The Dunstan Group

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Use it or Lose it

With the fourth quarter coming to a close, now’s the time to take stock in unspent marketing money in the form of co-op dollars. Depending on your business model, you may be racking up these dollars with any number of distributors or manufacturers you work with. Each and every year, these funds go unspent, since they expire at the end of the year. Worse yet, they’re spent in a panic or without thought on how to use them best.

We’re here with good news, though! In many cases, branded merchandise and apparel easily fits within brand and partner requirements for manufacturers and distributors. Check your individual agreements first, but that generally means you CAN use co-op dollars here. The Dunstan Group has years of experience working with brands just like yours and in following co-op guidelines. No matter your co-op budget, we’ll help you find a branded merchandise and apparel match that will provide long-lasting impact.

Pens:  Diego – ColorJet

This is a plastic retractable ballpoint pen that features a ColorJet full color imprint on a white clip. Select from a variety of vibrant product colors to customize and make your imprints pop!

Hats:  Low Pro Trucker

Classic trucker cap style built with the Richardson quality you’ve come to expect.   Lower profile and adjustable snapback with two sizes make this cap a perfect for those who like a more tailored fit.

Bags:  OGIO® Shuttle Pack

With its sleek, streamlined design, you can shuttle back and forth in style and not sacrifice your unique look for a typical work bag.

Tees:  BELLA+CANVAS ® Unisex Jersey Long Sleeve Tee

This classic unisex jersey t shirt fits like a well-loved favorite, featuring a classic crew neck, long sleeves and superior combed and ring-spun jersey cotton that acts as a blank canvas for printing. Offered in triblends and solids.

Tech:  Octoforce 2.0™ 8000mAh Wireless Power Bank

Whether you’re plugged in or going truly wireless, the Octoforce 2.0 wireless power bank takes charging on-the-go to the next level. Plus, this award-winning power bank can charge three devices at the same time!

Port Authority® Vortex Waterproof 3-in-1 Jacket

Outfit your team with the weather-fighting features of the Vortex Waterproof 3-in-1 jacket. The fully seam-sealed waterproof shell and the warm polyfilled inner jacket can be worn separately or combined for optimal warmth and protection.

BrandBuilders Podcast Wins Again

The “Brandbuilders Podcast” has done it again! For the second year in a row, the popular podcast from The Dunstan Group has been named a Silver Winner at the PPAI Pyramid Awards. The awards recognize the best in the nation among branding and promotional product professionals. The BrandBuilders Podcast won in the technology category of blogs/podcasts/digital news.

“It’s great to be acknowledged by your peers for something whose main purpose is to reach out to the public and start conversations,” says Dunstan Group President Scott Dunstan. “We don’t do it for the awards — we do it to create a platform to tell great stories about people in the community around us, and help elevate their brands.”

Scott and co-host Brian Young have recorded more than 115 podcasts over almost two and a half years, with interesting people who have started and grown businesses or created non-profits that have made a difference in the Charlotte region and beyond. That kind of momentum takes diligence and dedication, but Scott and Brian are committed to the podcasts’ message of connecting in a real way.

“We’re reaffirming the power of being authentic, and the power of real communication,” says Brian about the reasons behind sitting down in front of a microphone and just talking to someone about how they turn their ideas into reality. “At a time when technology is taking over, where we text or email each other but rarely just sit down and talk, it’s a way to create a real conversation between people.”

The success of the BrandBuilders Podcast led Scott and Brian to build their own studio at the company’s headquarters on Morehead Street in Charlotte’s Dilworth Neighborhood in January 2019. The in-house studio allows The Dunstan Group to take this valuable platform to a new level — from a power to inform and entertain, to a superpower that can educate and connect our community for the greater good.

“To win two awards confirms for us that what we’re doing is powerful,” says Brian. “We’re sharing amazing stories and the amazing people we meet on a weekly basis, so everyone can understand their story.”

PPAI is the premier media brand covering the companies, people, ideas, and information that impact the promotional products industry. PPAI Media’s three industry publications provide timely news, expert commentary, and practical content help the branding industry. Scott and Brian attend the PPAI Expo to learn about the newest products and brands they can offer Dunstan Group clients.

The Brandbuilders Podcast with The Dunstan Group is produced in partnership with our friends at well-run media + marketing. An all-new episode of The BrandBuilders Podcast drops each Friday. Episodes can be found at http://dunstangroup.blubrry.net or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Classic. Contemporary. Leather.

From art to architecture, to fashion and design; some things never go out of style. Count leather among those items that have stood the test of time. Leather’s timeless good looks and rugged durability seem to improve with age. Fashionable and functional, leather is as at home on the runways of Milan, the streets of New York or the Texas plains. The Dunstan Group now provides an even greater selection of leather goods to your corporate gifting or branded merchandise and apparel. 

Westbridge Leather Tablet Case

They’ll protect their tech for years to come in this genuine full grain leather tablet case. With its antique gold hardware and magnetic snap closure, it is at once beautiful and useful. These cases provide ample room for tasteful embossing of your logo, initials, or branding. Each piece is packaged in an elegant, high-quality gift box before shipping. 

Italian Leather Tote

Our vegetable tanned Italian Tuscan leather tote features a zippered closure and two exterior slip pockets that fit most 15” laptops. The main compartment includes a laptop pocket that fits most 15” laptops, plus a zippered pocket and a mobile pocket. Comes with a non-woven dust cover designed with a drawstring closure to keep out dust and dirt.

Haberdasher Knit Beanie with Leather Patch

The Haberdasher knit beanie with a leather patch adds a touch of “wow” to the classic winter hat. This warm, comfortable piece is something people actually want to wear and an ideal promo item. Make this beanie your own by choosing between one of our USA-made leather color options to show off your logo. This rugged beanie will stay fresh season after season.

Tanner Coaster Set 

This exclusive set of four (4) coasters will do more than keep the condensation of your frosty glass from reaching your heirloom table. It’s sure to make a statement as gift, promo item, or office decor. Choose from a variety of domestic, USA Made, leather colors and customize to match your company logo to create something truly unique.

Baxter Dopp Kit Bag

Our handmade genuine leather Dopp Kit is the kind of thoughtful gift that will travel throughout life’s adventures. And as with most things leather, this gift will continue to get better with time. Opens wide for easy cleaning, too. Choose from a variety of domestic, USA Made, leather colors and customize to match your company logo. With several Irish waxed linen accent stitching colors to choose from, you’ll be able to create something truly unique.

 

Sawyer Purse with Inside Pocket

A smart woman will carry one beautiful thing that will hold all other things. At a time when more consumers eschew mainstream, mass-produced products in favor of the handmade, the independent, and the unique, consider a gift of handcrafted leather made right here in the USA. The Sawyer Purse is a timeless design with modern functionality. Completely customizable options available for a one-of-a-kind gift.

Coziest Gifts Ever 

Looking for that one gift that can satisfy nearly everyone on your gift list? The Oprah Magazine lists blankets among its “Coziest Gifts Ever.” We’d agree! Is there anything more perfect than kicking back on a cold evening under a warm, cozy blanket. Here are some of our favorites here at The Dunstan Group; all of which can be customized with your brand!  

Pro Vision Plush Throw

The unbelievable softness of this plush throw combined with full color, edge to edge graphics creates a stunning gift that enhances any brand, team, or event. With only a 1 piece minimum, you can create the perfect gift for anyone, no matter the occasion. Also, great to showcase your team win or create a trading card type of blanket to commemorate each player.  50″ X 60″ soft, plush throw.

The Cabin Throw

This single layer Velura™ Cabin Throws are perfect to snuggle up in and complement fall and winter colors perfectly. This 100% polyester fleece is easy to care for, and it’s a BIG 60″ x 70″, so there’s plenty of warmth to go around. In classic colors for fall and winter and built for long-lasting good looks year after year. 

Velvafur Throw

Add designer elegance to any home with this faux fur throw.  Innovative fabrics provide luxury and function. A fantastic accessory to drape on a bed or favorite chair and an energy saver on a chilly evening. Warm yet lightweight.  Plush, high pile faux fur for a throw unsurpassed in softness and quality. Machine washable.  50″ x 60″ 100% polyester fleece.

Sport/Travel Premium Fleece Blanket

A functional and versatile pillow/blanket combo including a 50″ x 60″ Kanata fleece blanket inside a handy, fleece, zippered carrying case. Blanket has self-hemmed edge and the carrying case has micro cord trim in black. This fleece is warm, thick and durable. Brushed on 2 sides for softness, 2 sides non-pill sheared finish for longevity and optimum appearance. Ideal for throwing in the car for emergencies, or for passenger comfort.

Sweatshirt Sport Hoodie

It’s like your favorite sweatshirt that’s been transformed into a blanket! The ultimate game day accessory that you can now wear and wrap up in, whether you’re in the stands, or watching the game from the comfort of your own living room. It has 1 button at the neckline for easy on and off, plus a convenient hood to help cover you up in cool weather. 50″ x 60″, 50% cotton/50% polyester, with LOTS of room for decoration available on the backside.

Better with Time 

Wine, certain cheeses, your 401(k) ― even your favorite jeans; they all seem to get better with time. Same can be said for your holiday gift planning. Most of us can appreciate the adrenaline rush of a last-minute opportunity. But adrenaline doesn’t cut it when it’s time to create a one-of-a-kind custom holiday gift experience. 

Know what works? You guessed it; time. If you’re reading this the day it drops, that means you have 61 shopping days until Christmas. And a full two months can mean the difference between a gift giving experience that is truly out-of-the-box, and one that simply “checks the box” on your holiday gift list. 

Here are some starting points for you to consider to make this your BEST gift-giving season EVER! 

Inventory Popular products are often sold quickly especially during the holiday season.  If we can’t get our hands on it, we can’t decorate and get to you in time for your gifting.  – something along these lines.

What’s your “In Hands” date? In other words, when do you need to have your branded merchandise or apparel in YOUR hands in order to get it to your customers and friends. Let’s work backwards from this date.

Do you need to see a sample first? With so many products and options, maybe you need to lay eyes (and hands) on the product before you can commit to it. Budget time for that, too! 

Less than Minimums. Some products require a minimum number of units to be ordered. Got your heart― and your budget ― set on a particular item but need fewer than the minimum order? Again, extra time gives us the room to get creative to get you what you want. 

Custom boxing and packaging. Yes, The Dunstan Group can do that for you, too! Our BrandBuilders Box can create a unique presentation experience for your one-of-a-kind holiday gift.  

If this all has you wondering about how the whole process works, we totally get it. A lot goes in to getting you exactly what you’re looking for. We’ve streamlined the process by answering some of your most-asked questions here. 

Celebrating Camp Blue Skies and 10 Wonderful Years

Parenting a special needs child is hard work, but there IS help. But after your special needs child is no longer a child, what then? That’s the question Dick Sesler asked once his son, Brent, became an adult. What now?

This idea was Sesler’s spark for starting Camp Blue Skies, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The mission of Camp Blue Skies is to keep the learning and the fun going well into adulthood through recreation, socialization and life skills education.

And like childhood, the first 10 years have come and gone quickly.

“It goes faster every year,” says Sesler with a chuckle. “It’s still an enormous undertaking every year, but something we’re really proud of.”

Listen to our interview with Dick Sesler on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast!

What started with one week at the YMCA’s Camp Harrison, south of Wilkesboro, 10 Octobers ago, has now expanded to two one-week camps in North Carolina, two one-week camps outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and a weekend after Thanksgiving at the YMCA’s Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie.

“The camps keep filling up, so we have to keep expanding,” says Sesler. His son, Brent, still attends the camps and is even known as the “mayor of Camp Blue Skies” for his outgoing personality and welcoming demeanor.

There is a small cost for campers, but sponsors and donors underwrite most of the expenses, and the foundation holds three fundraisers a year to make hosting the camps possible. That is a year-round job for Sesler, and one he relishes.

The Dunstan Group has been on board with Camp Blue Skies from the very beginning. Sesler was introduced to The Dunstan Group Founder and President Scott Dunstan by friends, “before the first T-shirt was printed,” says Sesler, and their relationship has grown as the camp has grown.

The Dunstan Group is now the sole provider of T-shirts, water bottles, cinch sacks, and lanyards that every camper gets when they come to Camp Blue Skies. Beyond that, The Dunstan Group provides unique branded items and apparel for the camp store as another way to support the mission and give campers more ways to remember their fun-filled week.

“We’ve had so much fun working for Camp Blue Skies over this past decade,” says Dunstan. “Their passion for providing camping experiences to adults with developmental disabilities is energizing to be a part of.”

Dunstan knew Camp Blue Skies would want to celebrate its 10th anniversary in a big way, too. The Dunstan Group worked closely with Sesler for special themed gear for the occasion, provided giveaways, and even sponsored the 10th Anniversary Jubilee! The relationship is one that both Sesler and Dunstan value for its mission and its outcome.

“It’s a relationship of creativity and trust and execution,” says Sesler about The Dunstan Group’s work. “Those three end up with really good products that are thoughtful, creative, exciting, and fun.”

“We’re honored to be a small part of their growth and branding story,” agrees Dunstan. “We look forward to continuing to grow with them as they expand their mission.”

Want to learn more about Camp Blue Skies? They’d love for you to visit, volunteer, or support their work:  https://campblueskies.org

 

Always In Season: Plaid

Like most people, we love a list. And we got a real kick from a recent list that ranked Charlotte among US cities with the most plaid among its men’s fashion. (More on that in a minute!) We think Charlotte’s got plenty of style, and it’s sure fun to see our names on the list. Now it looks like we have a reputation to uphold, so here are some of our new favorite fall looks — in plaid, of course— with customization options that are always in season!

Plaid Flannel Pants

These classic flannel pants a fashion-forward item with plenty of comfort and room for custom embroidery. The 4.3 ounce, 100% ring spun combed cotton means they’re incredibly soft. The yarn dye plaid keeps the color looking great wash after wash. Features an elastic waistband with tape drawcord for a perfect fit.

Port Authority® Long Sleeve Gingham Easy Care Shirt

A fresh alternative to a solid-color shirt, the Port Authority gingham check pattern is office-ready, and more than suited for comfort and style for after-hours. Crafted in an Easy Care blend, this poplin style resists wrinkles and features bias-cut details. In men’s and women’s cuts and a variety of color palettes that will coordinate with any logo.

Plaid Trucker Cap

Here’s fresh take on one of our best-selling caps. This classic trucker cap style is packed with quality details and the fit you’ve come to expect from our customizable caps. This one comes in 40+ colorways, too! Perfect for embroidery or sew-on patch placement; it’s easy to see why this one remains a best-seller and favorite cap for teams, fans, and brands alike.

Plaid Cabin Throw

We love this single-layer Velura™ Cabin Throw with its timeless look of buffalo check and plaid. It’s rustic, warm and versatile, and a perfect fall and winter essential. This decorative and functional Cabin Throw makes a perfect gift, or an extra cozy blanket on the bed or sofa. Snuggle up in these wonderful buffalo check and plaid blankets that complement fall and winter colors perfectly.

Men’s Plaid Hiking Combo

Double up with this sock and cap combo that features 1 pair of Men’s USA made Merino Wool blend socks decorated with a 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ applique on each sock, and a marled knit beanie cap decorated with a 2″ x 4″ or 3′ overall applique featuring your same design. It’s a great combo for fall and winter or holiday gifting. Now with an all-new option to add an embroidered holiday satin gift bag!

Like we said, plenty of options to uphold our reputation among the nations best! And in case you’re still wondering how Charlotte ranked among the cities with the most plaid, here’s that piece from Charlotte Stories and the men’s clothing subscription service, Trendy Butler. Enjoy!

Top-five cities with the most plaid:
#1 St. Paul, Minn.
#2 Everett, Wash.
#3 Charlotte, N.C.
#4 Bronx, N.Y.
#5 Minneapolis, Minn.

Carolina Jubilee is Now Made in the Shade


Farm-to-fork is a great catch phrase and an even greater ideal for sustainable agriculture, but as the saying goes: the devil is in the details. How do you keep local farms in business when urban areas – who clamor for fresh, locally-produced food – are gobbling up urban farmland instead?

Enter Carolina Farm Trust. The Trust helps farmers by purchasing farm equipment, leasing or buying farmland to preserve it, and reaching out to customers who can support local foods with their buying habits. Their current efforts are helping four local farms in the Charlotte region and several others across North Carolina with their efforts to be sustainable and provide local products that balance agricultural needs with their regions’ explosive growth.

The Dunstan Groups sees the importance of keeping local farms viable as an essential part of our community, and is stepping up to help the Carolina Farm Trust with its fundraising event, the Carolina Jubilee. The Dunstan Group donated a tent with the Carolina Farm Trust logo for the Jubilee’s organizers, along with stickers that can help market the event that raises money for the Trust.

“We’re all about relationships and doing good for our community,” says Dunstan Group founder and President Scott Dunstan. “We love their mission to increase the availability of healthy and fresh foods for everyone and decided to ‘provide the shade’ for their upcoming Carolina Jubilee by donating the tent.” Donations like this one are an ongoing part of the Dunstan Group’s mission to build the communities around them through relationships and lending a hand where it’s needed.

Zack Wyatt, the founder of Carolina Farm Trust and creator of the Carolina Jubilee, is grateful for the generous gift. He calls the Jubilee a “labor of love.” Both the Trust and the Jubilee spring from Wyatt’s love of the farmland he grew up on in northern Virginia. As he saw farms disappear, he realized agriculture was “on life support,” he decided to do something about it.

“We want to rebuild the farming infrastructure, make local farms affordable to the community,” says Wyatt. “We’re focused on rural community but also urban farms to support urban areas.”

Wyatt picked Van Hoy Farms in Harmony, NC, (Iredell County) for the Carolina Jubilee because it’s in a rural area that’s centrally located to the region’s largest cities — Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, and Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Wyatt thought that was a good place for NC residents to learn about farming without going too far from home.

“We want to get people out of the city into the country and relate,” he says. “We were trying to connect people with food and where it comes from — in a venue that’s easy, approachable, and fun, to celebrate Carolina agriculture and the affiliates with it.” The two-day festival will include food from Carolina farms, local breweries, and some tasty cocktails.

It’s a goal as simple as the food we eat, and Dunstan Group is happy to throw a little “shade” — and awareness — to bring everyone to the table.

The Carolina Jubilee is September 27-28 in Harmony, NC. Find out more and buy tickets here: https://thecarolinajubilee.org/