Business Direction Audit Specialist

I’m building a premium pickleball equipment brand and need a brand strategist to review my current direction before I move deeper into creative development. I already have internal planning documents for the brand, product, and launch strategy. I also have a creative director proposal for a 3-month brand and launch system. Before I commit too far into design, packaging, and launch assets, I want an outside strategist to audit the direction and help tighten the foundation. The first main product is a 16mm control/hybrid pickleball paddle built around feel, consistency, confidence, and refined play. I currently sell edge guard tape and plan to build a focused equipment brand around paddles and supporting accessories. The brand direction I’m aiming for is premium, credible, and product-driven, but not stiff or overly serious. I want it to feel trusted and well-built, while still having a lighter, more human personality. This is not a full branding project. I’m not looking for a logo, visual identity, naming package, or copywriting right now. I’m looking for a focused strategy audit that tells me what is strong, what is weak, what feels generic, what is unclear, and what needs to be decided before the creative work begins. The deliverable should be a clear brand strategy and messaging brief that can help guide the creative director, designer, and future copywriter. It should cover positioning, target customer, brand personality, tone of voice, messaging pillars, product story, launch angles, and what the brand should avoid sounding or looking like. I want direct and honest feedback. If the direction is weak, too generic, or missing something important, I want that called out. Ideal experience would include consumer products, sports, ecommerce, Amazon, DTC brands, fitness, outdoor, apparel, or premium equipment brands. Please include relevant examples, how you would approach the audit, what you would need from me, your timeline, and your fixed price for this first project.