Harry Benson
Creative Strategy Director

About

Grand St Blues is a creative and strategy studio founded by Harry Benson. We build brands, products and narrative that are relevant, inclusive, representative of communities and culture. 

 

I'm a Strategy Director and Copywriter based in upstate NY, collaborating globally. I specialize in hospitality, placemaking, and culturally relevant branding. I uncover insights through discovery, stakeholder interviews, and strategic research—developing positioning and creative strategy that shape branding, programming, and voice.

With over a decade of experience, I’ve worked with global brands like IHG (Holiday Inn, Kimpton, Regent), Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Reserve — as well as independent projects rooted in community, music, and place. My work spans naming, brand strategy, positioning, creative direction, and copywriting.

I specialize in:

  • Brand strategy and storytelling for hospitality and lifestyle brands

  • Tone of voice and copy systems for global rollouts

  • Culture and placemaking strategies for destination-driven projects

  • Creative concepting for brand launches and new ventures

Reach me at harry@grandstblues.com