The Dunstan Group

BrandBuilders Spotlights

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!”

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