At HC Brands, we’ve spent the past 70 years creating customized products that bring your vision to life. As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we’re reflecting on how we’ve played a role in evolving the world of customization.
Our rich history, strong connections, advanced machinery, unwavering commitment to quality, and efficient shipping set us apart from the competition, making us a leader in the industry.
History
HC Brands was first started by Owen Holmes in 1954, right out of his garage in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Holmes had a passion for connecting with his community and wanted to give people an easy way to express themselves through personalized products. In the early days, customized products relied on manual processes, and Mr. Holmes’s dedication to quality and personalization laid a strong foundation for the company.
As the business grew, we continuously discovered ways to improve and innovate. In 2009, Bryan Croft took over as CEO, bringing a fresh vision and strategic direction to HC Brands. Recognizing the potential of the internet, Bryan moved the business online, making it easier for customers nationwide to access our personalized products. This shift not only expanded our reach but also streamlined our operations and enhanced customer experience.
Machinery
Before modern technology, the production of custom goods relied on manual carving or chemical etching. While effective, these traditional processes were time-consuming and less precise. Manual carving demanded immense skill and patience, often resulting in variations in quality and consistency. Chemical etching involved the use of hazardous substances that posed significant risks to the health and safety of workers.
The introduction of laser engraving machines revolutionized custom goods production. Unlike older methods, laser engraving allows for intricate designs to be replicated with exceptional accuracy. The speed of laser technology enables rapid production, reducing turnaround times and increasing efficiency. This advancement has not only streamlined manufacturing but also elevated the safety and standard of custom production.
Raising the Bar for Quality
With all of our products made here in the USA, we ensure that only the highest quality products leave our facilities. We have set the standard for what high-quality customized products should look like. Our quality check process consists of 10 steps:
- Our materials are precisely aligned with our laser engraving machines.
- Any dust formed during the engraving process is vacuumed away to prevent debris interference.
- The engraved materials are hand scrubbed with soap and water to ensure a clean performance.
- Our experts perform a visual examination to check for proper depth and style.
- The materials are sorted and sent to production.
- The materials are hand-assembled with their correct products.
- Each product is tested to ensure accuracy and quality.
- A label for product is handmade and neatly packed into its designated box.
- A final visual check is conducted to ensure the product was made correctly.
- The order is scanned and shipped to the customer
Nationwide Shipping
While we take pride in our Jacksonville, Florida roots, we wanted people nationwide to have the opportunity to shop our personalized products. To make this possible, we made the shift to our online stores and began shipping to all 50 states.
From the very beginning, we committed to shipping within two business days, ensuring our delivery driver dispatched orders promptly. Today, with the help of modern technology and our experienced team, we continue to uphold our tradition of super-fast shipping across the country, providing the same reliable and speedy service our customers have come to expect.
Looking Ahead
While we celebrate 70 years of innovation and excellence, we are excited about the future. We’re aiming for another 7 decades of not only increased connections with our customers and fantastic products, but opening more paths of opportunity and security for our team members (our Holmies). At the time of writing we have had 700 employees come and go since 2012, and have several second generation Holmies on our staff.
HC Brands is nothing without the people that keep it running and through continued focus on customer service, innovation, and creating great products.
With our CEO Bryan at the helm, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of customization, continually enhancing our processes, and expanding our reach. We are grateful to our loyal customers for their trust and support, and we look forward to many more years of helping people express themselves through our high-quality personalized products. Thank you for being part of our journey.
The partnership with Communities in Schools is just one of many relationships that HC brands has with the Jacksonville community. “Giving back is one of our core disciplines, and a philanthropic pulse will always be at the heart of our company,” says Croft.
The HC Brands Scholarship
HC Brands Internships
We would like to say Thank You to Communities in Schools of Jacksonville for helping Duval County students in need, and to our HC Brands employees who donated supplies and funds!