It is a good thing to have a business you absolutely love, but it is even better when you have people who work for you who love your business as much as you do and clients who are thrilled with your products and services.
So is the case for All Aboard Marketing owner Deborah Taylor, who specializes in custom embroidery, screen-printing and corporate messaging promotional products, also known as “swag.”
Taylor, who has a degree in manufacturing engineering, says starting her business was a fluke. “My sister was running a similar business in California and asked me to work in sales. It became overwhelming for her, so I bought my own machine and started my business.” She is now in her 11th year in Flagstaff.
All Aboard Marketing employees Maria Plachutin and Kay Anderson are both artists and enjoy their work. “I’ve been here one-and-a-half years and have the most fun,” said Plachutin. “I’m a very creative person, so having this outlet is really nice. It’s fun to design and see the products come to life. I even get to do some of my own designing.”
“I do a little bit of everything here at All Aboard Marketing,” said Anderson. “I love the artistic aspect but I’ll help with data entry sometimes, and love being a part of this. Most of all, I really love working for somebody who appreciates what we do for the business and supports us in our own creative endeavors outside of the office.”
To support her employees, Taylor allows the use of her equipment for their personal projects. “The machines here are as much theirs as mine.”
The All Aboard Marketing website boasts 280,000 products, including pens, magnets, calendars, candies, snacks and games.
“We will work with small and large orders. If someone calls and needs one hat, we’ll do it,” said Taylor. “We will never stop doing work for small businesses…our town is built on small businesses.”
Giving back to the community is also at the top of Taylor’s list and something she really enjoys about her business.
Director of Shadows Foundation and KAFF Radio Program host Vicki Burton (Vicki and Mike in the Morning) says Taylor provided masks for communities in need. “All Aboard Marketing jumped in and made masks to get to the reservation; plus, we mailed some out and had some available at the radio station to pick up.”
Recently, Taylor developed a relationship with a young NAU student who is making his own clothing line. “He comes in on his off hours and I worked with him designing his own clothes. Wonderful kid and I do that all on my own free time.”
“I’ve known Deborah for a number of years and have used All Aboard Marketing for multiple projects,” said Coconino County Superior Court Chief Bailiff Corey Ringenberg. “She’s offered competitive pricing and good quality products, from swag to professional work attire for different departments. She’s always hooked us up with proper products.”
Nestle Purina-Flagstaff has also worked with All Aboard Marketing for a number of years. “We are proud to work with local business owners like Deborah, who shows dedication to her growing business. Her team designed a personalized website for our facility to streamline our high-volume ordering and account management. She has high-end brands and fair pricing,” said Nestle Purina-Flagstaff Safety Specialist Tristen Cavanaugh.
A partial list of Taylor’s clients include CertaPro Painters, Grand Canyon Railway, Northern Arizona Healthcare, Absolute Tax, YoungLife, KAFF Radio, Flagstaff Unified School District, Coco’s Bakery Restaurant, Findlay Toyota, Coconino Federal Credit Union, Reitz Builders and Flagstaff Boy Scouts.
Born in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, Taylor first came to Flagstaff in 1998, then moved to California from 2000 to 2003 for her mother’s health. “I gave my mom my kidney,” she said. Taylor started the business in 2005.
To contact All Aboard Marketing, visit allaboardmarketing.com, or call 928-607-4660. FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN