Full Moon Rising - Made In The USA

Coffee never tasted better

The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce."  

~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Hi, my name's Brian, and I'm a caffiene addict.  There, I've said it.  Fact is, me and about 150 million other Americans just can't get our day started without that jolt of java.  

While I might need coffee to get my day started, the promotional products businessperson in me gets woken up with numbers like "300 million eyes, every day, see what's printed on that cup!"  Yea, sure, they see, and all those around them see it, too.  But do they really see it, or is that cup just another piece of visual spam?

Not if it's a cup from Sunset Hill Stoneware, it won't be!

 

Sunset Hill's hand crafted stoneware is exactly what its name implies: actual pottery stoneware, hand crafted on a potter's wheel, one at a time, to your exact specifications, by American artisans.  These are stunningly beautiful, weighty, kiln-fired pieces, shipped directly to you in 100% recyclable packaging.  All stoneware is food-safe, dishwasher & microwave safe, lead-free and Proposition 65 compliant.

Sunset Hill Stoneware was founded in 1997 with one mission in mind: to produce the highest quality hand-thrown stoneware possible.  Nestled deep in the verdant countryside of Wisconsin's beautiful Fox River Valley, Sunset Hill offers 33 different cup designs, and 14 different steins (after all, not everybody drinks coffee!).

For customized items, Sunset Hill applies your artwork to a hand-crafted clay medallion that forms a three-dimensional crest.  The unique process used to create this medallion captures even the most intricate detail.  Your logo will be colored with the same glaze as the cups themselves, while the medallion itself remains a neutral clay, which acts as the perfect backdrop.  Every piece is meticulously examined prior to packaging to ensure the highest levels of quality control. 

So when you're ready to get your customers to wake up and take notice of you, give Full Moon Rising, Inc a call and we'll get busy brewing up some spectacular promotional items for your drinking pleasure!

Rustic American charm

One thing I've noticed about blogs that always disappoints me - I can't smell them.  Call me old fashioned, but I still enjoy the look and feel and smell of books.  Especially leather bound books.  And for personal writing, there's nothing that is better than a journal with a nice thick leather cover to encase high quality paper.  The kind of paper that just begs to be written on.  In ink.  It brings out the inner-Walt Wittman in me.  

Leather journals have for me always symbolized classic, authentic quality.  Our country's forefathers kept leather journals (in fact, Benjamin Franklin started what is generally considered to be the first public library in America in 1734).  The Old West may have been won with guns, but it was the leather-bound journals that documented the feat.  And what was that gift that Michelle Obama gave to Laura Bush on Inauguration Day?  A leather journal and pen.  Classic.

This is why we at Full Moon Rising, Inc. were so excited about finding Rustico, a proud Made in USA company based on the outskirts of Provo, Utah.  Rustico recognized this rich tradition of fine leather tomes, and celebrates our rustic heritage with top-grain American cowhide products expertly hand-crafted by their team of artisans.

Isaac Childs, founder and President of Rustico, told me that he started making leather journals when, in the course of his travels, he found that the fancy and expensive imported journals he was buying were "getting trashed; I needed a journal that would last a while."  He taught himself all about leather, and with a couple of book binding courses, he fashioned for himself some journals that would, in his own words, "withstand some serious traveling."  He began making journals for friends and family, who were delighted with the all-natural quality and unique styling.  Word quickly spread, and local companies began to press Isaac to make leather books and binders for them in that rough-hewn look, and in a few short years, Rustico was born.  Soon after that, he was producing products for the likes of Disney, HBO and Oprah.

Rustico can personalize their products with a classic debossing process, which imprints the image into the leather, or for complex images, they can go high-tech and laser engrave the leather, producing amazingly crisp and detailed reproductions which really pop.  But the real key to Rustico's success is its American top-grain leathers which are tanned and processed specifically to Rustico's specifications.  "That's really rare," Isaac told me.  Most leather products currently offered by other manufacturers use Chinese leather, and there's little thought given to the tanning process.  By partnering with American leather producers and opting for high-quality eco-friendly paper, Isaac can ensure that every product meets his high standards for durability.  And let me tell you, they look great!

So if you're sick of being 'ridden hard and hung up wet' by your overseas producer, give Full Moon Rising, Inc. a call and let us help you get those burrs out of your hide.  And your logo onto some perfectly tanned hides which will make your customers want to saddle up with you!

L to R: Isaac Childs, President Rustico LLC; Brian Fallon, FMR Inc; Patrick White, Rustico Marketing; and Craig Daly, Rustico Sales Manager at the PPAI Show in Las Vegas, NV in Jan 2009.

BlogCatalog

The Number One Dream Killer: Doing What Works

I follow a blog called Zen Habits, and today I discovered an article entitled, "The Number One Dream Killer: Doing What Works."  This in turn led me to a new blog that I really like, called The Illuminated Mind.  Both have some very thoughtful posts and, for me at least, provide food for thought and reflection.

I found this "Dream Killer" post and another one entitled "Why Being Productive is a Huge Waste of Time" to be very interesting.  I find it hard to break out of the mold and do things different.  I have tons of ideas, but occasionally find myself mired down in the minutiae of day-to-day work.  Being an Air Traffic Controller at O'Hare and running Full Moon Rising, Inc. when I am not there keeps me hopping.  The Air Traffic thing has trained me to be decisive and expect immediate compliance, something that is not necessarily the best way to be in business, especially when collaboration is required.

These articles are refreshing as they remind me to think outside of the box and keep trying to do things I would not normally do.  I think as a company we do think creatively and attempt do things differently, but of course it is you who would be the real judge of that.

I would love to hear what you are doing to break out of your box!

Bryan Thompson

Buy American - More than just stimulus rhetoric

There's been much controversy over the so-called "Buy American" provision contained within the $787 Billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) economic stimulus bill that President Barack Obama signed Tuesday.  

For the life of me, I don't understand why.

The Administration has set forth the following objectives to be achieved by the ARRA:

• Create or save more than 3.5 million jobs over the next two years;
• Take a big step toward computerizing Americans’ health records, reducing medical errors, and saving billions in health care costs;
• Revive the renewable energy industry and provide the capital over the next three years to eventually double domestic renewable energy capacity;
• Undertake the largest weatherization program in history by modernizing 75 percent of federal building space and more than one million homes;
• Increase college affordability for seven million students by funding the shortfall in Pell Grants, increasing the maximum award level by $500, and providing a new higher education tax cut to nearly four million students;
• As part of the $150 billion investment in new infrastructure, enact the largest increase in funding of our nation’s roads, bridges, and mass transit systems since the creation of the national highway system in the 1950s;
• Provide an $800 Making Work Pay tax credit for 129 million working households, and cut taxes for the families of millions of children through an expansion of the Child Tax Credit;
• Require unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight, and accountability.

It seems that there is at least one provision within the ARRA that is causing some to gnash their teeth.  Title VI, Section 604 states in part, "require[s] the Department of Defense to purchase domestically-manufactured textiles and apparel."

This is a PROBLEM??  That American troops wear American made uniforms??

Puh-leese.  As we have already reported, American textile manufacturing has been experiencing a resurgence of popularity and profitability.  Anybody who's not pathologically narcissistic (at least on economic issues) should be able to understand that using Economic Stimulus funds to assist in bolstering an industry with a proud American heritage will help Americans get and keep JOBS (see ARRA Objective #1).  And it won't be in just the textile industry.  The textile companies may well need to expand their manufacturing plants; that mean construction jobs.  More Made in USA clothing means the domestic shipping industry will get even busier, needing more trucks, at a time when the US Automotive manufacturers are bleeding red.  And on and on.  Remember, lots of people were gnashing their teeth and predicting the "End of the Economic World" for America in 1993 when then-President Clinton passed his $496 Billion economic stimulus package.  What happened?  The longest prolonged expansion of the US economy in history, coupled with the most aggressive effort to pay down the national debt.  What's not to like?

And it should also be noted that the ARRA is NOT "protectionism."  There is nothing in the ARRA that would preclude the DoD or any other agency from procuring goods from overseas as long as it's consistent with current Trade Agreements, and the required goods are not readily available domestically.  Further, there's nothing that would prohibit a foreign company from setting up shop here in the US, hiring Americans, and enjoying the benefits of this economic stimulus.  The ARRA just will not be giving money to assist profit-mongering corporate executives from shipping American JOBS overseas just so that they can buy themselves a new yacht.  No offense to the yachting industry.  (Hey, WE would like to buy a yacht someday!)  

On that note, if there's any companies out there that are gnashing their teeth at the thought of trying to find domestic manufacturers who can produce uniforms and other textile products at volume, relax; just call Full Moon Rising, Inc at 630-513-8782 and we'll get you set up, American style.  

Brian Fallon

FMR 15% Discount Coupon

We are reactivating / extending our 15% off coupon until June 1st of 2009

This is your reward for reading our blog!

This is good for any purchase on our web stores and is good for the clothing. Upcharges and decoration are not included.

Look for a free shipping coupon in the future.

We would be interested to hear which you prefer when shopping.

Coupon code is FMRBLOG

Thanks
Bryan

Work is important, and in these troubling economic times, it's easy to have pre-occupations about finances.  But as I once heard, "Nobody lies on their Death Bed thinking, 'I should have spent more time in the office!'"

On this day, in which we celebrate the Joys of Love and honor those for whom we care most deeply, we would like to share the following, re-printed with permission:

DailyOM.com

Originally posted: February 6, 2009
The Dance of Intimacy
Coming Back to Center in a Relationship

Anyone in a long-term relationship knows that the dance of intimacy involves coming together and moving apart. Early in a relationship, intense periods of closeness are important in order to establish the ground of a new union. Just as a sapling needs a lot more attention than a full-grown tree, budding relationships demand time and attention if they are to fully take root. Once they become more established, the individuals in the union begin to turn their attention outward again, to the other parts of their lives that matter, such as work, family, and friendships. This is natural and healthy. Yet, if a long-term relationship is to last, turning towards one another recurrently, with the same curiosity, attention, and nurturance of earlier times, is essential. 

In a busy and demanding world full of obligations and opportunities, we sometimes lose track of our primary relationships, thinking they will tend to themselves. We may have the best intentions when we think about how nice it would be to surprise our partner with a gift or establish a weekly date night. Yet somehow, life gets in the way. We may think that our love is strong enough to survive without attention. Yet even mature trees need water and care if they are to thrive. 

One of the best ways to nourish a relationship is through communication. If you feel that a distance has grown between you and your partner, you may be able to bridge the gap by sharing how you feel. Do your best to avoid blame and regret. Focus instead on the positive, which is the fact that you want to grow closer together. Sometimes, just acknowledging that there is distance between you has the effect of bringing the relationship into balance. In other cases, more intense effort and attention may be required. You may want to set aside time to talk and come up with solutions together. Remember to have compassion for each other. You’re in the same boat together and trying to maintain the right balance of space and togetherness to keep your relationship healthy and thriving. Express faith and confidence in each other, and enjoy the slow dance of intimacy that can resume between the two of you.

© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved

The Power of Prelation

In these turbulent times, many companies are taking a hard look at what exactly they're spending their money on, looking to maximize their Return On Investment (ROI).  One area that many companies are reportedly looking at slashing is their marketing budgets, trying to separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff.  The Bottom Line question CEOs & CFOs alike want answered is: "What's the most cost effective method of getting our brand name into our customer's minds which produces the most favorable impression of our company, which in turn will generate maximum sales?"

Full Moon Rising, Inc. has the answer(s) to this and many other questions.  It's called "Prelation."

Prelation \Pre*la"tion\, n. The setting of one above another; preference.

Prelation may be viewed as the degree to which excellence is achieved in three core areas:

• Image - More than a logo; it is the Perception of your company that the customer holds in their mind when they see your logo (also known as "branding"). If you want to project excellence, your Company's image (logo) needs to be "well framed" with quality production on interesting and memorable promotionals.
• Focus means targeting your marketing efforts in a cost-effective way while maximizing your branding.
• Results is exactly what it means! You want your customers - whether they're new or well established - to hold your company in their mind's eye as the source for your product.

You don't have to just take our word for it.  We've got both the data behind this, and the products & experience to enable you to take your company's image (and sales!) to the next level.

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), a promotional product industry "think-tank" that recently conducted a survey of the impact of promotional items in key U.S. markets.  The purpose of the survey was to understand how promotional products influence end-users’ purchasing decisions; determine the number of impressions of various promotional specialties; and analyze the Cost Per Impression (CPI) of advertising specialties compared with other popular advertising media.  Among their findings:

• Instant recall: More than 8 out of 10 (84%) respondents remembered the advertisers of the promotional products they’re received. (IMAGE)
• Very impressionable: 42% of respondents had a MORE favorable impression of an advertiser after receiving the item. And nearly a quarter (24%) said they are MORE likely to do business with the advertiser on the items they receive. (FOCUS)
• It’s all business: Most respondents (62%) have done business with the advertiser on a promotional product after receiving the item.  (RESULTS) 

More than that, the ASI study discovered that companies and individuals alike valued their promotional products because:

• User-friendly: The majority (81%) of promotional products were kept because they were considered useful.
• Staying power: More than three-quarters of respondents have had their items for more than 6 months.  

Well, sure, you say, many promotional items are nice.  But "where's the beef?"  You're not in business to supply others with cute little souvenirs.  How are promotional products helping generate SALES?

Quite impressively, it turns out.  The ASI survey found that the CPI (Cost Per Impression, a measure of the cost of the promotional product's impact on sales) of the average promotional item was $0.004.  That's Four-Tenth of One Cent per promotional product.  Or, to put it another way, promotional products beat out all forms of TV, radio and print advertising as the most cost-effective advertising medium available. 

So the question now becomes, Where are YOU going to spend your company's advertising budget?

Call us at (630) 513-8728 to discuss how we can combine our proven Prelation techniques to your company's marketing plan.  We know which products have the most impact in different markets or occupations, which have the lowest CPI, are considered "favorites" among potential clients, and how to "layer" (timed sequences of promotional releases) your marketing in order to maximize your promotional ROI.

The Bottom Line?  We know how to make you look good.

Bamboo Dinnerware - A Unique Product Debuts

How many times have you gone to a BBQ or summertime event and gotten a thin paper plate on which to pile all your chicken & ribs, baked beans, corn on-the-cob and cole slaw, only to have the plate almost instantly get soaked through and collapse, spilling all your food - for which you waited 20 minutes in line - into the dirt?  Or gotten one of those thick, pulpy plates, which - upon finishing eating - you discovered you ate half of the plate itself, because it was disintegrating and becoming part of your food?  Or what about those plastic flying-saucer plates, which get blown all over the place and you see them along the highway and shoreline for months - if not years - afterward, because they are not bio-degradable?  

Full Moon Rising, Inc. has an affordable and uniquely brandable solution:  Bamboo Dinnerware.

This is a great Eco-Friendly product.  We had the good fortune to see samples at the PPAI trade show in Las Vegas last month.  We were impressed with how strong they are; no worries about them collapsing with a full plate of food.  Or even an over-flowing plate of food!

Bamboo Studio introduces a revolution in all-occasion dinnerware that is disposable, reusable and brandable.  Handcrafted from the husk of the newly emerging bamboo plant, these dynamic new serving pieces are elegant, strong and environmentally friendly.

One of the things we like about this product is that very little energy is required in the handcrafting  process.  No dangerous chemicals or beaches are used in the manufacturing process.  And of course, bamboo is 100% biodegradable.  

What makes these stylish dishes so strong, durable and leak resistant is how they are crafted; the husk is formed and crafted in its natural shape rather than being crushed to a pulp and then reformulated.

Dinnerware is just the beginning, the product line includes Platters, Soap Dispensers, Tissue Boxes, Soap Dishes, and much more.  If you're as serious about keeping your ecological footprint as small as possible while promoting your business or fundraising cause as much as possible, the give Full Moon Rising, Inc. a call at (630) 513-8728 to learn more.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Air-Traffic Controller Turned Distributor

I was featured in this profile from the February issue of Counselor magazine. I feel that they over simplified or glossed over some things I wish they would have focused on concerning our company. I hope it allows you to see a little more into my life, assuming you were interested to begin with.

PDF version also available,

Bryan

Air-Traffic Controller Turned Distributor

By Dave Vagnoni

It’s 9:00 on a Wednesday night and Bryan Thompson’s day is far from over. At arguably the busiest airport in the country, Thompson is working as an air traffic controller, nearly finished his shift. About eight hours earlier, he arrived in the tower, after working all morning at his “day job.” And he still has energy left to burn. “Usually, after work I go to the gym for a while,” he says.
It was almost 30 years ago when Thompson enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. At the time, he was a professional photographer, but opted for a change. “The $5,000 bonus helped convince me to sign up,” Thompson admits.

While he came close to choosing a path as a pilot, he decided instead to pursue a different type of career in aviation. Before he left for boot camp, he had never been on an airplane. Today, after stops in places like Tennessee, South Carolina and Louisiana, Thompson works six days a week at O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

“Sometimes it’s stressful, sure,” he says. “I used to love getting up and going to work. I got paid well. More recently, things have changed a bit and it’s more about procedures. But it’s still a good challenge.”

Thompson concedes he’s looking forward to retirement. He actually has a retirement countdown clock ticking on his computer. With his future in mind, he’s started to pour his heart into his promotional products business, Full Moon Rising Inc. (asi/199736). Along with two partners, who are also air traffic controllers, Thompson generates annual revenues of over $400,000.
“We started as basically a non-profit,” he says. “We would sell embroidered items at conventions for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. People wanted jackets, shirts, belt buckles and key tags. A few years ago, we decided to incorporate.”

While Thompson sold logoed products, he also made time to design the first ever Web site for the NATCA. Plus, he served as an editor for the quarterly, 48-page union newsletter. “My friends are used to the fact I’m always busy,” he says.

Busy, but happy. Thompson is also an avid musician. He plays the saxophone, trumpet and piano and recently he bought an electric guitar. But he’s not a guitar expert just yet. “I’m trying to find time to learn it,” he says. Working through the office of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Thompson also shoots photographs of the city’s annual Jazz Fest and Blues Fest. The photos are often used on brochures. “I work pro bono, in exchange for access to the shows,” he says.

And there’s more. Thompson enjoys riding motorcycles as well. He’s ridden cross-country to honor prisoners of war. Despite his growing interests, Thompson is committed to his company. He feels his business is doing well, despite the economic slump. “I take time to talk to people,” he explains. “Sometimes I’m on the phone for 20 or 30 minutes with a customer getting to know them. We send ‘thank you’ cards to everyone who places an order. And we send Christmas cards out, too. I think it makes a difference.”

Thompson says he’s creating more profits by adding more customers and focusing on marketing USA-made apparel to clients. He uses social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to promote his work. “Recently, the orders haven’t been as big, but we’re getting more of them and that’s helping,” he says. “If you don’t try new things, you’ll never know what works.”