PPB August 2019

Kaeser and Blair - Sandra Humphries PPAI 762728 KB Brands PPAI 762131 Ken Barshinger Media PPAI 762745 Lakeside Promos PPAI 762954 Lasting Impression Promotional Products, Inc PPAI 602909 Lasting Impressions, Inc. PPAI 282423 Leonetti Promos PPAI 496458 Lithoprint, Inc. PPAI 762148 Local Threads PPAI 763037 Logo Leverage, LLC PPAI 761472 Logo My Promo PPAI 762499 Logos Plus PPAI 763952 Love Form & Systems, Inc. PPAI 761736 LUFI EXPRESSZ Ltd. PPAI 762873 Metzger Awards PPAI 283104 Minuteman Press PPAI 723764 Minuteman Press PPAI 762993 Miranda’s Printing & Promotional Products PPAI 762888 ML Custom Imprint PPAI 598859 MLC Promotions PPAI 751701 Money Mailer Howard County PPAI 764488 Mr T Shirtz, LLC PPAI 367318 Multi Color Processing PPAI 761926 New World Custom Designs PPAI 759811 North Country Supplies PPAI 762198 Northeastern Promotions PPAI 762232 Odyssey Print Shop PPAI 759324 Oil City Graphics PPAI 762631 Panhandle Printing and Promotions PPAI 763833 Pascal Service Promotionnel, Inc. PPAI 759547 PB&J Promotions PPAI 762576 Peak 11 Promotions and Uniforms, LLC PPAI 747553 Phantom Marketing PPAI 594437 Phyllis Victor Gifts & Awards PPAI 761910 Picture It Screen Printing PPAI 762864 How did your company get its start? Go-Comb had a very clear “aha!” moment. I was out to dinner with my uncle, who, like many men of his generation, carried a cheap, black plastic comb—he, in particular, carried his comb sticking out of his wallet. I laughed and thought it looked somewhat impractical—and uncomfortable to sit on!—and wondered, “Why doesn’t someone make a comb that fits in a wallet?” Turns out no such thing existed, so back home, in Brooklyn, I set out to make this idea a reality. I learned how to laser-cut at a local hacker space, and made the first Go-Combs myself, opening an Etsy shop as my “fun side project” got off the ground. I patented Go-Comb, and soon stumbled into a wholesale trade show. I received a ton of orders from retailers, and next thing I knew I was working two full-time jobs. I left my other job about one year after starting Go-Comb, and I still run it from Brooklyn five years later. What led your company to enter the promotional products market? I had been contacted by many businesses directly to order custom Go- Combs to give to their clients. It was only about a year and a half ago that I learned more about the formal promotional products industry, and we, of course, wanted to officially dive in. As a new, innovative product that appeals to a wide demographic, it’s a great fit. What’s your favorite thing about being in the promotional products industry? I just love that Go-Combs are sought-after as a unique and fun promotional item. As the founder and designer, I’m delighted that so many are discovering the ingenuity of our product, which has come a long way since our laser-cutting days. Why did you join PPAI? It seemed like a no-brainer. When speaking with those who worked in the industry, it’s a must if you’re serious about the market. And we are! NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Heather Burkman Founder, Designer Go-Comb Brooklyn, New York PPAI 763897 | AUGUST 2019 | 83 CONNECT