Lakes Transportation, founded by breast cancer survivor Susan Koehler Gross, provides safe, reliable transportation services for local residents and travelers in Michigan. More than a service, Lakes Transportation represents a mission of hope and resilienceāgiving back to the cancer survivor community and supporting others who are beginning new chapters after their own health battles.
Inspired by her personal journey, Susan envisioned a company that not only provides rides to and from airports and community events, but also raises awareness and funds for local breast cancer charities. Her long-term vision includes establishing a foundation and building a fleet of drivers committed to making a difference in peopleās lives.
To help launch this inspiring mission, Lakes Transportation engaged WeShape Digital to develop its brand identity, build a strong digital presence, and create the foundation for marketing campaigns that tell its story with authenticity and impact.
challenge
As a new company with a powerful story, Lakes Transportation needed to translate its founderās vision into a professional, trustworthy, and approachable brand. Without a clear identity, online presence, or marketing strategy, the company risked blending into the crowded transportation market and missing opportunities to stand out as a mission-driven service provider.
solution
WeShape Digital partnered with Lakes Transportation to design and deliver a comprehensive launch package, ensuring that both the business and its mission were communicated effectively.
Key elements included:
Market Discovery & Brand Development⨠Conducted market analysis, competitive review, and a founder-driven discovery process to define the brandās positioning, voice, and core story.
Website Design & Development Built a modern, user-friendly website with key sections including Home, Founder/Team, Book a Ride & Pay, Terms & Privacy, and Blog. The site highlights Susanās story while making booking seamless for customers.
Brochure Design Designed a professional, print-ready trifold brochure to support local outreach and highlight both services and the companyās charitable mission.
SEO & Digital Setup Implemented foundational SEO with keyword analysis, meta optimization, structured data, and Google Business Profile setup to establish strong online visibility.
Social Media Strategy Developed initial campaign messaging, platform setup, and a content calendar for Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to share Susanās story and engage the community.
Ongoing Support Plan Outlined an approach for continued SEO, social media management, and Google profile optimization to sustain growth.
RESULTS
With a cohesive brand identity, professional website, optimized digital foundation, and story-driven marketing materials, Lakes Transportation launched as more than just a transportation providerāit became a community-focused mission. These efforts helped:
⢠Differentiate the business in a crowded transportation market
⢠Build early awareness among local families and travelers
⢠Position the company as a purpose-driven brand tied to charitable giving
⢠Establish the digital infrastructure needed for long-term growth and foundation-building
results
With a cohesive brand identity, professional website, optimized digital foundation, and story-driven marketing materials, Lakes Transportation launched as more than just a transportation providerāit became a community-focused mission. These efforts helped:
⢠Differentiate the business in a crowded transportation market
⢠Build early awareness among local families and travelers
⢠Position the company as a purpose-driven brand tied to charitable giving
⢠Establish the digital infrastructure needed for long-term growth and foundation-building
My journey through breast cancer taught me the value of hope and second chances. Lakes Transporta-tion is my way of giving back, creating something uplifting for others. WeShape Digital understood that heart from the very beginning and helped me share it with the world.
Susan Koehler Gross
Founder
Lakes Transportation
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