Thanks for stopping by, we’re so glad you did. We are Harbor Creative Group, Inc. but you can call us Harbor Creatives. We are a duo of savvy marketers who lead a team of strategists, creatives, digital experts and other awesome people to deliver proven results to our clients. We happen to bring a lot of experience in the agriculture industry and a passion for all things wellness. We believe every brand has a story that’s waiting to be told. And we love telling them!
Our Crew
Unquestionably a born marketer, Lisa Minardi has racked up 20 years of hands-on experience through working in agencies since graduating from University of California, San Diego with a BA in Communications. Based in Santa Cruz, California she has collaborated with some of the largest agriculture brands in the Salinas Valley, Washington State and beyond. As the Vice President of McDill Associates and its division Plaid Cannabiz Marketing, she led the development of multiple award-winning marketing programs for clients in fresh produce, natural foods, beverages, cannabis, lifestyle, technology and retail. Her expertise lies in crafting the strategy of positioning, messaging and campaigns that set brands apart. Lisa never gets tired of writing, brainstorming and building client relationships.
Born and raised in the farming lifestyle, Melissa Roth has deep roots in the agriculture industry. After graduating from the University of Montana with degrees in Anthropology and Psychology, she joined the Peace Corps and learned along side Nepali farmers working on food security initiatives. Moving to Washington State with a new found passion for the people who grow our food, she began her career in the tree fruit industry. She is a card-carrying food safety and QA expert with years of experience in food processing and marketing, applying her attention to detail to every project. Her knack for evaluating market opportunities aligned with current trends means our clients can count on her for unexpected and innovative ideas. Passionate about sharing stories from brands that enhance our health, she revels in the creative process of meshing strategy and design.
Passion for Days
We get up every day excited to work with our clients. Our passion shows up through the results that make a difference for brands. We believe that collaboration is key and partnerships are what make the world go round.
Our Work
Fresh Ideas For Inspired Brands
TeaREX
TeaREX
Hillview™
Hillview™
Thornley & Knight
Thornley & Knight
Cultivation Warehouse
Cultivation Warehouse
Sol Fusion™
Sol Fusion™
SolDaze Snacks™
SolDaze Snacks™
Bimi® Baby Broccoli
Bimi® Baby Broccoli
Proprietary Variety Management
Proprietary Variety Management
Let's Connect
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Six years of Harbor Creative Group. 💛 💙
Six years of big ideas, creative challenges, incredible clients, lots of laughs, a few adventures, and getting to do work we genuinely love.
We’re grateful to the clients and partners who have trusted us with their brands, brought us into their teams and, in so many cases, became friends along the way.
We’re proud of what we’ve built together. And somehow, it still feels like we’re just getting started.
Here’s to six years of HCG — and whatever we dream up next. 🥂
We 🧡 logos
Honestly we could brainstorm logos all day if anyone let us. Big or small, every brand needs one! It’s the first impression, the face, the thing people remember.
Let us help you put your best face out there.
This logo was for an apricot variety, so we had a little fun with it 😉 leaning into the cheeky side of a pretty straightforward produce category, inspired by a favorite emoji. Even if it’s not something you’ll spot in the produce aisle, we still bring the same level of detail and care to every single logo.
Happy Earth Day from HCG 🌎🩵
Today we’re taking a moment to honor the Earth and everything she gives! Through our work in agriculture and a lifetime spent outside, we’ve seen firsthand how sacred, resilient, and life giving the Earth truly is.
We’re endlessly grateful for the places we’ve explored and the ones we’re lucky enough to call home. Here’s to protecting them, nurturing them, and never taking them for granted. 💙✨
Not to be dramatic but… she’s the moment.
Meet Sol Fusion ☀️
Logo. Packaging. Website. Sales materials. No notes.
Packaging design for a licensed cannabis brand.
21+ | For portfolio purposes only. Consume responsibly.
What do you get when you mix 5 years, one incredible client, and a lot of big ideas? 🍎✨
Websites, social feeds, packaging, events… and a hot air balloon (obviously ✨).
Proud of the work. Grateful for the partnerships. Excited for what’s next!
🎶 Raindrops on roses and crisp cans of cider… 🍎
A few of our favorite things? Designing bold, beautiful cans for 2 Towns Ciderhouse.
From punchy color palettes to illustrated details that pop off the shelf, these designs are made to be picked up (and cracked open). 🍎✨
This is who plans, writes, edits, overthinks, laughs, and launches ✨ 💙
Since helping launch Bimi® Baby Broccoli in U.S. last Spring, we’ve focused on a brand-centric strategy rooted in content, community, and culinary inspiration.
The kind of work we love most.
An agency that’s not very good at marketing itself? Guilty as charged. But we’re here! Heads down, building brands, driving results, enjoying every single minute.
So, Hello! 👋 from Lisa and Melissa
One of the most exciting rebrands in HCG history! We’ve transformed CIBO into Italy Culinary Vacations – a name and brand that perfectly captures the spirit of exploring Italy through food. 🇮🇹🍷
From the fresh identity to the new website, this project was a dream come true. Take a look and prepare to feel transported to the heart of Italy.
🎨 Before ➡️ After
What a fulfilling week! Had a full circle moment talking to my oldest son’s high school graphic design class on a @yourfutureisourbusiness career panel. His teacher is a designer that I worked with at my very first agency job here in Santa Cruz. Obviously I brought them Cosmic Crisp apples to try 😉.
I also donated Cosmic Crisp apples to my middle son’s 6th grade culinary class. They made the pop tart recipe from our website and it was a huge hit! 💪🏼
There is no greater joy than having a career that is meaningful to me as a marketer and as a mother to three boys. 😀🍎💖
~ Lisa
