Marketing for Builders Who Mean Business
Built to last, branded to lead — because your work deserves more than word-of-mouth
Who We Are
From Jobsite to Boardroom: The Story Behind Hard Hat Marketing Co.
Nick McFayden didn’t grow up around pitch decks and marketing buzzwords—he grew up around tool belts, two-by-fours, and the unmistakable rhythm of boots on concrete.
Before founding Hard Hat Marketing Co., Nick spent years in the construction trenches—walking jobsites, managing proposals, and sitting at the table with superintendents, developers, and trade partners. He saw firsthand how builders poured their hearts into every project… but struggled to tell their story in a way that matched the quality of their work.
He also saw how marketing agencies—no matter how creative—often missed the mark when it came to construction. They didn’t understand the difference between design-build and plan-spec. They couldn’t explain a GMAX contract or grasp what it meant to actually win a pursuit. And they certainly didn’t know how to connect boots-on-the-ground experience with brand-level strategy.
So Nick did something about it.
He built Hard Hat Marketing Co.—a strategic marketing consultancy made for the construction industry, by someone who’s lived it. His mission? To help small to mid-sized contractors, specialty trades, and design-build firms cut through the noise, clarify their message, and position themselves to win the right work.
Today, Nick brings the same grit, precision, and pride he learned in the field to every brand strategy, proposal, and campaign his team touches. Because at Hard Hat Marketing Co., we believe your strongest tool isn’t just your equipment—it’s your story.
Our Services
Industries We Serve
General Contractors
From precon to punch list, your work is about more than project delivery—it’s about relationships, repeat business, and reputation. We help GCs own their market with brand strategies and pursuit tools that are as strong as their build-outs.
Subcontractors
Stand out. Show up. Scale up. You’re the backbone of every build. Whether you specialize in electrical, concrete, steel, or finishes—we help you own your niche, show off your craft, and grow your client base with marketing that works as hard as you do.
Design-Build Firms
Design-build is about trust and total accountability. We create branding and messaging that reflects your integrated approach—bringing your design sensibility and construction savvy into one seamless story.
Architects
Great architecture deserves storytelling that elevates. We help design firms communicate their creative vision, win RFPs, and grow recognition—without losing the elegance or intention of the work itself.
Engineers
Whether structural, MEP, or civil, your work is about problem-solving and performance. We translate technical depth into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with clients, reviewers, and collaborators.
Developers
You’re managing risk, capital, and countless moving parts. We help you find partners, attract investors, and shape public perception with brand strategy and messaging that aligns with your vision and scale.
Because great work deserves to be seen, not just built.
Featured Work
Pro-Craft Construction
We helped this Inland Empire subcontractor evolve from a trusted field performer into a polished, recognizable brand. From logo modernization to a complete messaging overhaul, our work with Pro-Craft included launch strategy, BD content, social media templates, and a confident new voice that reflects their decades of service and craftsmanship.Rebrand • Social Media • BD Enablement
Bernards
For one of California’s most respected GCs, we didn’t just celebrate 50 years—we used it as a brand milestone. From internal storytelling and social content to Centers of Excellence positioning, proposal support, and campaign rollouts, we helped Bernards blend legacy with forward-thinking strategy.50th Anniversary Campaign • Proposals • COE Marketing Strategy
KNM Design Build
For this Orange County luxury remodeler, we crafted a brand narrative that speaks directly to their high-end clientele. We built a content and social strategy rooted in aspirational design, timeless quality, and a white-glove client experience—positioning KNM as the go-to partner for homeowners and boutique commercial clients.Brand Development • Social Media Strategy • Storytelling
