About Brand Force 5
We’re an independent, award-winning branding and creative agency based in Bergen County, New Jersey, but servicing businesses all over New Jersey and the country. Founded in 2018 by Chief Creative Officer Michael Maloney, the agency brings decades of creative experience to businesses looking to build stronger, more memorable brands.
Specializing in branding, logo design, graphic design, advertising, packaging, and digital communications, Brand Force 5 works with organizations of all sizes, from startups and family-owned businesses to established companies and national brands.Our approach combines strategic thinking with thoughtful design, creating distinctive visual identities and marketing communications that help businesses stand apart, connect with their audiences and build lasting relationships.
We believe great creative work doesn’t have to be overly complicated. It should be smart, memorable and effective.
RECOGNIZED FOR CREATIVE EXCELLENCE
Award-Winning Branding and Design
Since opening our doors, Brand Force 5 has earned recognition from some of the industry's leading creative organizations.
Our work has received awards for logo design, branding, packaging, advertising, brochures and other forms of visual communication. Among our recent achievements:
New Jersey Advertising Club
Ten Jersey Awards since 2023, including First Place for Logo Design three consecutive years.
Graphic Design USA (GDUSA)
Multiple American Graphic Design Awards recognizing our work in branding, logo design, packaging and print communications.
Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts
Nine awards, including three Davey Awards and six Communicator Awards.
While we're proud of the recognition, the real value of these awards extends beyond Brand Force 5. Every award brings additional visibility and credibility to the businesses and organizations behind the work.
For us, that's what makes the recognition especially meaningful.
SPEAKING & CREATIVE EDUCATION
Michael often speaks with students, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals about branding, design fundamentals, and building a sustainable creative career. Drawing on more than 30 years in advertising and visual communications—including his time teaching at the Fashion Institute of Technology—he shares a practical, people-first perspective on what makes creative work effective.
Most recently, Michael joined a panel at Ramapo College to discuss creative entrepreneurship, the role of foundational design principles, and how emerging designers can build careers that adapt without losing their point of view.
Beyond the agency world
Michael has taught Advertising Concepts at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), served as a firefighter with the Rutherford Fire Department, worked as a personal trainer and running coach, and authored and illustrated the children’s book Silverback and Son. These diverse experiences continue to influence his perspective on leadership, communication, discipline, and human connection.
Today, Michael continues to lead Brand Force 5 from New Jersey, partnering with clients across a wide range of industries to create brands that are memorable, successful, and built to last.
EXPERIENCE ACROSS INDUSTRIES
From Global Brands to Local Businesses
The experience behind Brand Force 5 spans consumer products, healthcare, beauty, fashion, pharmaceuticals, fitness and wellness, nonprofit organizations and business-to-business communications.
Throughout his career, Michael Maloney has contributed to branding, advertising, packaging, digital and integrated marketing initiatives for organizations including Procter & Gamble, Heineken, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, Nike and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
Today, Brand Force 5 applies that experience to businesses of all sizes, bringing the same level of creative thinking and attention to detail to an emerging startup as an established national brand.
Industry Leadership
Beyond earning recognition, Michael also contributes to the creative community as a juror for multiple award programs. In 2026, he was invited to serve as an Executive Juror for the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA), the organization behind the Davey Awards and Communicator Awards. The role draws on his experience as a creative director, designer, and educator to help evaluate work from agencies, brands, and independent creators.