AIA Magnum
Owner: Frank Mathison
KW: Tell us about your business.
FM: We are a promotional products business. We help you get your name out. We use hard advertising like pens, paper, etc. so businesses can give gifts to their clients. This helps them remind people where they are and how they got it. We have been in business for 45 years.
KW: Who is your target customer?
FM: Agriculture. Farmers need to wear hats on the tractors, so most of my business is selling to fertilizer dealers - especially hats with logos on them. We also do calendars, jackets, and other items. They are thank you gifts as much as they are reminder gifts...
KW: What has been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business?
FM: We moved to Spokane one and a half years ago. For the first few months, I was able to go out and establish new customers. When Covid hit, we couldn’t walk in to see somebody. I do not have as much of an email or web presence.
KW: What are one or two actions you’ve taken to make a difference?
FM: Right now I’m working on a project that I haven’t done before. I’m putting a small package together for RV dealers to give to their clients. I have a can of wd-40 that has 6 yards of duct tape attached to the bottom of the can. There is also a screwdriver called a tip–click with several unique configurations. This tool contains 6-7 tools within it. And a thumb-drive that has 45 different uses for wd-40. These will be added to the package.
KW: What is a mistake you’ve made along the way that other people can learn from?
FM: After I took over AIA Magnum, I used subcontractor printers for my supplies. Those printers decided to call up my customers and take them away, so I bought a screen printer and put it in my garage. I taught my sons and myself how to screen print. They learned the machine, so I was able to go out and do sales and marketing. I took over that area of the business so I was no longer the middle man and didn’t need to use subcontractors. We did tremendous business out of our garage.
KW: What is inspiring to you today?
SD: With all the things going on, especially with our country’s changes, my wife is a very positive person. I have a daughter in Sandpoint that is very focused and solid. I enjoy being with her family because she doesn’t let things get her down. And the church because they know who’s in control.
OFFER: Mention this newsletter and we will waive the setup charge for first-time customers (up to $70 value).
AIA Magnum
Owner: Frank Mathison
509-531-1234
www.aiamagnum.com
By Kendra Wiiest