A ‘unified culture’

Brandito hasn’t let rapid growth change its core business. Revenue at the Richmond-based promotional products company grew 268.53% from 2014 to 2017, making it the sole retail/wholesale business on the 2019 Fantastic 50 list.

“We stick to what we do well,” says owner Michael Lovern. “We have a unified culture and people that truly like working together.”

Brandito sells thousands of promotional items such as T-shirts and drinkware. The company, which has 17 employees, works with a core group of 50 suppliers. Customers range from startups to Fortune 100 corporations.

Apparel consistently is the biggest segment of Brandito’s business. “We are seeing the retail world shift more into our industry. It’s going to mainstream brands such as Nike, Under Armour and Patagonia more than private label. As that trend has grown, interest has grown,” he says. “More times than not, people will come in asking for mainstream brands.”

The company’s biggest growth is coming from its warehousing and fulfillment segment. “A lot of what we do is warehousing and shipping for companies,” Lovern says, noting the company just opened its second facility in Richmond, adjacent to its first location. “We needed additional warehouse and office space. That will help us continue to grow our fulfillment business.”

Many of Lovern’s customers are sending gifts or promotional items to their own customers. That trend represents an opportunity for Brandito. “We take them through the whole process,” Lovern says. “We box the item, insert a card and ship it to their customer.”