The Dunstan Group

BrandBuilders Spotlights

BrandBuilders Spotlight: Harriet’s Hamburgers

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

Harriet’s Hamburgers is on a mission to spread happiness across the Carolinas with the simple act of feeding them the burgers anywhere. They’re a juicy addition to Optimist Hall on North Brevard Street, where their motto is, “Just be good.” It’s that simple – and they believe, the simpler, the better. They want to be good at what they do and be good to others. Harriet’s Hamburgers believes feeding people does just that.

The Challenge:

The retro-inspired branding evokes a simpler time at Harriet’s Hamburgers, when catching a burger and fries with your bestie was an easy, after-school or Friday night ritual.

“We wanted an intentional, unique, and connected branding and design in everything we put out,” says founder and local restaurateur Joe Haubenhofer. “Everything from space design, uniforms, merchandise, digital experience, and packaging” he adds, needed to share the nostalgic look and feel.

The Big Idea:

Joe and his team turned to The Dunstan Group to curate unique products and staff uniforms that would give a retro-diner feel to their restaurant. Raglan tees, hats, Tervis tumblers, sunglasses, polos, and water bottles add to the mix of updated products with the feel of a simpler time.

“The items are cohesive and a natural brand extension,” adds Joe.

The Reaction:

The merchandise is still rolling in at Harriet’s Hamburgers, adding a new pop to the brand as they arrive – but the uniforms are already a hit!

“The initial uniforms (front and back of house) we did are a huge success and one we’ll likely keep through the growth and evolution of the brands at new stores for many years to come,” says Joe.

BrandBuilders Spotlight: ISF “Cancer Messed With”

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

The Isabella Santos Foundation works relentlessly to fund research and treatment options for pediatric cancer patients. Named for the little girl who inspires this effort, the Isabella Santos Foundation has raised and donated more than $5 million in 12 years to reach its goal to help kids Beat Cancer, Grow Hair, and Live Their Dreams. In 2020 alone, it reached a milestone by donating $1 million to achieve its mission.

ISF donations are currently building a program at Levine Children’s Hospital for children with rare cancers. Their efforts have brought in a top doctor, Dr. Giselle Sholler, to head the department, and are building a team of doctors, nurses, and researchers around her. They’re achieving their goals of funding trials and doing research for rare pediatric cancers. 

The Challenge:

While ISF is known for unique and attention-getting events, they wanted to diversify their fundraising streams for a more consistent source of income. For ideas, they leaned on what powered them forward the last 12 years: positive thoughts.

“When Isabella was battling cancer, we were the biggest consumers of positive thoughts and products,” says Erin Santos, Isabella’s mother and founder of the ISF. “We wanted T-shirts with positive thoughts.” With all that’s going on in the world right now, says Erin, ISF wanted to reach people in a way that speaks to them personally — and not necessarily about cancer.

The Foundation has had a lot of success with an advocacy campaign launched in 2015, called “Cancer Messed With….” It was based on what they would tell people about Isabella and her fight — that cancer messed with the wrong kid. ISF printed the phrase on a few pieces of merchandise, and it sold well as the idea caught on. But in 2021, it needed a refresh.

The Big Idea:

Erin and her marketing team worked with Brian Young at The Dunstan Group for a way to freshen up the Cancer Messed With Campaign and make it more accessible to supporters. The result was an online store that offered T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, stickers, and even customizable team shirts in trendy, edgy styles and colors.

“We wanted something that evolved to keep pace with what people are buying,” says Erin. “The Dunstan Group has a good view of what people want, and suggested different products that they know people want to buy — and they were right. They showed us how to branch out into other categories.” Suggestions of new fabric blends that people love, in colors that are on point, led to instant success. The sand-colored oversized hoodie sold out quickly!

The Reaction:

“I love it!” says Erin. “We let them lead and we held back, and they were right!” ISF is already reordering the most popular products, like the hoodie. Part of the campaign’s success? “They are great at communication,” says Erin.

A crucial part of the communication was letting ISF know about supply chain issues that are causing a hold-up on a lot of online merchandise for retailers. The Dunstan Group knew their products well enough to suggest branded attire and accessories that could be in the hands of donors when they wanted it. That kind of knowledge and professionalism is why the Isabella Santos Foundation keeps coming back to The Dunstan Group for more fundraising ideas and merchandise.

“Brian is by far one of my favorite people to work with,” says Erin. “He’s the best! He loves what he does, and he loves what we do, so he’s an extended member of our team!”

BrandBuilders Spotlight: Ground 40

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

Ground 40 is a Christian ministry that seeks to provide practical Biblical application to the lives of men caught in the grips of addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. Men in the program spend their first 120 days on a working farm as they learn practical discipleship. When ready, they move to a home with others in the program, to continue growing their faith while working with mentors and businesses to learn a skill or vocation.

The Challenge:

Each year Ground 40 sponsors a Farm Fun Day event to raise awareness about the challenge of addiction, and the work Ground 40 is doing in the community. The day of hayrides, pumpkins, volleyball games, food, and music is also a big opportunity for Ground 40 to open the farm to the public and raise funds for the ministry.

The Big Idea:

Lyndsie Davis at The Dunstan Group worked with Ground 40 leadership to provide branded merchandise that would share the Ground 40 brand and message to visitors at Farm Fun Day. Two soft but rugged T-shirts sported the nonprofit’s logo, and the long sleeve (youth) and ¾ sleeve styles were perfect for the crisp, sunny October day. A Christmas ornament in matte black with the Ground 40 logo on one side and “For unto us a child is born” on the other was on-point for the group’s faith-based mission.

The Reaction:

“The Dunstan Group has been a fantastic partner in helping raise awareness.  We were able to do a podcast in late 2019, and of course the gear they make is amazing!”

-Matthew Davis, Ground 40

BrandBuilders Spotlight: AtlantaINNO

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

AtlantaINNO is part of AmericanINNO’s family of digital media and events properties, which focus on covering nextgen leaders in the startup and technology industries. AtlantaINNO’s annual 50 on Fire recognizes the best innovators and entrepreneurs of the region’s startups.

The Challenge:

Like a lot of events in 2020, AtlantaINNO needed to recognize its 50 on Fire winners in a way that reflects their accomplishments, but without a large gathering. The virtual award ceremony on August 6th called for creativity and innovation of its own to support the winners, AtlantaINNO, and their sponsors’ brands.

“I was overwhelmed with the idea of assembling gift boxes with awards and a branded gift, and getting them shipped on time to our winners,” explains AmericanINNO’s National Marketing and Events Director, Cat Francis. This is where The Dunstan Group showed its flexibility and creativity with its BrandBuilders Box.

The Big Idea:

The Dustan Group created a custom BrandBuilders Box for 50 on Fire winners in the Atlanta area, that reflects the AmericanINNO brand and the 50 on Fire sponsor, JLL. Brian Young of The Dunstan Group teamed up with JLL and AtlantaINNO to create custom awards, custom executive power banks, and custom cards, which were placed in a full color, one-of-a-kind BrandBuilders Box. Boxes were then mailed to each winner to recognize their organization as one of the top 50 on Fire in the Atlanta area.

The Reaction:

“The Dunstan Group brought my idea to life and then made it look amazing. The gift boxes we sent to honorees were even better than I imagined! The Dunstan Group streamlined the process, and took all of the stress off my shoulders. Our honorees were surprised and so excited about the gift boxes, as they arrived the day before the virtual event. Thank you!”

-Cat Francis, National Marketing and Events Director AmericanINNO

BrandBuilders Spotlight: Middle C Jazz Club

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

Middle C Jazz Club wants to add another nuance to Charlotte’s arts and music community with a dimension it hasn’t seen in a while: a jazz club for smooth sounds from local and national acts in a setting with a sophisticated, yet approachable, Uptown vibe. Co-owner Adam Farber is a Charlotte native with a musical family, so his roots run deep here. And just as C is the middle key on a piano where all music starts, Middle C Jazz Club is positioned as a place where anyone who loves music can relax and find a great cocktail, tasty plates, stellar service, and most of all, the kind of music they love.

The Challenge:

The proprietors wanted to keep music the focus of the club, but knew a comfortable, relaxed vibe with great drinks, food, and service immersed in a jazz theme would invite people in and keep them coming back. Branding would be visible on staff and drinkware, yet subtle enough to keep the mood while reflecting the message. Owners also wanted items like hats, shirts, and drinkware to sell, to support the arts and artists who played there, while giving patrons a tangible memento from an enjoyable night out.

The Big Idea:

Dunstan Group worked with Farber to brainstorm staff apparel and aprons that would capture a jazzy vibe, and caps for Baby Grand Membership holders, along with metal membership cards. But the genius of combining branding with music emerged when Dunstan Group and Farber’s team came up with music-themed accessories like drumsticks and guitar picks that were easy, accessible reminders of a great night out on the town.

The Reaction:

“We were given top-notch service and top-notch, quality products from top-notch, genuine folks who cared about our overall personal and business success. The results are a perfect catalyst for bringing together what we are trying to do for our city and in our club.”

-Adam Farber, co-owner of Middle C Jazz Club

Middle C photos by Brian Twitty

BrandBuilders Spotlight: Open Streets 704

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

The Open Streets 704 program hosts twice-yearly events that “open” Charlotte city streets connecting neighbors and neighborhoods for an afternoon of fun, free activities they can enjoy with their entire family. The event is based on successful Open Streets festivals in cities around the world, which encourage people to live healthier, better-connected lives by allowing them to explore local neighborhoods in a way that’s just not possible by car.

The Challenge:

With an eighth event approaching, Open Streets 704 feels like it’s a regular on Charlotte’s spring and fall “must do” calendars. But introducing the concept of open streets took some creativity on behalf of The Dunstan Group. Branded merchandise would need to be functional, of course, but would also need to communicate basic “what, when, and where,” information, while giving recipients the idea of what the event was all about. With events and activities spread out over several miles, and many different neighborhoods, branded merchandise would need to do more than market a logo — it would have to encourage an idea of people-powered activity for every age and background.

The Big Idea:

Among a suite of promotional items including banners, key keepers, and reusable cups, the branded Frisbees and blinking bike lights were runaway hits at other outdoor festivals and functions leading up to the first Open Streets 704 event. Customized printed coasters were another fun and functional promotion that served as a nod to the participating local breweries along the route. Staff and volunteer t-shirts helped participants and wayfinding signs helped reinforce the brand during the event.

The Reaction:

Clearly, folks got the message about Open Streets 704! The semi-annual events draw more than 30,000 people outside and into the streets. Participants say they’ve discovered new neighborhoods and businesses along the routes, and are more willing to walk, ride a bike, or visit a park as a result of being a part of Open Streets 704 events. Businesses agree they’ve gotten more exposure – and new customers – from Open Streets 704.

“Open Streets 704 is truly an event anyone can participate in,” said Eleanor Shell, one of the program organizers. “Open Streets 704 crosses neighborhood boundaries, and reaches out to our entire community to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get out, meet new people, see new places, and have fun.”

“The Dunstan Group really understood the vision of the event for what we are hoping to create in our community, and to carry over that same feeling from one afternoon to the rest of the year.”

BrandBuilders Spotlight: 24 Foundation

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

24 Foundation is a non-profit organization close to our founder, Scott Dunstan’s, heart. Since 2002, the Charlotte-based charity has raised more than $21 million to support cancer navigation, improve quality of life and survivorship for cancer patients. Its signature events bring cyclists, walkers, survivors, families, and friends together for 24-hour tests of endurance, remembrance, community, and celebration. 

“Community involvement is so important,” says Scott on his connection to the 24 Foundation’s mission and message.

The Challenge:

In honor of his mother’s memory, Scott started riding in 24 Hours of Booty, the Foundation’s signature cycling and fundraising event. As the years progressed, many more people dear to him have been affected by cancer, including two close friends who lost children to pediatric cancer. In 2009, The Dunstan Group became the supplier of the 24 Foundation’s branded merchandise. 

As the event grew and branched out to other cities, the message of fundraising for the important work of cancer navigation had to be consistent on all platforms across the country with cool, fundraising incentives, comfortable riding gear, staff shirts, volunteer shirts, fundraising awards, and branded merchandise for the 24 Foundation support store.

The Big Idea:

Each fall, The Dunstan Group works with the marketing and branding teams at the 24 Foundation to identify unique product, apparel, and designs that can help them excite participants, reach their fundraising and awareness goals, and provide long-lasting branding appeal. From a fundraising perspective, a high-quality incentive item may provide a tipping point for participants to make one more ask, send one more email, and reach that “next level.” The 24 Foundation’s two annual events are also supported by on-brand apparel, gear, and other goods that are available through the program’s online store.

The merchandise provided for the 2019 24 Hours of Booty includes 20 unique branded items from pens and bracelets, to bamboo sunglasses, hair ties, and even cowbells!

The Reaction:

“The 24 Foundation developed into the hugely impactful non-profit it is today because of partnerships with like-minded individuals like Scott Dunstan and The Dunstan Group,” says Katy Ryan, Executive Director of the 24 Foundation. “Scott and his team are true partners. Each year, Scott participates in the event, raises funds on behalf of the organization, and helps us create a successful road map for recruitment and retention through our apparel, incentives, and promo items.”

The personalized attention is what keeps drawing 24 Foundation back to The Dunstan group year after year, says Ryan.

“The Dunstan Group always delivers more than expected each year, helping propel us forward as we seek to expand and improve upon our mission to provide cancer navigation and survivorship for all. This is why we always choose the Dunstan team. They care not just about what we do, but why we do it.”

BrandBuilders Spotlight: Hoppin’

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

Hoppin’ is a self-serve taproom that allows patrons to serve as much or as little beer or wine as they feel like tasting. A wristband keeps track of how much is poured, and patrons pay when they return their wristband to leave. The whole vibe is about keeping it simple, and good beverages with friends.

The Challenge:

The Dunstan Group offered new ideas that showed we were thinking “outside the box” with the Hoppin’ marketing team. A local office and facility made ideas turn into products that could serve Hoppin’s needs quickly, and the Dunstan Group team always made sure we took responsibility and followed through with what we promised.

The Big Idea:

Since a self-serve taproom is such a new concept, especially in Charlotte, the company’s motto is, “Be different.” Hoppin’ management wanted staff gear and merchandise that was creative and made locally, and at the same time, would be gear patrons would like and use again and again.

The Reaction:

With multiple locations opening, we are super excited to work with Brian and Scott. Merchandise and promo items are important for showing your brand, so having a team that understands that and understands it needs to be different is a good feeling.”

-Rich Moyer, Hoppin’