The following insert was part of an article written about family owned companies that made their pets more than their companions... they made them work partners! The full article was written by Vince DiCecco
Today, dogs have been elevated to the status of pampered pets. And we, as a society, will
do anything for our furry friends. Even at the depth of the ongoing tough economic times,
the pet-supply and pet-care industries are still being touted as “recession-proof.” It seems
that caring for a canine companion has become as emotional and as much a civic
responsibility as raising a child or tending to the needs of the elderly.
Canine Inspiration
MN Designs of Lexington, S.C., is a wholesale sign, digital graphics and screen-printing
supply company that sells inks, blank media, and other supplies to qualified resellers,
along with sign and screen-print shops. Like many other supply houses, MN strives to
offer the best selection of products and friendly, prompt service. But its unique marketing
and management weapon is Hollister, a six-year old chocolate Lab, who has his own blog - blog.mndesignsinc.com -
on the company website—www.mndesignsinc.com.
According to MN Designs owner, Marsha Newman: “Hollister looks forward to going to
work every day. He greets the customers, both young and old. He loves all of our
employees and they love him. Whenever he is really fond of someone, he sounds like
he’s crying. As a retriever, he always has something in his mouth, even if it is just a piece
of banner material. This makes everyone laugh because he is such a goof ball. Employee
morale is pretty high because he is really everyone's dog!”
Hollister’s official caretaker is Kelly, Newman’s daughter. When opportunity arose to
produce some marketing photos for the catalog and website, Kelly suggested Hollister be
the spokes-model, and he came through in a big way, posing by the printers, by banner
material, by a vinyl rack but, when asked to don a promotional T-shirt, clearly told the
photographer he had gone too far, by pouting in every shot.
Hollister has a special relationship with the UPS driver. Precisely at 3:30 p.m.,
he is poised at the dock doors to jump into the brown delivery truck, and won’t return to
work until he gets his treat. Says Newman, “This is a daily occurrence we think our UPS
driver looks forward to.”
Hollister has also inspired a new product line for MN Designs. The
company manufactures canvas prints of dogs—both traditional and pop art—and a
percentage of the proceeds go to the Wescott Pet Rescue. “This is another morale boost
for everyone in the company because we have a corporate purpose: to help homeless pets
get the help they need. There is no measure of how much Hollister has given to our
company. It would be a completely different business if we didn't have him as our
mascot. He shows love to everyone and the return has been immeasurable.”