Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Morrison.
Hi Diana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 1988, I had a marital life change, I had worked in our family business for 11 years. This meant, so, Diana, what shall you do now?
The skill set that I loved had waned over that time, so, rather than applying for jobs using my rusty skills, I decided to open my own Promotional Products Company. and apply my skills for their rebirth.
WOW, that was not what I expected! I was fortunate enough to discover that in 1988, marketing and little-known promotional products industry walked hand in hand.
From a small start out of the trunk of my car, AD Specialty grew to a rented tiny office space in 1991 and later in
2004 we developed a property to open our sales office and showroom! We grew from 4 staff to 12 over the years, still small and loving every moment.
I didn’t get here by myself: family support, a great team, wonderful mentors, a banker who believed in me, and lots of time in prayer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road in business no matter the size is never smooth for long periods…..only fibbers say it is always smooth.
Cash flow and access to capital are always challenging in small businesses, those who maintain and understand their financial records and pay close attention to cost and margins, become the Kings and Queens of cash!
I would say the hardest professional partner to find is a good CPA, without one, it’s like swimming upstream. I have found most don’t dive into small businesses or counsel them, they take what you submit and “make it pretty”. and send you a bill. Finding my CPA, was one of the most helpful partners in my success.
The most important partner outside your CPA is a trusted “posse” those who have professions in the skills that are secondary to yours. Learn from them, teach them your skills, and grow, grow, grow!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ad Specialty is a Promotional Products Company offering over a million branded items including garments, awards and safety items. We represent over 6200 industry factories offering a plethora of options.
We are known for “caring” about our clients’ success and ROI with the products that carry their brand, this allows us to stand out over our local and internet competitors. Our promotional consultants have marketing backgrounds so they understand how to help the clients determine their real needs and find the perfect product for time, budget, and brand. For our regional clients, the ability to walk into our showroom for a creative experience of ideas, products, and fabrics makes for a great comfortable buying experience.
I am so proud of our rebrand in 2018 when we celebrated 30 years in business. Updating our brand icon, colors, and brand words to “Products with Purpose” has proven to resonate with our partner clients. They know, we care about our environment and the useful nature of the products they promote themselves with.
Yes, we sell products to feed our families, but we build long-lasting creative relationships to feed our souls.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Never forget these important things, or you will learn a lesson you didn’t want to.
A posse of good mentors.
A good CPA, who talks to you during the good, bad, and ugly.
A banking relationship, not just a bank.
Hire good people, train them well, and let them do their jobs!
Offer praise for more than just a job well done.
Build relationships not just a database.
Never be afraid of change.
Change = growth.
Pricing:
- Prices of all things have increased during and post pandemic. IF your budget hasn’t changed to accommodate higher pricing, don’t compensate with lower quality items, order less and consider wisely who the recipients are.
- The cost of logistics and shipping has skyrocketed. If your busget is tight, request a shipping quote before you order.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://adspecialtyservices.com
- Instagram: adspecialtysav
- Facebook: adspecialtyservices
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advertising-specialty-services-of-savannah
