The Power of Empathy and Diversity: How Carlos Williams’ DBC Started a Branding Revolution

Carlos Williams
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Spotify, Meta, and Google are some of the best-known companies in the world. With more than 500 million users, these companies are known for their innovation and relevance in the tech industry. Today, they are a testament to what grit, innovation, and inclusion can achieve when it comes to revolutionizing our daily lives. Something else these three giants have in common is their relationship with The Design and Branding Company (DBC).

DBC shares many of Spotify, Meta, and Google’s stories. A creative branding agency founded in August 2014, DBC started as a leap of faith by a daring and ambitious entrepreneur who now serves as its Prime Minister (CEO): Carlos Williams. Originally based in Williams’ home, DBC is now headquartered in New York’s Financial District and has grown to be one of the most sought-after agencies in the United States.

To date, DBC has helped companies of all sizes develop unique visual identities and branding, allowing them to better connect emotionally with their audiences. In addition to the aforementioned three tech giants, DBC has also worked with names such as American Express, Bank of America, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, White & Case, and the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions to help them become the trusted brands they are today.

“My journey at DBC has been a wild and fulfilling ride. What started as a side hustle has grown into something truly special, and I owe it all to the amazing team and citizens (clients) I’ve had the privilege to work with. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable results, and I’m excited to see where the journey takes us next.”

Talking about DBC is talking about Williams himself. Despite the humility he shows when discussing his success, Williams is widely recognized by his peers in the industry as one of the most talented graphic designers and brand strategists in the country. 

When it comes to his work, he doesn’t just talk the talk – he walks the walk. As a leader at DBC, he’s committed to infusing his personal values into every project, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are always top of mind. His approach is simple yet powerful – uplift the underdog by weaving together the art of storytelling and design. And he’s not just making a difference for his clients – he’s making an impact on the industry as a whole.

Over the years, DBC has obtained several diversity certifications at the local, estate, and national levels from organizations like The National Minority Supplier Development Council and the New York State Unified Certification Program. The agency has also been recognized by the Better Business Bureau, the MUSE Awards Program, Expertise.com, and Clutch.

The benefits of Williams and DBC’s ethos for its clients are clear and invaluable: one-of-a-kind brand marketing campaigns that manage to connect with their target audiences on an intimate level. Of course, the team’s empathy and diversity are only part of the equation, with DBC also introducing X-based tools like a Design Thinking Toolkit and the agile marketing methodology.

“Empathy has been key to our success in bringing brands and clients together, but it’s much more than just a strategy,” says Williams. “At DBC, we believe in the power of solid data and a diverse talent pool that truly reflects society. By combining these elements, we’re able to create something truly amazing and impactful.”

Whether you look at DBC itself or the campaigns it has developed over the years, it truly has been amazing. Just like he does when snowboarding, Williams managed to weave through the many barriers of an ever-evolving industry, building a trusted brand in the same way he and his team have done for hundreds of companies.

(Ambassador)

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