Ahlers Designs mixes function and flair for memorable corporate gifts

When organizations like the Atlantic States Fishery Commission present unique gifts of distinction and appreciation, they turn to Pawtucket, Rhode Island artist Gail Ahlers, president of Ahlers Designs, for hand-crafted treasures. The Commission was so pleased with its first selection from Ahlers Designs Open Gift Collection, it returned the next year for a custom gift — 200 fish-shaped letter openers.

This original corporate gift was made of solid pewter with a brass blade, and was pack- aged in gift boxes. Ahlers is currently designing custom pins for the commission in solid 14k gold, sterling silver and bronze. She also recently designed a one-of-a- kind pewter and gold leaf platter for an event to honor the departing leader of the Pawtucket Foundation of Rhode Island.

“I pride myself on the ability to create custom corporate gifts that evoke the feeling, quality and reputation of the client,” Ahlers explained. “We design products, awards and gifts that are unique.We’re not a company that just puts a logo on a product, we offer gifts of distinction.” One of many such products, a metal business card case available with 160 original pewter emblems, was recognized by a local newspaper in its “Best of Rhode Island” issue.

“This is a great item for professional women,” Ahlers said. “It is ideal for networking because it has one side for cards to be given out, and another side for cards received. It’s incredibly practical and very elegant.” The card case is also available in the “Gem Collection,” featuring 12 designs encrusted with Swarovski Crystals.

HOT ITEMS

One of Ahlers’ exclusive designs was a clock created for an insurance company, which was given to agents and customers as a gift. Originally the company asked for 500 pieces, but quickly increased as the order to 3,000. The clock proved to be so popular with the company’s clients, that the fol- lowing year another 7,000 were ordered! “We still get calls and referrals from people who love that clock,” Ahlers said. Another of Ahlers’ items, the veritable clip magnet, is so popular that she has a Web site, clipmagnet.com, dedicated to it.

This year, the company is producing specially designed clip magnets for the Griddleton Open golf tournament in England. For last year’s tournament Ahlers created custom leather golf bag tags. Ahlers Designs is both flexible and versatile. Ahlers has filled orders as small as a single broach for a retiree, to orders as large as 24,000 paper- weights for a corporate client. While Ahlers Designs can handcraft just about anything, from steel sculptures to fish-shaped letter openers, the company has a ready-to-go line consisting of 12 products and 160 designs, all of which can be personalized to the specific client.

CUSTOMIZING THE CLIENTELE

Corporate clients are particularly drawn to Ahlers Designs because of its turnkey operations. “We provide solutions,” stated Ahlers. “We do every- thing from design and engraving, to printing and packaging, to assembly and delivery.” Ahlers Designs’ corporate clients include PepsiCo, Lotus and Raytheon, as well as companies in Japan, Bermuda and Italy.

Nonprofit groups, includ- ing Habitat for Humanity, have purchased customized frames, bookmarks and mirror compacts. Besides corporate gift operations, Ahlers Designs features two other divi- sions: a wholesale gift collection sold through catalogues and stores across the country, and a retail Web site (ahlersgifts.com) for individuals looking for an attractive and practical gift. Ahlers is no stranger to tight schedules. She recalls a client who needed 50 gifts for a fast approaching luncheon, but could not confirm the theme, message or budget.

Three days before the event, Ahlers presented a “spiral” clip magnet with a custom message card, which were placed into fetching gift boxes. The message was both inspirational and relevant to their “team building” luncheon, and the client was thrilled. “That was definitely short notice,” Ahlers laughed, adding, “But we do what it takes to meet our clients’ needs. Sometimes that means almost no turnaround time. The client reported back that her meeting was a success and her guests loved the fact that their gift was as beautiful as it was useful.”

MIXING ART AND BUSINESS

Ahlers’ career as a designer was launched in 1985 when she won a de- sign contest sponsored by DeBeers Diamonds. Shortly after, Ahlers established Ahlers Designs. Although the business was born in Ahlers’ basement, it is now located in a 2,000-square-foot design studio, just minutes from Providence. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, a town she called “so beautiful I just decided to stay!”

“Moving into our new studio in the Hope Artiste Village was something of an epiphany for me,”Ahlers said. “I had always thought of myself as an artist who just happened to run a business, but once we moved I saw myself as a businesswoman who is also an artist. While I love the creative end of the business, I am committed to growing sales volume and build- ing partnerships.” One partnership that has been beneficial for Ahlers Designs is with the Center for Women & Enterprise, which has offices in Providence, Boston and Worcester, Mass.

“We gained our WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) certification through CWE and its impact has been huge,”Ahlers stated, adding that her business is stronger because she now has a national client base in addition to a local and statewide clientele. “I think our clients not only like that we provide value as a woman- owned business, but that we can tailor each project to fit their taste, budg- et and schedule,” Ahlers explained. “Our products are memorable, high- quality, functional gifts that are smart and effective marketing tools, and we are proud to be an American manufacturer!”