I cannot believe how dry it is in Colorado. I cannot remember a spring with so little moisture here in the city and so little snowfall in the mountains.

The wildfires near Conifer this past week really hit home. Probably because it is not August, it is March. March is still ski season. March is the beginning of mud season in the mountains. We do not have wildfires in March. Well we did.

Our friends in the mountains are working hard already, being responsible land owners and cleaning up their property to help prevent major damage in the event of a fire.

We offer our prayers for those who lost their loved ones and their homes in the fire.

The sunniest state in the country has its benefits. Colorado enjoys 300+ days of sunshine every year which allows ample opportunity to recreate and enjoy the outdoors in the comfort in the warmth of the sun.

 

We love being outside.

 

In the image, spirit and visibility business, one of our values is enabling our customers to be seen and represent company, state and country well. The sun is a wonderful thing and it also has a major impact on our colorful flags we fly across Denver Front Range and the western US.

 

While we are outside basking in the sun and producing Vitamin D, our sun is fading our flags. Our double-ply polyester American flag is of the highest quality in material and construction, but unfortunately it is not resistant to UV raise and the sun's extreme effects.

 

We, at Custom Flag Company have one excellent in house service team and two very helpful remedies to the sun's wear on our American, Colorado, and logo flags.

• We combat the sun's effect by cleaning and repairing your flags
• Hanging new flags

 

Our service team accommodates hundreds of customers' flags throughout the Front Range on a monthly basis, bi-monthly, quarterly and bi-annually. If you see American flags that are fading in your community today, be thankful we live in a bright and sunny place and then feel free to refer your friends and businesses to Custom Flag Co for a bright, new flag tomorrow.

 

We care about your Red, White and Blue and we care about your image, call us today and we will take care of the rest, tomorrow...and in many cases we will do on the same day.

Wow!

It seems like so much is compressed between December 15 and January 15 and this year was no exception. Between Christmas, one kid out of school, one kid home from college. New Years, a softball trip to Phoenix, year-end paperwork, year-beginning paperwork, reflection of 2011, goal setting for 2012, sales forecasting, marketing plan, purging old files and the list goes on and on

I hope your holiday, New Year and the beginning of 2012 were wonderful.

 

Please accept my apology for the small break.

Custom Flag Company is participating in the 2011 FREE SHIPPING DAY!

Place your order tomorrow and we will ship your USA, State, Military Flags OR 6' residential rotating aluminum flagpoles FREE!

Free Shipping Day 2011
On Friday, December 16, more than 2,000 participating merchants will offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve in the contiguous United States.

Check out all the retailers participating!

http://www.freeshippingday.com/?site=customflagcompany

CALL TODAY to order your flags!

303-431-1117

The products we are shipping FREE:

USA Flags

 

State Flags

 

 

Military Flags

 

6' Residential Rotating Flagpoles

This program is just like wine of the month, fruit of the month, cookie of the month gift clubs but with FLAGS.

We have over 200 flags to choose from. United States flags, state flags, nation flags, sport team flags, novelty flags, historical flags including the ever so popular, Don't Tread on Me flag.

This club offers shipments of 3, 4, 6, 9 or 12. The more you purchase, the deeper the discount. Consider combining events like Father's Day, Fourth of July, Anniversary and other special gift giving opportunities into this one package.

You choose the months you would like the flags to be shipped and we will take care of the rest. We ship on the first business day of each month. The amazing part, shipping is INCLUED. No additional charges for shipping. That is a gift in itself.

Call today for more information or to set up a Flag of the Month gift.

December 7

Today is a somber date.

I think of it as my grandfather's generations September 11. It is the day the Pearl Harbor was attacked. So many men and women died that day. America changed by that secret attack. The United States got involved in World War II as a result of Pearl Harbor.

Today, fly your flag at half-staff. Remember those who died that day. Remember those who were injured that day. Remember our veterans who fought for us. And say a prayer that America will never be secretly attacked again.

This Iwo Jima Bronze statue looks nice and touches your heart at the same time.

It is heavy. It weighs almost four pounds. It stands tall at 7" without the flag and 15" tall with the flag. The base is 8.25" long by 3". It is finished in antique bronze and MADE IN THE USA.

This makes a very beautiful centerpiece or a wonderful gift for dad.

These are IN STOCK, call today.

We are a brick and mortar business. There are many flag companies that are not. We also have a huge warehouse and have acquired many flagpoles that have been used. We refurbish the flagpoles with new rope, ball, cleat, snap-hooks and snap hook covers.

The great thing about a used flagpole is the cost savings. You do not need to pay incoming freight. Also, they are in stock. You could come by and pick one up today. Yes, the flagpole shaft has been in the ground before but we provide ALL new parts. Some of our poles look new, some are a bit more weathered. We evaluate each pole independently and price them accordingly. Our stock constantly changes so if you are looking for something specific, let us know and we will watch for your specific flagpole to come in.

Since our used flagpoles are in stock, come by and check them out...they make a perfect gift!

Are you still searching for a unique gift for someone special?

Have you considered a custom printed flag as a gift? The process has improved so much and this special price for a single flag has made giving a flag a thoughtful and affordable gift.

Do you have a special photo you would like to add to a flag?

How about a family saying?

We can help you design and produce a flag as a Christmas gift. Call today!

 

Custom Printed Flag

Digital-Ink Jet

Single Side Reverse

Finished with Header & Grommets

3'x5'            $88

*Orders must be placed & art received by December 9, 2011

*If you must have flag by December 23, 2011-order must be placed & art received by December 8, 2011

*Vectored art work must be provided

*If art work is not available-Standard Art Charge of $50/hr to design flag

*Standard Art Charge of $50 if changes to provided art are needed

*Shipping charges may apply

 

 

A question we often get is…..What it the difference between Ink Jet custom printed flag and a dye sublimation custom printed flag? 

Ink Jet and Dye Sublimation flags are similar in many area

High Resolution-Digitally printed

Require vectored art

• One quantity minimum
• Production time 7-10 business days
• Rush service available
• Printed on Dacron-nylon equivalent
• Finished with Header & Grommet
• Pole sleeve or custom finish available

Here is a chart showing the exact difference of each print option.

 

INK JET	DYE SUBLIMATION
Ink fully penetrates through the flag	Ink only prints on one side of flag
Back side is printed in a mirror image	Back side is blank
Only available in Single Side Reverse (mirror image on back)	Only available in Double Sided-two prints sewn together with a liner. This flag reads correctly on the back.
Best flag for outdoor use on a flagpole but could be used in other applications.	Best flag for indoor use but could be flown outdoors.
The lines on an ink jet are a bit jagged up close. Cannot see the imperfections from a few feet back	The lines on a dye sublimation flag are clear and crisp.
Best value for a custom printed flag	Best option for very complex or photography

No matter which process (Ink Jet or Dye Sublimation) you choose, please know you are getting a high quality flag. If you let us know how you are using the flag, we can help you determine which flag would work best for you.

Please email or call us. We would love to help you get the perfect flag for YOU!

 

 

Who watches America’s Got Talent? Typically, I do not watch television in the summer but how often is a local dance studio on national television? The Silhouettes from Arvada, Colorado have earned a spot on America’s Got Talent. This group of 42 dancers has everyone talking about their patriotic dance. It was very moving and the judges loved it too. Many of our customers including three sweet ladies came in to the store talking about it too.

 

At one point they silhouette Imo Jima or the Marine Corp Monument in DC, just like the bronze statue we sell:

 

I encourage you to check out this amazing act!!

 

http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/silhouettes-hollywood-performance/1341760/

Next week is a milestone. Yes, a milestone. I take my oldest to college. How can that be? Wasn’t it just yesterday that I dropped him off with his larger than life backpack for kindergarten?  I remember that day. I wasn’t going to cry. I wasn’t sad. I was excited for him. Why would I cry? I will never forget how my emotions snuck up on me that day once he went into his classroom. The tears came out of nowhere. Tears because my little buddy was not my baby anymore. Tears of excitement for his new journey. Tears because I cannot control clocks-time flies by so quickly. Tears because this was a new, uncharted phase of life.

Fast-forward thirteen years. The little buddy has grown into a little man. He is smart. He is funny. He is ready to take the next step in life. He is ready to be independent. Part of this rite of passage occurred last weekend. We went college dorm room shopping. It was so fun. Bedding, towels, trash cans, lamps, all the essential dorm room supplies. Don’t forget wall decorations. He has picked out a pirate flag that we stock for his one and only wall decoration. Over the next month we will get a ton of request for Dorm Room Flags. Colorado Flags, Italy Flag, Mexico Flags, and of course, the Jolly Roger Flag. We carry all country, state and a full line of novelty flags that are perfect for a dorm room.

When we were finished I said, “Aren’t you glad we have that finished and you are set to go?” He said, “Thank you Mom, but really this shopping day was for you. You feel better that I am ready to go.” I am not going to cry. I am not sad. I am excited for him. Why would I cry?

Are you looking for an amazing dish to prepare for the 4th of July?

I follow a inspiring food blogger Recipe Girl and she has recently compiled a list of 100 Red, White and Blue Recipes.

Above, is the scrumptious Paula Deen's Cheese Cake Pound Cake.  This is only one of the 100 red, white and blue recipes she has listed. Not only does this list include yummy pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and frozen treats but also breakfast, main dishes, salads, fruit and my favorite....drinks!

Red, White and Blue Sangria Drink

Check out her blog, I am sure it will help inspire you to create a beautiful, delicious dish this weekend. One thing is for sure, you will impress your friends!  Happy Fourth of July!

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Marketing yourself and your business has never been more important. All of us in business are wearing so many hats that promoting your business can see a bit overwhelming. Not only is your time slim but your marketing budget may be slim or non-existent. With that said, I've learned that marketing does not need to be scary or expensive.

Here are some simple, practical, hands-on marketing tools that work.

#1  Be yourself. Be honest. Be transparent. Build relationships. Whether you are writing a blog, Tweeting, or old fashioned face-to-face networking, be yourself. You will be remembered. You will be sought after for opinions.   We enjoy doing business with people we know, especially our friends.

#2 Discover what makes you unique. Why should your clients do business with you?  What can you offer your customers? What do you provide other than your actual product? Personally, I sell "Spirit, Image & Visibility".

# 3 Market to current and past clients. Invest in your current data base of clients. Email marketing works. Be an expert in your field and send relevant information to clients. Remember to ask for referrals. This simple task is often overlooked.

# 4 Look for strategic partners. Who is a non-competing business that shares your clients?  Can you partner up to host an event? Share a trade show booth? Share referrals? Surround yourself with people that inspire you and build you up.

#5 Consider a written marketing plan. This marketing plan could be as simple as answering a few questions such as: Who are you marketing to? What are you marketing? How do you market it? How much will it cost? When will this happen? Having this information written down will keep you focused and on task.

How long should your flag last?
Truly, there is no exact answer.   It would be great if a flag came an expiration date.
Should it last a month, a quarter, a year, a lifetime? 

Flag life is based on several factors:
Flag type, Weather, Wind, Sun, Pollution and Carelessness.

Who can predict the weather?   The weather on the east coast is not the same as the weather in the mountains of Colorado or the weather in Downtown Denver.   No two flags receive identical wear even flying on the same pole at different times of the year. 

The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton flag to last 90 days based on being flown daily from sunrise to sunset - but not during periods of inclement weather. Tests have shown that, in some cases, a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one-fourth as long as one flown only during the daylight hours.

Regardless of how well it is constructed, a flag is, after all, only made of cloth and will sooner or later succumb to the elements. However, it has been well documented that reasonably good care can contribute greatly to longer life.

What do you mean ...care for your flag?
Give your flag the attention it deserves. 
•    Take down your flag in inclement weather.
•    Watch the corner on the fly end of your flag. This is normally the first area to show signs of wear and tear.  
•    Occasionally washing your flag in warm mild detergent water will prevent dirt and pollutants from attacking your flag. 
•    Trim off the frayed edges and re-hem the flag.  

Cleaning and repairing your flag will significantly extend the life of your flag and your flag investment.  We offer this service-drop it off, mail it to us or we can come by take your flag down and clean and mend it and return it a week later.

Consider having two flags and rotate them on a regular basis. Your flagpole will never be without a flag. Keep one flag flying while one flag is being clean and repaired.

Your flag works hard.  It flies… It drapes…it whips… it quivers…it bakes…it flutters…it freezes…it strains…it ripples…it twists….it unfurls…it hangs. 

No wonder it needs to be replaced 2 or 3 times a year.
Happy Flying!!