PPAI • JUNE 2025 • 33 SPONSORED CONTENT USA Diamond in the Rough At All American Writing Instruments, the Shea family has manufactured and sold hundreds of millions of high-quality U.S.-made pens since 1928. A NEARLY CENTURY-OLD writing instrument supplier you may not know by name (but should) manufactures high-end pens the White House uses. Since 1928, family-owned and -operated All American Writing Instruments (AAWI) has crafted sustainable, high-quality writing instruments for the promotional products industry. Through its commitment to excellence, AAWI has supported American jobs and innovation. Now, four members of the Shea family lead the fourth-generation company, which has the distinction of being the last remaining U.S. pen manufacturer. Over the years, the Sheas have made hundreds of millions of writing instruments. Hap Shea, a pen maker for 50 years, carries on the legacy started by his grandfather, John, and father, Warren. Hap works alongside his three children: Matt Shea, a former attorney now serving as controller; Director of Operations Greg Shea, a former counterterrorism analyst; and Director of Sales Colleen Shea, a former professional tap dancer. “Since our family is pen experts, people say ‘ink is in our blood,’” Colleen says. “We left big careers to take over the business from my grandfather. We’ve worked hard to keep our pens manufactured in the USA by bringing in automated equipment. It’s our family’s American dream.” A True USA-Made Supplier Choosing AAWI as your USA-made writing-instrument partner ensures compliance with FTC guidelines for plastic and metal products. The crew of 65 molds plastic components, makes writing cartridges, assembles pens, and decorates in-house. “In an industry where products go unmarked with country of origin and companies use contradictory statements such as ‘Made in the USA’ with imported and foreign components,” Colleen says, “you can confidently state to customers that you have a writing instrument partner that guarantees it’s made stateside.” Although AAWI has been manufacturing pens for wholesale suppliers for five decades, the company only appeared as a supplier at the 2023 PPAI Expo. “A lightbulb goes off when distributors realize we’re the people behind many USA-made pens over the years,” Colleen says. “We aren’t the new supplier on the block.” In 2021, the Sheas acquired Garland Writing Instruments, making AAWI a single source for a full range of USA-made writing instruments, from affordable plastic pens to high-end metal options. The Sheas love to field calls from distributors. “We can offer them fast, workable solutions,” says Colleen, who’s offered custom pen designs to Fortune 100 companies. “They’re talking to the source they know is in it for the long haul.” Pens to Write Home About AAWI manufactures innovative writing instruments you can’t find anywhere else. The iconic Pokka® Pocket Pen “Carries Small, Writes Big” is convertible, waterproof and floatable. “It’s great for trades, outdoor brands and healthcare,” Colleen says. The permanent RevMark® Industrial Marker has an industrial tip for surfaces like wood and concrete and a handy holster. “We manufactured this for a contractor, and now Tractor Supply sells it nationwide,” Colleen says. PenScents™ features long-lasting scents like coffee, chocolate and lavender embedded into eco-friendly Auracell® plastic. “Scent is a great way to get someone to remember your brand,” Colleen says. Another sustainable option is RePen®, which is made from recycled water bottles. For every 1,000 pens bought, 400 water bottles get recycled. Your Pen Partner for Life AAWI wants distributors to know they have a pen manufacturer “in their backyard.” For a company with the muscle to make 55 million pens annually, you’ll still talk to a Shea or an experienced staffer. “You’re not just a number,” Colleen says. “We do 2 million-pen-unit orders, but we’re nimble enough for customers who want 250 pocket pens.” Learn more: aawritingco.com The Shea Family
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==