One in an occasional series of features on Charlotte area businesses, nonprofits, and events, and how they are adapting to the “new normal.”
Our Subject: The Dunstan Group; a Charlotte-based branded merchandise and apparel company. The Dunstan Group prides itself on its personalized level of service, its community involvement, and its diverse client base. Founder and president, Scott Dunstan, and Brian Young also co-host the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast.
What’s been impacted: For starters, their Morehead Street showroom and in-house podcast studio are now off-limits. They’re both unique features that set the brand apart and create a personal connection with their clients and guests.
“We’re in a very personal and ‘hands-on’ type of industry,” said Dunstan. “Branded merchandise has the potential to impact all of the senses… and our clients want to look at and touch the different fabrics and materials.”
Upcoming recordings of the BrandBuilders Podcast have been affected too.
Innovative pivot: Right now, their team is hosting almost daily conference calls to stay connected internally, and they’ve kept in touch with clients through Zoom calls and emails. They’ve “bundled” prior episodes of their podcast into emails to provide inspiration, motivation, and entertainment while we’re all under stay-at-home orders. Upcoming episodes will be recorded over Zoom, to keep up with their weekly release schedule.
The entire team is working to source “Made in the USA” face masks from vendors who can turn the product quickly and get it into the hands of folks who need them. A portion of those profits will go back into programs that are feeding front-line healthcare workers.
“This isn’t about making a sale,” said Dunstan. “There’s a ton of good going on in Charlotte, and we’re going to do what we can to help support that.”
Reactions: “Our clients expect that we approach business with their best interests and a higher ideal in mind, and this situation is no different,” added Dunstan. “If we can find a way to create opportunities that benefit everybody, that’s the option we’re going to go with — every time.”
Dunstan says clients have been “wowed” with their ability to deliver in these unusual circumstances, and have shown their approval by tagging them on social media.
Forecast for future: “I don’t think anyone is 100-percent certain how things are going to be or what things are going to look like once this is behind us,” added Dunstan. “We want to be ready to meet with our customers on their terms, using technologies they’re comfortable with, and still provide them with a hands-on experience.”
Find out more about The Dunstan Group at www.dunstangroup.com