In the very first edition of THE BIRCH BARK we're exploring the history of Birch Tree Promotions with a recent interview with our Founder and President Katie Basson. Our marketing team was happy to be able to sit down and have a zoom meeting with Katie and her mother, Connie Wilder. During this interview, we discussed topics like growing the business, the importance of staying relevant in a changing world, successes, difficulties, teamwork, and more.
Below, you will find the outcome of the interview.
"We are not B2B, we are human to human. People join our circle as clients, but stay as friends." -Katie Basson, Founder and President of BTP
Starting from the Roots:
Katie, who had been working in the industry for several years, made the bold choice to venture out on her own. As she pondered the vision for her company, she gazed outside one night to behold a serene scene of pine trees silhouetted in the darkness, with two birch trees shining under the moonlight. The birch trees captivated her, embodying the exact ambiance she wished to create for her company. Additionally, Katie felt compelled to pay tribute to her mother, whose middle name happens to be "Birch". Being an entrepreneur at heart, Katie felt that starting her own business was the natural next step for her.
Nurturing Growth:
One of the major hurdles that Katie faced was having to fulfill a significant international order with a deadline from her very first client. Despite not having all the details of her new business sorted out, Katie knew how important it was to do everything in her power to help and work with this individual. Juggling the demands of setting up her business, obtaining necessary credentials, and meeting a looming deadline, Katie navigated through these challenges with determination and perseverance.
Branching Out:Â
At Birch Tree, our mission is to help our clients shine in the best possible light and to effectively convey their distinctive brand narrative. Right from the start, we understood the significance of building friendships as a core aspect of our work. Building a strong connection with our clients, understanding them on a personal level, and providing support in both their professional and personal endeavors are fundamental to our approach at Birch Tree. We pride ourselves on being a warm and caring presence for those we work with.
The Canopy of Services:
From the very beginning, Katie has always been known as 'the brand' at Birch Tree. She is the one who gets things done, no matter what, even if there is nothing to gain from it. For instance, when a marketing manager needed t-shirts made for a global marketing group and forgot to do it, Katie took charge. She purchased blank t-shirts, personally took them to the printer, waited for them to be printed, then drove the finished t-shirts to Boston. But Katie didn't stop there - she also made a detour to the Prudential Center to buy luggage, packed the t-shirts, and met the client at the airport to hand off the luggage with the t-shirts just in time for their flight. This story exemplifies Katie's dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure things get done.
Seasonal Changes:
Relevance in business is very important. We are very deliberate about our sustainability goals and believe that promotional products are not throwaway items. We have shifted away from the traditional concept of SWAG (Stuff We All Get) and now focus on selling BIRCH (Branded Items Responsible for Company Happiness). At Birch Tree, we ensure that everything we create gets used and worn, promoting a more sustainable approach to branded items.Â
Deep Roots in the Community:
In our local community, Katie was actively involved in serving on the board of the YMCA and NBPT Youth Services. One of our core practices is providing complimentary items to individuals organizing fundraisers. Aligning with our overarching mission, we contribute significantly to our clients' charitable initiatives and fundraising efforts, consistently backing their aspirations. Whether it's PTO groups, fundraisers, sporting events, memorials, or any other cause, we make it a point to offer our support wholeheartedly.Â
Saplings to Mighty Oaks:
In our workplace, it is essential for our employees to be engaged and fully committed to the mission of our business in order to thrive. We strongly believe that individuals should have a genuine desire to assist others and embody the core values that define our company culture. It is not just a job but a way of life that we strive to cultivate among our team members.Â
The Foliage of Success:
A worldwide partner meeting was in the works, with the company facing the challenge of uniting its diverse team members from around the globe, each with their own language and background. To address this, BTP reached out to a company for assistance in devising a creative solution. The idea was to distribute personalized engraved puzzle pieces to each partner, featuring their name and office details. As partners assembled their individual pieces, a magnificent artwork gradually took shape, symbolizing the unity and interconnectedness of the entire company. Following the event, every participant departed with a unique puzzle piece, serving as a tangible reminder of their integral role within the larger organizational puzzle. The overwhelmingly positive and most popular response to the project were two words:Â "That's phenomenal."Â
Weathering Storms:
At Birch Tree, we prioritize staying connected with our clients to stay informed about their needs and developments within the company. During challenging times like the Great Recession, when orders for promotional products came to a halt, Katie's unwavering efforts to maintain relationships paid off as all her pre-recession clients returned, along with new ones. The Pandemic posed another obstacle, but by adapting to the situation and sending promotional products directly to people's homes, Katie's proactive approach led to a significant growth in business post-pandemic. Despite facing various storms, Birch Tree's strong foundation and commitment to connectivity have ensured steady growth and success.Â
Future Growth Rings:
Looking ahead, the vision for Birch Tree Promotions includes continued growth, expansion of services, and a focus on making it easier for clients to access and control their company's marketing strategies. With plans to explore pop-up shops, continue the growth of our increasingly popular embroidery shop, and innovate new ways of engaging with clients, Birch Tree is poised for exciting developments in the coming years.
In conclusion, Birch Tree Promotions stands as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. From its roots in inspiration to its branches reaching new heights of success, Birch Tree embodies the spirit of innovation, community, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. As the company continues to grow and evolve, the future looks bright for Birch Tree Promotions and all who have the pleasure of working with them.
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