CF Napa has been sharing clients’ brand stories for close to 50 years. “Evoking a brand’s story is the key to our package designs,” says David Schuemann, owner and creative principal, who took the company’s reins in 2001. “It’s exciting to have stayed relevant for so long,” he adds.

2020 Best Branding/Design Expert: CF Napa’s David Schuemann

The company is focused exclusively on alcohol beverages, and has supported related organizations from the start. It was even the first design firm to attend Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, Calif., now one of the largest and most respected trade gatherings in the industry.

“One of the things clients say is we don’t have a studio ‘look’,” says Schuemann, meaning each client’s brand is created from a unique perspective. “We approach building brands with specific personalities—just like people.”

Now with nine employees and a plan to soon hire employees for a second office in New York City, CF Napa is enjoying sustainable growth. “We’re proud of the hundreds of awards we’ve won through the years, but most important, we’ve helped our clients sell millions of cases,” he says. “Our team is friendly and creative, with a focus on helping clients succeed. It’s a huge honor to have people think of us as one of the best.”