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Timing is Everything: Great Gifts Can Still Be Had 

For kids in school, it may feel like Christmas is light years away. In grown-up time, we know it’s just a matter of days from now. And if gift-getting is still on your to-do list, that time seems even shorter! Yes, there’s still time to select thoughtful, personalized gifts for the clients, friends, and employees on your list— but you’d better hurry! Here’s a short list of what’s hot here at The Dunstan Group.

Backpacks and Bags

Packs and bags are year-round crowd pleasers. From durable duffles, to backpacks, totes, and luggage, there’s a bag that’s a perfect fit for anyone and everyone on your list.

Writing Tools and Journals

Always in style, journals, notebooks, and writing tools are practical and appreciated. Paired together, they make a great-looking gift, too! In styles, colors, and textures as unique as your brand, we’ll help you find the one that’s just right.

Electronics

Phone chargers, cables, speakers, and more can be customized, packaged, and presented with your logo in time for holiday giving. With so many options, it’s easy to choose one they’ll use every day.

Read Also: Holiday Tech List from The Dunstan Group 

https://dunstangroup.com/listen-up-holiday-tech-list-from-the-dunstan-group/

Snacks, Candies and Coffee

Gift baskets are holiday favorites made better when loaded with snacks, meats, candies — and yes, coffee, tea, and cocoa, too. Ask us how to make yours even more special with custom labels, cutting boards, and more!

Drinkware and Mugs

Glasses, cups, mugs, and bottles make for gifts they’ll use year round. From laser engraved stainless steel, to insulated tumblers, and customized ceramic mugs, there’s a drinkware option that’ll fit the bill.

Want to make it really special? Let’s talk fully-custom packaging, inserts, and more and the BrandBuilders Box from The Dunstan Group! It’s sure to make your gift scream, “open me first!”

 

Listen Up: Holiday Tech List from The Dunstan Group

Audio and tech products are once again the hot items on the holiday gift-giving lists. Why not spread a little brand recognition along with that holiday spirit? Here are some best bets from The Dunstan Group that can be customized with your brand name, logo, message, or company colors:

Ten Four Powerbank

Practical and stylish, this high-capacity power bank is ready to go. Loaded with three USB outputs, a 3.1 amp charging speed, and a 10,400mAh battery capacity, the Tenfour charges up to three devices at once to completion—with room to spare.

Pionears Earbuds

Charge, connect, and go with these wireless Pionear earbuds. The sleek and ergonomic dual-function charging base and 4400mAh power bank combines with true wireless earbuds to deliver unhindered stereo sound. A great gift made even better with your brand and logo.

Boxanne Bluetooth Speaker

Here’s a portable Bluetooth speaker that gets noticed! With incredible sound thanks to its built-in subwoofer, the pocket-sized Boxanne carries an enormous sound. Use the included  looping strap to attach the Boxanne to any bike, backpack, or bag.

Beebop Bluetooth Headphones

Experience the full-range audio spectrum with outside noise reduction on the Beebop Bluetooth headphones. These also have a built-in microphone for integrated call handling and text notifications, essential for rocking out—but not missing out.

Sonosphear Bluetooth Speaker

Engineered to deliver bold, vibrant sound, the Sonosphear’s classic design, powerful dual 8 Watt driver performance, and state-of-the-art Bluetooth technology will enhance their musical experience. And with a big platform for logo and branding, they’ll listen and look!

Want to make your gift even more special? Check out the BrandBuilders Box from The Dunstan Group for fully customized packaging options that’ll really make them notice.

BrandBuilders – Court Creeden

Court Creeden has been called a “master of relationships,” and relationships are the foundation of the business he’s built at Parent Financial.  

Now, he’s offering a book about financial success that’s about a different relationship — the one you have with yourself, and your own ideas about what success looks like.    

“Almost every single person is trying… to keep up with that sense of what they THINK their life is supposed to look like,” Creeden told Dunstan Group’s Scott Dunstan and Brian Young on their Brandbuilders Podcast.  

Blue Goat is about living the life you were born to live, and creating your own path to your own personal idea of success.

Creeden says his insight comes from being a financial advisor to young couples, many just starting families — the focus of Parent Financial.  He realized after talking to so many couples, that their ideas of success were usually set for them by others.

“The ‘reality’ that most people think is going on in the world around them, is really not going on,” he says in Blue Goat. “The people we compare ourselves to, and are trying to keep up with, are trying just as hard to make it and keep up with everyone else themselves.”

In other words, if it looks like your neighbor or friend is more successful than you are, the truth is that they might not really be able to afford the life you see.

“What we’re comparing ourselves against, is what we see people spend money on,” says Creeden. “What we don’t have the opportunity to compare against is everything else going on behind the scenes.”

He blames it on a ‘sheep’ mentality.

“Everyone is just looking at the sheep in front of them, but they don’t know where that sheep is going,” says Creeden.  “We all end up in a big herd, and don’t know where we want to end up.”

Creeden meets a lot of people who have all the trappings of success, and “feel just as lost as they did when they were 22 years old.”

“They’re not successful,” says Creeden. “They’re not happy; they’re not where they want to be.”

Being a Blue Goat means living the life you’re meant to live, taking chances, and not being a “couch coward.”

“We need to throw the whole idea of success out the window and ask, ‘What’s your journey?'” says Creeden.  Sometimes that means veering off the main path everyone around you is following, and “getting dirty.”

Or telling yourself, “I’m not gonna miss out on the great moments because I’m so afraid of the bad moments.”

Creeden hopes people will draw inspiration from Blue Goat to live the “one amazing life” they’ve been given — not to be sheep, but be goats running their own paths, being supportive of those around them who also try to find their own path.  And to start building relationships with others — which starts with building an honest relationship with themselves.

Find Blue Goat on Amazon, and follow on Instagram at @bluegoatlife.

You can hear all of Court Creeden’s comments to the Brandbuilders Podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/dunstangroup/brandbuilders-court-creeden-blue-goat-life

BrandBuilders – Craig Barbour

The restaurant business is a tough one.  Craig Barbour already knows that.

Barbour ran a successful restaurant — on wheels.  His Roots food truck was one of the first in Charlotte, and was so popular that the fleet eventually grew to three.

Then he sold two and parked the third, trading in his wheels for a building in SouthEnd and a catering business that serves more upscale food.

The Roots name, however, stayed with him.

“I wouldn’t recommend anyone open a restaurant without brand recognition,” Barbour told Scott Dunstan and Brian Young on the Dunstan Group’s Brandbuilders Podcast.

You can listen to the entire podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/dunstangroup/brandbuilders-craig-barbour-roots

Barbour said Roots Cafe and Roots Catering opened at the end of June, also known in the restaurant business as “the slowest part of the entire year.”

“The main challenges we faced is just the unknown,” said Barbour.  Food trucks and restaurants don’t really correlate on the numbers.  He had to, instead, shoot for what kind of traffic he wanted and needed to make the business work.

“The neighborhood right around us has been extremely supportive,” he said, speaking of the same SouthEnd area that made his food truck so popular.  His new restaurant is located just off South Blvd., behind Chipotle, near the corner of Magnolia.

 

Weekend brunches have been very popular, but now his biggest challenge is letting customers know the cafe is open past 2 p.m.  Previous restaurants in that area weren’t open for afternoons or dinner.

Another huge challenge is letting customers know the new cafe and catering company are a step up from the truck, both in price and in elegance.  Their chef has a fine dining background, and the meals are a little more elaborate.

He understands a new restaurant doesn’t have the bank roll of major restaurant groups, but great service and local farm-fresh food can make a difference.

“We can provide the best service and try to create the best food we possibly can,” he said.

If you want to try Roots Cafe, it’s at 2135 SouthEnd Drive.  The catering company can be reached at roots-catering.com.

Friday Finds: First of Fall

 

The first of October should hopefully mean the weather will get in line with the calendar. It’s not a matter of if, but when, and you and your crew can be ready with these great Friday Finds from The Dunstan Group. Jackets and bags are brand-building power-lifters. Here are some of our favorites this season:

Stormtech Edge Jacket

This bonded H2XTREME® softshell offers advanced levels of waterproof/breathable performance technology for maximum warmth and protection in cool or wet weather conditions. In men’s and women’s sizes, in a range of colors to match, too.

Dri Duck Trek Vest

Warm, good-looking and rugged, the Dri Duck Trek Vest is an ideal layer. Insulated throughout and equipped with a snowtop sherpa lined collar and back yoke, it protects from the wind and chill. Patch pockets with sturdy snaps at the chest, and interior cell phone pocket.

 

Cutter and Buck Lakemont V-neck

This jersey stitched look is as comfortable as it is refined. Featuring grey contract stripe detailing at the inside neck and cuff, ribbing at the hem, and outside linking at the seams. This fully-fashioned V-neck is ideal for on the road or on the job. In men’s and women’s cuts with plenty of space for branding and embroidery.

 

OGIO Torque backpack

The OGIO Torque backpack keeps you ready for the gym or office with its external-access hanging padded computer sleeve, tablet sleeve and phone pocket. If you’re looking for a bag that has the work-life balance figured out, this is it!

 

Dri Duck fatigue bag

Built from rugged cotton canvas with classic styling that you can take anywhere, this bag can handle the daily grind, the road trip, the long haul, or the trip around the world. Versatile and practical, this is THE bag they’ll use over and over.

 

Stormtech Oasis pack

Classic design meets modern features and materials in the Stormtech Oasis backpack. Bold print on durable, wear- and water-resistant fabrics, spacious internal compartments and padded, protected laptop sleeve — they’re all in here. Long-lasting good looks with plenty of room for your brand and logo, too.

Ready to gear up for the season or for holiday and corporate gifting? Start with a call to us here at The Dunstan Group. For more great ideas and inspiration, check out the BrandBuilders Podcast.

 

Friday Finds: The Football Edition

It’s finally here! The pro football season starts for real this weekend, with a huge slate of college games, too. And with all that attention on the games and the experience, every brand-minded marketer is wide-eyed at the prospect of getting in the mix. This week’s Friday Finds is all about can’t-miss pieces we love here at The Dunstan Group!

Clear Drawstring Bags

Big league and major college stadiums alike are going to a “clear bags only” policy. Make it easy for your fans and friends to remember you on game day with these reusable logo’d drawstring bags!

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/p/PVHJJ-KVFAW/drawstring-backpack—clear-drawstring-bags

Stadium Cushions

Even the “best seats” in the house might not be the most comfortable. Stadium seat cushions come in nearly every team color imaginable, with BIG space for logo and design work, too.

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/p/XXGHB-JWBBM/stadium-cushion-78-thick

Custom Team Tent

Go all-in on your tailgate set-up with custom team tents from The Dunstan Group. These easy-to-use 10×10 tents will make your brand — and your party — stand out in a crowd. Loads of colors, plenty of room for logos and messages.

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/p/VRLFI-FXLFD/automatic-tent–canopy-10×10

Team Magnets

Show that team pride on the way to and from the game with a BIG, 5+ inch circular magnet! They’re the perfect fit for any car, fridge, tool box, or other metal surface.

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/p/APNFB-
/circle-5-34-diameter-car-sign-magnet

Can Coolers

Can’t have a tailgate — or practically any other party — without can coolers. With styles, colors, and designs to match nearly every marketing budget, you’re sure to find yours.

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/mugs-and-drinkware-beverage-insulators.htm

Here’s to the new season, your team’s success, and your branding “win” with the Dunstan Group!

 

Friday Finds: Stuck on this one…

Looking for an inexpensive and effective marketing piece an audience will actually ask, or sometimes even pay for? Stickers are a sure bet. Big, rectangular bumper stickers are ancient history. Stickers can be slick, simple circles that are perfect for laptops, water bottles, notebooks, or other small spaces. Want more? Stickers can be cool, complex, die cut models that mirror any image or logo!

Today’s Friday Finds from The Dustan Group is all about some of our favorite brand-builders: stickers!

Roll labels:

Need a bunch of easy-to-use bits for branding? Roll label stickers are a perfect fit! Spot on for shows, promotions, campaigns, and more. Get them for as little as pennies per sticker!

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/p/XQGNJ-GXQHQ/circle-roll-labels-7.01-to-11.0-square-inch

 

Water bottle labels:

Name drop without saying a word when you wrap water bottles with your own custom label. Works on any size water bottle, transforming your next client meeting, event, etc., into a branding opportunity.

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=ERGJK-JNWAP

 

Oval decals:

One of the most popular sticker sizes, you’ve probably got one on your read windshield right now! Go beyond the simple text on white with full color in a size everyone can agree on.

http://shop.dunstangroup.biz/p/PWFOH-KGXJI/4-color-process-outdoor-decals-white-vinyl-removable-back-6-to-10-square-inches

Full custom die cut stickers:

Just about anything goes here. No kidding! Most any design, logo, or other artwork can be turned into a sticker. Ask us here at The Dunstan Group about creating a marketing piece that will really stick around! (Did we just do that?)

 

 

Friday Finds: The Jacket Edition

It’s still flip-flop weather, so is it too early to talk fall? Not if you want to outfit your team, group, or employees with branded jackets, vests, and outerwear for the  coming season. And if you’ve got holiday gifting on your plate — now’s the time to check that box and get exactly what you want delivered with plenty of time to make deliveries, too.

This week’s Friday Finds is dedicated to the coming season, and helping the procrastinator in all of us get a jump on things!

DriDuck Motion Softshell:

Designed to keep you warm and dry in three-season comfort, the DriDuck Motion Softshell is water and wind resistant, with zippered chest and hand pockets, and adjustable velcro cuffs. Just enough spandex for excellent mobility; the real deal for active use in the field!

DriDuck Elevation Jacket:

Protection from the elements and abrasion resistance for long-lasting good looks on and off the job. Barn jacket styling with a double-ripstop outer shell and soft interior, the DriDuck Elevation Jacket is Teflon coated for fabric protection from stains, spills, oils, and water.

Stormtech Thermal Vest:

This ultra-lightweight poly-fill vest features a high-density water repellant outer shell and nylon taffeta lining. The Stormtech Thermal Vest provides great-looking, three-season use in a package they’ll want to wear — with plenty of space for logos and branding.

Stormtech Brooklyn Quilted Jacket:

Lightweight DWR-coated jacket with thermal fill front panels for warmth and water-resistant protection. Front snap buttons, lay-flat collar, and slant hand pockets add classic looks to this rugged and functional piece. In men’s and women’s sizes!

Cutter & Buck Shoreline Pullover:

In a wide range of colors to pair with most any brand or logo, the Cutter & Buck Shoreline Pullover looks as good in the field, paired with a collard shirt, or kicked-back and casual with jeans and a tee. A touch of spandex gives it bounce back mobility and butter-soft feel. A great gift or layering piece for the whole team! In men’s and women’s sizes, big and tall, too.