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Yes, you CAN mix your branded merchandising and marketing goals with products that get BIG results, and produce less impact on the planet. The bottom line is that sustainability sells. More and more consumers want products and services that are environmentally friendly. Give them what they want! Here are some of our favorites here at The Dunstan Group. 

The Re-Tee 

Born from scraps and worn with pride. We’ve got a brand-new option for you in 2020 with these tees made from 100% recycled fibers. The Re-Tee eliminates the water-intensive dying process and the need to produce raw materials. It’s made of 60% reclaimed cotton fibers and 40% reclaimed polyester fibers. The end result is a good-looking, great-fitting tee that’s easy on the planet, too. 

Moisture Wicking Long-Sleeve Tee

New and improved, and even more “green” no matter what color you choose. The new Extreme Performance Long Sleeve Tee features a 4-way stretch fabric that’s all-day, any activity comfortable. It’s UPF 50+ for fun-in-the-sun protection, PLUS the polyester and spandex fiber is made of recycled plastic bottles. 

Wheat Straw Keychain Kit 

In our hot product predictions for 2020, we told you how straws would be one of this year’s “it” categories for branded merchandise. Here’s one that’s really amazing. This 3-piece straw kit and carrying tube are made from up to 30% recycled wheat straw fibers. It’s completely brand-able, and comes with a cleaning brush, too! 

See: What’s Hot for 2020 

Waterproof Solar Charger 

This device charger just went next level. Not only is it a convenient, waterproof, go-anywhere charger… its also solar powered. This one features a flashlight and two (2) fast-charging ports. We love the style and durability, as well as the BIG imprint area for your brand or logo. too. 

Recycled Pen

The classics never go out of style. These Recycled Click Action Pens are made with recycled paper and minimal plastic components. They include a colored clip that can pair with your existing branding. The large imprint areas can be printed with your custom text and logo. Great for around the office, at home, as trade show give-aways, and more!

New year, same question: what’s going to be “the” promotional product this year? Just like retail, tech, or any other industry, there’s always something new in the world of branded merchandise and apparel. We’ve been to the trade shows, we’ve talked to the reps, we’ve scoured the catalogs… here are just some of the trends The Dunstan Group believes will be hot for 2020! 

Leather: The look and feel of leather is undeniably a classic. This year, expect to see it everywhere, from bags to notebooks, binders, coasters, and journals, to trim and decoration for caps and other apparel. Leather’s timeless good looks and legendary durability seem to improve with age. As the saying goes, quality is always in style. 

Read: Classic. Contemporary. Leather.

Straws: Reusable straws aren’t just some standard accessory for VSCO girls or celebrities. Reusable straws can be had in stainless steel or silicone, and come in a variety of brand-able (and reusable) packaging. As more and more restaurants shun the single-use plastic variety, we predict personal, reusable straws will soon become as ubiquitous as water bottles. The reusable ones, of course! 

Drinkware: About those reusable water bottles… We’re certain drinkware will stay among the most popular branded merchandise items in 2020. And for good reason. For starters, industry surveys show most all of us (78%) own a piece of promotional drinkware. The average lifespan of a promotional drinkware piece is about 12 months. The better the piece, the longer it stays in rotation. That’s a whole lot of eyes on your brand or logo! 

Blue: As in the color. The 2020 Pantone Color of the Year is “Classic Blue.” Bold, familiar, and traditional, expect to see Classic Blue popping up in decorating and style trends, as well as in options for branded merchandise and apparel. We’re fans of Classic Blue for its ability to make a statement as well its capacity to complement so many other colors. 

Personal Privacy Products: Even as new laws hit the books that may make it easier for us to find out who’s collecting our data online, a little personal responsibility can go a long way. Blocking webcam and microphone access is one easy way to add an additional level of security to electronic devices you use every day. Our webcam cover combo pack is compatible with phones, tablets, desktop monitors, and laptops. 

What a year for the BrandBuilders Podcast! After winning their first PPAI Pyramid Award, hosts Scott Dunstan and Brian Young kicked off 2019 in a brand-spanking-new BrandBuilders Podcast Studio located in The Dunstan Group headquarters on Morehead Street. More than 50 guests later, they wrapped up the year with yet another Pyramid Award – and are looking forward to bringing 2020 “in focus.”

Starting 2019 with a new studio in the home office took the podcast’s mission of community-building to a new level. The BrandBuilders Podcast has always been about more than just business; it’s a way to tell stories about people who have taken risks, started brands, built businesses, and created something special for the communities around them. It has turned clients into friends by having conversations that last longer than a few minutes.

It has also created new friends in those who listen and respond, and Scott and Brian want to express their gratitude to all of them.

“Whether it was for one episode or if you’re a weekly listener, we want to thank you for joining us on the BrandBuilders Podcast ride,” says The Dunstan Group Founder and President, Scott Dunstan.

Guests included businesses that ranged from well-known and established companies to start-ups that have caught fire; each offering something unique to the program. From hauling away your stuff to repurpose, to giving entrepreneurs a place to set up shop, to keeping people healthy mentally and physically — every guest has a passion for what they do.

But not every guest runs a business. True to its mission, the BrandBuilders Podcast also gave a voice to many area non-profits who serve and uplift our community. Whether it was reflecting on an anniversary of a camp for adults with special needs, celebrating a nonprofit that supports other nonprofits, or applauding an elementary school girl who started swimming laps with friends to support our homeless neighbors, and expressing gratitude toward American veterans – the BrandBuilders Podcast gave them all a one-of-a-kind platform.

Round out the list with an actor, a guitarist, and two guys who became famous just trying to keep their beer cold while tailgating, and you’ve got quite a guest list! No wonder Scott and Brian capped their year winning a second Silver Pyramid Award for the BrandBuilders Podcast.

“We can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for the new year,” says Scott. We’re sure the BrandBuilders Podcast is heading there with a perfect vision for what 2020 should be.

Find the BrandBuilders Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, or subscribe here.

Whether the time just got away, you couldn’t make a decision, or you didn’t have that end-of-year budget you’d anticipated; skipping Christmas gift-giving doesn’t mean you don’t care about your clients, teammates, partners, or friends. In fact, a thoughtfully chosen gift given after the holidays can provide a unique opportunity to stand out from the rest of the holiday rush of gifting. (Procrastinators, rejoice!) Here are some of our favorite gift-giving categories that stand the test of any season! 

Jackets that are Weather Ready 

http://dunstangroup.com/jackets-that-are-weather-ready/

Once winter settles in, the only thing that’s certain about the weather is its unpredictability. Never fear, The Dunstan Group has hand picked some incredible jackets ― and vests ― that are weather ready, no matter what’s in the forecast. 

Classic. Contemporary. Leather

http://dunstangroup.com/classic-contemporary-leather/

From art to architecture, to fashion and design; some things never go out of style. Count leather among those items that have stood the test of time. Leather’s timeless good looks and rugged durability seem to improve with age. Fashionable and functional, leather is as at home on the runways of Milan, the streets of New York or the Texas plains. The Dunstan Group now provides an even greater selection of leather goods to your corporate gifting or branded merchandise and apparel. 

Hats You’d Actually Want to Wear 

http://dunstangroup.com/hats-youd-actually-want-to-wear/

There was a time when a hat was an everyday item for any man or woman, regardless of style or status. Over the years, hats have become wearable billboards, statement pieces, weather protection, spirit wear, and more. Regardless of your reason or season, here’s a look at some of our all-new caps and hats you’d actually want to wear! 

Make it Work with Layers 

http://dunstangroup.com/weather-the-weather-this-fall/

The calendar says it’s just about officially winter. That means the cooler (and sometimes wetter) weather will be hanging around for a while. Have your team, group, clients, and customers ready to weather the weather with these great customizable fleece, quarter-zip, and other layering pieces from The Dunstan Group! 

Coziest Gift Ideas Ever

http://dunstangroup.com/coziest-gifts-ever/

Looking for that one gift that can satisfy nearly everyone on your gift list? The Oprah Magazine lists blankets among its “Coziest Gifts Ever.” We’d agree! Is there anything more perfect than kicking back on a cold evening under a warm, cozy blanket. Here are some of our favorites here at The Dunstan Group; all of which can be customized with your brand, logo, or photo!  

Once fall and winter settle in, the only thing that’s certain about the weather is its unpredictability. Never fear, The Dunstan Group has hand picked some incredible jackets ― and vests ― that are weather ready, no matter what’s in the forecast. 

Dri-Duck Ace Jacket

Who says you can’t dress sharp and work-ready at the same time? Not this jacket. The Ace is a single-layer, four-way stretch shell with water-resistant technology and has a smooth, tailored feel. Say hello to your new grab-and-go jacket to throw over a T-shirt or layer for extra warmth.

Eco-Insulated Quilted Jacket

Protect yourself against cold, damp days without sacrificing comfort. Eco-made insulation layered between water-resistant, windproof fabric yields an amazingly warm and lightweight jacket. Choose from 16 different colored zipper pulls that closely match your brand colors to customize your jacket even more!

Dri Duck Denali Fleece Pullover

As work-ready as it is comfortable, the Denali fleece pullover is a steadfast layer of warmth when the temperatures drop. The Denali is built with midweight Mountain Fleece™ that is anti-pill and anti-static. Outfitted with Dri Duck signature rugged trims and finishes, including a functional chest pocket to store your necessities. It’s versatile. It’s rugged. But most importantly, it’s unfailingly warm.

The North Face TermoBall Trekker Vest

Streamlined ThermoBall^® powered by PrimaLoft^® baffles are contoured to fit your body and maintain core warmth during winter excursions in cold, wet weather. Wear this thermal vest as a mid-layer for added warmth in the coldest winter days or pack it for emergency layering in the backcountry.

Port Authority^® Vortex Waterproof 3-in-1 Jacket

Packed with weather-fighting features, the Vortex Waterproof 3-in-1 provides a completely versatile outerwear system in one jacket. The fully seam-sealed waterproof shell and the warm polyfilled inner jacket can be worn separately or combined for optimal warmth and protection.

The “Brandbuilders Podcast” has done it again! For the second year in a row, the popular podcast from The Dunstan Group has been named a Silver Winner at the PPAI Pyramid Awards. The awards recognize the best in the nation among branding and promotional product professionals. The BrandBuilders Podcast won in the technology category of blogs/podcasts/digital news.

“It’s great to be acknowledged by your peers for something whose main purpose is to reach out to the public and start conversations,” says Dunstan Group President Scott Dunstan. “We don’t do it for the awards — we do it to create a platform to tell great stories about people in the community around us, and help elevate their brands.”

Scott and co-host Brian Young have recorded more than 115 podcasts over almost two and a half years, with interesting people who have started and grown businesses or created non-profits that have made a difference in the Charlotte region and beyond. That kind of momentum takes diligence and dedication, but Scott and Brian are committed to the podcasts’ message of connecting in a real way.

“We’re reaffirming the power of being authentic, and the power of real communication,” says Brian about the reasons behind sitting down in front of a microphone and just talking to someone about how they turn their ideas into reality. “At a time when technology is taking over, where we text or email each other but rarely just sit down and talk, it’s a way to create a real conversation between people.”

The success of the BrandBuilders Podcast led Scott and Brian to build their own studio at the company’s headquarters on Morehead Street in Charlotte’s Dilworth Neighborhood in January 2019. The in-house studio allows The Dunstan Group to take this valuable platform to a new level — from a power to inform and entertain, to a superpower that can educate and connect our community for the greater good.

“To win two awards confirms for us that what we’re doing is powerful,” says Brian. “We’re sharing amazing stories and the amazing people we meet on a weekly basis, so everyone can understand their story.”

PPAI is the premier media brand covering the companies, people, ideas, and information that impact the promotional products industry. PPAI Media’s three industry publications provide timely news, expert commentary, and practical content help the branding industry. Scott and Brian attend the PPAI Expo to learn about the newest products and brands they can offer Dunstan Group clients.

The Brandbuilders Podcast with The Dunstan Group is produced in partnership with our friends at well-run media + marketing. An all-new episode of The BrandBuilders Podcast drops each Friday. Episodes can be found at http://dunstangroup.blubrry.net or anywhere you listen to podcasts.