Custom Direct, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a company that designs, manufactures, and sells ergonomic mobile workstations and ergonomic accessories.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Custom Direct, Inc., and what were your goals?

We needed content creation, both written and linked in, website enhancements, and additional SEO of our website. Custom Direct has also helped us with creating an ecommerce site.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We were originally introduced to this vendor through an Illinois manufacturing grant from IMEC. We have since retained them to continue work on our website and marketing content, as well as help us with longer term marketing plans/goals.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

Custom Direct interviewed our team to find out about our company, products, needs. They compiled a report with steps, timeframe, and deliverables and presented those to us in a meeting.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with a project manager, social media expert, and technical expert. I think there were other people working behind the scenes too in design and branding.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The deliverables were on time and just what we expected. Website traffic increased; however, I don't have exact metrics.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We met regularly with the project manager, and she would include pertinent member(s) of her team as needed.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Custom Direct was able to grasp our business, customers, and industry very quickly. Their suggestions and direction were right on point. I always feel like they are looking out for our company. They reach out and provide input and ideas on our social media and suggest other marketing opportunities.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I can't think of any improvements. I really enjoy working with everyone at Custom Direct.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

CAI Illinois is an international nonprofit association with over 60 chapters worldwide whose goal is to build better communities. We provide education and social engagements for people living in community associations, managers who manage associations, and business partners who provide products and services for associations. I am the Executive Director for CAI Illinois.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Custom Direct, Inc.?

Custom Direct designs and publishes our quarterly membership magazine.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We have been working with Cusom Direct since 2012. At the time we made the decision to work with them based on attendtion to detail, staff, creativity, design, and price.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Each quarter we publish a magazine. We provide a cover theme to Custom Direct and they present 3 or 4 creative ideas for us to choose from. We follow a similar process for articles. We send articles and they present artwork that matches the article theme. Then they assemble all the content, articles, ads, etc. into one magazine. The Custom Direct team is very good at looking for missing pieces or detecting if something is different from previous issues. They are a strong teammate in this process.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We typically work directly with Brenna. I know several other team players work on the magazine, but she is our main point of contact and is very detail oriented to keep us on track.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Common Interest magazine is one of our main member benefits. We have won an award from our National organization for it. Our members compliment the magazine and its styling.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We establish a schedule for each issue and Custom Direct never misses a deadline. Additionally, they help keep me on track to make sure we meet our target dates.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The people are nice, professional, detail-oriented, creative, and overall very pleasant to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I have had nothing but positive experiences working with Custom Direct. I hope to continue the relationship for years to come.