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Everyone has that moment eventually. Your keys, bag, phone or luggage go missing and now you’re retracing steps and wondering where was the last place you saw it. It’s kind of the worst. A Bluetooth-enabled tracker – like a Tile or an Apple AirTag – is something anyone would love to have in that moment.

With the holidays approaching, it’s also a gift people don’t expect to love as much as they do. Here are five reasons a customized Bluetooth-enabled tracker deserves a place in your promo and gifting mix.

1. It solves a problem everyone has (or will!)

Misplaced keys, forgotten bags, lost luggage: everyone has been there. A tracker clips onto keys, backpacks, and everyday gear and connects directly to the phone’s built-in finding network, so there’s no extra app to download. A sound alert and crowd-sourced location updates help people find what they’re looking for, even when it’s out of Bluetooth range.

That’s real, everyday utility. And folks are sure to remember the brand that helped them out in a pinch!

2. It works for everyone, Apple or Android

Many trackers work with only one type of phone, which can leave part of your audience out. This one works with both Apple’s Find My network and Android’s Find Hub. For corporate gifting, that really matters. You can hand it to clients, employees, and event guests without wondering who uses what. They can even be bundled with bags, notebooks, and other gear for the ultimate on-the-go gift!

3. It’s small, durable, and made to last

These customized Bluetooth-enabled trackers are about 1.3 inches long and weigh next to nothing. They have a replaceable battery rated for about two years and are built to resist dust and water splashes. A product that holds up, and keeps working long after the event or holiday has passed… that’s the definition of a gift that keeps on giving.

4. It keeps your brand in daily view

When your recipients clip these trackers onto the things they use every day, like: keys, bags, luggage, gym gear, laptop cases, your brand is always in view. The front side of these trackers has plenty of room for digital imprint, so your logo travels with them to the office, the airport, the game, etc.

Sure, it looks great. But it’s so useful it easily earns a permanent spot on a keychain or bag instead of ending up in a drawer.

5. It fits nearly any gifting or promo program

A custom tracker can be a standalone giveaway, or it can be paired with other items in a themed gift set. That makes it an easy choice for:

• Holiday client gifts and employee appreciation
• Welcome kits and onboarding packages
• Travel-themed incentives and trade show giveaways
• Back-to-school, alumni, and nonprofit donor programs

A customized Bluetooth-enabled tracker is a modern, practical idea, that gives your gifting a thoughtful, current feel.

Ready to put a smart gift like this in your lineup?

If you want a branded gift that’s practical, easy-to-use, and perhaps a little unexpected, a custom Bluetooth tracker is a heck of a choice! Connect with The Dunstan Group to explore options for your holiday gifts, client programs, or next event.

Adding your company brand or logo to cups, hats, bags or gear is easy; and in many cases, expected. To really stand out, a fully custom piece can elevate your promotions, marketing, or gifting to an entirely new level. The pieces people hold on to are the ones that feel made just for them. A custom piece of merchandise or apparel turns your gear into something people want to wear, carry, and talk about over and over again!

Here are five reasons going fully custom with The Dunstan Group is easier and more approachable than ever.

It really makes your brand stand out

Some promotional items blend into the pile. A custom piece is different. Maybe it’s a jacket, cap or hat in your exact brand colors; or bag shaped around how your team actually uses it. When it’s built like that, it gets noticed. When your item looks different from everything else on the market, your brand is the one people remember.

It fits your brand and your story

Custom lets you shape the details: from color, material, finish, placement, and even packaging. Every choice can say something about who you are and what you do; whether that’s polished and modern, laid-back and lifestyle-driven, or bold and playful.

The result feels like an extension of your brand, not just a product with your name on it.

It makes people feel special

There’s a real difference between receiving something generic and something that was clearly created with them in mind. A custom piece shows thought and care, which is exactly what you want from corporate gifting program, new-hire kits, award programs, and VIP experiences.

That feeling of “this was made for me” builds loyalty and brand affinity. Bottom line it makes folks feel special, and isn’t that the point?

It keeps on working

You know the best branded merchandise and apparel items live outside the event or office. A well-made custom apparel piece – like a hat, cap, jacket, or shoe (yes, shoes!) tote, etc., — shows up on commutes, sidelines, trips, and more.

Every use is another impression for your brand, with no extra spend. Quality and personality are what earn a permanent spot in someone’s rotation.

It works for nearly any occasion

Custom is flexible. It can anchor a tournament, a trade show, a product launch, a fundraiser, a team uniform program, a holiday gift, or a milestone celebration. You can create a single hero piece, a coordinated set, or a full collection.

It also scales. Start with one great item and extend it across apparel, and more for a consistent look at every touchpoint.

Ready to create something that’s yours?

If you’ve been thinking about a branded item that feels original, useful, and unmistakably you, custom is the place to start. Connect with us here at The Dunstan Group to talk through your idea and explore what’s possible!

We see new products and apparel every day. But every once in a while, a product comes along that makes us say, “wait, how does that work?” AnyRope is that kind of product. It’s a patented, interchangeable rope hat system that allows you to completely change the look of the hat whenever you want.

That combination of novelty, style, and everyday function makes AnyRope a genuinely fresh addition to your promo and branded apparel mix. Here are five reasons it deserves a spot in your next marketing program!

1. It’s a real conversation starter

AnyRope hats stand out because people notice the design AND your logo. The hidden channel system that holds the interchangeable rope in place is unlike anything else on the headwear market, and AnyRope backs it up with multiple patents. This isn’t a knockoff of an existing idea, it’s a genuinely new one.

The “how did they do that” moment is priceless for brand recall. People remember novelty, and they remember who gave it to them, too.

2. One hat, endless looks

Here’s the detail that makes AnyRope different from any hat you’ve seen before: the rope isn’t sewn on, it’s removable and interchangeable. Swap in a new color or style whenever the mood strikes, without buying a new hat.

For your brand, that means a single branded hat can flex across seasons, teams, moods, and occasions. It’s a small design detail that adds tons of perceived value. Recipients get more than a hat, they get a hat that keeps feeling new.

3. It’s genuinely well-made, not just a gimmick

Novelty only goes so far if the product itself falls short. AnyRope backs up its design with real construction quality, including its newer LUX line, which uses a premium performance stretch material that adapts to the wearer’s head instantly for a more tailored, comfortable fit.

That’s an important distinction for branded merchandise. You want people to keep wearing the piece long after the event, not toss it in a drawer. A hat that fits and feels good earns its way into someone’s regular rotation.

4. It works across a wide range of audiences

Because the interchangeable rope system is so visually distinct, AnyRope hats read as stylish and current rather than tied to one specific niche. That versatility means they can resonate with golf and outdoor crowds, younger and trend-forward audiences, event-goers who want something Instagram-worthy, and everyday customers who just want a hat that looks a little different from everyone else’s.

That range gives you a lot of flexibility in how you use it, too. Think: client gifts, team merchandise, retail add-ons, giveaways at activations, or a standout piece in an incentive program.

5. It gives your brand a “first to market” edge

Because AnyRope is new to the market, offering it puts your brand a step ahead. Clients and prospects who receive one aren’t getting the same branded hat as everyone else at the last three events they attended. They’re getting something unique that most people haven’t seen yet!

That kind of early-adopter appeal can do a lot for how your brand is perceived: current, on-trend, and willing to go beyond the expected. That’s invaluable branding.

Ready to add something new to your headwear lineup?

If you’re looking for a way to make your branded headwear feel fresh, memorable, and genuinely different, AnyRope is worth a look. It brings together novelty, quality, and everyday versatility in a way that stands out from the usual cap or beanie.

Connect with us here at The Dunstan Group to see how AnyRope can fit into your next branding program, client gift, or event giveaway.

Football is back! And whether your team is under the Friday-night lights, playing on a college campus, or taking the field on Sunday, game day is about more than the final score. It is about the tailgate, the traditions, the friends it brings together, and the gear that helps make the whole experience better.

That’s why Hydro Flask is a smart choice this season. With premium drinkware, travel-ready coolers, and everyday gear that people already know and love, Hydro Flask can help your brand show up now – and for seasons to come!

Here are five reasons we believe Hydro Flask is a game-day winner for your brand.

1. It’s made for long days outside (or in!)

From early-morning tailgate setup through the fourth quarter and beyond, football fans spend plenty of time outdoors. A quality insulated bottle, tumbler, or cooler keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot while people are parking, grilling, cheering, and catching up with friends.

Hydro Flask is built around insulated stainless-steel drinkware designed to support hydration and adventures of all kinds. Its tailgating collection includes bottles, tumblers, coolers, and other gear made for taking the party seriously.

Hydro Flask is a natural fit for game days, campus events, youth sports, alumni gatherings, and company-sponsored tailgates.

2. It brings instant premium-brand appeal

We all know it. Not all promotional drinkware feels the same. A Hydro Flask with your logo carries an immediate sense of quality, usefulness, and recognizable value. It’s the kind of item recipients are excited to open, and even more excited to use.

That premium association elevates employee gifts, client appreciation programs, sponsor packages, and event giveaways. Instead of simply handing out another cup or bottle, you’re giving people a branded item from a name they already trust for life on the go.

3. There’s something for every kind of fan

Tailgates don’t come in one size, and neither does the Hydro Flask lineup. Bottles and tumblers are great for water, coffee, soft drinks, and game-day beverages. Mugs make chilly mornings in the parking lot or sideline more comfortable. Coolers and insulated totes are ready for snacks, drinks, and supplies. Even food jars and pitchers can be part of a thoughtful event or gift package!

The custom-branded selection available through The Dunstan Group includes bottles, tumblers, mugs, and more, giving your program flexibility across price points, audiences, and occasions.

Whether you are recognizing employees, welcoming alumni back to campus, thanking clients, or building a fan-focused activation; you can choose a piece that feels right for the moment.

4. It keeps your logo in the game

The best branded products don’t disappear after the event. They become part of everyday routines. A Hydro Flask might head to the office on Monday, the gym on Tuesday, a road trip on Friday, and another tailgate next weekend.

That use over time gives your logo staying power. Every refill, commute, practice, picnic, or game-day gathering becomes another opportunity for your brand to be seen in a natural, positive way.

5. It works for teams, schools, companies, causes, and more

This season creates plenty of reasons to bring people together. Company tailgates, alumni events, nonprofit fundraisers and donor events, watch parties, and family reunions – the list goes on and on!

Hydro Flask works across all of them. Its corporate purchasing program through The Dunstan Group is dialed-in to support corporate or employee gifting, special events, and retail programs.

Ready to make game day your brand’s home field advantage?

If you are looking for a premium branded item that people can use at the tailgate, in the stands, and long after football season ends, Hydro Flask is a win-win!

Connect with us here at The Dunstan Group to explore Hydro Flask options for your next game-day activation, employee gift, alumni event, client program, or football-season celebration.

We live in a world where a lot of communication happens with a click, a tap, or an automated message. Convenient? Absolutely. Personal? Not always.

That’s why a thoughtful, tangible gesture can mean so much. A gift, award, or item chosen with someone in mind can create or celebrate a connection in a way that a digital thank-you simply just can’t. At The Dunstan Group, we believe it’s never a wrong time to show appreciation or say thanks. And making that gesture personal is easier than ever.

The world of branded merchandise has changed dramatically. You don’t necessarily have to order 100, 500, or 1,000 pieces anymore. With one-piece minimums available on an increasing number of products, you can create a single, meaningful gift for a client, employee, prospect, speaker, or anyone else who deserves a little recognition.

Here are five ways to make it personal.

1. Custom Apparel That Doesn’t Feel Like “Company Swag”

A great piece of branded apparel can become something someone actually wants to wear—not just something they were handed at a conference. Think premium tees, quarter-zips, hats, and hoodies that feel more like retail apparel than traditional promotional products.

With one-piece customization available on select products, you can create a special piece for a new employee, a team member celebrating a milestone, a VIP client, or even a keynote speaker.

The logo is still there. But now there’s a story behind it.

2. A Personalized Welcome or Appreciation Kit

Sometimes the best gift isn’t one product; it’s the experience of opening several products thoughtfully put together.

Custom kits and gift boxes can combine apparel, journals, drinkware, accessories, and packaging into a cohesive branded experience. Better yet, the contents can be tailored to the recipient, making a welcome kit feel like it’s quite literally just for them.

It’s a natural fit for employee onboarding, client appreciation, sales recognition, and milestone celebrations.

3. Branded Tech With a Personal Twist

Tech products offer another opportunity to take branded merchandise beyond simply adding a logo. Custom audio products, for example, can incorporate personalized sounds and Bluetooth connection names, making your brand part of the experience itself.

That’s a fun way to create a memorable gift for a sales team, executive, VIP client, or product launch.

4. Packaging That Becomes Part of the Gift

Don’t overlook the box! Custom packaging can turn even the unboxing experience into part of your brand story.

A thoughtful message inside the lid, a custom illustration, an anniversary theme, or a personal thank-you card can make every gift feel intentional. When every element has a purpose, opening the box becomes part of the experience.

5. Go Completely Custom

Sometimes the best way to make something personal is to create something that doesn’t already exist.

From custom colors and fabrics to unique decoration, packaging, and product details, today’s customization options can help companies create merchandise that is truly their own.

You don’t have to go completely custom, of course. The important thing is knowing that the possibilities are much broader than they used to be. The best part of all this isn’t the technology or the number of customization options. It’s what those options allow you to do.

You can recognize one person without ordering 100 gifts. You can create something specifically for a VIP client. You can welcome a new employee with something that feels thoughtfully chosen. You can celebrate a milestone with a gift that won’t end up forgotten in a desk drawer.

One piece can be enough.

At The Dunstan Group, we don’t believe branded merchandise is simply about putting a logo on a product. It’s about finding the right product, the right message, and the right moment to strengthen a relationship.

Because in a world that’s becoming increasingly automated, personal stands out.

470 Fridays, One Simple Idea

The award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast marks nine years of telling Charlotte’s stories, one conversation at a time.

Nine years ago this month, Scott Dunstan and Brian Young sat down in front of a couple of microphones with one guest and a whole lot of curiosity. The first-ever episode of The BrandBuilders Podcast dropped on August 24, 2017. And every Friday since, not a single missed week.

For a branded merchandise company, a weekly interview show was, at the time, a strange bet. And plenty of people said so.

“I remember in the beginning, they were like, ‘A podcast? Why are you doing a podcast? How are you going to monetize that?'” Dunstan recalls. “We’ve just always kept that perspective of not going that route. It’s never been about monetizing it. It’s just been about giving back and being a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Nine years in, the show still doesn’t sell ads or accept paid guest appearances.

“We don’t ask anybody for money to be on the podcast. We’ve never charged anybody. We’ve never made money on ads,” Young says. “This was truly our way of giving back to the community.”

Keeping it Real

And just like the very first episodes, the goal remains the same: to have a genuine conversation.

“People always ask me, ‘Oh, send us a script — what are we going to talk about?’ I’m like, I have no idea what we’re going to talk about,” Young says. “I truly want it to be so authentic that it’s like me and our audience and this guest have been thrown into an elevator, and the elevator stops, and we have 30 minutes to have a conversation, and nobody knows anybody. And then we just run with it.”

Dunstan sets the table the same way every single time, with a line he estimates he’s now delivered close to 500 times: it’s all about you.

“You want to set that expectation,” he says. “Look, man — this isn’t our interview. It’s a conversation about you and your brand and what you’ve done. And who wouldn’t like that opportunity?”

What still surprises him most is what happens next.

“One thing that really continues to surprise me is how people open up when you make it about them,” Dunstan says. “I’ve had best friends in here that I actually learned things about in that moment. Things that outside of that situation, we’ve never talked about.”

Something for Everyone

The range of who has sat in those chairs is the show’s real signature. From founders, entrepreneurs and executives, to Olympians, artists, musicians, and nonprofit leaders. Quite literally, it’s a “who’s who” list of folks doing amazing things in the Charlotte area and beyond.

“It doesn’t matter who it is sitting in that chair,” Young says. “I’m excited to learn about them. I’m excited to dive into their story.”

For him, that’s become the point of the whole exercise.

“I don’t really care why you believe in something. I care about the story of how you got there,” he says. “We don’t all have to agree. But every single person has an opinion based on the story and the experiences they’ve gone through in life. And if you understand the story, you realize you’re a lot more similar than not.”

Dunstan adds that it’s not just about the guests and the hosts; it’s about the audience, too.

“This platform is like a master’s degree. If you’re listening, you are learning so much about people, processes, industries, and leadership.”

Nine Years and Counting

The BrandBuilders Podcast has been honored twice with Silver Pyramid Awards from Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), as well as being recognized by Charlotte Magazine as one of the best local podcasts. Somewhere along the way, the podcast became the thing people think of first, rather than branded merchandise or apparel. And they’re fine with that.

“It gives our business and our brand purpose. It gives us something that we’re now known for — that we never did this to be known for,” Young says. “We didn’t do this for us, we did this with everyone else’s story in mind.”

To put it all in perspective, nine years running is quite an accomplishment. A full 90% of shows never make it past three episodes, 99% don’t make it past 20. That puts The BrandBuilders Podcast in rare company, with another major milestone coming up soon: the show will hit episode 500 in the first quarter of 2027.

Until then, a new conversation drops every Friday anywhere you listen to podcasts.