Spotlight: Platt Hollow Road
by Nora m. Davis (HBCA)—December 2011
Alan Schutte of Platt Hollow Road
I had a number of questions for Alan Schutte of Platt Hollow Road when we met for our interview on a sunny fall afternoon. Months earlier I’d asked him about the name “Platt Hollow Road,” thinking there had to be a story behind that name – and there was.
Platt Hollow Road is a small rural road in the Catskill Mountains in New York state fronting property originally purchased by Alan’s grandfather. Today the property remains in the family (along with the original farmhouse) and that farmhouse continues to be the site of many family/friend gatherings.
Before asking Alan about his business, I was interested in learning more about his background and how Platt Hollow Road came to be. Alan started out not in a creative field, but as a mechanical engineer working out of the shipyards at Newport News, Virginia. His creative streak was strong, however, and he soon decided the life of an engineer was not for him. Next stop was the two year program at the Portfolio Center in Atlanta where he honed his design, advertising and communication skills. After completing his studies he worked in various creative capacities at several firms before starting his own business in 2001 in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
And what exactly does Platt Hollow Road do? As an independent brand and design house – a bit of everything! They’ll create an identity package for a business or organization to include logos, tag lines, business cards, stationery and brochures as well as complete ad campaigns, environmental graphics, annual reports, exhibit displays and more. Have a product that needs a new look? They’ll design the packaging. Platt Hollow Road has worked with a range of clients from some of the country’s largest credit unions to regional accounting firms, bike and outdoor retailers, microbrewies, universities, theme parks and cities.
Alan will also help you define the message you want to communicate, determine your audience and craft a strategy to meet your needs.
He’s a firm believer in the concept of branding – everything from how one answers the phone, to the music in the background to artwork on the walls. (And yes – he does practice what he preaches. During our interview I noted the music in the background – his display of wall art – the creative displays in his office, even the door hardware on the front door!)
Four years ago Platt Hollow Road relocated from the state of Virginia to Hopkins. When asked why Hopkins, Alan explained he was tired of the hot, humid summers in Virginia and was ready for a change. A friend in Hopkins encouraged the move, citing the small town feel, a true Mainstreet, a sense of community and great schools for his daughter. Today this nationally known business continues to work with clients from throughout the country from its home base in Hopkins.
If you’re interested in learning how Platt Hollow Road can help you grow your business, call Alan at 952-303-4736. Interested in seeing examples of their work? Visit their website at www.platthollowroad.com. (And you’ll also see a photo of that farmhouse on the namesake Platt Hollow Road.)
