CDQ’s philosophy is clear and simple.

We are pragmatic. We want to get the job done in a sensible and realistic way. We believe our clients feel the same.

However, pragmatic does not mean cheap and nasty. Our deepest feelings are those of producing the highest quality work that we can. It’s often said that spending a dollar on good design will save a fortune in the long run. This is our aim. To look at the wider picture. To see if we can achieve satisfying results using less resources.

We believe in cost effectiveness. Cost effectiveness should produce something that suits the purpose, is of high quality and is provided at the best levels of service.

And finally, CDQ considers a win-win solution to be our greatest business goal. Achieving this enables CDQ to work with our clients over the long term. It allows us to develop a deep understanding of their business goals and aspirations. This gives our clients the results they desire and we earn the right to become a valued member of their team.

Following this philosophy has given CDQ the opportunity to work with many fantastic clients and allowed us to help them attain the best value out of their marketing dollar.

We want to talk with you – contact us today for a FREE, friendly and helpful conversation.

A potted history.

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CDQ’s principal, Paul Donovan, gained his design degree (with honours) in the UK in 1982.

He worked in a franchise quick-print operation as the 'Art Department', learning to co-ordinate dozens of customer orders, process camera work, typesetters and demanding (but friendly) printing staff. In those days artwork was a real hands-on art involving rub-down lettering, technical pens, hot-wax and scalpels. Correcting errors and making alterations was far more than a mouse-click away. Whilst there, Paul developed systems which coped with heavy demands on the art department. This helped the business owner become the highest-turnover franchisee in the nationwide system. In a wider sense this was Paul’s first experience of the benefits of a franchise organisation and something must have stuck – read on.

Paul then moved companies to become a designer on a number of national magazine titles. Again, back in the eighties, this was a manual process involving numerous unionised trades in painstakingly detailed work. Being creative in this environment was a challenge to which he was able to rise.

In the mid-eighties Paul’s creativity and enthusiasm for getting the job done were set free! A computer called Macintosh appeared on the scene. Mice were invented; colour screens (huge and very expensive) were installed. Paul quickly established himself as a Mac Guru within the huge UK EMAP (Wikipedia info) organisation. He became the Desktop Publishing manager and trained editorial staff and designers on using Macs, whilst continuing to design two magazines. He set up systems with the company’s suppliers to use the files created on the new computers.

In 1991 he moved to New Zealand with his Kiwi wife. He worked as the Production and Editorial Director for an Auckland publishing company and had a staff of designers and sub-editors. He developed a local network of suppliers and a passion for great advertising design.

In 1994 Paul set up CDQ. Our first clients were Jason (the tourism publisher) and Franchise New Zealand magazine. Since Paul’s early days at the franchised print company he could see the benefits of franchising as a business model. With the invaluable assistance of the magazine, Paul became involved as a marketing services supplier with a number of franchisors and a member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand.

Over the past few years Paul has worked with many franchise companies and developed brand identities, promotional material, books, websites, award-winning exhibition stands and much more.

CDQ’s business also developed outside the franchise industry and we have produced many products for retailers, manufacturers and others – including packaging, posters, vehicle signage and promotional items.

Nearing the end of the first decade of the second millennium, Paul still passionately enjoys meeting with clients, discussing their business dreams and aspirations and working with them to make them come true. Quite simply, he still gets a buzz out of putting a smile on people's faces by providing effective and top-quality work.

Paul continues to be an enthusiastic entrepreneur, business man, designer, planner, listener, husband, father, friend, tramper and yachtsman.

Testimonials

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We believe it's the people in an organisation that make the difference and clear communication with each other will ensure things go well. We are delighted to have worked with many happy people over the years – here are a few of their comments.

I received my copy of the magazine at the weekend so I thought I'd drop you a line to say that I'm thrilled with the way it has come out. 
Many thanks for your input, advice and design work.
Martin Smith
Managing Director
The Touch Up Guys (NZ) Ltd

Our work to date with CDQ has been centred on the advertising requirements for our franchise operating system.
The requirements are often time pressured and we have found that, every time, without fail, the team at CDQ comes through with the goods. Perfect placement, on time, cost schedules completed and signed off, with advertisements that meet all our set criteria – typically required with a franchise operating system.
CDQ is a preferred supplier to New Zealand Dairy Foods Limited and Anchor Franchise Limited. They continue to perform to our companies' high standards of operational excellence and performance.
Rob Weston
Franchise Operations Manager
Anchor Franchise Limited

I loved the work you did for Kids Inn Nursery & Preschool so would love your ideas for our new centre logo/colour/design/signage, etc.
Sheree Macready
Kids Inn & Preschool

Great job! I don’t have any changes.
Stuart Deeks
Esquires Coffee Houses

It was awesome!
I think you did a great job. I had lots of people through and now have seven or eight people who have signed to take the next step with another couple to follow up.
I was truly blown away by the response!
Thanks.
Aaron Power
Just Cabins

We received really good responses with that promotion. Over 1,000 entry forms over a two-week school-holiday period – not bad is it?
Your nice posters helped a lot, that's for sure! 
Thanks buddy.
Toni Liu
Marketing Assistant
Retail Food Group (New Zealand)

We have worked closely with the CDQ team for over 15 years. During that time, apart from designing our highly-respected magazine, CDQ has also sourced and designed for us promotional items, award-winning exhibition stands and lighting, sales material and various online activities. We often seek CDQ’s input on marketing issues and regularly recommend the company to clients.
Simon Lord
Publisher
Franchise New Zealand magazine & web site

Thanks Paul, now that is what I call service!
John Foreman
Foreman & Company Ltd

CDQ was a vital factor in establishing the s.b.a small business accounting brand – I cannot speak highly enough of CDQ's professionalism and enthusiasm. 
Warren Mills
Managing Director
small business accounting (nz) ltd

Stewart Germann Law Office has been using the services of CDQ for 14 years. We have always found Paul Donovan of CDQ to be most helpful, a great lateral thinker, prompt to respond and very professional. SGL has no hesitation in recommending CDQ for advertising design.
Stewart Germann
Germann Stewart Law Office

We were delighted that our stand was named runner-up in the annual Showstopper Awards. These independently judged awards recognise the most eye-catching stands and clearest messages... Our thanks to CDQ…
Simon Lord
Publisher
Franchise New Zealand magazine and web site

Please accept our sincere thanks for the support and sponsorship of the Franchise Association of New Zealand Inc 2008 – Pushing the Boundaries conference. Without your continued participation and backing, the conference would not have been possible.
Jane Paape
Event Manager
Franchise Association of New Zealand Inc

Thanks Paul – it certainly was a great win for us (Franchise System of the Year Award) and should help in a really positive way going forward.
Lewis Deeks
Esquires Coffee Houses

You’re a star! These look great, well done…
Greg Dyer
Sportz Iconz Ltd

Paul, these are just fantastic – you understand our business so well and it has definitely been proved throughout the year.
Jo Rodger
Expro

We had a very successful conference – everybody commented on the poster.
Warren Mills
s.b.a

Many thanks for busting your butt to get this all done... appreciate your efforts.
Greg Dyer
Sportz Iconz Ltd

I would just like to say thank you for the ad you did. I was extremely happy with it.
Chris Wilson
PC People NZ Ltd

Anchor Milk is very happy with the promotion [they have run in association with our company]. They believe it markets both brands and displays the message in a very effective manner.
Colleen Milne

I just wanted to send you a quick thanks email to thank you for picking up the text that had dropped off the original Open Polytechnic ad we sent to you.
In all my years in advertising, this is the first time a publication has ever checked or taken the time to check material – our grateful thanks to you for doing so and letting us know.
Nicki Stephens
pp Open Polytechnic

The brochures look fantastic. I love the paper they are on. Thanks so much.
Stewart Germann
Germann Stewart Law Office

I think your work is of the highest quality and hope we can work together in the future.
David Pearson
Pearson Franchise Consultants

Congratulations – the logo is excellent and adds significant value to TSCL.
John Lennie
The Skin Care Company

I am glad that Esquire is your client as I think their documentation looks great.
Best Regards.
Mark Chan

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