BrandBuilders Spotlights
Dam to Dam: Paddling for a Purpose
Dam to Dam: Paddling for a Purpose
Spencer Lueders, founder of 24 Hours of Booty, is making waves with a new fundraising event. (Pardon the pun, y’all!) The Dam to Dam paddle is a 24-mile journey from Mountain Island Lake Dam to Lake Wylie Dam.
Inspired by a similar event in Austin, the inaugural Charlotte event in 2023 started with just 10 participants, serving as a proof of concept. This year, the event expanded significantly, attracting 36 paddlers who collectively raised an impressive $73,000.
What sets Dam to Dam apart is its unique approach to participant selection and fundraising. Unlike the more inclusive 24 Hours of Booty event, Dam to Dam features an application process and a higher minimum fundraising requirement. Lueders explains the strategy: “Booty is very inclusive. Low entry fee, low minimum fundraising… trying to get as many people out there as possible as a community event,” he added. ”This one I wanted to do a little bit different.”
The event’s success lies in its ability to bring together a diverse group of participants, many of whom are new to the 24 Foundation mission. Lueders said half of this year’s paddlers had never participated in a 24 Foundation event before, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to the cause.
To prepare for the challenge, participants engaged in three practice paddles leading up to the main event. These sessions not only helped paddlers build their skills, but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among the group.
The event’s impact extends beyond fundraising. It’s drawing attention to Charlotte’s waterways and creating a unique spectacle on the Catawba River. On event day, the police boat escorts turned heads all along the Catawba River, and garnered some great, local media coverage, too.
The Dunstan Group is a longtime partner of the 24 Foundation, and had the opportunity to create eye-catching – and functional – apparel and merch for the event. This year’s standout items included a full sublimation SPF protective sun shirt with a custom logo-lined hood, and a floppy sun hat.
Lueders enthusiastically described the gear: “We wanted one of those SPF protective sun shirts. And so last year we did it. This shit is killer … it almost looks like it’s wet when it’s dry, almost like a camo, but it looks wet.”
Lueders said he believes events like this are more than just fundraisers – they’re a powerful platform for storytelling, community building, and making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.
Fish and Chips with Carolina BUILT
Networking doesn’t have to be all “work.” And the folks at Carolina BUILT prove that time and time again. Carolina BUILT is a civic and social organization for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. They understand the power of relationships in growing a business, and they know how to make networking easy, fun, and worthwhile for their members. Their Fish and Chips get-together in Charleston is proof of that, for sure.
Lindsey Brown is marketing coordinator for EM Structural, a Charlotte-based engineering firm that’s a Carolina BUILT member, and organizer of the Fish and Chips event. We caught up with Lindsey to talk about the event, and her experience with the Team here at The Dunstan Group.
DG: Tell us about this Fish and Chips event!
Lindsey Brown: This was our fifth year in Charleston for Fish and Chips. We go down to Charleston, and they spend half a day on a chartered boat. They go inshore fishing and then we have lunch out on an Island and then we go back. We do a dinner at Saltwater Cowboys that they actually grill the fish that we caught – it’s so much fun. Probably one of my favorite events that we do!
DG: Fish and Chips sounds like a lot of fun! And it’s also a great opportunity to network, right?
Lindsey Brown: The whole purpose is people helping people. For these events, say you have a friend that’s looking to connect with a developer… you bring guests to these events and it’s all about meeting people, helping people. Being in it is more than being in it for yourself.
DG: How did branded merchandise factor into the Fish and Chips event?
Lindsey Brown: We did the shirts and we do things with sponsorships. We had a welcome reception sponsor and those companies were able to do whatever they needed swag-wise. Our welcome our sponsor supplied tote bags, and another sponsor got koozies from The Dunstan Group.
DG: What’s your experience been like working with the Team at The Dunstan Group?
Lindsey Brown: My gosh! Well, anything that we need, anything that we’ve ever needed as far as Carolina BUILT and EM Structural … they’ve always gone above and beyond for us. Even if we need something in a pinch. Brian and Scott have always been there. I’ve been so lucky enough to have formed a relationship with them as well.
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Holiday Project is a Real Winner
Holiday Project is a Real Winner
Choate Construction Company’s quest for the perfect Christmas Gift is a testament to the power of promotional products to tell a complete and meaningful story. It’s also a case study in the value of relationships and the trust that’s fostered when a client knows and believes you have their best interests in mind. Knowledge of product and suppliers is something that can be learned. A client’s trust has to be earned.
The project was a hit with Choate Construction and their clients. It’s now been recognized within the promotional products industry as a Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Gold Pyramid award winner.
“We’re not thinking about awards or recognition when we’re helping clients and friends bring a project to life,” said Scott Dunstan, founder and president of The Dunstan Group. “We’re always wondering and working on how we can take their idea to the next level. Adam gave us the runway, and we took off together on this one.”
Choate Construction trusted The Dunstan Group with a mission that was very personal to them as a company, and as individuals: producing a holiday gift for their clients that also demonstrates their ongoing support for families and individuals with Autism. Sourcing products from suppliers that shared Choate’s mission and values – and their message – brought the entire project full-circle.
“The search for the perfect Christmas gift was a daunting task,” said Choate Construction’s Adam Hawthorne in a letter to The Dunstan Group. “They’ve been engaged with our company for a number of years and have been instrumental in helping us find useful and high-end promotional items.”
For this project, a bottle of top-shelf bourbon was bundled with a pair of leatherbound rocks glasses, and a candle from Luhrs Wicked Wicks. Both companies work to employ individuals on the autism spectrum and those with special needs.
“This whole thing came together just perfectly because Scott had a genuine and heartfelt idea. We packaged all 250 of them at our office – Scott, Brian and Taylor even came by to help with that. We produced a little video to tie the story together, and put a bow in it, so to speak.”
You can check out the Choate Construction Company holiday video here: https://www.choateco.com/cltchristmas22/
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In Tune with Goldie’s
Goldie’s is one of South Boulevard’s newest hangs, and it’s already getting lots of love and attention from music and food lovers alike. The music-hall-meets food-hall features a main stage with “live” music nightly, plus two bars, two seating areas and patios. And the food? Goldie’s Kitchen, Tina’s Pizza and the Big Weiner hot dog cart have something for everyone in your crowd.
The gang at Goldie’s chose The Dunstan Group to produce the gear and goods so patrons can take the Goldie’s experience home; from caps, tees, stickers, cups – and even drumsticks! Plus, Goldie’s team members are decked out in branded merch sporting the brand.
We caught up with Goldie’s co-founder, Tyler Hager, to ask a couple of questions between sets.
DG: Goldie’s has been open for a minute now. What’s the reception been like? You’ve certainly gotten a lot of good press!
Tyler Hager: It’s been unbelievable — way above sales projections. We went all in on the buildout, and at this point, glad we did so. Lots of great press and lots of great people coming through the doors. Heavy volume on the weekends and we hope to grow weekdays sales, especially when we open back up for lunch. All better than anticipated and we look forward to being a staple around LoSo.
DG: How does branded merchandise and apparel factor into your marketing, member retention, or recruiting plans?
Tyler Hager: This has been the most fun brand out of any concept I’ve been a part of. We really felt Plaid Penguin nailed the branding side of things which correlated into some cool merch. Our Guitar pick “G” logo has really grown on us and is well-received by our fans. It looks great on apparel, and has given us a huge platform to work with and have fun with. Our staff is proud to wear our gear, too, which is really cool.
DG: What led you to choose these items and decorate them in this way, and can you tell us a little about the overall promotion?
Plaid Penguin took our original talking points and ran with them to create what we have built. They did a great job of running with a few ideas we had and turning it into a brand that seemed like it had been alive for 10+ years. Of course, Parks House Design did an awesome job bringing it to life within the four walls. They really got to get creative and run with our branding ideas and give us life. They did a great job!
DG: What kind of reaction have you received from staff and clients?
Tyler Hager: All positive. We have had to evolve and make many decisions as this is new concept. The staff has been a strong part of this and that’s been cool. Our staff is front and center and they carry the brand. They have really been exceptional.
DG: How long have you been working with The Dunstan Group, and what’s your experience been like?
Tyler Hager: Best group in the world! In all seriousness, they are creative and most importantly, reliable. They have stayed ahead of the curve, and embraced their industry to put so much effort into being the best at what they do. They have drive, and do what they do for the right reasons. A+
You can check out Goldie’s for yourself at 3601 South Boulevard, in Charlotte.
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Discovery Place Enhances, Extends Experience with Branded Merchandise
Discovery Place is a one-of-a-kind institution in uptown Charlotte. And “museum” just begins to tell the Discovery Place story! Nearly three quarters of a million people of all ages make a visit each year, for programming that ranges from science to superheroes, exhibitions to IMAX movies.
With 75 years of history behind the brand, Discovery Place literally has fans and friends that span generations. We talked with Sarah Wheat, director of communications at Discovery Place, about the role branded merchandise and apparel play in keeping the museum top-of-mind between visits.
DG: Why is branded merchandise and apparel important to the Discovery Place brand?
Sarah Wheat: Discovery Place is a strong brand and has been a part of the Charlotte community for more than 75 years. We wanted to share our brand in unique ways to those who have supported us for years as well as those new to our Museums and programs. Branded merchandise and apparel have been a great way to extend our brand beyond our Museum walls.
DG: How does branded merchandise and apparel factor into your marketing, member retention, or recruiting plans?
Sarah Wheat: Branded merchandise and apparel are used in many ways across our organization. We use it for Member events, in support of our programs, for example Youth Development and Girls’ Day Out, and also prominently feature it in our gift shop at Discovery Place Science.
DG: We helped you produce a line of tees showcasing the Discovery Place brand, as well as celebrating women and girls in STEM. What led you to choose these items and to decorate them in this way, and can you tell us a little about the overall promotion??
Sarah Wheat: Because we serve such a broad audience, we wanted branded merchandise and apparel that appeals to many but also celebrates our brand and our city. From parents and school groups to those joining us for our adults-only Science on the Rocks events, we opted for a variety of styles and products to suit various tastes. At the moment, our retail shop offers branded shirts, mugs, water bottles, totes and a new hat collection.
DG: What kind of reaction have you received from the promotion?
Sarah Wheat: Folks are really excited by our new styles and merchandise, especially as part of our retail shop experience. What we’re offering isn’t your typical gift shop merchandise, and we love extending our brand in this way.
As a local nonprofit we value the importance of supporting other local businesses, which is how we first connected with The Dunstan Group. We’ve been working with them for about a year and appreciate their creativity, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service.
WellTrust Medical Uses Fun, Cheeky Branding to Make Men’s Health Issues Approachable
As a rule, men don’t have a reputation for talking about what’s troubling them. The more “personal” the problem, the less likely they are to open up about it. The conversation is slightly easier, now that men’s health brands advertisements are as commonplace as beer commercials.
Charlotte-based WellTrust Medical is taking approachability to the next level with its Male Excel brand of products.
“Male Excel launched in 2019 as a company that helps men feel young again!” said Chris Halstead, COO of WellTrust Medical. “We’re on a mission to transform the way people age by delivering healthcare that focuses on optimization and prevention. Our protocol, developed by a renowned preventive medicine expert, makes us one of the most sought-after healthy aging clinics in the US.”
Halstead connected with The Dunstan Group at an event at Charlotte’s Carmel Country Club. And the rest, he said, is history.
“We hit it off immediately,” said Scott Dunstan, founder and president of The Dunstan Group. “They wanted to creatively show off their brand, get their team excited about it, and they weren’t afraid to have fun with it.”
“The vibe of the office lets you feel right at home and custom is what The Dunstan Group does,” added Halstead. “We also love to support local business, so that was an added benefit!”
WellTrust Medical recognized the power of branded merchandise and apparel to, “make their brands to come alive,” with their team. “So we went all out from notebooks and pens, to coffee mugs and hats, and tons of wearable gear,” finished Halstead, “and we are just getting started!”
Find out more about Male Excel and WellTrust Medical at their website:
Project with Duke Energy is an Award-Winner
Storm Radios Score PPAI Pyramid Award for The Dunstan Group
A potentially lifesaving product pick is now an award-winning project for The Dunstan Group. A branded weather radio promotion produced for Duke Energy earned The Dunstan Group a 2022 Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Pyramid Award.
Duke Energy distributed 7,000 of the branded solar-powered weather radios to seniors as part of its National Preparedness Month campaign in September of 2021. Each one is emblazoned with the company’s blue and green Duke Energy logo, to remind owners who to call to report an outage in their area after severe weather.
The radios include a flashlight, USB port, and a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio to alert residents to severe weather in their area. They can be plugged into a wall for regular use, or can be charged with a hand crank or built-in solar panel in the case of a power outage.
“The folks at Duke Energy asked us for ideas, and gave us time to get creative and present them with options,” said Scott Dunstan, founder and president of The Dunstan Group. “We knew these radios would be perfect for the Duke Energy brand, and the message they wanted to send to their senior clients.”
Founded in 1903, Promotional Products Association International is the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit association serving more than 14,000 corporate members of the $22 billion promotional products industry. Along with three industry publications, PPAI produces the industry’s largest trade show, provides professional development, and recognizes industry excellence through the annual PPAI Pyramid Awards. This is the fourth PPAI Pyramid Award for The Dunstan Group.
“We like to say we can routinely pull off last-minute miracles around here,” added Dunstan. “But with a little more time, additional possibilities open up for the client. The PPAI award is recognition of the creativity, teamwork, and the time that went into the project.”
