Branded By Story™, the South Carolina–based storytelling studio redefining how trust is built between communities and the businesses that serve them, has been awarded both the BBB Business of the Year and the BBB Torch Award for Ethics by BBB Serving South Carolina. The recognition honors the studio’s unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and its industry-shifting Billion-Dollar Framework™ — a system designed to help local businesses rise as the undisputed leaders of their towns.
Founded by Justus Calkins, founder and brand strategist, Austin Barnhill, creative director and partner, and supported by Scarlett, director of digital experience and partner, Branded By Story has quickly emerged as one of the most trusted branding studios in the Southeast.
A New Category for Modern Businesses: The Billion-Dollar Framework
Branded By Story created its own category, a cinematic storytelling studio built on five core engines:
- Signature Production System™ — 28 deliverables in 4 weeks
- Community-Approved™ Model — One business per industry per town
- Regional Lifestyle Storytelling™ — Story over sales
- Brand Story Capital™ — Proof over promise
- Media & Thought Leadership Engine™ — Building local icons
A Family-Rooted Mission That Fuels the Framework
“We wanted to prove that business can still be built on trust, not tactics.”
“When we started Branded By Story, we didn’t want to be another marketing company. We wanted to prove that business can still be built on trust, not tactics."
“We’re honored to shine a light on ethical businesses.”
“It’s an honor to win the Torch Award for Ethics."
“At Branded By Story, we don’t just build brands. We build belief in people, in community, and in the idea that truth still matters."
About Branded By Story
Branded By Story™ is a luxury storytelling studio based in Charleston and Seneca, South Carolina. Through its Billion-Dollar Framework™, the studio helps trustworthy businesses rise as the definitive leaders of their market through cinematic brand films, high-end identity systems, and community-driven storytelling. For more information, visit www.brandedbystory.com.
Media Contact
Justus Calkins
Branded By Story
justus@brandedbystory.com
+1 832-530-2479
Media Relations
Branded By Story
buildmybrand@brandedbystory.com
