Ave Maria Spotlight: Real Stories from A Big Kind of Small Town

Ave Maria, the crown jewel of Southwest Florida for an astounding nine years running, isn’t your average master-planned community. It’s a testament to vision, meticulous planning, and a commitment to fostering a thriving community spirit. We at Milesbrand have been fortunate to partner with Ave Maria in not only establishing a refreshed brand, but also evolving it alongside their ever-growing residents. 

Building a Modern-Day Small Town: A Big Kind of Small Town

Our initial collaboration focused on capturing the essence of Ave Maria’s ambitious vision: building a modern-day small town near Naples, Florida. We highlighted the unique blend of small-town charm with modern amenities like a bustling Town Center, extensive amenities, exceptional educational opportunities including Ave Maria University and the nationally recognized Rhodora J. Donahue Academy, and a dedication to environmental preservation through the Rural Land Stewardship Program. During this initial collaboration, we positioned Ave Maria around the brand promise – A Big Kind of Small Town.

The Power of Real Stories

Fast forward to today, and Ave Maria has become a thriving community filled with families, young professionals and retirees who all share a love for this special place. Recognizing this evolution, Ave Maria, along with Milesbrand, decided to refresh the brand narrative. We embarked on a journey to tell the story of Ave Maria through the voices of the people who call it home: Real Stories from a Big Kind of Small.

Last year our team traveled to Ave Maria, conducting in-depth interviews and filming inspiring stories from residents across diverse demographics in multiple locations throughout the community. The first round of interviews and the response to the campaign has been so successful that our team is conducting a second round of in-person interviews in August 2024. The new homeowner Real Stories will launch within this successful campaign in Q4 of 2024. These real stories form the cornerstone of a comprehensive omni-channel marketing campaign encompassing:

• Engaging Videos: Powerful testimonials showcase residents’ experiences living in Ave Maria.
• Digital and Print Brochures: These extensive pieces of collateral highlight the community’s offerings intermixed with homeowner narratives.
• Social Media Ads: Targeted branded campaigns reach potential homeowners who resonate with Ave Maria’s lifestyle.
• Billboards and Signage: Eye-catching graphics help spread the word about Ave Maria’s unique proposition.
• Website Redesign: A revamped website prominently features the homeowner’s stories, and includes interactive elements and a user-friendly experience.
• Sales Center Refresh: A brand-new sales center experience slated for complete in September further immerses potential home buyers in the Ave Maria lifestyle.
• Print Collateral: Unique sales and amenity fliers, as well as a community map, help to tell the story of the community while providing visitors with physical reminders of the community to take with them.

A Story that Continues to Evolve

The “Real Stories” campaign has been a resounding success. It doesn’t just showcase Ave Maria’s features; it showcases the heart and soul of the community. By constantly seeking stories and experiences, Milesbrand ensures that Ave Maria’s brand narrative remains fresh, relevant and resonates with potential homeowners seeking a place to call home.

New Portfolio Page

We invite you to visit our new Ave Maria Portfolio page showcasing many design elements from the Real Stories campaign! 

Ready to Tell Your Master-Planned Community’s Story?

At Milesbrand, we believe in the power of storytelling. We can help you craft a compelling brand narrative that captures the essence of your community and connects with your target audience. Contact Milesbrand today and let’s weave your story into the fabric of success.