My Custom Swag Business Has Sold Over 10 Million Products
Hello! I'm Evan Rosenberg, and I'm the founder of Powerhouse Prints, a company specializing in high-end branded swag at affordable pricing. We also have a focus on branded bags for supermarket checkout lines.
Our flagship products include customized merchandise such as tote bags, tech items, reusable bags, and other promotional items. Our customers range from big names like Starwood Capital Group, Etsy, Fanatics, and Uber to smaller businesses looking to enhance their brand presence.
Today, Powerhouse Prints is thriving, with a growing list of prestigious clients and a strong reputation for quality and affordability in the branded merch industry. We have a large footprint in the hospitality space.
What's your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
In my younger years, I was fueled by a deep-seated entrepreneurial spirit and a burning ambition to make a significant mark in the hospitality industry. Growing up in Manhattan, I was immersed in the bustling restaurant and bar scene, where I observed firsthand the dynamics of running successful establishments. It was in this vibrant atmosphere that my passion for hospitality took root.
Early on, I recognized the potential of entrepreneurship and set my sights on building a legacy within the industry. I began by working at some notable hospitality groups like Morgans Hotel and Paige Hospitality Group. Later, I established and managed several notable spots in Manhattan, including Atwood, Shay & Ivy, and Sir Henry. Through these ventures, I honed my skills in business management, customer service, and brand building.
However, my thirst for new challenges led me to explore other avenues within the hospitality sector. Transitioning into consulting, I utilized my expertise to assist venues in enhancing their offerings through innovative events and strategic marketing initiatives. This phase of my career allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the industry's intricacies while expanding my professional network.
It was during my consulting years that the seed for my next venture, Powerhouse Prints, was planted. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality branded merchandise within the hospitality industry, I saw an opportunity to leverage my network and expertise to fill this niche.
Drawing upon my connections and partnerships, I established relationships with both domestic and overseas manufacturers to produce premium swag and bags tailored specifically for hospitality businesses. Through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality, Powerhouse Prints quickly gained traction as a trusted provider of branded merchandise within the industry.
My journey from owning and managing establishments to consulting and eventually launching Powerhouse Prints has been fueled by a relentless drive to innovate and create value within the hospitality sector. As I continue to navigate this dynamic industry landscape, my aspiration remains unwavering: to establish myself as a leading player in the hospitality industry, this time through elevated swag, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation.
Take us through the process of building the first version of your product.
Launching Powerhouse Prints was a labor of love that demanded time, effort, and financial investment. It took approximately six months from conceptualization to launching the business.
During this period, we meticulously planned every aspect, from designing our product line to setting up our website and establishing our online presence. This involved conducting thorough market research to understand the demand for branded merchandise within the hospitality industry, identifying our target audience, and crafting a strategic marketing plan to reach them effectively.
In terms of costs, I personally invested $20,000 to start the business, which covered legal fees, operating capital, and initial inventory expenses. We ensured that our startup expenses were kept within manageable limits, prioritizing essential investments that would drive growth and sustainability.
We left no stone unturned in ensuring that every aspect of the business was thoughtfully considered and carefully executed. For example, we spent considerable time designing our product line, selecting materials that were both high-quality and aligned with our brand values.
We also invested in creating a user-friendly website that showcased our merchandise effectively and provided a seamless shopping experience for customers.
Our research on the branded merchandise market involved analyzing industry trends, studying competitors, and identifying opportunities within the market - specifically in the hospitality industry. This research guided our product development process and informed our decisions regarding pricing, branding, and marketing strategies.
Despite our careful planning, launching Powerhouse Prints was not without its challenges. One significant challenge was navigating the complex landscape of regulations and compliance requirements, particularly when it came to sourcing materials overseas and manufacturing processes.
An instance where we encountered a challenge was when we attempted to ship 15,000 lighters from China to the USA. Initially, we had budgeted for shipping via a standard boat, unaware that we required a vessel capable of transporting flammable goods. Unfortunately, this oversight resulted in a loss of time and an upset client which we had to make adjustments to remedy. However, this experience taught us valuable lessons in logistics and reinforced the importance of thorough research and understanding shipping regulations.
Another challenge was finding reliable manufacturers, both domestically and overseas, who could meet our quality standards and production deadlines. This involved conducting extensive due diligence, negotiating contracts, and building strong relationships with our manufacturing partners.
Overall, our journey with Powerhouse Prints has been a rewarding one, albeit with its fair share of hurdles. However, our dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence have enabled us to overcome these challenges and establish ourselves as a trusted provider of branded merchandise within the hospitality industry.
Describe the process of launching the business.
Powerhouse Prints has employed a multifaceted approach to attract and retain customers. Leveraging social media, email blasts, networking, and word-of-mouth advertising, we have cultivated a loyal customer base while experiencing steady growth in traffic and sales.
Recently, we revamped our entire website and initiated advertising campaigns to capitalize on emerging e-commerce opportunities.
My background in the hospitality industry provided valuable connections that fueled the growth of Powerhouse Prints. Leveraging these connections through networking and word of mouth, I secured our first clients: Trooper Fitness (a $2000 order), then The Empire State Building (a $10,500.00 order), and then The Chainsmokers (a $32,000.00 order), with whom I collaborated during the pandemic to create event merchandise in the Hamptons.
I guess you can say the experience was a bit like diving into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim – we dove in headfirst and learned to paddle as we went!
Images from the first iteration of the website:
Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?
Today, Powerhouse Prints is thriving, with a steady stream of revenue and plans for continued expansion. We're constantly innovating and exploring new products and markets to sustain our growth trajectory. Our operations are streamlined, allowing us to focus on delivering value to our customers while maintaining profitability.
Looking ahead, our goals include further increasing our online presence, expanding our product line, and fostering strategic partnerships to drive growth. Our focus this year is to expand into more hospitality groups (Restaurants and Hotels) in addition to growing our list of supermarket clientele.
How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
Powerhouse Prints has over 200 clients and has sold over 10 million products, showcasing our growth and success. Through challenges and mistakes, I've learned valuable lessons in refining our marketing strategies, optimizing operations, and honing leadership skills. Initiatives like social media engagement and partnerships have been key in attracting and retaining customers.
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our online presence, product line, and partnerships for continued growth and innovation.
Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?
Through starting Powerhouse Prints, I've learned several valuable lessons that have shaped both the business and myself. One of the key mistakes I made early on was underestimating the importance of establishing strong partnerships.
Initially, I attempted to handle every aspect of the business independently, from production to marketing. However, I soon realized the value of collaborating with other businesses and individuals who could complement our offerings and extend our reach. By forging strategic partnerships with suppliers, distributors, and complementary brands, we were able to accelerate our growth and expand our customer base more effectively.
Additionally, I learned the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. Like many businesses, we encountered unexpected obstacles along the way, including supply chain disruptions and market fluctuations. These experiences taught me the importance of remaining flexible and agile in response to changing circumstances.
Instead of dwelling on setbacks, I focused on finding creative solutions and leveraging our strengths to overcome obstacles. This adaptability has been crucial in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and positioning Powerhouse Prints for long-term success.
Moreover, I've discovered the power of continuous learning and self-improvement. As a founder, I've had to wear many hats and tackle unfamiliar tasks, from financial management to digital marketing. While challenging, these experiences have allowed me to develop new skills and broaden my knowledge base.
By embracing a growth mindset and seeking out opportunities for personal and professional development, I've been able to enhance my abilities as a leader and entrepreneur. Overall, the journey of starting Powerhouse Prints has been a valuable learning experience, and I'm grateful for the insights gained along the way.
What platform/tools do you use for your business?
In building Powerhouse Prints, I rely on a variety of tools and platforms to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
We utilize a combination of custom-built e-commerce solutions for our online store like Shopify, social media management platforms for marketing such as Hootsuite and Sprout Social, and manual customer relationship management techniques for client management such as Gmail, Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Zoom, Slack and more.
Additionally, we work with shipping and fulfillment services to manage logistics efficiently. These tools collectively help us streamline our operations and facilitate growth as we continue to expand our business.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?
Some of the most influential resources that have inspired me on this journey include books like "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries and podcasts like "How I Built This" by Guy Raz. These resources provide valuable insights into entrepreneurship and offer practical advice for building and scaling a business.
Additionally, networking events and industry conferences have been invaluable for connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and learning from their experiences.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?
For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is to stay focused, persevere through challenges, and never stop learning. Building a business is a journey filled with ups and downs, but each obstacle is an opportunity for growth.
Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek mentorship, and be open to feedback. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your vision, and don't be afraid to take risks.
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
Currently, we're not actively hiring for specific positions. However, we're always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our passion for creativity and innovation. We are also looking for independent contractors to join our sales efforts.
If you're interested in joining our team or exploring potential opportunities, feel free to reach out to us directly through our website.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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