The Dunstan Group

BrandBuilders Spotlights

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:

https://welltrustmedical.com/

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.”

Roby’s “Pitchin’ for Wishes” is a Long-Running Success Story

For most of us, cornhole is a tailgate or backyard activity while we’re killing time before the main event. But for the Roby Family of Companies, cornhole is serious fun with a mission and purpose. We caught up with Christian McCall, Roby Family of Companies Director of Marketing & PR after this year’s “Pitchin’ for Wishes” Cornhole Tournament.

Tell us a little about the event and why it’s so important

Pitchin’ for Wishes is an amazing event that supports Make-A-Wish® Central & Western NC. In addition to an NCAA bracket-style cornhole competition, the event includes food, drinks, music, appearances by local mascots, bounce houses, face painters, and more. It is very family-friendly and truly a community-wide effort to give back. We have a strong following of sponsors, donors, and players that return each year to give back and participate.

This year’s tourney was our 14th annual. Thanks to generous sponsors, donors, and players, the event raised over $220,000 for the organization, which will help them grant the wishes of 29 local kids with critical illnesses. Every penny raised goes directly to the organization and all money stays local.

How does this fit into your brand’s mission, and how does it connect with future and current clients, partners, and team members? 

At the Roby Family of Companies, all our charitable giving is family and child-focused. The majority of our sponsors and donors are our subcontractors, industry partners, and clients. It is very fulfilling to see everyone come together to support a special mission and we love being on the cornhole field with everyone.

Tell us how branded merchandise from The Dunstan Group factors into the game plan, and your decision to choose them. 

The Dunstan Group provides us with our event t-shirts each year. They are very helpful in selecting high-quality shirts that people will actually wear, and wear for years to come. Before working with Dunstan, we used to base our shirt selections on price and, while saving a few bucks, would end up with a heavy, boxy shirt that no one would wear.

We now realize how important the shirts are for advertising the event, Make-A-Wish, and our company as a whole, and we really want people to like the shirts, feel comfortable in them, and wear them around town. The feedback we’ve received over the years from our guests is overwhelmingly positive! People LOVE them. And after the tourney, they make great giveaways or gifts for new clients. When giving shirts away to new friends or clients, they are a great conversation starter about the event and mission. And we always love to talk Pitchin’ for Make-A-Wish!

How long have you been working with The Dunstan Group, and what’s your experience been like?

Many, many years! Great customer service, quality apparel, and promotional pieces, and very knowledgeable staff. And in general, they are a great group of people and really fun to work with!

Find out more about Pitchin’ for Wishes here: https://pitchinforwishes.com

Berkeley Capital Has a Head for Marketing

As a big league city, Charlotte is no stranger to hosting major sporting events. But let’s be honest; some events are a much bigger deal than others. It’s no wonder brands and businesses of all sorts will be in the mix when golf’s greatest come to Quail Hollow Club for the Presidents Cup this fall.

The biannual tournament pits the United States against an international squad of, quite literally, the world’s best golfers. This is the first time ever North Carolina has hosted the Presidents Cup, so you can bet everyone involved will be aiming to make a lasting first impression. That includes our friends and clients at Berkeley Capital Advisors, a Charlotte-based real estate brokerage firm with a national audience.

“Anytime there’s an event of this scale in our backyard we are going to get involved,” says Adam Russ, a partner at Berkeley Capital Advisors. “For our business, this is as good as the Super Bowl, and we’re looking forward to playing host to many friends and clients coming in from all over the country.”

Along with entertaining and spending some quality time on the grounds of Quail Hollow, Russ says the firm wanted to present their clients and friends with a one-of-a-kind item to commemorate the event. One that also left no question as to which team they’d be pulling for when the golf world’s eyes all turn to Charlotte!

“We wanted to create a unique piece that supported team USA for ourselves and our friends who will be coming with us,” added Russ. “Our clients love a good limited-run, high-quality piece to either take home and give to their kids or spouse, or to enjoy for themselves.”

A classic navy Imperial rope cap with a big, bold American flag patch fit the bill, if you’ll pardon that pun.

“Our intent is to create something they actually want, using brands and styles they are familiar with. I think The Dunstan Group really delivered on that end!”

In what’s sure to be a sea of red, white, and blue come tournament time, the team at Berkeley is sure to make an impression with this iconic cap.

Celebrating 60 Years of Success at Heede Southeast

 

Anniversaries are a big deal—and they should be! They remind us of important personal, professional, and cultural events in our lives. In business terms, marking each new year is something to not only celebrate but to also be grateful for. And our friends at Charlotte’s Heede Southeast really have something to celebrate: 60 years!

Heede Southeast is a third-generation, family-owned tower crane rental business that started right here in Charlotte. Look up the next time you see a big project around town. Chances are pretty good you’ll see a tower crane with a big, blue “Heede” along the horizontal boom.

“Sixty years in business is a feat of its own but sixty years in a construction rental business is remarkable,” said Jason Kenna, VP of National Sales for Heede Southeast. “We are truly blessed to have such a vital role in shaping the skyline of our rapidly growing hometown.”

To mark that 60-year milestone, Jason and his team wanted to thank their customers. So they asked their long-time partners here at The Dunstan Group for some ideas.

“We had a kickoff meeting with Scott where we laid out what we would like to do,” added Jason. “Our plan is to send gifts to our customers quarterly throughout the year—Scott took the idea to his creative team, and they ran with it.”

The result: A fully-customized gift box in Heede blue, loaded with a laser-etched YETI Rambler Tumbler and YETI Colster.

“These really came out great!” said Scott Dunstan, president and founder of The Dunstan Group. “It’s a thoughtful, handsome gift that is going to ‘wow’ their clients… and they’ll use these every day and know exactly who they’re from and why they got them.”

As we like to say around here, it’s always the right time to show your gratitude and appreciation. Congratulations to Heede Southeast on their anniversary, and for trusting The Dunstan Group to recognize the occasion!

The Dunstan Group Helps Ronald McDonald House Charities “Sport A Shirt,” Help Families with Its Annual Campaign

Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte has a new name, but its mission is the same: to serve and comfort families whose children are receiving care in Charlotte’s children’s hospitals.

With its new look and a new name, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte is kicking off a popular campaign to reach the community for support – its annual Sport A Shirt, Share a Night drive on April 29th. The Dunstan Group is honored to serve as the nonprofit’s T-shirt supplier for the second year in a row.

New this year as part of the Sport A Shirt campaign, supporters can buy a “Wear Day Bundle” for $30, and get a T-shirt and a ticket to that night’s Charlotte Knights game.

“We love to help others out,” says The Dunstan Group Founder and President Scott Dunstan. “It raises a bunch of money and awareness for the House in general, bringing  exposure and sharing stories in the community.”

Families are stronger when they stay together, and the Ronald McDonald House is a safe, affordable home-away-from-home for families of children receiving care at our hospitals. It costs $142 per night to serve these families, and campaigns like Sport A Shirt allow Ronald McDonald House to provide a caring community for families regardless of their ability to pay.

This year, RMHC of GC also opened Caroline’s Corner at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital in May so that families have a comfortable place to rest while their children receive treatment just steps away.

“It’s a win-win-win situation,” says Scott Dunstan about helping RMHC of GC with their Sport A Shirt campaign. “We all have a soft spot for children. Their families can’t afford to be in Charlotte for months on end while their kids are treated, and we love helping the best way we know how.”

You can Sport A Shirt of your own, buy a Wear Day Bundle, or sign up to be a team captain on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte website.

While you’re there, pick up some extra swag in the online shop that The Dunstan Group set up to help support RMHC of GC all year long!

https://www.rmhclt.org/sport-a-shirt-share-a-night.html

 

 

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!”