What was the scope of their involvement?
Brand New Matter was brought in to do a deep dive with us and analyze the market, in order to see what our risk level was. We began to study the promotional product industry—target customers, products which are most popular, the success of promotional products, and what markets would be best for Ace to target.
Most of the work was strategy. Brand New Matter came to our facility 3 separate times, and, for the last deep-dive, we made a product presentation which helped us identify whether our strategy going forward would be successful or not. We came in with product and developed different packages for potential clients, in order to take the stress out of searching for the right promotional items for their company. We identified packages which would help them promote their company more efficiently.
What is the team dynamic?
We worked with Thomas Sparico, their CEO, and John Shaughnessy, their managing director. This is my second dive with them, and I’ve been amazed by the fact that, no matter what the industry is, they do the research, study the field extensively, as if they have been in it for years. Brand New Matter came in knowing everything about promotional products and the industry. It truly amazed me that they were able to adapt themselves and their program to what was needed for my company, in order to give me a true risk analysis.
How did you come to work with Brand New Matter?
I found them through a referral. After meeting the team in New York, I knew they’d be the ones to go with. The expertise behind each member of the team said a lot about the company.
How much have you invested with them?
This last deep dive had a cost of $30,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started the last engagement with Brand New Matter in December 2016, and ended in May 2017.
The workshop was transformative for the new business. The platform, which will launch next month, uses a business model built with their recommendations. Their responsiveness, coupled with their expertise, contributed to the productive experience.