Yearly Archives: 2020

5 Simple Branding Tips and Strategies for Businesses

If you own a business, you probably know that your brand is everything in determining your success. Sure, you might be able to get by without a ton of social media, but did you know your brand also encompasses customer experience? Keep reading below for some key branding tips.

Your brand is everything that customers interact with. From day 1, business owners are considering how they’d like their businesses to be known and remembered, and that all comes back to brand strategy.

If you have no idea where to start or need help with a redesign, we’re here to help. Read on for 8 of the best branding tips that can help your business soar.

1. Come Up With a Plan

We know you’ve heard it before. It sounds like a cliche, but it’s true! The more precise a plan you come up with, the stronger your brand strategy will actually be.

Some questions you should ask yourself when designing your brand strategy are:

What do you stand for?
What do you want people to say about you?
Who is your ideal customer?
Who or what is your competition?
What’s your story?
What sets you apart from the others?
If you’re not a new brand, what do you dislike about your current strategy?
How will you test brand perception?

In answering these questions, you identify your potential in the marketplace, and you start building the foundations for your brand strategy.

Don’t Rush Things

Remember, there is no need to rush this step. If you have a deadline, give yourself plenty of time to answer these questions on your own — you need to get introspective here.

From here, you can meet with others if you need help with your plan. Friends and colleagues can provide invaluable opinions, but you should consider hiring professionals if you truly need help with your brand strategy.

Professionals can help you flesh out your brand in ways that others can’t. It is literally their job to help others with their brand strategies, whether you’re just starting or need a complete overhaul.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help with this step. It can make all the difference in the long run.

2. Keep Things Consistent

Whether you choose to get a vehicle wrap or are just designing your website, consistency is key.

This goes for the colors of your website and vehicle wraps, audience experience, the style you use to write, and even your chosen fonts.

Before you choose colors, think about the attitude you’re trying to create towards your brand. Color psychology could be an invaluable tool for your brand.

3. Don’t Confine Yourself

Essentially, identify what separates you from the rest of the world. In doing this, you identify why you’re invaluable to any market you enter.

By allowing your brand to hit people’s pain points, you open them up to receiving your message with an open mind. That’s your chance to sell with everything you’ve got, and it doesn’t confine you to the restraints of the market.

On the other side, you shouldn’t confine your brand to one style for the entirety of its existence. Don’t be afraid of rebranding or experimenting with your brand’s look from time-to-time.

Everything needs a refresher at some point, whether it’s tiny or drastic.

4. Look for Partnership Opportunities

Partnering with other businesses is a great way to get your brand out there.

Since people like to do business with brands they trust, you should work with brands your target audience already does business with.

Conducting market research is a great way to not only identify your target audience but also find out which businesses might be good for you to partner with.

In partnering with businesses, your audience already trusts, that trust can then be extended to you. The thing to remember here, however, is that the businesses you partner with should be non-competitors.

5. Let Your Audience Know You Care

To proceed with this step, you have to think about something. How would you like to be treated as a customer? Do you want your customers to have that same experience?

Maybe you don’t have customers, but you do have an audience. How do you want your audience to feel every time they log onto your website? How do you want them to remember you and your brand?

Once you answer those questions, it becomes simpler to empathize with your audience, or at least provide them with an experience they’re likely to remember.

The important thing about creating any brand is not the numbers. Yes, they are important, but so is creating something that you enjoy.

The trick is to focus on how you can make someone’s experience with your brand a great one every time. It is not only about how your numbers are.

If you’re creating something good and backing it with a positive brand experience, the numbers are going to follow suit.

Remember These Branding Tips for the Future

While you can set yourself up for success in every aspect, it is still possible to veer off the tracks every once in a while. You might find yourself actually getting caught up in the numbers or just feeling lost in all the chaos of running a brand.

These branding tips, however, will always be here. You can make a visual for yourself with these tips on it, or you can bookmark and visit whenever you’d like.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in any of our branding services or just have questions, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Canned Veggie Drive

This November, we ask that you join us in a month of thankfulness & giving as our team helps Bartlett Housing Solutions with a canned food drive. After seeing a recent post expressing an urgent need for canned goods, we wanted to help. In addition to making a donation, we have helped create this joint campaign to help fill their pantry for winter. We ask that you join us, if you can, as we help support their mission for ending homelessness in Morgantown.

To support social distancing, we have created a STICK team donation page within their fundraiser that allows you to donate online. All funds go directly to Bartlett Housing and purchasing canned foods.

You can donate here.

There are some great, local businesses serving as drop points, such as Morgantown Powersports, Compass Realty Group, Farmhouse Sweets, Women In Balance, Encompass Health and STICK Tattoo Company.

If you are interested in being a drop point, or in hosting an online team fundraiser from your family or business, please contact us and we can help walk you through it.

Project Spotlight: Leer Mine Complex

One of the things our team enjoys most are the great people we get to work with, such as the team at Arch Resources, Leer Mine Complex. For over three years, our team has worked closely with this group, helping to create a variety of logos, custom designs, wall wraps and decals. Our team also created a corporate video featuring the various aspects of the operation, including their longwall operation.

Located in Grafton, WV, Leer Mine Complex achieved an AbsoluteZero award for 2019, resulting in no loss time injuries for the year! Our team helped showcase the achievement with a custom logo for the milestone, along with a series of promo items and wraps.

In the video above, Chet Mclean discusses the ongoing partnership with our team, as he recaps some of the featured projects we have completed together.

The Tanker Wrap That Honors All That Served

At The Stick Company, our team has been fortunate to work on a number of patriotic and military-themed wraps including the memorial wall wrap in New Martinsville, the lobby wraps at Camp Dawson and and numerous veteran-owned companies. However, one wrap that continues to stand out to us is the 40′ fuel tanker wrap that was custom-designed for KML Trucking, located in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

The custom patriotic design was guided by the truck’s owner and driver, Dustin Lowdermilk, who wanted the rolling memorial to honor all that serve in our military’s five branches. But, the design had an even deeper meaning to Lowdermilk – he wanted the design to pay tribute to his late father and grandfather, both Veterans themselves.

Since completing the project, this custom-wrapped fuel tanker has been driving around the Mid Atlantic region, receiving an array of waves, horn beeps, and even salutes on a daily basis. Lowdermilk explained that he appreciates the recognition, as it shows people are seeing the design, and paying their respect to our Veterans.

Custom Real Estate Signs for Caitlyn Alexander

CAITLYNALEXANDER-CUSTOMSIGNAGE-YARDSIGNS-SIGNS

When driving through Morgantown, there are two things that stand out most — the collection of potholes in the road, and the plethora of custom real estate signs for Caitlyn Alexander! Caitlyn, an Associate Broker/Agent with Howard Hanna, Premier Properties by Barbara Alexander, has continued to work her tail off, becoming the HOUSE”Sold” name in North Central West Virginia for real estate.

Our team at The Stick Company has enjoyed our partnership with Caitlyn over the years, helping to both design and produce her custom real estate signs (that seem to grow in quantity with each order!). We have tailored her signage to include a number of variations, including custom For Lease signs, custom For Sale signs, custom Open House signs, and more. In addition to the standard stepping stake signs, we have also produced larger, building signage and roadway signs, to capitalize on any available space she can utilize.

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Caitlyn Alexander is an award-winning REALTOR servicing throughout North Central West Virginia for your residential real estate needs. To contact Caitlyn, be sure to visit her at https://www.howardhanna.com/Agent/Detail/Caitlyn-Alexander/58797, or by visiting her Facebook page here — https://www.facebook.com/CaitlynalexanderREALTOR

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Video Production For Clear Mountain Bank’s Small Business Appreciation

The Stick Company was excited to add another project to the long-running partnership with Clear Mountain Bank, this time with some video production for their Small Business Appreciation week. Working closely with Clear Mountain’s Marketing Department, our team presented a concept for a script that allowed the video to showcase a variety of small business categories, while keeping the focus on the bank’s business team, specifically their Commercial Lenders.

In addition to the script and concept, our team helped pull together some on-site videography to ensure the various Commercial Lenders throughout the region were included in the production. Our team then combined a mix of stock footage, with our captured footage, to create the full video. We concluded the video by briefly recapping the statistics from the recent pandemic relief efforts by the bank, to emphasize their continued dedication to our local community.

The video was then incorporated into a digital push from Clear Mountain Bank that included social media, their website, and email marketing. Our goal was to acknowledge and support the local business community, while also giving some facetime and top of mind awareness to the Bank’s commercial and business banking team.

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Clear Mountain Bank is a leading community bank that has been helping local, small businesses with all of their banking needs for over 125 years. With branches throughout the region, their customers span throughout the Morgantown area, as well as Preston County, Bridgeport and Clarksburg. They also have a branch located in Oakland, Maryland, servicing the Deep Creek Lake community. To learn more about Clear Mountain Bank, please visit their website at www.ClearMountainBank.com.

Donated Environmental Wall Wrap for Some Furry Friends

The Stick Company recently designed, installed and donated a new environmental wall wrap for our local animal shelter. Located in Morgantown, WV, the Monongalia County Canine Adoption Center is a non-profit agency dedicated to helping our local animal control and rescue.

The Project:

After several years of savings and donations, the shelter had recently acquired new, open cages for their growing cat population. Prior to receiving the cat cages, the shelter underwent some updates and maintenance, creating a bright white and sterile lobby entrance. However, with having many animals and visitors inside the shelter, the leadership team at the Adoption Center was looking to create a more engaging and fitting environmental wall wrap.

Upon seeing the idea and request post on social media, our team met with the shelter and, together, determined we could help create a more visually appealing environment for the animals, while also helping to educate potential adopters with the design.

The Design:

The Stick Company’s Senior Designer, Maria Ashenfelder, took lead on the project and presented the wrap design concept that included a variety of bright and vibrant colors, centered around the idea of creating a nature theme for the animals. The design incorporates a nature landscape, that also transitions into a colorful background that helps our text and animal cutouts really pop off the wrap design.

“This project meant a lot to our team, as we all value and appreciate a community organization dedicated to helping our local animals and rescues,” said Maria Ashenfelder, Senior Designer. “Many of us have rescues, so ensuring we were designing a wrap that would benefit the shelter, as well as, the animals themselves made it even more important.”

Installation:

After receiving approval on the design proofs, our wrap installation team took over, planning the approach and installation based on the room layout. Dividing the room into several vertical panels, our team was able to go on-site to the Adoption Center and install the project around a few various obstacles, such as door and window frames, outlets, and a concrete block footer. The installation was the final step in helping to create an environmental wall wrap for both, the client and our furry friends.

“We were all excited to learn that we were going to be a part of this project, because at Stick, we are all animal lovers” said J.B. “Sheep” Stefanik, “you truly do not understand how much they (Adoption Center) do for their animals until you are there to view it in person. It was nice to be able to give back to them, and give the animals a new, colorful temporary home.”

In addition to the standard environmental wall wrap challenges, the project originated right at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, so our team had to wait until appropriate clearance and approvals were granted before being able to install on-site.

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About The Adoption Center:

The Monongalia County Canine Adoption Center is located in Westover at 106 Lockside Road, Morgantown, WV. The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m. You can learn more at https://monongaliacounty.gov/departments/canine_(animal_control)/index.php

About The Stick Company:

The Stick Company is a marketing and design agency specializing in branding services, such as website development, print design and videography, as well as wrapping services, such as interior wall wraps, vehicle wraps, and wall graphics. To learn more about our various wall wrap services, be sure to click here.

This project was donated in memory of Hodge Terry Ferek, our agency’s first canine executive, who was adopted from the Monongalia County Canine Adoption Center.

Kim Johnson Celebrates 10 Year Agency Anniversary.

From all of us at The Stick Company, we would like to acknowledge, honor and do a happy dance, as we celebrate Kim Johnson’s 10 year anniversary with the agency.

Kim originally joined the agency as a Project Manager when she was relocating back to the Morgantown Area. Little did she know that over the next 10 years, she would become the glue that, not only ensures everything stays together, but strengthens our team, and our company, on a daily basis.

Today, Kim is our Vice-President & CFO by title, but anyone familiar with our agency knows that she is involved in damn near everything we do. She even once did a design in PowerPoint because she was tired of waiting on me (and to prove a point.) You will be hard-pressed to find someone as hardworking, organized and multi-tasking as Kim… Oh, and fast… not like running fast (trust us, she’s not) but rather predict-the-future/knows-everything type of fast… She literally responds to emails even before you send them, she is that good. Over the years, I have certainly presented a few ideas, or 30, at her… and regardless of how logical, educated, and well thought out her reasoning is for us to NOT do them, she always dives in, full force, and makes them even better than I could imagine.

To give a brief idea, here is just a few things our team has done under Kim’s guidance:

Consolidated Stick, LLC & Asayo Creative
Founded, organized and hosted the WV Energy Expo (8 years)
Launched Stick Tattoo Company
Launched CasketWraps.com
Opened 2nd office in Martin’s Ferry… Closed 2nd office in Martin’s Ferry.
Co-Chaired WVUM Children’s Gala (2015)
Organized Walk/Run MS Morgantown (4 years)
Organized and volunteered with numerous non-profit events and fundraisers.
Oh, and you know… all those little details like insurance, taxes, accounts payable, accounts receivable, human resources, etc.

I would like to think we have had a little fun along the way… I mean, she did break her foot dancing at the Children’s Gala and ran us off the road chasing a double rainbow.

But in the most serious of statements, I do not know where our agency would be without her guidance, dedication, and continued support. We thank you, Kim Johnson, for being you,

-Damian

How Much Does a Commercial Vehicle Wrap Cost on Average?

Commercial vehicle wraps don’t just protect the surface of your car. They can also double as advertisements on wheels, which can give your business more exposure and make you more money.

But is the cost of a commercial vehicle wrap worth it?

We’ve put together this guide to help you find the answer to this question. Make sure you keep reading below to learn how much a commercial vehicle wrap costs and what you can expect from the application process.

Do You Want a Wrap or a Decal?

Before you do anything with your commercial vehicles, you need to ask yourself if you want a wrap or a decal. Wraps don’t always cover the entire vehicle, so don’t assume you need a decal just because you don’t plan to cover the whole car. Otherwise, you may end up with a design you didn’t expect at a much higher cost.

So what’s the difference?

A vehicle wrap covers a large portion of the car, such as the sides or the entire surface. A decal is often a small design you can attach to the sides or hood of a vehicle. Decals are cheaper than wraps, but they also limit what you can do with them.

If you aren’t sure exactly what you want, make sure you talk to a professional first. They’ll be able to recommend the best service for your needs.

How Much Does a Commercial Vehicle Wrap Cost?

The average cost of a commercial vehicle wrap is about $3,000 to $5,000 (for full wraps). The price of partial wraps can be as low as $1,500 depending on how much and what part of the vehicle you want to cover.

Most companies will charge per square foot so you get a fair price for your vehicle.

That said, there are a number of things that can add a few more dollar signs to your commercial wrap job. Make sure you ask yourself these questions so you don’t get surprised by any “hidden” costs.

What Type of Vehicle Are You Wrapping?

You might think the size of the vehicle will directly impact the cost of the job. After all, large trucks have a lot more surface space, meaning they’ll need bigger wraps, which will make it more expensive.

For the most part, you’re right. But this isn’t always true.

Some cars have complex curves and edges that make the job much more difficult. Wrapping a semi-truck is faster and easier than wrapping a Mini-Cooper, so although a Mini-Cooper is much smaller, it will often cost you more money.

Make sure you talk to the company about the type of vehicle you want wrapped. Don’t just assume a smaller car will cost less.

What Type of Design Do You Have?

Before a company can wrap your car, they have to create the wrap first. If your design is complicated, it will take longer to make, which will make it more expensive.

This is especially true when it comes to color.

If you want to change the original color of your vehicle, you will have to get a special wrap that can cover it up. This type of wrap tends to be much more expensive than average. It may be worth sticking with the original color (even if it means altering your design somewhat) than paying extra for a color change.

How Much Are You Wrapping?

Do you plan to get a full or partial wrap? If you want a full wrap, do you also want to wrap the bumpers, windows, side mirrors, etc?

The more you wrap, the more you’ll have to pay.

How Long Do You Want the Wrap to Last?

You can apply wrap to your commercial vehicles that lasts for more than five years. However, if you want a long-term wrap, you may have to use a stronger material than normal, which can be more expensive.

On top of that, you’ll probably have to laminate your wrap if you want it to last several years. This will protect the wrap from getting scratched, ripped, or damaged, and it will also make the finished product look a lot brighter and nicer.

Is the Vehicle in Good Condition?

Your wrap job will last longer (and look better) if your vehicle’s paint is in good condition. Since this is the part of the car the wrap adheres to, even small scratches or chips can make the application a lot harder.

The wrapping company will inspect your vehicle before they do anything to it, and they’ll let you know if your paint needs any touching up before they install the wrap. You may have to take your car somewhere else to repair flaws in the paint job.

Since this adds an extra step, it also adds an extra cost, which will make the overall price go up.

Breaking Down the Cost of a Commercial Vehicle Wrap

So how much does a commercial vehicle wrap cost?

It’s hard to put an exact price tag on this job. Talk to a professional about the specifics of your vehicle, the design you want, and any other necessary features and ask for a quote. This will give you a good estimate of what you can expect to pay.

Not sure where to find a trustworthy company?

We’ve got you covered! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any questions or if you’re ready to set up an appointment for your vehicle.

Marketing Strategy Tips: The Undeniable Advantages of a Vehicle Wrap for Business

The global car wrap industry is worth $3.5 billion.

Vehicle wraps are increasingly becoming an accessible mode of marketing. In a world where marketing attention has shifted to social media, car wraps are still relevant, guaranteeing effective results.

This guide will discuss the undeniable benefits behind the success of a car wrap marketing strategy. Check them out.

Unlimited Exposure

Entrepreneurs who use vehicle wraps enjoy the benefits of a broader audience. This is because many people notice a moving car.

The majority of the people who see the car are those on the road or sidewalks. However, people on top of buildings and other zones can still view the moving vehicles with car wraps and get a few details about the advertisement.

The only limitation to the exposure is road obstructions.

Easier Attention

Vehicles with wraps draw attention quickly. Mostly, the wraps consist of bright colors, which are clear enough to see, even at a distance. Also, the graphics and the font tend to be large, making them easy to draw attention.

For best results, entrepreneurs can use medium-sized wrap designs. They should not be too large or too small. An excellent graphics designer can provide the best wraps for more natural visibility and profitable marketing.

Versatility

Technological advancements have made it easier to print multiple wraps for the same products. You can, therefore, choose the ideal color, size, and prints that you think would fit well in the car or truck.

Besides, you can change the old car wraps. The versatility helps you to maintain a fresh look on your vehicle every time. Also, the high versatility makes it possible for you to identify the specific car wrap with the most impact on your marketing.

Protects Your Car

A good quality car wrap protects your vehicle from harsh environmental conditions. It also protects from the other damages that could harm the entire parts of your car.

Excellent protection prolongs the life of your company car, which saves you the costs of buying new cars or servicing the older ones regularly.

Affordable

A car wrap marketing strategy is one of the cheapest for businesses. You only incur the cost once during the design and the installation process. The design is also cheap compared to the traditional and digital forms of advertising.

Also, a single wrap may stay on the car for an extended period. This means that you may not incur any maintenance expenses for years if the initial wrap still interests you.

Professional Impression

Car wraps advertising presents a professional impression. You can’t compare it to televisions, radios and the other medium that cause noise pollution.

The method is less aggressive, and it creates a good picture for your business. You can enhance professionalism by using less visually distractive pictures. Also, you should highlight your company name, products, and contacts for easier communication and understanding.

Freedom

Car wrap marketing gives you the freedom to advertise what you want. After all, the car is entirely yours, and the design is yours too.

Some mediums, such as television ads, can restrict your freedom because competitors can easily take your position. Billboards can also be removed, and your competitors get the space.

If you adhere to your state’s rules and regulations for marketing, you will enjoy your car’s marketing technique by advertising any time you want.

Better Local Marketing

Car wrap adverts are the best for local advertising. They give you a personal touch and a customer-friendly method of reaching out to your clients.

For extensive marketing, you can readily drive the vehicle to any point of interest. The movement allows you to reach your local target clients with ease.

For instance, if you sell products in a certain neighborhood, you will only need to drive around that area. In this way, you will advance your local marketing and attract the right attention.

Active Marketing

Most types of marketing are passive. Social media, for instance, remains entirely passive unless you log in and post your content. Magazines, too, remain passive unless someone buys the copy and goes through the ad.

Vehicle wrap marketing is quite active, even when you are not driving. You only need to park the car in a strategic position and continue with other activities. People who will come across the car will get the message, which makes your ad quite active.

Choosing the Right Car Wrap Design for Your Marketing Strategy

The above benefits only apply to those who choose the best designs. Here are effective tips on how you should choose the design of your vehicle wrap to increase your marketing success.

Address Your Brand

The ideal car wrap should address your brand. It should mention the name of your firm, location, and company contacts.

If you don’t mention the brand, the wraps will be eye-catching, but you may not experience any customer feedback.

Gather Information

Find out the success tips for the vehicle wrap marketing. You can get information from online sources or experts.

You can also consider what your competitors do and copy them if they are successful.

Use Bright Colors and Fonts

Bright colors and fonts will enhance the visibility of the wraps. Conversely, the dark and small fonts will be hard to see and turn any potential clients.

However, it would be helpful to match the ad colors to that of your brand.

Add Graphics

Content without images would look boring. The graphics draw the public’s attention in a better way and make the other sections of the advert visible.

The ideal graphics should be clear and should be in line with the theme of the advert.

Invest in Car Wrap Marketing

Car wrap advertising is a supplementary form of marketing. You can use it alongside your other forms of marketing, such as social media.

The marketing strategy will work well if you observe your state’s rules and follow the above tips. Work with a reputable designer to get the best images and wraps.

The Stick Company is an award-winning branding and design agency. We help businesses grow by providing functional websites and designing incredible car wraps for their marketing. We have been in the graphics and design industry for 10 years, so we have in-depth knowledge and skills.

Call us to book an appointment for any of our services.

Getting Wild With Custom Building Wraps at Hovatter’s Zoo.

Hovatter’s Zoo, located in Kingwood, WV, contacted The Stick Company to help create a few custom building wraps for the entrance of their location. As one of the most visited family attractions in the region, Hovatter’s Zoo provides a range of exotic animals for audiences of all ages.

The Project:

After having a new entry gate fabricated and installed by Wilson Works Inc, Hovatter’s Zoo was looking to create a more visually appealing entrance for their customers. In addition to the gate, there was an additional need for a large sign wrap to serve as a photo background for visiting families.

The Design:

The customer was wanting a design that was eye-catching and engaging for customers but also featured the specific animals that call Hovatter’s home. The end result was a landscape collage that added each of the animals as their own layer, allowing for flexibility in placement. The new design incorporated the logo of the Zoo, ensuring the new design was both appealing and brand consistent.

The Installation:

With any custom wrap installation, our team takes the steps to ensure a smooth and successful project, and the custom gate wrap and signage was no exception. Our team went on-site prior to the installation to get exact measurements, as well as, identify any obstacles and challenges with the wrap not visible from photos. In this situation, because of the fabrication of the gate, our team determined that the design would need to be designed and installed around the handles and hinges of the gate, for the highest quality final product.

Our team then scheduled the installation for the most convenient time for our client, and completed the project utilizing four horizontal panels to best fit the project layout.

Final Product:

The final product was a very bright and bold custom building wrap for the newly fabricated gate, and the front of the zoo entrance. The sign has served as the perfect backdrop for family photos, as demonstrated by The Stick Company’s own Damian Ferek and family.

About Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo:

Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo is home to over 30 different species of native and exotic animals from all over the world. What started out as a small collection of deer, black bear, cougars and tigers has turned into a growing family of Chimpanzee, Grizzly Bear, various species of Orange and White Tiger, Spotted and Black Leopard, Ring Tailed Lemur, Baboon, and many other species.

To learn more about Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo, be sure to visit their website at www.WestVirginiaZoo.com

About The Stick Company:

A branding agency like no other, The Stick Company offers a variety of custom building wrap and design services such as interior wall wraps, exterior storefront wraps, and signage. You can learn more about our wall wrap services here.

The Stick Company also specializes in a variety of design services for any wrap, digital or printed project.

Our team would also like to give a shout out to Wilson Works Inc., of Morgantown, West Virginia for the custom gate fabrication. Wilson Works specializes in fabrication, Machining and industrial supply. To learn more, please visit their website at http://wilsonworksinc.com/

7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Vehicle Wrap Provider

A great logo is the best way to make your brand more recognizable, but you need to get that logo in front of people if you want them to remember your company. On average, it takes at least 5 impressions for customers to remember a logo or brand name.

The best way to increase your brand’s exposure is to get your logo on your commercial vehicles. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to invest in a custom paint job to do the trick. You just need to find a vehicle wrap provider.

Finding a trustworthy company that’s willing to take care of your commercial vehicles isn’t always easy. Here are a few questions to ask before you choose a provider to wrap your fleet.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have?

When it comes to choosing a vehicle wrap provider, experience matters. Though newer companies may have the same high-quality equipment, they won’t be able to do the same quality work as a more experienced provider.

This is because every car is different and making sure that the vehicle wrap designs work with the types of cars in your fleet takes time and training.

An experienced company that hires technicians that have worked in the industry in the past will be able to do a better job every time. Make sure the company you choose has the right experience before you ever ask for an estimate.

2. What Will You Do to Protect My Car?

When you bring your fleet to a vehicle wrap company, you’re trusting them to protect your cars while they’re at the shop. Though some companies can work quickly and install the wraps in a few hours, others need to keep your vehicles overnight.

If you’re leaving your car on-site for any length of time, find out what the company will do to protect your car.

Ask for copies of their insurance policy showing that they’ll pay for repairs should your vehicle get damaged in the course of their work. Get their team to walk you through how they’ll protect your vehicle until you pick it up.

If you feel any qualms about their commitment to the safety of your property, keep looking. Reputable companies put their customers first and will do everything they can to keep your fleet in good condition.

3. Do You Design the Wrap In-House?

It’s always best to work with a company that handles its own vehicle wrap designs in-house. This allows you to make any changes to your proposed design quickly and guarantees that you know who you’re dealing with.

Companies that outsource the service to contract workers off-site often face delays in production which keeps you from getting your fleet back quickly. Worse, those designers won’t be able to see your vehicle to make sure the image works with the contours of the car.

When you choose a company that has an in-house design team, you’ll get better service every time.

4. Are There References I Can Speak With?

The best way to decide if a vehicle wrap company is worth working with is to look for references and reviews. Start by reading up on company reviews online and check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau.

If most of the reviews are positive, you’ll likely have a good experience and feel satisfied with their work.

Once you have a few companies in mind, don’t hesitate to ask them for a portfolio of their work. This will help you see if their wraps look as great on the vehicles as they do in the mockups.

It’s also worth asking if they have previous customers you can speak with about their services. Once they give you their references, contact those people and ask if they’re happy with the service they received.

Great providers always have an extensive list of customers that are happy to discuss their experience with you.

5. What Maintenance Will Your Vehicle Wrapping Material Need?

Vehicle wrap designs get exposed to the elements every single day. This means you’re going to need to do a little maintenance every week or so to keep them looking great.

Ask each provider what you need to do to keep your wrap in good condition.

This will help you narrow down your choices. The more labor-intensive the maintenance routine is, the more problematic the wrap will be. Look for a company that only uses high-quality materials that need a bare minimum of maintenance every week.

6. Do You Guarantee Your Work?

Before you commit to a design and schedule an installation appointment, make sure the company you choose is willing to stand behind their work. If they offer a guarantee on installation, they do so because they want you to be happy with their services.

The guarantee also protects you from having to pay more money to fix problems that pop up due to errors in workmanship or installation. If you’re getting more than one vehicle wrapped at a time, this can save you hundreds of dollars in the future.

If a company doesn’t offer a guarantee, keep looking. The last thing you want to do is have to pay twice for the same service.

7. How Quickly Will You Get the Job Done?

Every vehicle wrap company operates on a different schedule. Before you agree to work with them, make sure you’re okay with their current turn-around time.

Just make sure you let them know how quickly you need the wraps to get installed. They’ll let you know if it’s possible and will be able to work with you to bring your dreams to life.

Now You’re Ready to Find the Right Vehicle Wrap Provider

Before you choose a vehicle wrap provider, make sure you ask them these questions. Make a note of their answers and choose the provider you feel most confident in working with.

Remember, the best company will be able to stick to your vehicle wrap budget while still making your fleet look as impressive as you imagine.

Ready to schedule a consultation and see how easy it is to carry your brand’s information and personality onto your commercial vehicles? Read up on our services and see how easy it is to get your brand to stand out.

Damian Ferek Addresses Alma Mater’s Class of 2020

To say that 2020 has certainly been a year filled with uncertainty and surprises, would be an understatement. And for Damian, The Stick Company’s President, this past May presented an additional surprise, as he was asked to be the 2020 Carmichaels Area High School Commencement speaker. While initially thinking it was a practical joke, or that there was not going to be a graduation, he gladly accepted and was honored at the opportunity to address the graduates at his Alma Mater.

“I feel the pandemic must have canceled their original 10 choices, but I was extremely honored and grateful at the opportunity and consideration” said Ferek. “But, more than anything, I think the Carmichaels Area School District should be complimented on their efforts and dedication to still host a graduation, despite these challenging times.”

Providing a cliff note version of his speech, Ferek detailed his background as a Carmichael’s Alumni, career notes, and thanked a number of Carmichaels Alumni that have helped along the way.

The core of his speech then focused on what he felt it takes to be ‘A Mike.

A Mike will always have an undeniable work ethic. Maybe it is our small-town values, blue-collar mindset, or just a chip on our shoulder, but you will find that we will always work harder than anyone. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson may have said it best, – Be Humble. Be Hungry. and Always be the hardest worker in the room.

A Mike will always have the drive to get involved with anything and everything you can… Whether it is with school, work, family or your community, get involved and lend a hand. Find where you can help, and make it happen. And always adopt and rescue a dog or two.

A Mike has the ability to create change. And if the last few weeks have shown us anything, it is that our community, our state, and our nation need positive change, especially from you, our upcoming leaders. Be the driving force of change. — To quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr — Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – So be that change.

A Mike has an appreciation and respect for everyone… This includes race, gender, interests, financial and occupation. It also means we respect the generations that have paved our way.

A Mike has the ability to make a difference on your journey to success.

We’re Stronger As One.

There’s no doubt that we are in a crazy time in history right now and for many local and privately-owned businesses, we are having to either shut down our operation or work remotely if and where possible. This is such a difficult decision, as many of us juggle the health and safety of our family and community, as well as the stability and support of our company, employees and their families.

But one of the most important things that I want to emphasize is that – just because our offices are closed, or that we are doing our part to quarantine ourselves, does not mean that we should stop working. Honestly, in the following weeks, it will be extremely important and beneficial to continue to work and support, not only your business, but our teams, our community, and all of those who are continuing to work during this pandemic. But, we most do so with a little more sensitivity, care and productivity.

Let’s face it — your marketing and your branding do NOT stop, even when the company is closed or disrupted like in unprecedented times like these. In fact, this is where branding comes into play even more, as it remains your connection with your customers and clients. You see, your branding is how people perceive, feel, interact and remember your company, and there has never been a more important time to showcase your values and culture than now.

Let me stop and say – I know that no one wants to hear a sales pitch right now. So please, do not think that is what I am suggesting. But here are 5 things that I feel we can be doing to, not only help our own business, but our customers and community as well.

Stay home.

In full transparency, I was not the first to support this notion, as it immediately jeopardizes the well-being of our companies. Those of us who have spent years working to build something are now faced with the reality that it may be closing. But, no matter your view on the subject, we cannot or will not get through this unless we all work together and do our part — and right now, that first step is staying home for every one of us that can. The sooner we all do, the faster we can hopefully get back to normalcy. We at least owe that much to the amazing people who continue to work during these times – healthcare, grocery, first responders, transportation, military, etc.

Be productive.

I get it…in preparation for lockdown, I started preparing a list of household chores and things my family and I could do during this time… all those things that you’ve consistently put-off or delayed. But, also make a list of all the things you can do to support your business. You know – those same things you’ve been putting off! Updating your website, writing some blogs, social media posting, saving pics from your phone….even just organizing and implementing a better storage organization. All these things are still beneficial to your operation.

Get involved.

No matter what you do, there is an opportunity to get involved and help, and now is the time to see where and how you can do so. I am not suggesting to put yourself in harm’s way, but look to see what you can do to support others — from companies still operating, our community organizations that are helping those in need, or even just your friends and family. Often, just being an additional voice can go a long way!

Stay connected.

In a day when we are all connected to some device — make sure you also stay connected to each other. Stay in contact with your team, customers and local organizations. Offer help and support if and where needed, and even your services, if you can. Even a simple distraction from the craziness can go a long way.

Support each other.

I am a true believer that we are all in this together, and stronger as one, so the more we can all do to help each other, will benefit all of us in the long run. If you are able to offer products or services, remotely – get involved: GREAT. If not, support and share the information about those doing positive things in our community and working to make a difference. Leave politics and all the negativity out, and do our part in sharing the positive and vital information in our community.

In just the Morgantown-area alone, we have seen a number of encouraging stories. Such as all of the restaurants working to provide local children with meals while out of school, such as Crab Shack and Bartini Prime. We learned that Daniel’s Men’s Store and Hilltop Packs in Waynesburg that are using their talents and resources to create face-masks for our medical professionals. We have learned that Mylan Pharmaceuticals is working around the clock to produce medicine to potentially treat this virus. The list goes on – and we can all do our part in making sure THESE are the stories we remember once this is all said and done.

Again, I just wanted to take a minute to encourage our fellow businesses and organizations to continue to stay strong, stay safe and stay active, for we will get through this together and are stronger as one. Stay safe!

Unleashing A New Bobcat Truck Wrap

The Stick Company recently partnered with The Jefferds Corporation, of Clarksburg, WV, to create an updated Bobcat truck wrap design for their new flatbed delivery truck. The truck wrap design features the iconic Bobcat logo, and undeniable Bobcat orange color scheme, but with an updated twist that helps the vehicle standout on the road. Whether making deliveries to construction sites throughout West Virginia, or making sales calls to the energy industries, this Bobcat truck wrap will grab attention and ensure top of mind awareness for the brand. In addition to ensuring an eye-catching vehicle wrap design, the team at Jeffords Corporation wanted to ensure client’s knew that they also offered sales, services and rentals, which became part of the main design.

About Jefferds Corporation:

Jefferds Corporation specializes in equipment sales, rentals, service and parts dealer, servicing West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Southern Ohio. In 1970, Jefferds Corporation became the Bobcat dealer for West Virginia. In 2000, they created Bobcat of Advantage Valley in Cross Lanes to provide added focus and superior customer service on the Bobcat product line.

To learn more about Jefferds Corporation and Bobcat of Advantage Valley, please visit www.bobcatwv.com.

United Way’s ‘Pinnacle of Partnership’ Award Recipient

The United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties recently awarded The Stick Company with their Pinnacle of Partnership Awards for the 2020 campaign. Per the United Way, the recipient of this award exemplifies as commitment to improve the quality of life for Monongalia and Preston County residents throughout leadership in service and education, as well as a year-round United Way partnership. Damian Ferek, President of The Stick Company, was on hand to receive the award during the United Way’s dinner on February 25th and the WVU Alumni Center.

The Stick Company worked closely with the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties during the 2020 campaign, including donating the creation of their campaign video. This year, the campaign featured seven campaign Co-Chairs to form Bankers’ United. The Co-Chairs were individuals from local banks who came together to help the campaign reach its fundraising goal.

And we are proud to say that the 2020 United Way campaign was able to exceed their goal, and raise $1,348,479 during the campaign! This money will go directly to supporting a number of local organizations and people here in the Morgantown area!

“We really try to be as involved with our community as much as we can, and were glad that we were able to play a small role in this year’s campaign,” said Kim Johnson, Vice-President/CFO of The Stick Company. “The United Way is such a great organization that benefits countless people in our region; it was such an honor for us to be able to work with them during this campaign.”

The United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties enhances the quality of life in our community by helping those in need through health, education and financial stability. To learn more about the United Way, and how you can get involved, please visit https://www.unitedwaympc.org/

The Stick Company Voted Best of Morgantown

For the second year in a row, The Stick Company has been voted Best Of Morgantown (BOM) in the category for Graphic Artists by the Morgantown Magazine, a publication from New South Media. The annual issue is a showcase of all of the great companies that North Central West Virginia has to offer, from dining, healthcare, and fitness to a variety of business and educational services.

“The team at Morgantown Magazine do an amazing job at putting together the Best of Morgantown Publication,” said Damian Ferek, President of The Stick Company. “Our team takes a lot of pride in receiving this award, especially with our laid back and non-soliticiting style approach. To be voted as one of the Best in Morgantown, speaks volumes on our team and all of their hard work and talents.”

Our team would also like to congratulate Blake as this year’s co-winner, Stewart Design!

Among this year’s winners for Best of Morgantown were Clear Mountain Bank, Classic Cutz Barbershop and WVU Medicine Children’s Annual Gala. Our sister company, Stick Tattoo Company, was also a finalist for Best Tattoo Shop.

Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s Best of Morgantown. We invite you to subscribe to Morgantown Magazine, and stay current on all the fun and unique things they continue to showcase. Learn more at www.MorgantownMagazine.com.