S2K Graphics recognized by Printing Impressions

P.O.P. merchandiser featured in printing publication’s 2017 list of top 400 printers in the U.S. and Canada

S2K Graphics, a division of the Franke Group and a nationally recognized leader in point-of-purchase (P.O.P.) merchandising, was recognized for the second consecutive year as a top printer in the U.S. and Canada by Printing Impressions, a media outlet that provides resources for the printing industry.

In order to be recognized, S2K Graphics submitted its company profile, annual sales, percentage change in sales and primary product specialties. Ranked #27 among California printing companies, with a total of 400 U.S. and Canadian companies on the list, S2K Graphics moved up 31 places in the overall rankings compared to its 2016 position as a result of its market expansion and product innovations.

“We are extremely honored to be included in the Printing Impressions 400 Printers list for the second year in a row,” said Dan Pulos, General Manager  and founder of S2K Graphics. “It is gratifying to see our company continue to grow in sales, and we are excited about our momentnum as we head into  2018.”

Pulos launched the company in 1989 as a one-person, entrepreneurial startup in Los Angeles, California, with a five-year business plan and a vision of the corporate culture he wanted to create. After 18 years of growth, largely in the western U.S., Pulos sold the company to Franke Group, a global enterprise based in Switzerland, in an effort to scale the business nationally. When sales doubled, a second plant in Nashville  was opened, and S2K Graphics benefited from exposure to Franke’s business discipline and best practices. Now, with sales presence in Los Angeles,  Chicago, Nashville and San Francisco, S2K Graphics continues to chart new territory in  P.O.P. innovation.

Printing Impressions strives to highlight industry trends, emerging technologies and the latest news in the graphic arts industry while also focusing on commercial print.  

For Printing Impression’s full 2017 list of the top 400 printers, visit http://www.piworld.com. To learn more about S2K Graphics and its innovative products, please visit http://www.s2kgraphics.com.  

S2K Graphics Signs on as Exclusive POP Partner for Andy’s Frozen Custard

S2K Graphics was recently selected by Andy’s Frozen Custard as the chain’s exclusive POP partner as the franchise continues to expand into new regions.

Andy’s Frozen Custard—the largest privately owned frozen-custard-only QSR-plus in the country—recently opened its 55th store and plans on opening one to two stores per month over the course of the next year. The popular custard chain is well known for providing a quality product, excellent customer service and community involvement. Most importantly, the franchise is committed to making sure that its valued customers have the same memories and experiences no matter which location they attend.

“We were looking for a communicative partner who could not only keep up with our demand as a rapidly growing company, but also help us with both short- and long-term needs,” said Stevie Stryker, southern region marketing specialist for Andy’s Frozen Custard. “For us it was important to choose a company that could not only provide us POP materials that stay true to our standard signage but also offer us flexibility and innovative options as we continue to grow. We’re thrilled to be working with S2K Graphics as they help us convey our messaging throughout our stores.”

Stryker reached out to S2K Graphics after research led her to a press release announcing S2K Graphics’ inclusion in Creative Magazine’s “Top 50 POP Companies” list. After the initial call—in which S2K Graphics shared information about its quality, affordability and expertise with large national chains—S2K Graphics sent Andy’s Frozen Custard a sample poster and lawn sign, and paperwork was signed.

“The quality of our products ultimately brought this exciting partnership to fruition,” said Dan Pulos, founder and president of S2K Graphics. “We’re so pleased to begin this journey with Andy’s Frozen Custard, outfitting their new stores with eye-catching POP elements to communicate their seasonal promotional messages. On a related note, the last time I was in Nashville to visit our production facility, I traveled an hour outside of the city to a local Andy’s Frozen Custard and I have to say it was hands down the best dessert I’d had all year.  I’m a big fan!”

In September, S2K Graphics shipped out its first batch of POP to the chain, aiding them in the opening of three new locations. 

Published on: http://www.popin.net/s2k-graphics-partners-andys-frozen-custard/

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 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.