Chelsea & Matt Line Up For The Ally Challenge

Umbrellas may not be the first item that comes to mind for promotions, but they deliver impressive value when it comes to visibility, usefulness, and longevity. More than just rain gear, umbrellas offer year-round protection and everyday practicality, making them a promotional item people actually keep and use. Why umbrellas work as promotional items: Year-round usefulness – Provide rain coverage and help block harmful UV rays, adding a health-conscious benefit. High brand visibility – Large canopies create prime space for logos and messaging that can be seen from a distance. Repeated exposure – Stored in cars, offices, and bags, umbrellas are reused often, extending brand impressions. Wide audience appeal – Practical for all ages and lifestyles, making them ideal for diverse audiences. Long lifespan – Quality umbrellas can last for years, continuing to promote your brand long after distribution. Strong return on investment – Durable, useful items outperform smaller or disposable promotional products. Whether you go traditional or try something a little more fun, umbrellas remain a smart way to keep your brand visible rain or shine.

Branded merchandise is more than a giveaway. When used strategically, it becomes a marketing tool that builds visibility, connection, and loyalty. According to PPAI Research, 83% of business leaders say branded merchandise improves brand recall and campaign performance (PPAI Research, 2025). The key is thinking beyond the logo and choosing products people will actually use. 

Matt and I traveled to Las Vegas last month to the PPAI Show where our suppliers and manufacturers from around the world come to showcase their new and current products, educate us on trends for the upcoming year and learn more about what we are hearing is important to you, our customers. We will be featuring these products we saw and more over the next couple months in our newsletters and on our social media channels. If you'd like to schedule a time to come in and check out all the samples we brought home, just let us know! We'd love to show you what we found.

Expo and trade show season is an exciting time for many businesses. It is your chance to show up in person, meet potential customers, and put your brand front and center. It can also feel overwhelming when you start thinking about everything that needs to be done. From booth design and signage to giveaways and marketing materials, there are a lot of moving parts. That is where planning ahead and having the right support can make all the difference. Behind Your Design works with businesses every year to help make expo season easier and more successful. Start with clear goals Before anything is designed or ordered, it helps to define what you want to get out of the show. Are you focused on generating leads, building brand awareness, launching something new, or making connections? Behind Your Design helps clients walk through these questions, because your goals should help guide every decision. When your goals are clear, it becomes much easier to determine what your booth should look like, what materials you need, and what giveaways will make the most sense.

Some projects mean a little more than others. Cummings Property Management is one of those. We’ve been working with the Cummings team for nearly 15 years, and our relationship goes back even further. We’ve known the family since high school, so this rebrand wasn’t just another project. When they reached out about updating their logo and website, we knew how important it was to do it the right way. Cummings Property Management has been serving community associations since 1977. What started in the Flint and Genesee County area has grown into a company that now manages more than 130 communities across mid-Michigan. Over the years, the company has evolved, but their brand hadn’t quite caught up with who they are today. The goal of this refresh wasn’t to change who they are. It was to better reflect their experience, professionalism, and commitment to communication and education. We started with a clean, modern logo that still feels timeless, followed by a new website designed to be clear, easy to navigate, and useful for boards, homeowners, and prospective clients. The site supports their focus on education and communication while presenting a professional, approachable look. We’re really proud of how this project came together. The new logo and website feel like a true reflection of Cummings Property Management and position them well for what’s next. Even better, it’s always a win getting to work with people you’ve known and trusted for so long.