McKinley Advertising Company | Promotional Products & Apparel

Case Study: Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time

Sep 6

Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time Organization High School Product Featured Spray Hand Sanitizer Goal of Promotion To promote good health for the winter season Description of Cas...

Case Study: Too Hot to Jot

Aug 30

Objective: Department managers wanted their new employees to have an easy way to take notes during the onboarding process. They wanted to incorporate company branding to keep their image consiste...

Case Study: Brighten Their Day

Jul 17

A realtor wanted to give a thank-you gift to those who purchased a new home with them. They chose the LED Carbon Fiber Aluminum Flashlight. They printed their logo along with the tagline, "We will ...

Case Study: Resort Incentive Yields Oceans of Opportunity

Jul 10

A five-star resort that frequently hosts corporate events for Fortune 500 companies wanted to reach out to corporate guests to entice them to return for family vacations. The goal was for the guest...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Jul 2

Description: 4" Mini Plush Buddies Frog with Shirt Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A community college was looking for a giveaway item to have at their booth for the upcoming colle...

A Case Study in Promo: A Medieval Dinner Theater Chain

Jun 25

Romanticizing medieval European life, particularly medieval fantasy life, has a distinctly modern allure. Americans especially have a deep affinity for medieval culture, evident not only in our med...

Promotional Power: Engaging Visitors at Zoos and Aquariums

May 4

When it comes to spreading awareness and engaging visitors, zoos and aquariums have a wild advantage: their loveable animal ambassadors and awe-inspiring exhibits. But there's another secret weapon...

Case Study: Let Them Eat Cake!

Apr 5

Objective A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry. But they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Pro...

Case Study: What Does Your Phone Stand For?

Mar 21

Product: Phone Stand Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A local financial institution needed a giveaway item for current and potential clients. It had to be useful to keep their name ...

Industry Mini Dive: Legal Industry

Feb 27

Is your law firm or legal aid service in need of promotional items to distribute to your clients? No matter the specialty - corporate, family, real estate, or tax law - all legal professionals c...

Case Study: Zip It Up

Nov 30, 2025

Description: Hit Sports Pack with Front Zipper Industry: Broadcast Media/Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A cellular provider needed giveaways for an event at a major university. How ...

Industry Mini Dive: Bars & Restaurants

Nov 8, 2025

The bar and restaurant industry is a thriving and competitive field that caters to a wide range of customers looking for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a mea...

Industry Mini Dive: The Trucking Industry

Oct 31, 2025

The trucking industry is an essential part of the economy, transporting goods across the country and keeping businesses running smoothly. With such an important role, it's crucial for trucking comp...

Industry Mini Dive: National Parks

Oct 24, 2025

The promotional products industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that plays a crucial role in marketing and advertising for businesses of all sizes. From pens and tote bags to water bottles and...

Case Study: Time for a Rebrand

Oct 1, 2025

Objective: A university had just completed a major rebrand complete with a new logo and wanted to make sure they had all the necessary branded items for functions throughout the year. They had prev...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Aug 3, 2025

Objective: A large photography studio wanted a better welcome kit for their wedding clients than just a few loose flyers. Product: Mini Horizontal Pocket Folder Personalization: The photography s...

Case Study: Thank You for Spooning

Jul 27, 2025

Description: 12 Oz. Spooner Mug Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Publishing What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. How...

Case Study: Shine Bright

Jul 12, 2025

Description: Sunglasses and Sunglass Case Industry: Food Beverage What it was purchased for: Summer is a big opportunity for coffee chains to sell frozen drinks. Part of an employee reward durin...

Case Study: Pull Up a Chair and Stay Awhile

Jul 5, 2025

Description: Foldable Chair Industry: Education/Sports What it was purchased for: A high school wanted to purchase an item they could resell to the parents in the spirit shop for fundraising doll...

Case Study: Adventure Awaits

Jun 14, 2025

An event promoter was compiling a gift box for top-tier ticket holders for a large-scale national summer concert tour. The Koozie® Adventure Dry Sack 10L was a natural fit for the outdoor lifestyle...

Industry Deep Dive: Salons & Spas

May 16, 2025

Salons and spas are part of a booming industry that continues to grow yearly as the demand for beauty and wellness services is at an all-time high. From haircuts and manicures to massages and facia...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

Mar 20, 2025

The "Golden Lanyard" to Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic Organization: Health Care Organization Product Featured: Cotton Water Bottle Strap Goal of Promotion: Driving Traffic to Trade ...

Case Study: Plastics Make it Possible

Jan 21, 2025

Description: Oasis Recycled Bottle Pen Industry: Chemicals What it was purchased for: Trade Show Giveaways How it was distributed: A chemical company needed something to give away at a tradeshow...

Case Study: Travel Industry

Jan 14, 2025

The travel industry is packed full of niche places to introduce promotional products. From places to stay to things to do, if you're part of this industry, there are so many opportunities for brand...

Case Study: Bake in Business

Dec 24, 2024

Description: Set of 4 Measuring Cups Industry: Hospitality / Tourism What it was purchased for: A casino in the Milwaukee area wanted to spice up a "normal giveaway" with a theme. They had come t...

Case Study: You Can Count on Us

Nov 25, 2024

The marketing department for a regional credit union was considering a custom writing instrument from overseas as part of a re-branding campaign. However, supply chain disruptions due to Coronavi...

Case Study: Yes, We Can!

Nov 18, 2024

Description: Kan-Tastic Industry: Food Beverage What it was purchased for: Fast-food chain giveaway for college football night. How it was distributed: The vendor handed the Kan-Tastic out at...

Case Study: A Race to Remember

Nov 11, 2024

Item: Sport Bottle with Metallic Ring - 28 oz. Purpose: Race day giveaway Audience: Breast cancer survivors and race participants A regional race supporting breast cancer research added an initi...

Case Study: A Shoe-In

Nov 4, 2024

Golf Mesh Shoe Bag for Association Tournaments A national golf association wanted a giveaway item for golfers in weekend tournaments and high school students considering golf at the collegiate lev...

Case Study: YUKON 17 oz. Double Wall Party Cup for the Sustainability Win

Oct 27, 2024

Surf-inspired activewear brands like ROXY® are stoked with our YUKON design-fondly known as The Party Cup™. It's double-wall insulated, so it keeps refreshments cool on the beach while the talent...

Case Study: Keep it Sweet

Oct 13, 2024

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Employee Appreciation Promotion: A nationally known hotel chain gifted their staff the Everyday Sweet and Savory Gourmet Carry Caddy for Employee Appreci...

Case Study: Bear With Us

Sep 21, 2024

Description: Plush Big Paw Bear with Shirt Industry: Financial Services / Banking What it was purchased for: A bank chain needed a product for tellers to hand out to new account members. How it ...

Case Study: The Write Stuff

Sep 14, 2024

Description: Rumba Pen Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: An automotive supplier wanted to make their name visible in automotive stores around the country. How it was distributed: P...

Case Study: Jamming Out

Aug 31, 2024

A shopping mall was holding a summer promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex were given a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for st...

Case Study: Life of the Mardi

Jul 26, 2024

Market: Hospitality Objective: With their event scheduled close to Mardi Gras, event planners wanted to provide a themed goodie package for attendees with giveaways from event sponsors. They wan...

Case Study: Masks and Casks

Jun 12, 2024

When a distillery was launching a new line of spirits, they collaborated with a large chain of liquor stores to promote their new products. The stores gave all employees PrevaGuard™ Face Masks impr...

Case Study: Calendar Puns are Week

Jun 5, 2024

Objective: A real estate agent wanted a useful promotional item to boost her personal branding and promote her services while staying top of mind all year round. Product: Desk Calendar with 4-Co...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

May 29, 2024

Portability and permanence are among the desirable traits sought in an effective promotional product. A company was looking for a unique self-promotion that incorporated these elements and decided ...

Case Study: Rock out on the Run

May 7, 2024

Description: Earbuds With a Wristband Industry: Marathon What it was purchased for: A sponsor was looking for an item or items that runners/walkers could be given at the race that they could use ...

Cheers! Let’s Sell More Beer!

Feb 18, 2024

Description: Custom Wave Table Tent Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sale...

Case Study: Financial Industry

Feb 10, 2024

Products Javalina® Classic Pen Industry Financial Application Direct Mail A local bank wanted to increase awareness of its low mortgage rates and decided to do a direct mailing to...

Case Study: Guess the Flavor Lip Balm

Feb 3, 2024

Guess the Flavor Lip Balm Organization Health Insurance Organization Product Featured Lip Balm Lip Balm Sleeve Goal of Promotion Generating positive reinforcement with sales reps ...

Case Study: A Flavorful Promotion

Nov 6, 2023

A Flavorful Promotion Boosts This Credit Union's Popularity Organization: Credit Union Product Featured: Lip Balm Goal of Promotion: Generate New Loans Description of Case History: This c...

Case Study: Don't Run from this Promo!

Oct 14, 2023

Description: Running Belt Fanny Pack Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: A nationwide gym chain was looking for an item to give away with the purchase of yearly memberships....

Case Study: Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard

Aug 2, 2023

Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard Organization Insurance Company Product Featured Reflective Lanyard Goal of Promotion Promoting safety on Halloween Description of Cas...

Case Study: Welcome New Hires!

Jul 25, 2023

Objective A small business owner wanted an easy way to present important paperwork to new employees to help them stay organized in their first few months with the company. They wanted to instill p...

Case Study: Put That on Your Calendar!

Jul 11, 2023

Objective: A local insurance agent wanted a way to connect with her customers and capture new leads with a useful promotional item that would also boost her personal branding and promote her serv...

Case Study: Sign the Deal

Jun 18, 2023

In the fall, a car dealership introduced a new model and promoted it to potential customers. The car dealer purchased a mailing list and merged it with its own database. The Ranger Stylus Sati...

Case Study: Keeping it All Together

Jun 11, 2023

Objective: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized. Product: Insurance Document Pouch Ful...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

Jun 4, 2023

Market: Finance Product Use: Employee Recognition Promotion: A wealth management firm selected the Samsonite Executive Computer Backpack as an employee recognition gift. At the company's year-e...

Case Study: Make a Spectacle

May 20, 2023

Description: Rubberized Sunglasses Industry: Broadcast Media / Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A vampire-based television show hosted blood drives at outdoor events. These were given...

Case Study: 3D is the Key

May 13, 2023

A company was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo that communicated the anniversary as well as the range of p...

Case Study: Custom Caps with a Budget Cap

May 5, 2023

Description: Custom Cap Industry: Trade Show/Convention/Events What it was purchased for: A major national racing event was looking for giveaways to hand out to folks in suites and VIP sponsors. ...

Case Study: This Promotional Product is in the Bag

Apr 28, 2023

Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a stock desi...

Case Study: Look, Ma, No Hands!

Apr 6, 2023

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their bud...

Case Study: Improve Sales and Traffic

Mar 30, 2023

A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their n...

Case Study: Stick to the Schedule

Feb 15, 2023

Industry: Hospitality Personalization: A small sandwich shop wanted to increase their business during lunch hour. Their target market was people who worked near their restaurant. Method of Distri...

Case Study: Back in Business

Feb 8, 2023

A behavioral health practice was preparing to reopen when shelter-in-place orders were lifted. However, they needed a way to communicate the enhanced safety protocols they put in place to patients ...

Case Study: A Getaway Promotion

Jan 25, 2023

A resort wanted to make sure guests felt safe as they reopened after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted. At check-in, they chose to provide each guest with a Fold-Up Cinch Corner Tote to ke...

Case Study: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Jan 18, 2023

Market: Real Estate Product Use: Incentive Gift Promotion: A high-end resort selected the Atlantis Mesh Beach Tote as an incentive gift for the visitors who attended their timeshare presentatio...

Case Study: Go Green or Go Home

Jan 11, 2023

Item: goingreen™ Stapled Appointment Calendar Purpose: Promote awareness of recycling programs and provide recycling information to the community Audience: Residents of the company's service ar...

Case Study: Attract New Customers

Dec 27, 2022

As part of their new corporate wellness program, the company wanted to stress the importance of healthy nutrition to its employees. Along with literature, discount memberships at a local health clu...

Case Study: Info in a Flash

Dec 4, 2022

Item: 8GB Custom USB 2.0 Flash Drive Purpose: Provide information about the school and programs Audience: Students and prospective students A community college was looking for a unique way to...

Case Study: The Write Way

Nov 26, 2022

Item: WideBody® Message Pen Purpose: Inform people about range of services Audience: Clients and general public A chiropractic office wanted to inform clients and others about their range of ...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

Nov 11, 2022

Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The w...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Oct 20, 2022

Market: School Objective: A school's athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The schoo...

Case Study: Take a Map!

Aug 26, 2022

Objective: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors. The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been o...

Case Study: Piece of Cake

Jul 26, 2022

Objective: A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry, but they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Produc...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Jun 25, 2022

Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The bank ...

Case Study: Health & Wellness Spas

Nov 23, 2021

Products Javalina Jewel® Pen Industry Health Wellness Spas Application Future Visits A day spa wanted to ensure that its guests always received the royal treatment. To encourage fee...

Case Study: Sometimes You Just Need to Vent

Oct 23, 2021

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their b...

Case Study: A

Sep 22, 2021

Organization Tanning Salon Product Featured Polyester Lanyard Goal of Promotion To create new clients for salon Description of Case History A tanning salon wanted a creative way to give ou...

Case Study: Happy to Hang Around

Jul 22, 2021

Description: Standard Door Hangers Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: A collision center wanted to increase the number of customer satisfaction survey responses and boost online appo...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Promotions

Mar 21, 2021

Description: Custom Wave Cap Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: The client was looking for a signature cap that would be unique, high-quality, and something that the recipient wo...

Case Study: The Big Picture

Jan 21, 2021

Description: Coupon Photo Folder Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repea...

Case Study: A Cheese-y Promotion

Nov 21, 2020

Objective: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repeat business. Product: Coupon Gatefold Photo Folder Personalization: R...

Case Study: A Hole in One Promotion

Jul 19, 2020

Product: Jumbo Cooler Bag Industry: Agriculture What it was purchased for: These bags were given out to participants in a company golf tournament. How it was distributed: All participants receiv...

Case Study: Charity Fundraiser

Dec 18, 2019

The organizer of a charity fundraiser wanted to add an element of fun and excitement to their door prize giveaways. As each guest arrived, they were given a Mardi Gras Jubilee pen and instructions ...

Case Study: Fun in the Sun

Nov 17, 2019

Product: Two-Tone Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Sports What it was purchased for: A major sports team was having difficulty keeping attendance up at weeknight games. They came up with the idea of d...

Case Study: A Prom Ticket Keepsake

Sep 17, 2019

A Prom Ticket Keepsake Organization High School Product Featured Neoprene Bracelet Goal of Promotion Issuing prom tickets ...