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 Releases Exclusive New Window Decal Formulation

S2K Graphics, an affiliate of Franke Group and a nationally recognized leader in point-of-purchase merchandising, has released its newest exclusive product offering, R-N-B (repositionable, no bubbles)— a special window decal formulation created by S2K Graphics founder and president, Dan Pulos. The new window graphic material, which is patent pending, became available in August, and multiple orders for the product have already been received.

Setting itself apart from other graphic materials, R-N-B was formulated to combat typical window graphic installation challenges. Whereas traditional window graphics often require two people to properly install them, R-N-B was developed so that retailers need not rely on professional or experienced installation teams to properly apply oversized promotional graphics. A typical 4-foot-high R-N-B decal can be applied by one person without the use of a squeegee and produce a professional result with no air bubbles and no creases.

Pulos said that the product has been a dream of his for many years.

“I’ve had the idea for about five years now and have been actively searching for a graphic film that would do what I had in mind,” Pulos said. “After extensive research, it was determined that the product didn’t exist, so I created my own special formulation, which is custom made for us and only available through S2K Graphics. My goal was to make window graphic installation fun! I wanted employees to fight over who gets to install the new graphics every time a new set arrives at the store. I believe we’ve achieved that with R-N-B. 

R-N-B is very forgiving with a built-in stiffness that allows a single person to apply, reposition and reapply graphics up to 5-foot-high without damaging the decals. Additionally, the product can be re-used if removed within 30 days of initial installation and properly stored for future re-use. The features increase the percentage of correct installations a multisite retailer should expect in the field. R-N-B prints are priced comparably to view-thru films, providing retailers with a high return on investment in both labor savings and field results.

Pulos said the inspiration for R-N-B came from the Colorforms kits that were popular toys in the 1960s and ’70s. These kits were comprised of multiple printed graphic pieces that could be easily repositioned using static cling technology to create multiple scenes or outfits for cartoon characters. Pulos envisioned creating a window graphic film that was just as much fun to work with and would allow virtually anyone to easily install graphics up to 5 feet tall. The product makes oversized graphic installations a low-risk, affordable reality for multisite retailers that would otherwise be dissuaded from tackling such a program.

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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 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 Brings A Fresh New Look to McDonald's Windows

'Create Your Taste' promotes fresh ingredients in restaurant windows.

“Is this really for McDonald’s?” one passerby asked as two installers worked on a window graphic promoting the chain’s new fresh ingredients and customizable sandwiches. S2K Graphics provided the signage, printed on an HP Scitex FB7600 onto Contra Vision Backlite perforated film, for two locations in the city.