Windows Of Opportunity

09.12.06

Why would one of the largest, most successful, and most reputable window manufacturing companies in the world need a marketing company? Because they're one of the most famous, successful and reputable window manufacturing companies.

As Emily Ness, Marketing Coordinator for Milgard Windows puts it, "We are quite honestly, so jam–packed busy with producing windows, we don't have time to manage that side of the business. That's where Custom Design Marketing comes in. It's a no–brainer; they're an extension of our team."

Indeed, Heather Schudie, Custom Design Marketing (CDM) account director for Milgard describes the companies relationship as a true partnership based on trust, respect and the belief in one another.

"Not a day goes by that we don't talk at least three times about new projects." Through what they call "a really good collaboration" the two work together to find marketing and brand solutions that fit Milgard's style.

What could this consist of? The long list: e–commerce solutions, company t–shirts, polo shirts, drinkware, hats, water bottles, pens, calculators, rulers, wall clocks, golf accessories, umbrellas, hard hats, coolers, and more.

The short summary: "Essentially, we streamline their operations increase brand awareness, and keep their brand looking good," said Schudie. "We are a full–service advertising specialty company, so anything you want to put your logo on, we can do it. It's all about getting the company's brand out there and increasing awareness among Milgards employees, dealers and partners."

Service That Is Smooth As Glass

As for Milgard, the company's mindset is two–pronged when it comes to marketing: the 5,000-employee-business wants to show their company pride wherever they go, and they want to keep reinforcing their name brand in fresh and functional ways. This is the invaluable service that CDM provides to Milgard, the service that has kept the partnership going for nearly eight years.

"The goal is to show that Milgard is really proud of their brand," said Ness. "We have the biggest sales force for window manufacturing, and we want our sales reps to go out in a clean shirt and proudly display the Milgard logo."

But a clean shirt is just the beginning. CDM stresses that when it comes to the way they work with Milgard it's not just about providing a marketing solution, but various marketing solutions. Schudie says, "we work closely with corporate and each individual location to zero in on what it is they really want to accomplish when it come to a promotional product for an event, promotion or marketing initiative. We collaborate with the client and provide four or five different marketing solutions, and choose the one that best integrates with the overall campaign and specific marketing objectives.

It is this flexibility that keeps the partnership thriving. In addition to a wide variety marketing solutions, Schudie prides CDM on their location–specialization when working with Milgard's thirteen branches. "What's going to work in Colorado isn't necessarily going to work in Arizona. As a marketing company, you have to understand there are different client demographics depending on the area of the country you are in.

So how does Custom Design Marketing come up with so many creative ideas? Through trade shows, catalogues, and in–house vendor demonstrations, Custom Design Marketing combs through the latest marketing products to find the cream of the crop: the current and creative marketing products for which Milgard is known.

Overall, however, it isn't just creative ideas or product knowledge that keeps Milgard a client. It's the absence of worry. According to Ness, "CDM offers us reliability. We don't have to worry about the marketing end of things because it kind of runs on its own. Marketing is not something I can spend a lot of time on, so it's important that we have a company that is reliable, creative, and comes up with the best solutions."

To other companies considering working with CDM, Ness urges "Call Custom Design Marketing! It'll make your life easier."

For more information about our services or to speak to one of our sales consultants, call us at 888–644–0217 ext. 224 or request information.