We're a small company with very big expectations.

Our story

We opened the doors in 1978. That’s when Denny Williams started writing copy and providing advice to a few Midwestern companies. More than 45 years later, we are a 25-person full-service communication firm serving clients across North America and beyond.

IN OUR FIRST TWO DECADES, we worked extensively in the office furniture industry, and many of our present-day relationships and projects reflect these roots.

THROUGHOUT THE 1990s, we grew expertise in work culture communications and began working with a broader set of Fortune 500 clients in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

IN 1998, we entered the philanthropy sector through our work with Michigan community foundations, which quickly grew to include national foundations, nonprofits and associations.

TODAY, we continue to help individuals, organizations and businesses of all kinds communicate with the people they care about most.

The long view is always in mind

We believe what we have is special and worth sustaining. We manage our enterprise with a 50-year horizon—by putting client and community needs at the center of everything we do, investing in talented people who share our values and making sure we operate from a secure financial position.

Caring is a big part of our formula for success. As a Certified B Corporation™, we're always mindful of doing the right thing for our projects—and for the people and places our work involves.

Our approach

Wg associates are always aiming for better. We sincerely want the work we do to make a difference for our clients and the world. So we take care to add value and up our game. Every project, every interaction is an opportunity to understand and think deeply, respond thoughtfully and strategically, and create experiences that are meaningful and memorable.

The Wg style is to work intensively and collaboratively. We readily incorporate new inputs and project lessons, and quickly explore potential solutions in a highly dynamic, creative process. Combined with our well-honed project management discipline, this approach leads to success time and time again.

In it together

At Williams Group, we believe in the power of community. By joining Wg—as an associate, client or vendor—you're signing up for a meaningful, collaborative and enduring experience.

When you need someone to lighten the burden and bring out the best, we're here to help.

Social impact

Giving back

We believe we have a responsibility to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our community and our world.

Williams Group gives at least 10 percent of our annual profits to nonprofit organizations advancing meaningful causes in our local community.

Wg associates also receive funds each year to support the causes they care about most—and we match their personal donations in an annual giving campaign.

Our three-year pro bono commitment supported a brand and materials refresh for Kids’ Food Basket, an organization that feeds thousands of local children affected by hunger each day.

Supporting education

We believe quality education is essential to democracy—and we support local public schools accordingly.

Wg donated funds to completely furnish a new library at Congress Elementary School, an inspiring place of growth and learning close to our hearts. We also sponsor author visits and volunteer as classroom readers.

Our multi-month contribution of pro bono services helped launch the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), an organization offering career-enhancing, life-affirming programs for all ages.

We also have provided hundreds of hours of pro bono services to help the Student Advancement Foundation in its support of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Pursuing equity

We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion work together to strengthen our culture, help us create great communications for our clients and contribute to a better world.

Much of our project work supports organizations that are driving toward greater equity—in education, the arts, healthcare, food and housing security, and more.

We aim to make our communications accessible, inclusive and culturally responsive. We regularly fine-tune our language, approaches and distribution channels for improvement in these areas.

We are learning and growing. We work to create an open and affirming culture and encourage all associates to participate in education focused on equity, inclusion, diversity and cultural humility.