We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian Whittaker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian below.

Brian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Absolutely! One thing that sets us apart in the promotional products industry is our commitment to personalized service. While many companies focus solely on their online presence and transactions, we believe in the power of face-to-face interaction. Despite the convenience of online shopping, we still make it a priority to meet with our customers one-on-one.

This personal touch allows us to truly understand our customers’ needs and goals. By sitting down with them, we can offer tailored recommendations and solutions that go beyond what they might find on our website alone. Whether it’s brainstorming creative ideas for their next marketing campaign or finding the perfect product to represent their brand, these in-person meetings foster a deeper connection and trust between us and our clients.

One story that comes to mind is when we had a client who was struggling to find the right promotional products for their upcoming event. They had looked through our website but couldn’t quite find what they were looking for. However, after sitting down with them and discussing their vision in person, we were able to suggest a custom solution that perfectly aligned with their branding and objectives. Seeing the excitement on their faces when they realized we could bring their idea to life was incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, our dedication to personalized service not only sets us apart from the industry standard but also allows us to form genuine relationships with our customers and help them achieve their goals in ways that online transactions simply can’t replicate.

Brian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Certainly! Hi there! I’m Brian Whittaker, and my journey into the world of design, printing, and promotional products began in 1986 after serving in the Marines. I initially started by selling printed products such as catalogs, diving headfirst into the world of marketing materials and promotional items.

After honing my skills and gaining valuable experience in the industry, I decided to take the leap and start my own company in 1994. Thus, BK Enterprises was born. From the very beginning, my goal was clear: to provide top-notch services that catered to clients’ unique needs and exceeded their expectations.

Over the years, BK Enterprises has evolved into a one-stop-shop for all things design, printing, and promotional products. We offer a comprehensive range of services, from concept development to final execution, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality results every time.

At BK Enterprises, we understand the challenges that businesses face in today’s competitive landscape. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing innovative solutions that help our clients stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on their target audience.

What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence, personalized service, and unwavering dedication to our clients’ success. We’re not just in the business of providing products and services – we’re in the business of building relationships and helping our clients achieve their goals.

I’m incredibly proud of the journey we’ve taken and the impact we’ve had on our clients’ businesses over the years. As we continue to grow and evolve, our mission remains the same: to provide exceptional quality, unparalleled service, and creative solutions that drive results.

So, whether you’re in need of captivating design, top-quality printing, or unique promotional products, you can count on BK Enterprises to deliver. We’re here to bring your vision to life and help you succeed every step of the way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Certainly! In both the tumultuous times of the 2007 recession and the unprecedented challenges of the 2020 pandemic, BK Enterprises stood by our customers with unwavering assurance. When the housing bubble burst in 2007, plunging the global economy into a recession, we faced significant obstacles. Many of our clients tightened their budgets and postponed projects.

However, rather than retreating, we chose to confront the situation head-on. Despite the economic downturn, we assured our customers that we were still there for them. We optimized our operations, introduced cost-effective solutions, and redoubled our efforts to exceed their expectations. Our commitment to providing value and support during this difficult period helped us weather the storm and emerge even stronger.

Similarly, in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, we once again reassured our customers that we were here to support them. As businesses shuttered and events were canceled, we pivoted quickly to meet the changing needs of our clients and the market. We embraced remote work, expanded our online presence, and diversified our product offerings to include essential items. Throughout it all, our customers knew they could count on us to provide solutions and support, no matter the circumstances.

These experiences have reinforced our belief in the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community support. We take pride in the assurance we offer our customers—that no matter the challenges we face, BK Enterprises will always be there to support them and help them navigate through difficult times.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Certainly! Back when I was working for a company before starting my own business, there came a moment when I decided to part ways with the industry altogether. As I prepared to bid farewell to my current clients, I received quite a shock: I learned that my employer wasn’t speaking too kindly of me behind my back. It was a disheartening revelation, to say the least, and I found myself facing a mixture of emotions—disappointment, frustration, and perhaps a hint of uncertainty about what lay ahead.

However, amidst this unexpected turn of events, there was a shining beacon of hope. One of my biggest clients at the time, despite hearing the less-than-flattering remarks about me, expressed their unwavering desire to continue working with me, regardless of my employment status. This gesture of loyalty and trust touched me deeply and served as a powerful reminder of the relationships I had cultivated over the years.

In that moment, I felt a surge of determination and resolve. Despite the odds being stacked against me, I saw an opportunity to turn this setback into something positive. With the support and encouragement of this loyal client, I made the bold decision to take a leap of faith and start my own business.

The journey wasn’t easy, and there were undoubtedly moments of doubt and uncertainty along the way. But that initial vote of confidence from my client served as a guiding light, propelling me forward and giving me the courage to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams.

Looking back on that pivotal moment, I’m filled with gratitude for the client who believed in me when others didn’t. Their faith in my abilities gave me the strength to overcome obstacles and build a successful business from the ground up. It’s a testament to the power of relationships, resilience, and seizing opportunities even in the face of adversity. And to this day, I’m proud to say that client remains one of my most valued partners, a reminder of the journey that led me to where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bkenterprises.com/