Gay guy makes businesses fly (literally...)

This might sound strange, but people have asked Rich Parritz if they could put a logo on a dildo. In fact, as the CEO of PromostuffOnline.com, he can put a logo on almost anything, which is why Parritz's clients keep coming back for more. Currently he's got access to more than 600,000 items, with 100 new products coming out every day. But lest you think he only does custom-embossed leather wristbands for porn stars (he's done that) or leather coasters, high fashion/design forward travel gear, and light-up pens, Promostuff boasts some interesting and high-profile clients and credentials. (And to answer that earlier question, yes, he can.)

Rich is most proud of the buttons he did for the Nobel Peace Prize winning International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW). Designer Steve Burdick (www.stephenburdickdesign.com) created a design of a gun tied in a knot (no guns!) and Rich Parritz ran copies of the button. These buttons went to the U.N., where 180 nations received them, and they're now worn by internationally known diplomats the world over to maintain awareness about nuclear weapons and warfare. They've since been reordered and are now all over the world!

Tchotkes can be meaningful- like pink ribbon (breast cancer) pins. Many hospitals and pharmaceutical companies request a lot Parritz's thermal/insulated bags. In one case, they help maintain healthy babies by creating thermal bags that can house breast milk, to encourage breastfeeding your baby.

Then there was the series of magnets w/bilingual health messages that promoted healthy habits in English and Spanish. Another favorite of Parritz is the handmade organic seed paper - beautiful paper with flower seeds you can actually plant and grow flowers! The paper could be made into a holiday ornament, a greeting card. They can be embossed or printed. Rich created bookmarks with inspirational poems for the Boston Public Health Commission, for an award ceremony for clean & sober moms.

Of course, pens that blink and flash are popular, too. "People like lights and shiny things. Light is a great promotional medium," says Parritz. Custom work is when someone submits their own design, custom molds, etc. and Rich works back & forth with clients until they are completely happy. "People are way too busy to be searching around for the perfect promo item. [A client] will say, 'I've got this event thrown at me, I'm working 'til midnight, I don't even have two minutes to talk,'" says Parritz. Rich knows the GLBT community; he's all about supporting it.

For the Gay Pride Parade ten years ago, Rich created foam Frisbees in four different colors. "You can't hurt anyone with those. And you can't throw a bandanna," quips the quirky Parritz, who holds an MBA from Duke University. The former commercial real estate broker is known for his quick ability to read people and has an uncanny knack for "just knowing" what makes folks tick. "I have a heightened sense of what the gay buyer is looking for, and I'm fussy about details," he admits. "People shouldn't buy what they like; they should ask themselves, 'What would my customer like?'" he says.

Parritz is conscious of transmitting the hip/slick and cool factor, while remaining down-to-earth and easy to work with.

You can order your logo on anything from bendable stress relievers, to flying toys(!!), to musical items. Beyond the classic desk and office accessories, Parritz offers a world beyond the typical pen as promo item. I love the glider airplane! I was also tickled by the iBeanie, a little bean bag chair for your iPod, and the mini red wagon, a holder for business cards, paper clips or candy. And how about those sparkly jewel-toned maracas for a unique sounding way to do business?

Parritz delivers on marketing too, with consultations and plans to suit your corporate or creative endeavor. Some things to consider: What age group are you targeting and what would they connect with? What action do you want them to take while remembering your business? What will they keep and not just toss?

For more info, call 617-522-4228 or go to www.PromoStuffOnline.com