DK Brand Collective
Leadership Training, Coaching, Branding
& Event Strategy in Connecticut

DK Brand Collective is a women-led consulting, training, coaching, branding, and event strategy firm based in Connecticut. Our work is guided by the DDP Framework Desire, Drive, and Purpose a people-centered approach that helps organizations strengthen leadership, align teams, and create sustainable performance.

We support businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations across Connecticut and nationwide through leadership training, executive coaching, team development, customer experience strategy, brand positioning, and full-service event planning. DK Brand Collective is closely connected with DK Movement Cares, a community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting individuals, families, and youth through charitable programs and community events.

Our Operating Philosophy: The DDP Framework

At DK Brand Collective, all services are guided by the DDP Framework, which focuses on three essential elements of human and organizational performance:

Desire

What people want, value, and care about

Drive

The actions, skills, habits, and follow-through that support consistent performance

Purpose

Why the work matters and who it impacts When Desire, Drive, and Purpose are aligned, performance becomes sustainable, not forced. This framework shapes how we design training, deliver coaching, develop brands, and plan events.

The DDP Framework and related materials are proprietary to DK Brand Collective and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Founders & Leadership

Kelly Houston – Founder & Principal Consultant

  • MBA candidate (Marketing)

  • Program Director (YMCA childcare)

  • Leadership development, training, branding, and event strategy experience

  • Co- Founder of DK Movement Cares (501(c)(3))

  • Co-Host of Together We Solve The Power Couple Podcast

  • Kelly’s work focuses on aligning Purpose with strategy, ensuring organizations and leaders communicate clearly and operate with intention.

Derek Jones – Lead Trainer & Coach

  • Corporate trainer and leadership coach

  • Youth development and mentoring background

  • Co- Founder of DK Movement Cares (501(c)(3))

  • Co-Host of Together We Solve The Power Couple Podcast

  • Co-creator of Mind and Motion Plus Youth Program

  • Derek’s training and coaching strengthen Drive and Desire by building confidence, clarity, and consistent leadership behavior.

How We Work

What approach guides DK Brand Collective’s work?

DK Brand Collective’s work is guided by the DDP Framework, a people-centered methodology that aligns Desire, Drive, and Purpose to support leadership development, team performance, and organizational clarity.

How is the DDP Framework applied across services?

The DDP Framework is used across leadership training, executive coaching, brand strategy, and event planning to create alignment between people, expectations, and outcomes. The framework helps organizations strengthen communication, reinforce accountability, and design solutions that support sustainable performance.

Who does DK Brand Collective work with?

DK Brand Collective works with businesses, nonprofits, schools, childcare and youth programs, and community organizations across Connecticut and nationwide.

What differentiates DK Brand Collective’s approach?

DK Brand Collective combines real-world leadership experience with a consistent methodology. Rather than offering disconnected services, the firm uses the DDP Framework to align people, systems, and purpose, creating measurable and lasting results.

DK Brand Collective offers a focused set of services designed to support organizations at every stage of growth. All services are guided by the DDP Framework, strengthening leadership, communication, culture, and customer experience while aligning teams, brands, and events around clear goals and measurable outcomes..

Core Services

  • Training strengthens Drive

  • Coaching supports Desire

  • Branding reinforces Purpose

  • Events bring Desire, Drive, and Purpose together through experience

Trusted by Organizations We Serve

What Clients Say

I recently hired DK Brand Collective for a training programs and I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations. From start to finish, the program was thoughtfully designed, engaging, and incredibly impactful. Derek designed and tailored the training and materials specific to the childcare content we discussed.”

Tina Valentin, Director of Childcare Operations / Meriden New Britain Berlin YMCA

Serving Connecticut Organizations, With a Broader Reach

DK Brand Collective is proudly based in Connecticut and works closely with organizations throughout the state, including Bristol, Hartford County, New Haven County, Fairfield County, and surrounding communities. Our Connecticut-focused work includes supporting businesses, nonprofits, childcare programs, schools, and community organizations through leadership training, executive coaching, event planning, and brand strategy rooted in the realities of the local workforce and community needs.

While our primary focus is serving Connecticut-based organizations, we also support select national clients through virtual and on-site engagements when aligned with our people-first approach and areas of expertise.

Authority, Community & Professional Affiliations

DK Brand Collective is recognized for its commitment to ethical business practices, community leadership, and people-first development. Our work is grounded in real-world experience, professional partnerships, and active involvement across Connecticut communities.

  1. BBB Accredited A+ Rating

  2. Member of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce

  3. Nonprofit leadership through DK Movement Cares, a 501(c)(3) organization

  4. Community event leadership, including 5Ks, fundraisers, and youth programs

  5. Speaking engagements and educational workshops for organizations, businesses, and community groups

Logo for West Hartford Chamber with the initials 'WH' inside a circular design, and the tagline "Connecting Business & Community" underneath.
Blue circular badge with white text stating 'Six Sigma Global Institute Corporate Trainer Certified' and a purple and green logo at the bottom.
Logo of the Certified Management and Strategy Institute (CMSI) featuring a stylized globe with swirling lines, encircled by the words 'Certified Management and Strategy Institute' and 'CQEP' at the bottom.
BBB Accredited Business logo with torch symbol and bold text.
Seal badge indicating certification for employee performance coach from Transformation Academy.
Gold badge with blue ribbon reading "Certified Productivity Coach" and a yellow sunburst background.
Badge with a yellow sunburst design, blue ribbon, and black text reading "Certified Soft-Skills Coach" and "Transformation Academy."
Certified Career Coach badge with yellow and blue design, includes a compass icon and text 'Certified Career Coach Transformation Academy by Adam Mitchell-Hardt'.

Connected Organizations & Community Partnerships

DK Brand Collective works in close connection with organizations, programs, and initiatives that reflect our commitment to people-first leadership, community development, and real-world impact. These connections strengthen our work across training, coaching, events, and youth development by grounding our services in lived experience, collaborative partnerships, and ongoing community engagement throughout Connecticut.

DK Brand Collective is closely connected with:

  • DK Movement Cares (501(c)(3) nonprofit)

  • Mind and Motion Plus Youth Program

  • Together We Solve: The Power Couple Podcast

  • Meriden New Britain Berlin YMCA

Our community work reflects our belief that Purpose-driven organizations create stronger teams, deeper trust, and lasting impact.

Community Impact Commitment

DK Brand Collective is committed to reinvesting in the community. A portion of proceeds from our training, coaching, branding, and event services supports DK Movement Cares, our connected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and its Mind & Motion Plus Youth Program, which focuses on youth empowerment, mentorship, and life skills development.

Service Area & How to Connect

DK Brand Collective is based in Connecticut and works with organizations across the state and nationwide. We support clients through in-person and virtual engagements, depending on the service and scope of work. Whether you’re exploring leadership training, executive coaching, event planning, or strategic support, our team is available to discuss your goals and determine the best next steps.

Location & Reach

  • Based in Connecticut

  • Serving organizations statewide and nationwide

Contact

  • Email: info@dkbrandcollective.com

  • Phone: (959) 263-5876

Next Step

Intellectual Property & Use Notice

The DDP Framework and all related training concepts, materials, language, and methodologies used by DK Brand Collective are proprietary to DK Brand Collective and are provided for educational and professional development purposes only.

All written materials, frameworks, and training content are intended for use within DK Brand Collective engagements and may not be reproduced, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from DK Brand Collective.

Use of DK Brand Collective materials does not grant license, certification, or ownership of any proprietary frameworks or methodologies.