The Sourcing Group is very excited to announce that Drew & Rogers of Fairfield, NJ has decided to join our family! Founded in 1944, Drew & Rogers has earned their reputation as an Industry leader with a vast product and service portfolio. “There are tremendous synergies between our organizations…we are thrilled that Drew & Rogers has decided to bring their expertise in commercial print, marketing collateral, packaging and branded merchandise together with TSG” stated Joe Falcone, Chief Operating Officer of TSG. “Our business models are very complementary, and we are very confident that we will continue to successfully deliver our full product offering, coupled with expanded technology enabled solutions to our customers” said Tom Rogers, Owner of Drew & Rogers.

TSG is headquartered in New York, NY. “Our national footprint with 20 sales offices and 15 fully integrated fulfillment centers will be augmented by the addition of Drew & Rogers suite of services and their strategic location in New Jersey,” said Dennis Clemente, President of TSG.

TSG manages the ideation, sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, logistics and billing services in a fully integrated platform on behalf of our customers. We continue to evolve our technology offerings, never losing sight of the fact that we are in an Industry that requires the most efficient technology combined with very talented, experienced, customer specific account management teams. Our customers and our people are our most valuable assets.

Onboarding kits done right! Click here for the downloadable PDF of the case study!

Objective

After a successful initial custom project with Thomas Concrete, we wanted to dive in and see how else we may be able to help them while our relationship was in its infancy. After hearing our extended capabilities, specifically our SourceKey eCommerce technology, their Marketing Team came in with a vision. They had been looking for a provider to build an internal company store, but weren’t having luck finding a partner that fit their needs. They needed a two part store; half would be an employee-facing store to take orders, while the other half would run a Welcome Kit program for onboading new employees to promote culture and appreciation.

Strategy & Execution

This project is a perfect example of teamwork through so many of our internal TSG departments. Once their initial vision was conveyed, our Creative Department got involved to design a comprehensive booklet that showcased exactly how we would approach this project from a creative perspective. This allowed Thomas Concrete to visualize physical details of the project and opened their eyes to move forward with learning about the technical aspects - Enter our Tech Team!

We love to help our clients find a way to commemorate each of their employee's personalized journey. Click here for the downloadable PDF of the case study!

Objective

It is imperative to realize that each employee is special, with a unique career path. AdventHealth wanted to capitalize on this and create a special way to commemorate each of their Marketing and Communications leaders. With many ways to approach appreciation gifts, they wanted to highlight the personalized and unique journey each leader has had with the AdventHealth family. Due to our long-standing relationship with this health care provider, they approached us with their ideas and allowed us “flex our creative muscles” to go above and beyond in the delivery.

Strategy & Execution

They wanted to create custom ViewFinders, completely unique to each individual. Each nostalgic product would be branded with the AdventHealth logo, while the image reels feature content and imagery that was specific to the recipient. We gathered customized content from the reporting lines of each recipient; Inspirational quotes, personal and professional images and more! With the content organized, The Sourcing Group was able to the perfect partner to help with the unique production hurdles.

With the right expertise and technology, we can help you save money in the long-run ! Click here for the downloadable PDF of the case study!

Objective

Black Bear Diner is a fast-growing, community-oriented, family dining concept born from a desire to bring home-style comfort food classics and personal service back to the dining experience. They currently operate over 140 restaurants nationwide. They came to The Sourcing Group to develop, launch, and manage an online platform to enable each location to easily outfit their restaurant with various indoor and outdoor signage, display hardware, and uniform items. Items are available a la carte or in build-to-order kits for store grand openings and other initiatives. Additionally, the platform would serve as a source for each location to purchase promotional and gift items for sale in their onsite gift shop.

Strategy & Execution

Using our extremely flexible E-Commerce technology, TSG built the Black Bear Diner online store, including:

A personal touch can go a long way! Click here for the downloadable PDF of the case study!

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a multi-year (and often permanent) shift in the way every single industry did business. The restaurant industry was turned upside-down and was forced to develop unique solutions to reach their customers and continue business through the tough years. The employees were in the thick of these issues. Toppers Pizza came to The Sourcing Group in search of a way to adequately recognize their team members that have been with them through thick and thin. They realized that employee appreciate was key to maintaining their company mission and morale.

Strategy & Execution

The long-standing relationship the account executive had with Toppers allowed us a strong perspective into their culture and the employee workforce. Products with full-color imprint options were sourced to allow their vibrant brand colors to shine and be well-represented in the gifting experience. It was also important to highlight the unique individual, as each employee’s history with the company told a different story.

Efficiency is the name of the game and we strive every day to help our clients improve and save money. This case study is a perfect example of how we can analyze needs and find ways to save money in the long run! Click here for the downloadable PDF of the case study!

Objective

The Sourcing Group was asked to provide a detailed quote on printing and mailing county tax bills out for a large county. In an effort to gain a full understanding of the scope of the project, TSG reached out to the client and asked if they could do a in-depth research study to make sure all the details could be covered. Once the analysis was done, it was evident that the process that they wanted to bid out was very costly and not efficient. TSG worked to interview various key client personnel to learn just how many manual processes were involved. In the end, TSG presented a total process improvement analysis since multiple departments interacted with each other to produce these bills.

Our e-commerce offerings reach far and wide. We love developing custom solutions for our clients to meet every single one of their needs. The case study below describes our process in developing the perfect store for BluePearl. Click here to get access to the downloadable PDF version.

Objective

BluePearl operates over 120 emergency and specialty veterinary hospitals throughout the United States. They use innovative procedures, high-tech equipment and the latest treatment methods to provide comprehensive medical care to pets. They came to The Sourcing Group with the challenge to develop, launch, and manage a fully integrated online platform for their associates to order their company-sponsored uniforms as well as additional apparel and promo items. They needed to completely automate the user management process, including user creation, status changes, allowance management, and reporting. The overall solution needed to feature a wide selection of brands, styles, sizes, and colors while minimizing inventory exposure and it had to offer a combination of decorate-on-demand and in-stock items and have robust inventory management to eliminate backorders.

Our case study breakdown below shows how we got creative, given the worldwide pandemic, to still give employees the celebration they deserve! Click here to get access to the downloadable PDF version.

Objective

Corporate holiday gatherings are usually a highly anticipated event to celebrate a year of hard work. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to get creative with their end-of-the-year celebrations for 2020. Our client wanted to ensure their employees (both near and far) knew how much they valued their hardwork during an unprecedented year of working from home.

Strategy & Execution

Taking their love of celebration to heart, The Sourcing Group worked with the client to develop a virtual “Party-In-A-Box” kit with contents that were specifically curated for their online event. Each participant was shipped a box with custom design instructions, a snack tray, 3 packages of snacks, 2 branded bar glasses, a recipe card, a disco USB light, photobooth props and a few light up ice cubes for their drink; everything you need for the perfect cocktail party! 2,300 kits were carefully assembled and sent on their way to 2,300 end locations, mostly residential.

Our case study breakdown below shows how we used creative services, in tandem with Bethany College Athletics, to give their weight room a face lift! Click here to get access to the downloadable PDF version with BEFORE and AFTER pictures.

Objective

Bethany College is a strong member of the PAC Conference under NCAA Division III, and because of this, athletic recruiting is a huge part of their mission. The athletic director came to us in hopes of transforming their white-walled weight room into something that would impress recruits, inspire current athletes and evoke pride in alumni visiting their alma mater. They needed their facilities to stand out in their conference, showcase their Nike sponsorship and instill Bethany pride through and through.

Strategy & Execution

Since this project was centered around environmental design, the first step was to engage the The Sourcing Group creative team. The client had a specific vision that he wanted for the weight room: one of positivity, pride and power. It was also very important that the weight room graphics be inclusive as athletes from all sports (men’s and women’s) would be using the facilities. With that, the creative team began drafting a vision board that would help ensure we captured the true essence of “Bison Nation.”

It's always a great time to appreciate your employees! From a small token to a high-end gift, there are countless ways to show your gratitude for their hard work.

Our case study breakdown below follows our process of helping a healthcare system show they care. Click here to get access to the downloadable PDF version.

Objective

Following an unprecedented year with the pandemic, a healthcare system wanted to reward their caregivers with a special token of appreciation. The gift selection needed to be curated in a way to allow the recipient to feel their commitment and hardwork was valued. Over 5,000 employees were to be included, involving many different departments, seniority levels, and locations (delivery location was to be the employees’ homes due to ease on the client and COVID restrictions.)

Strategy & Execution

The Sourcing Group sourced high-end gift options (The North Face Jackets & an Ogio Backpack) that would fit the bill and evoke feelings of appreciation and gratitude. Using the strong network and buying power of the company, TSG was able to secure the gifts at a great price with precision embroidery included.

The Sourcing Group is excited to share we have partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The Sunflower Program seeks to create awareness in organizations, businesses, and other individuals for people with hidden disabilities. Wearing an item with the Sunflower allows a person to discreetly convey to others that they have a hidden disability and may need additional help, support or patience. For more information, please contact us at join.usa@hiddendisabilitiesstore.com today.

The Sourcing Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of ImageX, a Pleasanton, CA company that specializes in servicing a wide array of clients from municipalities to

technology and bio-tech companies for their marketing collateral, promotional marketing and mailing service needs.

“We are excited to bring Glen and his team together with TSG so they can expand their suite of services by leveraging our enterprise technology platform” stated Dennis Clemente, President of The Sourcing Group.

“I decided to join forces with TSG as a means to enhance our technology offerings to our customers, and increase the types of services we can now provide in a fully integrated system” said Glen Douglas, President of ImageX.

“The addition of ImageX is very timely and complementary to our commitment to grow our business strategically. Glen and his team provide us with long standing, loyal customers that we can continue to work with as we grow our national footprint. ImageX brings $6.5mm in annual revenue, which brings TSG to our goal of $140mm in revenues for 2020” added Billy Caan, Founder/CEO of the Sourcing Group.

The United States Postal Service proposed a unique challenge. With an extensive knowledge of label design, production and manufacturing, TSG was up for the task and helped USPS craft a universal solution for their Surface Visability Program.

Our case study breakdown below follows our process of development, testing and how our solution has been implemented across the country! Click here to get access to the downloadable PDF version.

Objective:

The USPS wanted to start a program tracking transported mail within the postal network of distribution centers. They needed bar code labels on rolling mail containers, dock doors of each USPS facility and the trailer fleet of transportation vehicles. Each bar code label needed to be protected for heavy use, extreme weather conditions and applied to various substrates along with “long term use” requirements. Guaranteed scanning without duplication was required for each printed bar code.

Strategy & Execution:

We are all in this together, trying to keep our communities safe!

The Sourcing Group announced that they have completed fulfillment of Personal Protective Equipment for Albertsons Supermarkets across the United States. Albertsons approached our team requesting PPE for over 2000 supermarket locations across 34 states. The materials were part of a major push to ensure essential employee safety for COVID-19. The three month program was rolled out based on regional priorities, and was judged to be extremely successful.

For more information on TSG branded PPE products, see our website at https://www.thesourcinggroup.com/ppe-products

TSG is honored to work with the US Military designing and producing Challenge Coins. Every commander is given the opportunity to create a coin unique to their unit and their personality. Cherished as tokens of achievement, these coins are collected throughout a soldier’s years of service and are often passed down through generations with pride.

Our case study breakdown below follows the process of how and why these coins are produced and what kind of impact they make. Click here to get access to the downloadable PDF version.

Objective:

With the uniform and structured environment of the United States Military, challenge coins are unique and valued pieces that are used to celebrate and commend acts of great service and valor from the soldiers. Every commander is given the opportunity to create a coin unique to their unit and their personality. Cherished as tokens of achievement, these coins are collected throughout a soldier’s years of service and are often passed down through generations with pride. They have a significant purpose and it is imperative that the detail and execution of these coins mirror the recognition and respect the recipients deserve.

Technically speaking, Rocket Girl isn’t a real person (we know—big surprise.) Her character, however, embodies the spirit of everyone here at The Sourcing Group. When developing our new website, we wanted to give a special nod to our people, who are responsible for creating incredible value for our customers each and every day. Rocket Girl encompasses the three key qualities that each of our associates possess:

We are Passionate

Just like our pint-sized hero, all of us at TSG will go to extreme lengths to achieve our mission. Our customers are our singular focus and we are passionate about serving them—it’s engrained in our DNA. We love when our clients challenge us and we have the opportunity to say “can do” when others would say “not possible.” Our team is just as dedicated to their craft. We actually geek out on all the technical aspects of print, promotional items, and apparel. In fact, we’re the type of people that go to lunch and talk about data processing and embroidery machines.

We are Resource-full

When faced with the goal of achieving powered flight, Rocket Girl implemented quite the innovative solution. Our team members are just as imaginative (we do fully embrace cardboard and duct tape here at TSG). We have experts on staff representing many different industries, technologies, and capabilities. They help our customers reach more people, get to market quicker, drive down costs, increase process efficiency and more, all while adhering to complex regulatory requirements. Many of our people came from the customer side and they know what it means to have a true partner who can relate to the goals they are trying to achieve and the specific challenges they face.

The Sourcing Group was recently featured in a case study written by one of our technology partners. Three years ago, a long-time healthcare client approached us regarding their intent to more purposefully manage ALL their print, marketing collateral, and branded merchandise going forward. Never before had a customer with so many buyers and locations attempted to strategically manage the purchase and distribution of these items. While we had always provided purchasing reports to buyers at every location, corporate had decided that being reactive was not enough. They wanted a system to help them control costs while also increasing the ROI of all of their branded assets.

Fast-forward to today, three years after TSG successfully implemented a fully integrated, cross-media management platform. This technology is allowing team members at the planning level to maintain visibility and control over costs, marketing flows, and brand integrity. Customer engagement campaigns, including direct mail, are now streamlined and/or fully-automated. Insights on campaign effectiveness help the teams make better better use of their budgets. And for those items produced on demand, built-in management approval processes within the technology empower employees across the organization to quickly configure, order, and ship relevant items to their customers and stakeholders. The net result has been more effective customer campaigns, consistent branding, lowered costs, and higher employee productivity.

Let’s face it, not everyone has a sizable budget for promotional items. If you’re like me, there’s been a time in your life when you’ve had “SWAG Envy.” Someone else at a trade show, maybe even a competitor, had a more expensive, trendy giveaway item making their booth the talk of the show. There are worse things in the world, but let’s be honest…it’s a total letdown.

Here’s reassuring news: I’ve seen people spend ridiculous amounts of money on items and not generate a single sale out of their investment. I’ve also seen people spend a modest amount of money on less exciting items and achieve a fantastic return. There are any number of cool giveaway items out there, but remember that your end goal with a promotional product is to become top of mind. In other words, you want to generate Brand Recognition and beyond that, Brand Recall. What really matters most then is the Total Number of Impressions created by the item.

I bet you can think of at least one promotional product you received that seemed so exciting but ended up being a bust. I once received a handsome golf towel from a vendor that was new to my industry. It was made from a premium, soft velour material and featured an amazing full-color design. The problem is that while I appreciated the expense that went into the towel, I don’t really play golf, so I think it sat hidden in my garage for a while before it was moved to the donation pile. I couldn’t have told you anything about the company that gave it to me, so you can imagine the ROI on that product.

A few months ago my girlfriend received an offer to join a global technical services company. Her role as a Technical Editor allows her to work remotely here on the East Coast, which was a great selling point for her (and selfishly, for me too). During her onboarding, she received all of the obligatory legal-sized envelopes full of paperwork and documents outlining benefits and such. Along with those, she also received something that caught her completely off-guard…in a good way. While she was getting acquainted with her new MacBook Pro® (so jealous), an email arrived from her Human Resources department with directions for accessing the company's internal web store. The message also included a purchase code for a free “New Hire Package.” Seriously?

Of course, she immediately clicked on the link to investigate this mysterious “New Hire Package." When she read out loud the list of items included in the kit, I honestly couldn't believe it. I read the screen with my own eyes and it was exactly as she said: a backpack, softshell jacket, Contigo® water bottle, journal book, pens, Post-its®, and more--all featuring her company's logo. Neither of us had ever received anything approaching that level when starting a new job. I remember thinking to myself, "That's a good amount of money to spend on someone you’ve only met a handful of times."