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Fish and Chips with Carolina BUILT

Networking doesn’t have to be all “work.” And the folks at Carolina BUILT prove that time and time again. Carolina BUILT is a civic and social organization for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. They understand the power of relationships in growing a business, and they know how to make networking easy, fun, and worthwhile for their members. Their Fish and Chips get-together in Charleston is proof of that, for sure.

Lindsey Brown is marketing coordinator for EM Structural, a Charlotte-based engineering firm that’s a Carolina BUILT member, and organizer of the Fish and Chips event. We caught up with Lindsey to talk about the event, and her experience with the Team here at The Dunstan Group.

DG: Tell us about this Fish and Chips event!

Lindsey Brown: This was our fifth year in Charleston for Fish and Chips. We go down to Charleston, and they spend half a day on a chartered boat. They go inshore fishing and then we have lunch out on an Island and then we go back. We do a dinner at Saltwater Cowboys that they actually grill the fish that we caught – it’s so much fun. Probably one of my favorite events that we do!

DG: Fish and Chips sounds like a lot of fun! And it’s also a great opportunity to network, right?

Lindsey Brown: The whole purpose is people helping people. For these events, say you have a friend that’s looking to connect with a developer…  you bring guests to these events and it’s all about meeting people, helping people. Being in it is more than being in it for yourself.

DG: How did branded merchandise factor into the Fish and Chips event?

Lindsey Brown: We did the shirts and we do things with sponsorships. We had a welcome reception sponsor and those companies were able to do whatever they needed swag-wise. Our welcome our sponsor supplied tote bags, and another sponsor got koozies from The Dunstan Group.

DG: What’s your experience been like working with the Team at The Dunstan Group?

Lindsey Brown: My gosh! Well, anything that we need, anything that we’ve ever needed as far as Carolina BUILT and EM Structural … they’ve always gone above and beyond for us. Even if we need something in a pinch. Brian and Scott have always been there. I’ve been so lucky enough to have formed a relationship with them as well.

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One HOT Travel Summer

Summer unofficially starts this weekend, and experts are already predicting it’ll be a hot one – for travel.

Charlotte’s flagship air carrier, American Airlines, expects this to be its busiest summer ever. Axios Charlotte reported last week that American, “anticipates more than 8 million passengers traveling on nearly 75,000 flights between May 17 – Sept. 3. That’s more than 12% more seats leaving Charlotte, the airline’s second-largest hub, compared to last summer.”

Your clients, partners, teammates and associates will be on the move this summer, too. Keep your brand and business top-of-mind with travel gear and accessories they’ll use this season and for years to come. Here are some summer travel favorites from us here at The Dunstan Group:

Auto Emergency Kit: This tire-shaped ABS case includes crimping tool, gloves, tire gauge, jumper cables, electrical tape, spinner handle, 9 piece 1/4″ drive sockets, copper wire brush, 70 terminals, 8 fuses, 2-way screwdriver, 8 piece combo wrench, thickness gauge, siphon pump, water bag, electrical tester, work light, 2 stubby screwdrivers, 20 cable ties, 3 open end wrenches and a first aid kit!

First Aid Kit: Be prepared for any emergency with this first aid kit. Vinyl case contains 12 hour safety light stick, 10 latex-free bandages, 5 snip bandages, 2 2″ x 3″ adhesive pads, 2 knuckle bandages, 5 antiseptic towelettes, 5 first aid cream packets, 2 non adherent pads, 1 gauze roll, 1 roll adhesive tape, and 1 first aid guide. Contents are stored in two clear sleeves. Up to 4 assorted colors available at no additional charge.

Vineyard Vines Captain’s Tote: They’ll use this one all year! A rugged, 16 oz.,100% cotton canvas tote with a water-resistant bottom and interior. This classic heritage tote is the perfect size for beach trips, long weekends, or even every day. Strong and sturdy, with one interior pocket. Double canvas handles; Vineyard Vines® logo box label at front pocket. Measures 24.5″ L x 10″ W x 17″ H

Koozie Backpack Cooler Chair: Whether camping in the woods or enjoying a day at the beach, this cooler backpack chair is the perfect lightweight alternative to a separate large chair and cooler. The durable steel frame can hold up to 250 lbs., and it folds down easily to be worn as a backpack for easy transport. So pull up a comfy seat and relax with a drink in hand!

All items can be fully customized to include your branding, colors, logos and more!

Gear Up for Spring Sports with The Dunstan Group

If March Madness or Opening Day have you feeling that spring fever, you’re not alone. Casual and corporate sports leagues, charity events and tournaments are getting up and running now, too! It’s time to get your team ready for the season – whether that means outdoor fun and friendly competition, or representing in the volunteer ranks. Whether you’re gearing up for corporate leagues, nonprofit charity events, or simply want to boost team spirit, The Dunstan Group has you covered with our infinitely customizable sports and outdoor gear collections.

Customized Jerseys for the Whole Team

One of the best ways to foster camaraderie and team spirit is by outfitting your players in custom jerseys. Our range of jerseys allows you to choose vibrant colors, add your team’s logo, and even include player names and numbers for that professional touch. Whether it’s baseball, soccer, golf, bowling or anywhere in between — our jerseys will have your team looking sharp this season!

Personalized Caps for Sun Protection

Don’t let the sun get in the way of your game. Our customizable caps not only provide sun protection but also give your team a polished look. Add your logo or team motto to create caps that not only look good, but also showcase your team’s identity with style.

Hydration Essentials for Peak Performance

Staying hydrated is key to peak performance on the field or on the court. Don’t let ‘em stay thirsty! Equip your team with personalized water bottles featuring your logo and team colors. With durable construction and ergonomic designs, our water bottles are perfect companions for intense matches or outdoor training sessions.

Branded Backpacks for Gear Organization

Keep your team organized and ready for action with customized backpacks. Whether it’s carrying sports equipment, uniforms, or personal belongings, backpacks and bags offer ample space and comfort—and a ton of branding. Add your team’s logo or slogan to create backpacks that are both functional and promotional.

Outdoor Gear for Team-Building Adventures or Everyday

Planning a team-building retreat, outdoor event, or field day at the Whitewater Center? We’ve got you covered with a range of outdoor gear that can be customized to represent your organization or brand, and make a day outdoors more fun. From tents and chairs for outdoor gatherings to portable coolers and picnic sets for team outings, our customizable outdoor gear ensures your team stays comfortable and connected during outdoor adventures.

Visit our website’s sports and outdoor gear section to explore our full range of customizable products. It’s easy to gear up for success this season with The Dunstan Group!

Unlocking Marketing Potential: The Power of Promotional T-Shirts

Unlocking Marketing Potential: The Power of Promotional T-Shirts

In the catalog of promotional products, branded merchandise and apparel, few items rival the widespread appeal and effectiveness of the humble T-shirt. Whether it’s decorated with a company logo, your favorite band, or a vibrant design, T-shirts offer a versatile canvas to showcase a brand and engage with consumers. Here are just five reasons – and the research to prove – why T-shirts are still an excellent choice for your marketing and promotional campaigns!

Broad Appeal and Wearability:

T-shirts hold universal appeal across all ages and demographics; making them a versatile marketing tool for reaching diverse audiences. According to a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), wearables like T-shirts are the most popular promotional products, with 85% of consumers owning at least one branded wearable item. This broad appeal ensures that T-shirts are not only well-received by recipients but also worn frequently, maximizing brand exposure.

Impressions, Impressions, Impressions:

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate T-shirts into marketing campaigns is their ability to transform wearers into walking billboards. Research conducted by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) shows that branded T-shirts generate BIG brand impressions, with an average of 3,400 impressions over the lifetime of the shirt. This extended exposure makes T-shirts a cost-effective way to increase brand visibility and awareness in the community.

Brand Retention and Recall:

T-shirts have a longer lifespan compared to many other promotional items, leading to higher retention rates among recipients. ASI’s research found that 58% of consumers keep promotional T-shirts for over a year, providing sustained exposure to the brand message. A study published in the Journal of Marketing Research suggests that promotional products like T-shirts have a higher recall rate compared to traditional advertising mediums, making them an even better investment than traditional media.

Customization and Creativity:

The customizable nature of T-shirts allows you to unleash their creativity and tailor designs to suit specific marketing objectives and target audiences. From eye-catching graphics to clever slogans, the possibilities for T-shirt customization are endless. According to the Global T-shirt Market Report by Market Research Future, the demand for custom-designed T-shirts is on the rise, driven by consumer preferences for personalized apparel. By leveraging unique designs and messaging, marketers can create T-shirts that can really resonate with consumers and foster brand loyalty.

Versatility:

Whether you’ll use T-shits as giveaways at events, sold as merchandise, or integrated into a total promotional campaign, T-shirts offer versatility across marketing channels. They can serve as incentives for customer loyalty programs, prizes, or uniforms for brand ambassadors. T-shirts provide a platform for supporting causes and raising awareness, too. Can you think of an event or any kind that didn’t have a promotional T-shirt??

T-shirts provide practical utility, broad appeal, and creative versatility that’s unrivaled. By harnessing the power of T-shirts, you can easily boost brand visibility, engage with consumers, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Spring Things to Make Your Marketing Grow

Spring Things to Make Your Marketing Grow

The first official day of Spring isn’t until March 19, and as we (finally?) thaw from the last of winter, now’s the perfect time for your businesses to rejuvenate its marketing for the new season!

Campaigns with the energy and freshness and color will win the day – and the favor of your clients, teammates, and potential customers. The Dunstan Group offers a curated selection of products and brands to take your spring marketing efforts to the next level.

Embrace the Outdoors: As temperatures rise and daylight lingers, people are drawn outdoors to bask in the warmth of the sun. The Dunstan Group’s “Get Outdoors” collection is designed to complement this natural inclination. From custom picnic sets to branded sports gear, these items are not only practical but also serve as powerful marketing tools. When your logo decorates a hot, new cooler bag or a the “must have” water bottle, you’ll accompanying your customers on their outdoor adventures and spread your branding with every use.

Refresh Your Brand Image: Spring is the perfect time to refresh your brand image. Whether you’re looking for vibrant apparel options or eye-catching accessories, The Dunstan Group’s New Products for 2024 have you covered. Stand out at trade shows with branded sunglasses, or equip your team with stylish polo shirts featuring your company logo. With a wide range of customizable products, you can effortlessly align your brand with the essence of the season.

Tap Into Seasonal Trends: Stay ahead of the curve by tapping into seasonal trends with The Dunstan Group’s curated product lines. From eco-friendly options to wellness-focused products, we offer innovative solutions to meet the moods and needs of your target audience. It’s easy to be green, by adding the right sustainable products to your spring marketing campaign, or “wow” your customers with branded wellness kits promoting self-care and mindfulness.

Make a Lasting Impression: In a crowded marketplace, making a lasting impression is essential. With The Dunstan Group’s access to premium quality products and brands, and or expert customization services, you can bet that your brand stands out from the competition! Whether you’re hosting outdoor events, sponsoring community gatherings, or simply showing appreciation to your valued clients or team members; our spring promotional ideas are guaranteed to make an impact.

As you plan your spring marketing campaigns, don’t overlook the power of promotional products to boost your brand visibility and connect with your audience. Give us a call or visit our website to explore The Dunstan Group’s diverse range of branded merchandise and apparel fit for this spring.

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The Humble Tee Shirt?

The Humble Tee Shirt?

The humble tee shirt is anything but. When chosen wisely, designed well, and put on the backs (and fronts!) of the right audience, tee shirts are a powerful, long-lasting marketing tool. Here are five real and actionable ways to make promotional t-shirts perform even better as part of your marketing and promotional plans!

Design for Impact: The design of your promotional t-shirt plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Ensure that the design is visually appealing, memorable, and aligns with your brand identity. Consider incorporating bold colors, striking graphics, or catchy slogans that grab attention and leave a lasting impression on the wearer and those around them.

Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality t-shirts that are comfortable to wear and durable. A well-made t-shirt not only reflects positively on your brand but also increases the likelihood of recipients wearing them again and again. That makes them more than worth the investment over time. High-quality fabric and printing contribute to the perceived value of the shirt, making it the one they want to wear.

Targeted Distribution: Rather than distributing promotional t-shirts indiscriminately, target specific demographics, customers, fans, or events where your target audience is likely to be present. Consider sponsoring local events, trade shows, or gatherings where attendees are more likely to engage with your brand. By distributing t-shirts to a receptive audience, you increase the chances of your message resonating with potential customers.

Incorporate a Call to Action: Maximize the marketing potential of your promotional t-shirts by including a clear call to action (CTA). Whether it’s directing people to visit your website, follow your social media channels, or redeem a special offer, incorporating a CTA encourages recipients to take the next step in engaging with your brand. Make sure the CTA is prominently displayed on the t-shirt, tag, or packaging — and that it’s easy to understand.

Encourage User-Generated Content: Leverage the power of social proof by encouraging recipients to share photos of themselves wearing your promotional t-shirts on their social media platforms. Create a branded hashtag and encourage users to tag your brand in their posts so you can participate in the conversation, too! User-generated content not only increases brand visibility but also fosters a sense of community around your brand.

Looking for more ways to maximize the effectiveness of promotional t-shirts or other products? Give us a call here at The Dunstan Group and let’s get your project started today!