S2K Graphics Closes Readerboard Graphics Sale with McDonald’s Nashville Market

S2K Graphics, a division of The Franke Group, officially debuted its Readerboard Graphic product with new features, including brighter and bolder graphics, and improved durability, placing more than 60 units into McDonald’s Nashville restaurants.

S2K Graphics founder and owner, Dan Pulos, created the bright and colorful Readerboard Graphics as an alternative to traditional readerboards with black tile letters to help clients capitalize on P.O.P. opportunities.

“Readerboards provide quick-service restaurants with the highest communication impact for their brick-and-mortar locations,” Pulos said. “They increase visibility of in-store promotions, drawing in street traffic, which can equal thousands of impressions every day. After testing our product at various national locations, results have shown that our use of bright and colorful graphics lifted product sales by 50 percent in the locations we tested. Additionally, the product had a payback in less than a week during testing, increasing sales and restaurant guest counts.”

The purchase, which accounts for more than 60 percent of the McDonald’s market in Nashville, came on the heels of the successful, recent wind tunnel testing to assess durability and shape retention qualities under extreme weather conditions. After testing the graphics in 90 mph high-speed winds in 30-, 60- and 90-degree angles, the results established that the graphics passed the durability test and did not detach under these conditions.

S2K Graphics’ Readerboard Graphics have specially formulated materials designed to fit easily in existing readerboard systems and withstand the rigors of hostile outdoor environments 15-20 feet in the air. They are cost-efficient, easy to install, and can be customized with any promotional offer or product feature.

S2K Graphics’ Dimensional Window Graphics Sustain 90 MPH Winds

S2K Graphics, an affiliate of Franke Group, recently tested its Dimensional Window Graphics in a San Diego-based low-speed wind tunnel off of Pacific Coast Highway to assess durability and shape retention qualities when faced with wind and extreme weather conditions.

In order to evaluate the Window Graphics’ performance in these conditions, the S2K Graphics team performed two sets of testing at speeds of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 mph, with rotations at 30-, 60- and 90-degree angles. The first set of testing included a pre-mounted graphic, a standard mount that one of S2K Graphics’ professional installers would have installed. The second replicated a “Dirty Install,” recreating an installation that would most likely have been done by a customer, instead of professional installer. Each test was four to six minutes long, at temperatures of 70-74 degrees.

The graphics were pre-mounted on an acrylic base with similar adhesion qualities to glass windows, and were then attached using S2K Graphics’ standard decals and tapes that are sent to clients, with no manipulations made.

The results from both set of tests showed that S2K Graphics’ Dimensional Window Graphics can successfully withstand winds up to 90 mph without damage, highlighting the product’s durability and tolerance to non-desirable and windy weather conditions.

“While conducting the wind tunnel testing, I was amazed by both the durability and resilience of the 3-D graphics,” says Brandon Ledford, S2K Graphics’ operations manager. “After exposing the graphics to high winds, they sustained no damage and also successfully returned to their 3-D shape after completion.”

The patent-pending Dimensional Window Graphics are printed on 2 mm Coroplast — a high-quality, printable surface with excellent adhesion quality and waterproof, stain resistant qualities. The graphics can be used in conjunction with S2K Graphics’ Window Wrap Program — available in one-size-fits-all, multi-size and custom — and have been designed for easy installation and removal, are cost-effective, and have been proven to produce a 23.6 percent increase in sales over standard decals.

S2K Graphics wins Best in Category for P.O.P. Materials at Print Excellence Awards

S2K Graphics, an affiliate of Franke Group, was recognized by the Printing Industries Association of Southern California (PIASC) at its annual Print Excellence Awards ceremony held on April 7, 2017.

S2K Graphics was awarded Best of Category in the Point-of-Purchase Materials category for its patented dimensional offset system, which transforms standard, flat graphics into 3-D designs by providing layered dimensionality to promotional displays.

“We’re quite pleased to receive this award from PIASC,” says Dan Pulos, founder and general manager of S2K Graphics. “Daily, we strive to create innovative P.O.P. offerings that disrupt the marketplace, and our dimensional offset system is a testament to the success of our efforts. The entire team at S2K Graphics extends their gratitude for the recognition.”

The Print Excellence Awards competition accepts nominations from all graphic art firms — printers, finishers/binderies, brokers, graphic designers, ad agencies and in-plant operations — located within the service area of PIASC. The judging is done anonymously, and the panel is comprised of a team of distinguished professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the graphic arts industry.

Judges considered the quality of printing, degree of difficulty, technical expertise, and overall visual appearance of submissions in a variety of categories, including books, digital printing, invitations and programs, presentation folders, magazines, point-of-purchase materials, and beyond.

The dimensional offset system serves a variety of S2K Graphics’ clients and national quick-service restaurant (QSR) accounts, such as McDonald’s, and was first unveiled at the McDonald’s 2016 Worldwide Convention in Orlando, Florida. With custom instructional patterns and graphic snaps to ensure a proper alignment during assembly, the displays are outdoor durable, affordable and easy to assemble.

S2K Graphics Upgrades Tennessee Facility with Jeti Titan Printers from Agfa Graphics

S2K Graphics, an affiliate of Franke Group, and a nationally recognized leader in point-of-purchase (P.O.P.) merchandising, has outfitted its Tennessee facility with two Jeti Titan HS UV Flatbed Printers from Agfa Graphics. It will be replacing two older devices in order to deliver customers with a higher-quality experience from product manufacturing to delivery time.

“The new equipment increases our capabilities to produce and ship our products faster, reducing our customers' transit time and freight costs, and has tripled our overall capacity,” said Dan Pulos, S2K Graphics’ founder and general manager. “It has allowed us to efficiently increase production on a wide range of products from our window graphics and floor graphics to our banners, posters and displays.”

The determining factors in choosing Agfa printers included its true-flatbed platform, print quality, ease of operations and productivity.

“The Jeti Titan printers were the clear choice when we took into account its robust steel frame design that provides 24/7 print capability,” said Philip Garcia, director of operations at S2K Graphics. “Additionally, the flatbed design also allows for optimum registration and repeatability for double-sided print jobs, while its UV inks can deliver six colors, plus white in a single pass. The flexibility and dependability are unparalleled.”

As S2K Graphics continues to acquire business from new industries and territories, upgraded technology and equipment will complement the company’s efforts to introduce new, innovative products that disrupt the marketplace and drive higher client return on investment (ROI) in P.O.P.

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S2K Graphics Announces Team Expansion

S2K Graphics, an affiliate of Franke Group, has announced Kim Castano as its marketing specialist. In this role, Castano will be responsible for developing and driving social media content for its various platforms, working collaboratively with the sales team to develop marketing collateral and ensuring that the graphics company maintains consistency in its branding as an industry leader.

Castano has accumulated a well-rounded portfolio of marketing and business experience cultivated through her education from California State University, Los Angeles — where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration — and her previous marketing roles in the fashion, health and wellness, financial tech, and legal industries. Her ability to navigate a variety of niche industry needs from a marketing perspective make her a valuable addition to the S2K Graphics team.

“Kim’s passion for identifying new strategies and her eye for detail have been immensely valuable in our marketing efforts,” says Dan Pulos, founder and general manager of S2K Graphics. “Her motivation to continue to grow as a marketing professional — bringing new ideas to the conversation — has brought a fresh perspective, and we’re pleased to have Kim on board.”

In addition to her day-to-day tasks, Castano will also aid in developing short- and long-term marketing strategies to complement S2K’s planned expansion into new territories as the company continues to grow locally and nationally. “I was immediately drawn to S2K after my first interview with Dan,” Castano says. “The company has a family feel, and with that, a real dedication to working together to produce high-quality products that are innovative and game-changing in the industry.”

The company also announced Leah Barash as its new senior account executive. In this capacity, Barash will focus on national sales of the company’s innovative merchandising solutions, creative design, manufacturing and fulfillment services.

Barash’s expertise extends from a sales professional background with nearly two decades of well-rounded, comprehensive agency, corporate and vendor experience.

“I feel so lucky to have been given such an amazing opportunity to work with S2K Graphics to help them achieve further success,” says Barash. “They have impressive client retention, and everyone at the company has been here for 10 to 20 years or more, which is indicative of a strong, cohesive team.  All the stars have aligned for me in this role. The people and my boss are fantastic, and their products are top notch and innovative.”

Barash will work on generating business from new industries and territories as S2K continues its growth and expansion.  Barash will focus on the introduction of S2K’s new, innovative products that disrupt the marketplace and drive higher client return on investment (ROI) in P.O.P.

“Leah is a capable, qualified and amiable professional whose demeanor, passion for sales and successful long-standing partnerships caught my attention immediately,” says Pulos. “The entire staff at S2K Graphics enthusiastically welcomes her to our team and I look forward to all she will accomplish with us.”

Barash credits her skill for relationship development to her upbringing as an “Army brat.” The daughter of a US Army Attache, Barash and her family lived in Bangkok, Thailand during her childhood and moved around regularly. The constant introduction to new cultures and types of personalities shaped her ability to relate to a variety of clients and identification of their unique and specific needs.

S2K Graphics Introduces POP System

S2K Graphics, a renowned leader in point-of-purchase (P.O.P.) design and print innovations, announces its new readerboard graphic system for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.

S2K Graphics’ new, one-of-a-kind P.O.P. innovation works with existing readerboards to provide eye-catching graphics for seasonal promotions. Patent-pending, the readerboard system enables QSRs to display promotional graphics alongside traditional readerboard text. 

Low cost, easy to install and durable enough for all weather conditions, S2K Graphics’ new readerboard graphic system can be customized with any promotional offer or product feature. The systems come printed with customizable, full-color graphics that are equipped with pre-mounted fasteners to affix the P.O.P. to the readerboard displays. The new readerboard graphic system is easy to mount and is built to fit most existing readerboard styles on the market to date.

“Readerboards provide QSRs with the highest communication impact for their brick-and-mortar locations. They increase the visibility of in-store promotions, drawing in street traffic, which can equal thousands of impressions everyday,” said Dan Pulos, S2K Graphics’ founder and president. “We’re are excited to bring this innovative graphic system to our customers and expand on the critical marketing opportunities readerboards provide.”

S2K Graphics’ new readerboard graphic system has been tested through a pilot program at McDonald’s locations throughout Houston, Nashville and Los Angeles. Upon installation, the test data from this analysis showed a collective 50-percent increase in unit movement for McDonald’s featured promotional product. With plants in Los Angeles and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as a sales presence in New York, Illinois and California, S2K Graphics’ readerboard graphic system is now available for purchase, and delivery and installation are available throughout the United States.

S2K Graphics Receives Prestigious Point-of-Purchase Industry Honor

S2K Graphics, a Franke company and leader in point-of-purchase (POP) design and print innovation, was nationally recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a “Top 50 P.O.P. Company” by Creative Magazine in the publication’s 2016 list. A bimonthly outlet targeted to sales and marketing executives, Creative Magazine has stated that the Top 50 P.O.P. list in the publication’s May edition is its most important feature of the year.

To qualify for this recognition, S2K Graphics, known for manufacturing unique merchandising elements for Fortune 100 companies, had to prove its market share. Prompted by Creative Magazine to complete a corporate background check and demonstrate that the company meets or exceeds the publication’s criteria, S2K Graphics submitted its company profile, total number of employees and its 2015 P.O.P. sales volume.

“We are extremely proud and honored to be recognized by Creative Magazine for the fourth year in a row,” said S2K Graphics’ founder and president, Dan Pulos. “S2K Graphics started in humble beginnings as a small sign shop and I’m still in awe of how far we come. This is a huge honor and the print industry has our full commitment to continue to bring top-of-the-line print innovations to market.”

With plants in Los Angeles and Nashville, TN, as well as a sales presence in New York, Illinois and California, S2K Graphics has charted new territory in its P.O.P. research and development. These innovations include the company’s newly patented dimensional offset systems, which transform 2-D graphics into 3-D, disruptive P.O.P. designs — providing layered, eye-catching aesthetics to promotional displays.

S2K Graphics produces a variety of P.O.P. displays for national accounts, such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper and other market-leading brands, and is one of only seven California companies to crack Creative Magazine’s Top 50 list this year.