As TurnKey Promotions marks its 10th anniversary, we asked Diana O'Cobhthaigh to reflect on the journey that shaped the company into a trusted name in promotional products and creative branding.
From humble beginnings to industry recognition, this Q&A offers a glimpse into the milestones, challenges, and values that have defined TurnKey Promotions over the past decade.
Looking back, what inspired you to start TurnKey Promotions, and how has that initial vision shaped the company over the years?
I worked as a salesperson in the industry for a number of years, and quickly learned that I had a knack for building and nurturing relationships with clients. It seemed silly to work for someone else when I already had the skills, knowledge and confidence to build a business of my very own.
TurnKey Promotions was born because I had a real passion for the industry- it was (and still is) fun, creative, and full of vibrant personalities. While I might be a little bit older and wiser these days, I still enjoy the creativity in branding merchandise as much as I did ten years ago.
I never had particularly ambitious growth plans for the business, and I believe this is one of the reasons for its success. While I never had any desire to be the biggest distributor in the industry, I still strive each and every day to be the best I can be and place a lot of importance on the quality of the services I deliver to my clients.
What challenges did you encounter in the early days of TurnKey Promotions, and how did overcoming them contribute to the business's success?
Learning to think and breathe like a business owner is a skill that takes time to develop.
I started TurnKey Promotions as a sole proprietor with no staff members and no previous experience running a business. Juggling multiple roles, from sales and marketing to operations and finance, required a steep learning curve that I had not fully anticipated in the first few months of operating.
Learning to ask for help was not something that came naturally to me. I used to think I could do it all, but as the number of clients and jobs picked up, I realised the power of collaboration. Today, I'm fortunate to work with a great team of contractors who assist with everything from graphic design and bookkeeping to fulfilment and production.
Reflecting on 10 years of TurnKey Promotions, what are some of the most significant milestones that stand out to you in the journey so far?
There have been so many amazing moments, it’s difficult to narrow it down to only a few! Highlights that come to mind include:
What values and practices have been essential in building strong relationships with clients and growing the TurnKey Promotions brand?
There is no magic solution for developing strong relationships with clients. Like any human relationship, if you invest a bit of time and energy, you will see results.
Your clients will love you if you show them that they matter to you. Be proactive with communication, stick to deadlines and show genuine interest in the success of their business. Build trust by consistently delivering on your promises and exceeding expectations.
What’s next for TurnKey Promotions, are there any new directions or projects you’re especially excited to explore in the coming years?
The business is in a really good place at the moment, and I would love to be able to sustain this pace for at least a little while.
I don’t want to fall into the trap of trying to grow my business for the sake of growth itself.
Over time, I have cultivated a strong client base who loyalty has been an important contributing factor to our success. Nurturing and developing these relationships is my core focus for the business, as our ability to operate largely relies on repeat business and “word-of-mouth” referrals and organic growth within our current client base.
