Celebrating Small Business & Big Wins at the 2025 Ally Challenge

September 3, 2025

Behind Your Design brings 55 small businesses together to champion the tournament and community

The 2025 Ally Challenge presented by McLaren returned to Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club August 19–24, and what a week it was. From thrilling playoff finishes to unforgettable concerts, the tournament once again proved why it’s one of the region’s premier events. For Behind Your Design, the excitement started long before the first tee shot—we were honored to spend the summer coordinating the Small Business Campaign that brought together 55 incredible businesses from Frankenmuth to Troy.

Small Business, Big Impact

Each participating small business played a unique role in spreading the word and building excitement leading up to tournament week. Through social media posts, posters, flyers, life-sized cutouts of Sam Hunt and Dustin Lynch, email blasts, special events, and more, these businesses kept the momentum alive all summer long.

This year also featured a brand-new social media contest where businesses competed for behind-the-scenes media passes or front-of-stage tickets to the tournament concerts. The winners showcased creativity, community pride, and true tournament spirit:

  • Feather N Fin (Swartz Creek): This ice cream shop customized their menu around the tournament and even crafted a special dessert for champion Stewart Cink called Everything but the Stewart Cink. In a storybook ending, Stewart himself stopped by on Saturday night to meet staff and patrons.
  • SugarHigh Bakery (Frankenmuth): Known for their whimsical creations, the bakery designed a stunning array of Ally Challenge–themed sweets, from macarons and marshmallows to cookies, candy, and a centerpiece cake featured in the clubhouse. On media day, they surprised Stewart Cink with custom cookies made just for him.
  • Serendipity Spa of Linden: This innovative spa integrated the tournament into nearly every aspect of their summer—from colorist training classes to bar classes, yoga in the beer garden, and even a putting contest for clients.
  • Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation: This community-driven organization tied the tournament into local happenings including the farmers market, concerts in the park, and their flagship ArtWalk, which drew nearly 8,000 people to downtown Fenton.

Together, these businesses showed how local partnerships can bring energy, creativity, and heart to a world-class sporting event.

View more

Tournament Week Highlights


Tuesday – Pairings Party

The week officially teed off Tuesday evening with a Cuban-themed Pairings Party. Guests enjoyed putting contests, flavorful food, themed beverages, and even a cigar bar—setting the tone for a lively week ahead.

Thursday – Women of Influence Luncheon

Thursday brought one of the most inspiring events of the week: the Women of Influence Luncheon. Behind Your Design hosted several clients, and I was especially proud to see longtime friends Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing and Andrea Brimmer of Ally Financial featured on the panel. Afterward, Erin Stone led an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the tournament’s hospitality spaces, giving guests a glimpse into the premium experiences available.

View more

Friday – Folds of Honor & WAR Concert

Friday began on a patriotic note with the Folds of Honor Breakfast and national anthem before play commenced. Later in the day, five chambers of commerce came together for a lively networking happy hour, with each chamber receiving 50 tickets to bring members out to the course. As play concluded, tournament goers gathered for a special performance by WAR—who brought five decades of iconic music to the stage. I was lucky enough to meet the band after their incredible show.

View more

Saturday – Hospitality Tours, Charity Challenge & Concert

Saturday was jam-packed with excitement. While Ian volunteered for his fifth year as a standard bearer, Matt and I teamed up with Hanna to give hospitality tours for clients considering skyboxes for the 2026 tournament. In the afternoon, the High School Charity Challenge gave local students the chance to compete in sports-themed contests with celebrity coaches—including my friend Andrea Brimmer, who proudly represented Fenton High School.

After play wrapped, the energy shifted to the driving range where Sam Hunt and Dustin Lynch took the stage for an unforgettable concert under perfect summer skies. The night concluded with a spectacular drone show that lit up the sky.

View more

Sunday – Small Business Celebration & Championship Finish

Sunday was the perfect finale. We hosted the Small Business Celebration in the Skybox on 17 Green, where campaign partners gathered to watch the action unfold. Ian continued his tradition as a standard bearer, this time with my parents watching proudly from the gallery.

The competition reached a thrilling climax as defending champion Stewart Cink went head-to-head with Ernie Els in a playoff. With skill and poise, Stewart secured the victory, becoming back-to-back Ally Challenge Champion.

View more

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2025 Ally Challenge was about so much more than golf. It was a week of community, connection, and celebration—one that shined a spotlight on the incredible small businesses that make our region special. Behind Your Design is grateful for the opportunity to help bring this vision to life alongside Erin Stone, Director of Business Development and Community Engagement, and her talented interns Hanna Jankowski and Freddy Kopolow.

Mark your calendars: the 2026 Ally Challenge presented by McLaren returns August 27–30. Even better, it won’t overlap with the Crim Festival of Races, so expect an even bigger community turnout. We can’t wait to see you on the course!

A Journey Overseas: Our Australian and New Zealand Visit

By Chelsea Mills • April 19, 2026
Exploring Sydney and Cairns in Australia and visiting Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo in New Zealand.

Drive Your Brand Further with Custom Golf Balls

April 15, 2026
Custom branded golf balls are one of those promotional items that just make sense. Whether you run a golf course, a tournament, a resort, or simply want a unique way to connect with clients, they offer a fun and practical way to keep your brand in play. Golf balls are naturally tied to relaxation, leisure, and connection . That makes them a powerful marketing tool. When your logo is on something that people are actually excited to use, your brand becomes part of a positive experience. Every swing, every round, and every time someone reaches into their bag, your business is right there with them. For golf-related businesses, branded balls are an easy win. They are great for member giveaways, tournaments, pro shop merchandise, and corporate outings. If you are not in the golf industry, they still make an excellent client gift or a memorable handout that feels personal and unexpected. It is a simple way to say “thanks for your business” while staying top of mind long after the first tee. Behind Your Design has recently created custom golf balls for The Ally Challenge , Epic Machine , and Lewis & Knopf . Each one was designed to reflect the brand while still feeling clean, professional, and ready for the course. And let’s be honest, it is hard to find a promotional item with more staying power. These are not getting tossed in a drawer and forgotten. They are getting teed up, driven down the fairway, and maybe even lost in a water hazard or two. Either way, your brand is along for the ride. When it comes to marketing, combining business with leisure is a hole-in-one strategy. It builds connection in a relaxed environment where people are already in a good mood and open to engagement. That kind of brand association is priceless. If you are ready to put your brand in play, contact Behind Your Design today and start creating custom golf balls that keep your business top of mind from the first tee to the final putt.

Fidget, Focus, and Your Brand Front and Center

April 15, 2026
If you’ve spent any time around kids lately or scrolling online, you’ve probably noticed one thing. Fidget toys are everywhere. From the viral popularity of NeeDoh stress ball style products to satisfying squeeze cubes and rings, these small but mighty items have become go-to tools for entertainment, stress relief, and focus. And right now, they are not just fun. They are a smart branding opportunity. Why Fidget Toys Work Fidget toys hit a sweet spot that most promotional products do not. They are: Used daily and not tossed in a drawer Helpful for focus and stress relief Appealing across ages, especially kids and teens Easy to share and talk about Whether it is in a classroom, at a desk, or during a meeting, people reach for these again and again. That means your brand gets seen again and again too. Real Examples, Real Impact We have recently helped clients turn this trend into something meaningful and memorable. Tanglewood Home Care created custom Sensory Squeeze Fidget Cubes as a thoughtful resource for individuals who benefit from tactile support. These are not just giveaways. They are tools that provide comfort, support focus, and create a positive connection back to the brand that provided them. We also partnered with Kettering University on a custom Orbit Fidget Ring. This is the kind of item students can use in class or meetings to stay engaged and focused without distraction. It is subtle, functional, and something they will actually keep. A Trend Worth Tapping Into Fidget toys are not just a passing moment. They have become part of how people manage stress and stay engaged, especially in environments where focus matters. Because they are already trending heavily online, they come with built-in attention. When your brand is part of something people already enjoy using, it does not feel like marketing. It simply fits into their daily routine. More Than a Giveaway The best promotional products are the ones people do not throw away. Fidget toys check that box easily. They are interactive, memorable, practical, and easy to customize with your brand. Most importantly, they create a positive experience every time someone uses them. Create Something People Want to Keep If you are looking for a fresh way to get your brand into people’s hands and keep it there, custom fidget toys are worth considering. From squeeze cubes to rings and beyond, we can help you create something that is not only on trend, but actually useful. Because when your brand becomes part of someone’s everyday routine, that is when it really sticks.

Picture-Perfect Branding: Why Photo Prop Signage Works

April 15, 2026
There’s something special about capturing a milestone moment, especially when it’s paired with a great photo. Whether it’s the excitement of closing on a new home, celebrating a big win, or marking a major life event, people want to share those moments. That’s where photo prop signage becomes a powerful and often overlooked marketing tool. Take a real estate office providing a custom acrylic sign for new homeowners. It might say something like “Just Sold!” or “Welcome Home,” while also showcasing the agent’s name and brand. Every time a client snaps a photo and shares it on social media, that brand goes right along with it. Celebrating Them While Promoting You The beauty of photo prop signage is that it doesn’t feel like advertising. It feels like part of the celebration. You’re giving clients something fun and share-worthy while naturally weaving your brand into the moment. Instead of a traditional ad people scroll past, you become part of a story they want to share. Built-In Visibility & Repetition Marketing is all about repetition and recognition. The more people see your brand, the more familiar and trusted it becomes. Photo prop signage helps make that happen in an organic way: The same sign shows up across multiple clients and celebrations Shared photos extend your reach beyond your immediate audience Your branding becomes associated with positive, meaningful moments Over time, that consistent visual presence can make a real impact.

A VIP Night to Remember at Medawar's

April 14, 2026
Behind Your Design recently had the opportunity to once again partner with Medawar’s in Flint Township to create a VIP experience for their most valued customers. This is a relationship that means a great deal to us because it goes all the way back to 2009 when we first began working with their team. Over the years, our partnership has grown into one that includes trust, creativity, and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful experiences. For this event, our team handled everything from the initial invitation design and mailing, to the digital Evite and event signage, making sure every detail felt consistent and elevated from the very first touchpoint. The goal was to create something that felt special before guests even arrived. When guests stepped on site, they were welcomed into a fully transformed outdoor lounge experience inside a heated tent. The space was designed to feel warm, inviting, and luxurious , with a hand-rolled cigar station, passed hors d’oeuvres, live acoustic music, craft cocktails, comfortable lounge seating, an ice sculpture, and an interactive luxury vehicle display. It was all about creating an atmosphere where people could slow down, connect, and enjoy the evening. Inside, guests were able to browse and try on beautiful jewelry in a relaxed, social setting while enjoying cocktails and conversation. The experience was intentionally designed to feel personal rather than transactional, giving guests the space to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. We also created curated gift bags for attendees that included thoughtful, high-end items like cigar cutters , a premium lighter , stainless steel mugs , jewelry boxes , and watch cases . Guests were entered into a drawing for a stunning diamond necklace, adding a fun moment of anticipation to the night. Inside the showroom, a coffee bar and dessert offerings from CRUST Bakery rounded out the experience. Looking back, this event is a reflection of a long-standing partnership with Medawar’s that we truly value. From their brand refresh in 2023 to years of event design and marketing support, we’re grateful to continue evolving alongside their team and helping bring their vision to life in memorable ways.

From Spills to Squeaks: Promo Products That Save the Day

April 14, 2026
When it comes to branded promotional products, the best items aren’t just eye-catching, they’re useful, trusted, and kept. That’s exactly what makes these co-branded essentials featuring Tide and WD-40 such standout options. They go beyond typical giveaways by becoming everyday problem-solvers your audience will actually carry, use, and appreciate. Practical Products People Reach For A Tide to Go + Oxi pen is the kind of product people need in real-life moments for coffee spills before a meeting, lunch mishaps in the car, or last-minute touch-ups before an event. It’s compact, easy to store, and incredibly effective, making it something users will keep within arm’s reach at all times. Pair that with the WD-40 Precision Pen, and now you’ve covered both personal and practical needs. From fixing squeaky hinges to loosening tight bolts, this kit becomes a go-to solution for quick fixes at home, in the office, or on the road. Built-In Brand Trust = Instant Credibility One of the biggest advantages of these products is the power of co-branding with names people already trust. Tide and WD-40 aren’t just recognizable, they’re relied upon. When your brand is placed alongside them, it inherits that same sense of reliability and quality. Instead of introducing your audience to something unfamiliar, you’re aligning your brand with products they already know work. That creates a stronger, faster connection and makes your promotional item feel more valuable from the start. 
Show More