mat design, inspired by racing tires, that earned the highest traction certification from the National Floor Safety Institute.
Getting customers to use more
We invented ideas to increase B2B sales, which led customers to use more of the products they already bought.
A brand built around a fear
Consumer research showed Millennials avoid frozen fish for fear of ruining it. A new brand and technology made sure they never would.
Ahead of its time?
This one did not quite meet expectations. Our role was to create a new taste, and the result was a more refreshing cola without a sticky caramel aftertaste. It shows the importance of clear boundaries up front and an innovation system that doesn't compromise the idea when encountering risks.
65 people. 1.5 days. 256 ideas that could find a kid a home
FFTA's problem was huge and fuzzy — foster parent recruitment is broken pretty much everywhere. Before anyone brainstormed anything, we spent weeks boiling it down to one line the whole room could rally around. We need ideas for new strategies around foster home recruitment leading to an available home for every child.
See the results from working with FFTA →
Where our thinking applies most.
Start with the environment you work in. Each one has its own constraints, and we shape the work around them.
Healthcare and hospital systems
Some of healthcare's most frustrating systems sit outside any one team's control. Starting with purpose, such as making care safer, cleaner, and easier to deliver, creates wins within reach, and larger regulatory and cross-department barriers can then go to leaders with evidence.
See related insights →Manufacturing
Production floors carry friction that people have learned to live with. Fixing frontline friction first, like a five-year back injury caused by how machines were boxed, earns the trust needed for bigger changes in how the work flows.
See related insights →Food and beverage
Speed to a real consumer answer matters here. Examples from our own case work include weekly consumer testing, reinventing a whiskey process, building a tea category, and a frozen fish brand designed around a customer fear.
See related insights →Pharma and life sciences
Heavily regulated products cost more to get wrong. We build regulatory constraints into the plan from the start, and we put more effort into the front end so weak ideas stop before they consume months of work.
See related insights →Industrial and B2B
B2B growth often hides inside systems: how leads move, how sales and operations hand off, and how much of a product customers actually use. Continuous improvement of those systems compounds over time.
See related insights →Associations
Associations have a huge advantage over individual companies, because there is more diversity and experience in the room. But with this also comes the challenge of less alignment and focus. Our approach allows associations to accelerate collaboration towards a shared goal.
See the results from working with FFTA →
Recognition earned along the way.
Our methods have been recognized by the people who study innovation for a living.
The George Land World Class Innovation Award
Awarded by Fast Company magazine and the Innovation Network to recognize Doug Hall's systemic inventor formula and the brainstorming methodologies developed at Eureka! Ranch.
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Capacity Award
Awarded to Doug Hall in recognition of his leadership in driving systemic workforce innovation.
Top Innovation Expert Recognition
Doug Hall has repeatedly been named one of America's top innovation experts by major publications, including Inc. Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and CIO Magazine.
What people say after the work.
“This is a grueling, mind-melting, confidence-shaking experience for anyone who thinks she already knows how to innovate. Know-it-alls, be prepared to be humbled.”
Tori Britton
Chief Creative Officer, Webster Atlantic Corporation
“It was the single most important learning opportunity in my professional career.”
Garth Cormier
Chief Operating Officer, Lighthouse Web Solutions
“PRACTICAL STUFF. Worth its weight and price 1000X over. It's as important for companies at $1 million as at $1 billion. Credible because it's supported with a ton of VERY HARD Data.”
Tom Peters
Author
Proud to partner, again and again.
We believe repeat business is the hallmark of good work. Hundreds of companies have worked with us five or more times.
Client list
Over the years, organizations of all sizes have used our expertise and methods to grow their people, fill their pipelines, accelerate innovation projects, and transform their culture. Below is a sampling of the organizations you might recognize.
- 1848 Ventures
- 3M
- 4iiii
- 84.51
- ABC Television
- ACCI
- Alliance Data
- Alliance for Children & Families
- American Express
- American Express Small Business Services
- American Marketing Association
- Ameritech
- AMIG
- Amurol Confections
- Anheuser-Busch
- AOL
- Apple Processors Association
- AT&T Calling Card Services
- AT&T Internet Services
- Avon Products
- Babson College
- Baldwin Wallace University
- Bank of America
- Barber Foods
- Barilla
- Basic American Foods
- Batesville Casket
- Bayer
- Bel Kaukana
- Best Buy
- Binney & Smith
- BioLab
- Blockbuster
- Bob Evans
- Borden
- Bosch
- BOSE
- Boston Market
- Brain Brew Custom Whiskey
- Bullshooter
- Bush Brothers & Company
- Butterball
- Cadbury Schweppes
- Campbell Soup
- Campbell Taggert
- CapitalOne
- Cascades
- Catfish Candy
- Celestial Seasonings
- Centocor
- Century Arms
- Cervélo Cycles
- Chase Bank (formerly Bank One)
- Chattem Consumer Products
- Chrysler
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- Cincinnati Bell
- Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce
- Cincinnati Symphony
- Cincom
- Cintas
- Citrix Online
- CLE Leads
- Club Car
- Coca-Cola
- College Board
- Comcast Cellular
- Compaq
- Congressman Rob Portman
- Continental Baking
- Coors Brewing Company
- Coppertone
- Covidien
- Crayola
- Dairy Queen
- DAP
- Darden Business School
- Digital Equipment Corporation
- Disney Development Company
- Disney Institute
- Dow Brands
- Dreyer’s
- Dr. Pepper Snapple Group
- DRS Technologies, Inc.
- dunnhumby
- Duquesne University
- Duracell
- ebay
- Energy USA
- Ethicon Endo-Surgery
- Eveready Battery Company
- EyeMed Vision Care
- Federated
- Fidelity Investments
- First USA
- First Energy
- Flexible Products
- Folgers Coffee Company
- Ford Motor Company
- ForeThought
- Fortis Health
- Foster Farms
- Frito-Lay
- Gardetto’s
- Gatorade
- Gebauer Company
- Gerber
- G&J Pepsi Bottling
- Givaudan
- Give Kids the World
- GlaxoSmithKline
- GO Interactive
- GOJO
- Graftech
- Green Giant
- GTE Directory Services
- Hamilton Beach
- Healthy Directions
- Hershey
- Heublein
- Hewlett-Packard
- High Liner Foods
- Hillenbrand Industries
- Hillshire Kahns
- Humana
- Hussmann Corporation
- IMS Health
- Infantino
- Innovation Network Members
- International Data Group
- International Truck and Engine
- James River
- Jergens
- Jeyes
- Jif
- John Hancock
- Johnnie Walker
- John Morrell Meats
- Johnson & Johnson
- JP Morgan Chase
- Keebler
- Kellogg’s
- Key Bank
- Kimberly Clark
- Kodak
- Kraft General Foods
- L-3
- Labatt’s
- LCI
- Lego
- Lifesavers
- Lincoln Electric
- Lipton
- Lockheed Martin
- M&M/Mars
- March of Dimes
- Marketing Intelligence Service
- Mattel
- McGraw-Hill
- Medeco Security Lock
- Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mercury Boats
- Miller
- Minnesota Power
- Miracles in Sight
- Molson
- Monroe Shocks and Struts
- Monsanto
- Montgomery Inn
- Morningstar Foods
- MotorUP
- Nabisco
- National City
- National Leukemia Society
- National Retail Federation
- National Wildlife Federation
- NiSource
- NBA
- Nestle
- Newell Office products
- Nike
- Ocean Spray
- Ohio Credit Union League
- OPW
- Payless Shoes
- Parker Brothers
- Pennzoil
- Pepsi-Cola
- Permatex
- Pillsbury
- Pizza Hut
- Planters
- Play Power
- Playtex Family Products
- Pon
- Pop-Tarts
- Pringles
- Procter & Gamble
- Publisher’s Clearing House
- Quaker Oats
- Ralston Purina
- Random House
- Reckitt-Benckiser
- Reynolds Metals
- Roche Diagnostics
- Rubbermaid
- Rust-Oleum
- Schering Plough
- Schlumberger
- SC Johnson
- Scott’s Lawn Care
- Seagrams
- Sears
- Siemens
- Servatii’s Pastry Shop
- Sherwin Williams
- Simmon’s
- Slush Puppie
- Smith Kline Beecham
- Snapple
- SNET
- Solaris
- Southern States
- Southwestern Bell
- Stamps.com
- Steris
- Sweetheart Cup
- TGIFridays
- Tall Stacks
- Teach for America
- Tennant
- Tenneco Automotive
- Tempur-Sealy International
- Tesco
- The Edrington Group
- The HoneyBaked Ham Company
- The Kellen Company
- The Polk Company
- The Wooster Brush Company
- Thomas J. Lipton
- Toyota
- Trek Bicycle Corporation
- Triarc Beverages
- Trident Seafood
- Tyson
- Tyson Food Service
- Unilever
- United Way
- University of Maine
- University of Minnesota
- US West
- U.S. House of Representatives – House Budget Committee
- Van den Bergh Foods
- Van Melle Candy
- Versant Health
- Vision Ease
- Visteon Automotive
- Vlasic Foods
- Walker Mufflers
- Walmart
- Walt Disney Consumer Products
- Walt Disney Home Video
- Walt Disney Imagineering
- Waste Management
- Welch’s
- Western Publishing
- Western Union
- Wingspanbank.com
- Worksite Lighting
- Wright Express
- YMCA
- Young Entrepreneurs Organization Members
- Young Presidents Organization Members
Industries and categories
Our versatility allows us to work effectively with a variety of industries by fully understanding and catering to the unique needs and requirements of each industry we collaborate with.
- Adhesives
- Adult Body Cleansers
- Adult Candy
- Adult Education Services
- Adult Leadership Development
- Adult Skin Care
- Aeroponics
- Aerospace Materials
- Agriculture
- Air Filters
- Allergy Care Products
- Alternative Energy Generation
- Analgesics
- Animal Feed
- Antiperspirants
- Aquaponics
- Art Museums
- Art Supplies
- Audio Technology
- Auditing
- Auto Emergency Products
- Automobile Oil
- Baby Feeding Systems
- Baby Skin Care
- Baby Supplies
- Bakery
- Banking
- Barbecue Sauces
- Batteries
- Beef Products
- Beer Positioning
- Beer Packaging Concepts
- Beer Products
- Bike Tours
- Biodegradable Products
- Biotechnology
- Board Games
- Boating - Motor
- Boating - Sailing
- Boats and Boat Retailing
- Book Writing
- Bottled Coffee & Teas
- Boxed Chocolates
- Breakfast Foods
- Burial Caskets
- Business Communications
- Business Insurance
- Business Research Services
- Business Schools
- Butters and Spreads
- Candy
- Canister Snacks
- Canned Foods
- Car Care Products
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Card Games
- Cat Foods, Snacks, Treats
- Chambers of Commerce
- Charity Fundraising
- Children's Charities
- Children's Hair Care
- Children's Toys
- Chips
- Chocolate
- Cleaning Products
- Coffee
- Cold and Cough Products
- Cold Cereals
- College Testing
- Community Organizing
- Concept Car Interiors
- Concept Cars
- Construction Info. Services
- Construction Toys
- Cookies
- Cooking Oils
- Corporate Partnerships
- Credit Card Services
- Credit Unions
- Cremation Urns
- Custom Cabinets
- Database Design
- Decorative Tile
- Deli Meats
- Desktop Computers
- Diagnostic Tools
- Digital Photography
- Direct Marketing
- Distilled Beverages
- Dog Foods, Snacks
- Drink Mixes and Spirits
- Educational Books
- Educational Standards
- Educational Toys
- Electric Utility Services
- Electrical Systems
- Electronics
- Energy Distribution
- Energy Production
- Engine Oil Additives
- Enrollment Programs
- Expandable Foam
- Eyeglasses
- Fabric Treatments
- Facial Cleansers
- Facial Moisturizers
- Family Games
- Farm Equipment
- Fast Food Production
- Fast Food Restaurants
- Fast Food Systems
- Feminine Products
- Film Photography
- Film Production
- Financial Services
- Fine Arts Services
- Fish Farming
- Fleet Payment Processing
- Food Preparation Aids
- Food Quality Diagnostics
- Food Service Products
- Food Service Promotions
- Food Storage Bags
- Foot Care Products
- Footwear
- Frozen Entrees
- Frozen Food Production
- Frozen Vegetables
- Fruit Beverages
- Fruit Juices
- Functional Foods
- Functional Paint Products
- Furniture
- Gardening Products
- Gourmet Breads
- Gov't. Budgeting
- Ground Coffee
- Hand Soap
- Health Beverages
- Health Foods
- Healthcare Data
- Healthcare Providers
- Healthy Snacks
- Herbal Medicines
- Herbal Teas
- High-Temperature Sensors
- Higher Education Institutions
- Higher-Ed Administrations
- Home Appliances
- Home Security
- Home Video Productions
- Hot Cereals
- Household Cleansers
- Household Plastics
- Hydroponics
- Ice Cream and Desserts
- Industrial Diagnostic Services
- Industrial Farming
- Industrial Locks
- Industrial Oil
- Industrial Plastics
- Industrial Sanitation
- Infant Products
- Information Services
- Insect Repellents
- Instant Coffee
- International Food Processing
- Internet Services
- Investment Services
- Juice Drinks
- Kids Candy
- Kids Cereals
- Kids Soaps/Shampoos
- Kids Toys
- Landscaping Products
- Laptop Computers
- Laundry Soap
- Life Insurance
- Local Farming
- Local Non-Profits
- Locks/Security Systems
- Long Distance Phone Services
- Lunch Meats
- Malt Beverages
- Market Research
- Marketing Design
- Marketing Services
- Medical Info Systems
- Memorial Products
- Metal Processing
- Microbrew Beer
- Mufflers (OEM & AM)
- Municipal Government
- National Non-Profits
- New Adult Beverages
- New Age Beverages
- New Breakfast Foods
- New Cars
- New Trucks and S.U.V.'s
- Non-Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Nuclear Power Generation
- Nutritional Supplements
- O.T.C. Drugs
- Off Season Sales Efforts
- Online Advertising
- Online Banking Services
- Online Barter Services
- Online Postage Services
- Online Security Systems
- Paint
- Paper Cups, Plates
- Paper Production
- Pastry Shop
- Pay Phones/Systems
- Peanuts and Peanut Butter
- Pest Control
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pickles
- Plastic Kitchenware
- Playground Equipment
- Pork Products
- Poultry Products
- PR Strategies
- Pre-paid Funeral Policies
- Premium Liquors
- Prepared Side Dishes
- Pro Basketball Shoes
- Professional Sports Mkt.
- Promotions Strategies
- Publishers
- Ready-to-Eat Meals
- Restaurant Concepts
- Restaurants
- Retail
- Running Shoes
- Safety Auditing
- Salty Snacks
- Sandwich Breads
- Sanitizing Products
- Satellite Television
- Scotch-Whiskey
- Sea Food Production
- Seasonal Candies
- Senior Products
- Shipping and Receiving
- Shocks & Struts
- Skin Products
- Sliced Meat
- Small Business Services
- Smart Cards/Services
- Smartphones
- Snack Mixes
- Soap and Body Wash
- Soup Mix
- Spices & Seasonings
- Sports Apparel
- Sports Drinks
- Standardized Testing
- State Government
- Stock Market
- Super Premium Charge Cards
- Surface Cleaning Equipment
- Swimming Instruction
- Symphony Orchestras
- Tablet Computers
- Teas of all sorts
- Technology Usage Exploratory
- Teen Health & Beauty
- Teen Skin Care
- Telecommunications Services
- Telecommunications Technology
- Term Life Insurance
- Textbooks
- Theme Park Entertainment
- Toilet Paper
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Topical Analgesics
- Trash Processing
- Travelers Checks
- TV Promotions
- United States Congress
- United States House of Representatives
- United States Senate
- Used Cars
- Vacation Resorts
- Valve Manufacturing
- Vibration Instruments
- Waste Disposal
- Wax Products
- Wildlife Protection
- Wireless Communications
- Wireless Technology
- Women's Health Care
- Youth Leadership Development
Let's talk about what we can do for your organization.
Schedule a meeting to talk through your goals, and ask us about the free innovation assessment that measures your systems and innovation culture.
Schedule a Meeting