Interview with APPL’s 2012 Outstanding Vendor Award Winner – HogEye, Inc.
The relationship between APPL members and the vendors they work with is a symbiotic one. With 75% of our members involved in interpretive retail and many others seeking items for member premiums, they look for vendors who can supply products that have value to their visitors and are sensitive to the often specialized needs of public lands sites.
Our Members Services Coordinator, Nancy Kotz, recently spoke with HogEye Inc., the recipient of our 2012 Outstanding Vendor Award regarding their work with nonprofit public land partners. HogEye is a supplier of quality tokens of appreciation and collectible items for tourism venues, festivals, national organizations and businesses. Learn more about their products and services at http://www.hogeye.com/. APPL’s members chose HogEye for this honor for their exceptional customer service, their attention to detail, and their collaborative approach in producing custom products.
APPL: What was your reaction upon learning that you had been selected for this award?
HogEye: We were excited to even be considered for such an award from APPL, and humbled at just the thought. For our customers to feel this way about Hogeye Inc., we are truly honored.
APPL: Do you think winning the award will enhance the perception of your company’s products / services?
HogEye: Of course, we hope it does turn a few heads and help some to consider using Hogeye Inc. for their product needs. We work hard for our customers, large and small, and will continue doing what we do best — high quality products and customer service.
APPL: What are some of the factors that have contributed positively to HogEye’s relationship with its nonprofit public lands customers?
HogEye: Hogeye Inc. strives for excellence in our effort to meet the customer’s needs with quality products at reasonable prices. Our customer service navigates our clients through the process — from artwork, through manufacturing, to interpretive packaging design and at prices that won’t break the bank!
APPL: How has participation in the APPL convention helped contribute to your business relationships?
HogEye: Participation in the APPL convention has helped our business, but it’s also introduces us to new friends. We look forward every year to attending the convention, not just because it’s our job, but because we get to meet up with great people.
APPL: What advice would you give to other companies who provide products / services to nonprofit public land partners?
HogEye: Our first year attending the APPL convention it was held in Denver. We were the new kids on the block. A lot of folks had been attending for years and had built relationships with their vendors. What we had to do was to relax, be ourselves and offer the best customer service possible and the highest quality products possible. We had to walk that line of not giving up trying or be too pushy.
Mike Locke from Hogeye, Inc. accepting his award from President Roosevelt.
To Hogeye Inc., being able to work with the non-profits is like having “the cherry on top”. We get to sell our product and make a living, and know that part of our efforts are helping our parks. These are our parks too, and we are honored that we can help in this way.
APPL’s Outstanding Vendor Award recognizes a company that has demonstrated exceptional achievement in working with APPL member organizations to enhance the quality of their retail services and the visitor experience at public land sites. Nominations are accepted each fall from among APPL’s members and the winner of the award is determined by the buyers. Impact Photographics received the first Outstanding Vendor award in 2011. For more information on APPL’s Award programs click HERE.
Mike Locke and President Roosevelt
