A passion for communications.

About

Over the past 15 years we've learned a few things. Some of these ideas are rooted in academic theory. Others we learned the hard way.

When Jim Desautel founded our firm in a basement office, he set out to create a team of communications zealots. We even have the original bar napkin with Jim and Cher's notes on the topic to prove it.

What's interesting though is that as a team was assembled, as it grew, and as the firm was infused with experience and ideas, something surprising happened. We found ourselves working in ways that became bigger than “just” complex communications programs. We found ourselves influencing organizations in fundamental ways. That we did this through a communications lens made sense to us and our clients.

Why? Because when a company has a compelling communications strategy-one based on an understanding of its audiences, one that firmly aligns with the future, and one that balances creativity, pragmatic thinking, simplicity and complexity-something exciting happens.

New business or organizational opportunities and new ways of thinking and communicating are revealed. And we think this is a great thing.

Philosophy

Go to the average web site, and eventually you'll come across some version of "mission and vision." More often than not, you'll be looking at a series of words appropriate only for the organization's employees.

This said, we often get asked about what makes us different. Prospective employees want to know what it's like to work here, and clients want some insight into how we work. So while the list below isn't the whole story, it at least will give you a glimpse into who we are and what we're about.

Think of these as a blend between our values and a few things we've learned over the years. Want to learn more? Let us know. We're always happy to talk at length about this.

Client trust is hard to earn, but easy to lose.

We never take trust for granted. We work hard to earn it and value it every day. Our reputation drives our business.

Success takes more than a silver bullet.

It comes from listening and choosing the best strategies from an integrated toolbox. Clients rely on us for counsel that transcends cookie cutter ideas and tactics.

We're a family - a team of zealots.

We're tenacious and we work harder than anyone else for our clients. We always strive to be better experts. It's why we teach, why we're always learning and why we are dedicated to continually developing our craft. DHC started as a family business and still fosters the sense of family among our entire team.

The best ideas win. Always.

DHC is a meritocracy. A great idea from an intern is as valuable as a great idea from a partner.

DHC's success grows from our clients' success.

When our clients grow, we grow. By becoming indispensible and helping our clients uncover opportunity, realize goals and win business, DHC also wins. Apathy doesn't exist here.

We influence the fabric of our community.

We make our community stronger, a better place to live, work, create, socialize and raise families. An important part of the company's reason to exist is to strengthen our community.

Work is important. Life is more important.

Striking a balance between these two is vital in a business where so much passion and energy is poured into our work. We work to live, not the other way around. Part of being a team is having fun, keeping each other healthy and happy while encouraging a sustainable life.

IPREX

The world is growing ever-connected. We support our clients’ reach through IPREX, the leading international network of independent firms. Through IPREX, we have over 60 partners with 85 offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.  This powerful partnership gives on-the-ground support in major markets from Chicago to Shanghai and allows us to tap into specific areas of expertise and local intelligence to help our clients.


Some of Our Clients

  • Academic Health Science Center at Riverpoint Campus
  • Avista
  • CH2M Hill
  • Coeur d’Alene Tribe
  • Community Colleges of Spokane
  • Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS)
  • Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
  • Demand Energy
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Empire Health Foundation
  • Empire Health Services
  • Energy Northwest
  • Express Scripts
  • Gonzaga University
  • Grant County Public Utility District
  • Greater Spokane Incorporated
  • Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
  • Hotstart
  • Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS)
  • Itron
  • Jesuit Commons: Higher Education at the Margins
  • Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Casino
  • Mid-Valley Hospital
  • Mobius Science Center
  • NATIVE Project
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Next IT
  • Northwest Public Power Association
  • Optometric Physicians of Washington
  • Orthopaedic Specialty Clinic
  • Pacific University Oregon
  • Paine Hamblen
  • Palouse Industries
  • Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho
  • Port of Moses Lake
  • Project Access
  • Providence Health Care
  • Spokane Public Facilities District
  • STCU
  • Sterling Savings Bank
  • Stone Rivard McGonigle (SRM) Development
  • Tacoma Pierce County Health Department
  • United States Navy
  • Upper Columbia United Tribes
  • Washington Center for Nursing
  • Washington State Department of Health
  • Washington State Department of Licensing
  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
  • Washington State Department of Transportation
  • Washington State University - Pharmacy Program
  • Washington Trust Bank
  • Whitworth University
  • Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital
  • YWCA of Spokane