How Custom Socks Are Helping Medical Associations Stand Out

It feels like every influencer is selling hoodies and t-shirts these days. Sure, there’s strong demand for custom merch, but the hassle of holding inventory (if you’re not dropshipping) and dealing with multiple sizes and shipping can quickly make it more hassle than it’s worth. Socks are different. One size fits most adults, so there’s no need to worry about stock or fit, and they’re effortless to run as a promotion, giveaway, or limited-edition drop. Plus, a box of socks takes up very little space. In this article, we’ll share why custom socks make the perfect merch for influencers, turning followers into fans who create user-generated content for you. Why Socks Are the Ultimate Engagement Hack for Influencers Custom socks are quietly becoming one of the most effective promotional items for influencers, and it’s easy to see why.  Unlike hoodies, hats, or other common items, socks are easy to ship, and appeal to almost everyone. One size fits most adults, so there’s no stress over different fits or complicated inventory (not least the cost of holding stock of multiple sizes and variants). The psychology behind a sock giveaway is even stronger. Audiences love when their favorite influencer engages with them, whether it’s a comment, a like, or even a small, unexpected gift. Imagine how thrilled they’d be if you randomly sent them a pair of socks. But it’s not just about warm, fuzzy feelings (though socks certainly provide plenty of those). Audiences also feel a subtle sense of micro-indebtedness. After receiving, they’re more likely to double down on interaction, such as liking videos, replying to posts, or sharing your content. Who Can Benefit From Custom Socks as Merchandise? If you’re planning to give away socks, be selective. Research your audience first: look at how many followers they have and how engaged they are. Avoid giving to accounts with less than 500 followers. Instead, focus on those with a few thousand followers who actively comment, like, and share your content.  You can get even more strategic by looking at how followers create content themselves. For instance, focus on those who post regularly and aren’t camera-shy.  These followers are more likely to create user-generated content, like a quick reel showcasing your socks, which can amplify your reach and authenticity. Be mindful of anonymous or fake-looking accounts. Some may seem to have reach, but if it’s just a random profile with few followers and a picture of a cat or sports car, it’s best to avoid giving them merch. Design Socks That Make Your Brand Stand Out Customized socks are a versatile merch option, great for any niche with an engaged audience. Here are some specific sock design ideas for common niches: Fashion: Trendy color-block socks with a minimalist logo. Fitness & Wellness: Stylish socks with motivational phrases to inspire workouts. Gaming & Esports: Pixel-art characters inspired by popular games. Travel & Adventure: Socks featuring a world map or compass design. Food & Lifestyle: Patterned socks with favorite snacks or drinks. Music & Entertainment: Socks with iconic band logos or album art. Art & Creativity: Abstract, painterly patterns inspired by brush strokes. When designing your personalized socks, think about how you can customize them with patterns, quotes, or colors that resonate with your followers.  Need support with sock design? Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com and we’ll present you with a range of custom options. Marketing Strategies for Your Sock Giveaway The way you package and present your socks can elevate them from simple merch to a coveted item, and exclusivity plays a huge role in this.  You see, scarcity drives desire. A limited-edition drop (e.g., only 100 pairs ever made) gives your fans a chance to partake in something special and makes them feel part of an inner circle. You can also encourage social sharing to amplify your reach by include a little note with your socks, saying something like:  Fashion: “Show off your style, snap a pic of your socks, and tag me. I want to see how you rock them.” Fitness & Wellness: “Post your workout socks in action and tag me. You might even inspire others to get moving.” Gaming & Esports: “Game in style. Share a selfie with your socks while gaming and tag me.” Travel & Adventure: “Take these socks on your next adventure. Share a photo from your travels and tag me.” Food & Lifestyle: “Snack time just got cozier. Snap your socks with your favorite treat and tag me.” Even if you operate as part of a team, avoid using “we” and stick with “I.”  You’re the face and the connection, so it should feel like this gift has truly come from you, to increase brand loyalty with your audience. If they take your advice, you’ve effectively turned your fans into active promoters. Where to Sell & Showcase Your Custom Socks If your goal is to sell your socks instead of giving them away, there are several effective social media channels and e-commerce platforms to consider. Online Stores: Your own website or Shopify store lets you control branding, pricing, and customer experience. Merch Platforms: Platforms like Etsy or Printful make it easy to reach a broader audience without managing inventory and building a new site. Social Media Shop Integrations: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Shops allow followers to purchase directly from your content. Email Marketing: Leverage your existing mailing list to announce new designs, limited drops, and special offers. A custom socks offer can also prompt action. Consider deals like “2 for 1,” free shipping on orders over a certain amount, or limited-time discounts for email subscribers (which, in turn, may prompt more people to sign up to your distribution list).  If you don’t have an email list yet, this marketing campaign could be the perfect opportunity to launch one. Final Thoughts On Influencer Marketing with Custom Socks Whether you’re planning to give away or sell, custom socks are a creative tool for increasing brand awareness while rewarding your audience. Every detail matters when you design sock merch for your audience, and it’s not just about how you customize socks. It’s also about how you execute the connection.  Take the time to engage personally: reply in the comments to someone who’s posted something insightful or hilarious, e.g., “Almost spat my coffee out. That literally just made me laugh out loud. DM me your address. I’m sending you a little thank-you.”  Others will notice and respect that you take the time to engage with your audience, even when you have hundreds (if not thousands) of messages and notifications to manage. Doing so incentivizes and makes others more likely to engage. Email our design team at sales@franklinmorrow.com to get your free mockup and start designing stylish custom socks today. Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Socks for Influencers If you’re thinking about giving away or selling your own branded socks to your audience, here are some of the most common questions influencers ask. Is there a minimum order for custom socks? Yes, we have a minimum order of 100 pairs to ensure production is cost-effective and high quality. Can custom socks feature my brand, logo or slogan? Custom design opportunities are virtually endless. Custom socks can showcase your logo, brand colors, patterns, or even mascots. You can design custom socks that perfectly reflect your brand and connect with your audience. What are Franklin Morrow custom socks made with? Franklin Morrow quality custom socks are made from 80% combed cotton, 15% nylon, and 5% elastane for durability.   

When you think of classic college merch, you probably picture hoodies, tote bags, lanyards, or notebooks… the usual suspects lining every campus store shelf.  But there’s a new favorite walking onto the scene (literally): custom socks, the kind of item students actually wear and keep long after graduation.  Custom socks aren’t just another branded item. They’re versatile; perfect for campus stores, freshman welcome packs, alumni gifts, volunteer appreciation, fundraising campaigns, and event giveaways. Here’s why custom socks are quickly becoming every college’s favorite merch. Affordable Apparel That Flies Off Campus Shelves When it comes to campus merchandise, budget matters, for both the college and the students. Compared to hoodies, t-shirts, or other apparel, custom socks are much more affordable, making them a go-to choice for campus stores and merch tables. A comparably lower price point also means they’re more likely to end up in more hands, creating greater exposure and helping your design (and brand) spread across campus faster. Students, after all, are among the most price-sensitive of groups. With many carrying debt and juggling part-time jobs alongside their studies, they don’t always have the funds to splurge on expensive merch. How Much Do Custom Socks Cost For Colleges? Curious how much customized socks for your college will cost? Head over to our website to see our pricing and pricing based on quantity:   What Custom Sock Design Should I Choose? If you can imagine it, we can bring it to life. Custom socks aren’t just about colors and logos (although they play a very important part in many custom designs). Here are some things to consider when creating your ideal pair: School Colors: crimson and cream at Harvard, blue and gold at UCLA, scarlet and gray at Ohio State; recognizable school branding. Logos: the "Power T" at the University of Tennessee block “O” at The Ohio State University, the Torch at NYU; for great visibility on campus. Crests / Coat of Arms: Yale’s shield, Princeton’s coat of arms, Dartmouth’s green crest; detailed designs that highlight tradition and heritage. Slogans / Latin Phrases: “Rock Solid Education” (Colorado State University), “Veritas” (Harvard), “Dieu et mon droit” (University of Pennsylvania); perfect for sophistication and prestige. Mascots: Otto the Orange (Syracuse), Buckeye (Ohio State), Bevo (University of Texas); bringing personality and spirit to every step. Patterns for Faculties: pencil motifs for Architecture, molecular structures for Chemistry, musical notes for Music; visually distinctive to engender team spirit. Think it, wear it, share it. With so many design options, custom-designed socks let every student, alumni, and faculty member show their connection to campus in a fun and lasting way. Need support with design? Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com and we’ll present you with a range of bespoke design options. 6 Best Ways To Distribute Custom Socks At Colleges There’s more to custom socks than simply designing them; it’s about getting them into the right hands (or rather, on the right feet). The more students see them, the more they want them, and the right distribution strategy can make them the talk of the campus. Here’s how: Campus Stores: Place branded socks alongside traditional merchandise like hoodies and mugs. Their affordability and unique designs make them a fast-selling addition. Freshman Welcome Packs: Include a pair in orientation kits to give new students a fun, wearable piece of campus culture from day one. Alumni Gifts: Send custom socks as thank-you items or gifts to alumni, keeping your college top of mind long after graduation. Volunteer Appreciation: Reward student volunteers or club members with socks that celebrate their contribution to campus life. Fundraising Campaigns: Use socks as incentives or merchandise for fundraising efforts, offering donors something practical and memorable. Event Giveaways: Hand them out to sports teams or at fairs and campus events to capture the sentiment of the day and keep the positive energy going. When more students see custom socks around campus, more students want a pair.  A giveaway at a sporting event, a few socks spotted on campus influencers… before you know it, everyone’s talking about them and trying to get their hands on a pair. Turning Students Into Brand Ambassadors When students wear your custom socks, they’re not just keeping their feet warm, they’re walking billboards for your college. Student influencers, sports captains, and club leaders naturally attract attention on campus and social media. When they’re seen wearing your socks, either in photos or just hanging out, it creates authentic visibility that no ad campaign can match. They’re subtly marketing your college. It’s the same principle that drives brands like Coca-Cola or McDonald’s. They don’t need to say buy now; their symbols do the work. A familiar logo or color scheme builds subconscious recognition and trust over time. That’s the power of subliminal exposure, and that can make your university stand out against competitors and nudge more applicants to visit open days or submit an application. Final Thoughts: Custom Socks Styles For Colleges The impact of custom socks on campus culture cannot be overstated. They’re affordable and loaded with branding potential; a simple way to strengthen identity and connect students, staff, and alumni. From the psychology of repeated exposure to the influence of student ambassadors, custom socks turn everyday wear into stealth marketing. They’re effective because they’re subtle, straying from the usual barrage of billboards and social media ads. Whether they’re sold in campus stores, gifted in welcome packs, or worn by the university employees, they carry your brand further with every step. Email our design team at sales@franklinmorrow.com to get your free mockup and start designing stylish custom socks today. Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Socks For Colleges Got questions about custom socks for your college or university? From design options to distribution, here are the answers to the most common questions we hear from campus teams and merch coordinators. Why choose custom socks over traditional campus merchandise? Students are often price-sensitive, so splurging on hoodies or jackets is out of reach, whereas socks are an easy, everyday item they’ll actually wear, boosting brand exposure across campus. Can custom socks help attract prospective students? Subtle, repeated exposure (such as students wearing socks around campus or in their daily lives) builds familiarity with your brand, making your university more memorable to prospective students. How long do custom socks last? Franklin Morrow high-quality custom socks are made from 80% combed cotton, 15% nylon, and 5% elastane for durability. Our socks can last anywhere from two to five years when worn once per week. What is the minimum order quantity? At Franklin Morrow, our minimum order quantity for custom socks is 100 pairs, a low threshold that makes it easy for campus teams, clubs, or departments to get started without a huge upfront investment.  

You know that sinking feeling when you look around after the wedding meal; the table centerpieces are cleared, the flowers wilting, and there on each plate… favors that you aren't sure what to do with. Trinkets shoved into napkins, edible treats left untouched, maybe a keychain or candle that ends up gathering dust. Here’s the thing: according to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, U.S. couples typically spend about $460 on wedding favors. But what if instead you chose something guests would actually keep? Something they wear, share a joke about, and look back fondly on whenever they pull them out of the drawer. That’s where custom socks come in; a practical, personal, and a lasting reminder of your wedding day every time they’re worn. Why Wedding Favors Often Go to Waste By the time dinner is over and the dance floor is calling, guests are more focused on drinks and celebration than remembering to pick up a trinket from their place setting.  Many favors get left behind on the table, abandoned in bags, or even misplaced before the night is through. And for those that do make it home, the story often isn’t much better.  Tiny succulents are forgotten once the soil dries out Personalized coasters never make it out of storage Miniature alcohol bottles are consumed in seconds Personalized knick-knack ends up forgotten in a drawer The problem isn’t the gesture; it’s that the favors just aren’t useful or meaningful or memorable enough to keep. Need support with custom sock design? Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com and we’ll present you with a range of bespoke design options. The 3M Rule for Wedding Favors Researchers who study memory and consumer behavior often highlight two key factors that influence whether we hold onto an object: meaningfulness and memorability.  The challenge at a wedding, though, is that guests have very different tastes and needs. What feels special to one person may feel irrelevant to another.  That’s why the third factor, mass appeal, matters just as much. For a favor to be truly meaningful and memorable across the room, it needs to resonate with a wide range of people, not just a niche few. Custom socks are meaningful. They can be personalized with “The Franklin Wedding,” caricature images of the bride and groom for fun, or a symbol tied to your location, like a Buckeye if getting married in Ohio.  They’re memorable because guests will actually wear them and think of your day. And they have broad appeal, since the one size fit sizing option fits most adult feet. Why Custom Wedding Socks Are a Perfect Gift Unlike favors that sit on a shelf or lost in drawers, socks serve a purpose: keeping feet warm while reminding guests of your celebration every time they slip them on. No dust, no discard, just warm feet and warm memories. Quite often, when the drinks are flowing and the dance floor is in full swing, guests love to pop them on. Later in the evening, when jackets come off, ties loosen, or even wrapped around a head, out come the socks and the dress code goes out the window.  That might be your vibe; a lively, playful celebration everyone remembers. Or, if you prefer something a little more formal, personalized socks can also be subtle keepsakes, with your wedding name, a tasteful symbol, or a nod to your location. They double as a fun photo prop, capturing lively memories of your celebration that last long after the wedding. Personalized Socks to Match Your Theme What kind of vibe are you going for? Have a think about colors complement your wedding palette, and keep the design clear and readable: Elegant & Classic – understated patterns, muted tones, gold or silver accents. Quirky & Fun – bold colors, playful graphics, caricatures of the couple. Rustic & Natural – earthy colors, floral or vine motifs, woodsy accents. Tropical & Destination – bright colors, palm leaves, ocean-inspired patterns. Romantic & Whimsical – soft pastels, hearts, florals,  details. Vintage & Retro – nostalgic patterns, muted colors, old-school fonts. Cultural – symbols and icons that reflect cultural heritage. Additionally, location-inspired socks can feature motifs tied to the state or country of your wedding — like poker chips for Vegas, olive branches for Greece, or maple leaves for Canada. When designing socks guests will love, think about what unites you and your guests, perhaps a shared congregation, sports club, hobby, or another common connection that everyone can enjoy. It could even be a fun quote everyone will remember from the groom’s speech, tying into his toast, like “All You Need Is Love,” a timeless line from The Beatles, or another memorable song lyric. Turn Your Wedding Favor into a Keepsake Guests Will Cherish Custom socks are more than just a quirky favor. They hit all three M’s: meaningful, memorable, and with mass appeal, giving your guests a keepsake they’ll actually use and enjoy long after the wedding.  Whether you go for a fun design that brings laughs during the reception, a subtle nod to your wedding theme, or a famous quote that sticks in everyone’s mind, custom socks turn a simple gift into something your friends and family will genuinely treasure. Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com to get your free mockup and start designing custom socks that make your wedding day unforgettable. Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Sock Wedding Favors Here are answers to some of the most common questions couples have about giving custom design socks as wedding favors. How far in advance should we order custom socks? It’s best to order at least 7–8 weeks before your wedding to allow for design, production, and shipping. For international shipping (outside of the US), it’s recommended you order 10–12 weeks in advance. Can we personalize the socks with our wedding date or names? Absolutely! You can include your names, initials, wedding date, or even custom illustrations like caricatures of the couple or symbols tied to your destination wedding. For example, a palm tree for Florida, a Lone Star for Texas, or a Golden Gate bridge for California. The more personal, the more memorable for your guests. Is there a minimum order for custom socks? Yes, we have a minimum order of 100 pairs to ensure production is cost-effective and high quality. If you have extras, don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to put them to good use.  If you have a few spare, keep a handful for yourself as a keepsake, send a few to guests who couldn’t make it, or save them for bridal party thank-you gifts or future celebrations. That way, no sock goes to waste!  

Looking for a unique, practical way to promote your nonprofit and engage supporters? Custom socks go beyond traditional merchandise, giving your cause something people actually use and notice. Whether you’re fundraising, rewarding volunteers, or raising awareness at events, branded socks keep your cause visible every day and leave a lasting impression. This guide explores why custom socks are perfect for nonprofits and how to use them to maximize impact. Why Custom Socks Are Perfect for Nonprofits & Fundraising Custom socks are a practical and memorable way for nonprofits to engage supporters and raise funds. They combine everyday usefulness with the chance to showcase your logo, colors, or slogans.  With custom socks, you can: Attract new donors with a fun, memorable giveaway Make donors and employees feel part of your mission Raise awareness of your cause every time they’re worn Reward supporters at events or campaigns They’re affordable, custom socks allow nonprofits to maximize fundraising potential without breaking the budget.  Pens get lost, tote bags end up buried in cabinets. And mugs? Everyone already has their favorite; whereas, custom socks are useful items that people actually use. That’s the key to raising awareness and leaving a lasting impression. Need support with custom sock design? Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com and we’ll present you with a range of custom design options. Best Ways For Nonprofits to Distribute Branded Socks Branded socks are versatile and practical, making them perfect for a variety of nonprofit initiatives. Here are some of the best ways to distribute them to supporters, volunteers, and staff: Welcome Packs for New Supporters – Include a pair of branded socks when someone signs up for a monthly donation or joins your mailing list. Event Giveaways – Hand them out at charity runs, fairs, trade shows, or community events to raise awareness and encourage engagement. Volunteer Incentives – Reward volunteers for their time and commitment with a fun, practical gift they’ll actually use. Fundraising – Send socks to donors who donate a certain amount to make fundraising more interactive. Sponsored Walks – Reward participants who compete or complete events. Even though charitable giving is altruistic, humans are still hardwired to respond to receiving something in return. A small gift creates a sense of appreciation and that then taps into reciprocity and reinforces donor loyalty. How Custom Socks Can Boost Awareness Every time someone wears your branded socks, your logo, colors, or message is on display, reaching a wider audience than traditional marketing alone. They spark conversation, helping to naturally spread awareness about your nonprofit. A typical pair of Franklin Morrow cotton-rich socks lasts on average three years when worn once per week. So if a pair of socks is worn around 156 times, and seen around 5 to 20 times a day, they might be seen approximately between 780 to 3,120 times throughout their lifetime.  Not only that, but when volunteers, donors, or staff wear them, they feel connected to your mission and are more likely to share their involvement with friends and family.  It reinforces your cause in people’s minds, turning followers into disciples who help spread your mission. Community Building with Custom Socks Custom socks do more than spread your message. They help build a sense of community among supporters, volunteers, and staff. Wearing branded socks creates a visible sign of belonging, turning donors and volunteers into ambassadors for your cause.  At events like charity runs, fairs, or sponsored walks, socks act as a unifying element, making participants feel part of something bigger. Beyond events, giving socks to your team or regular supporters fosters inclusion and loyalty. They’re small, practical items that show appreciation while reinforcing shared values. When people see others wearing the same socks, it sparks conversation and connection, both online and offline. In short, custom socks turn everyday supporters into a visible, connected community. They’re not just merchandise—they’re a tool to strengthen relationships, create shared identity, and encourage ongoing engagement, helping your nonprofit thrive both inside and outside the organization. Design Fun and Unique Custom Socks for Your Cause One of the biggest advantages of custom socks is the freedom to design them around your nonprofit’s identity. You can match your organization’s brand colors—whether that’s a bold blue, uplifting yellow, or calming green—to make your mission instantly recognizable.  Add your custom logo, slogan, or campaign hashtag to keep your message front and center. For themed campaigns, you can get creative: Awareness ribbons (pink for breast cancer, red for heart health) Symbols like trees for environmental groups, paws for animal rescues Seasonal designs for holiday campaigns or annual fundraisers Patterned styles such as stripes, polka dots, or geometric shapes Hashtag designs to spread awareness online Inspiring slogans With so many possibilities, you can create socks that not only look great but also tell your story every time they’re worn. Summary: Every Step Becomes a Statement When you think about it, socks are one of the few items that literally walk your cause into the world. Every step a supporter takes becomes a quiet act of advocacy, a ripple that spreads further than you can track.  The question isn’t whether people will wear them—it’s how far your mission will travel. A pair worn at the office sparks conversation; on a weekend trip, it can cross state lines. Abroad, your cause reaches places flyers and ads never could. Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com to get your free mockup and start designing your custom socks. Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Sock For Fundraisers Here are answers to some of the most common questions couples have about giving custom for nonprofits. Can I design socks to match my nonprofit’s brand? Yes! You can customize colors, logos, and slogans to reflect your mission. You can also include campaign hashtags or symbols to make the socks instantly recognizable and tied to a specific initiative. For example, a heart health nonprofit might use red socks with a heartbeat pattern, a heart logo, or a slogan like “Step Up for Healthy Hearts”.  What fundraisers can I tie in custom socks? Custom socks can be given to participants in sponsored walks, fun runs, marathons, or bike rides, included in raffles and silent auctions, handed out at fundraising galas or fairs, or used as thank-you gifts for volunteers.  Why are custom socks a good choice for nonprofits? In a crowded advertising world, socks get noticed. Unlike billboards or online ads that people see and ignore daily, socks are unexpected items. They bypass the usual mental filters and naturally grab more attention, without people tuning out. Order your custom socks from our shop, and we’ll deliver your product within 4-7 weeks.  

Discover how Ohio businesses use high-quality custom socks to elevate brand awareness, build team spirit, and create memorable client giveaways.

In real estate, standing out often comes down to the little details. Business cards and branded pens are quickly forgotten, but a thoughtful, practical gift keeps your name top of mind. That’s why more real estate professionals are stepping into a fresh trend: custom sock giveaways.  Not only are they fun and functional, but custom socks also leave a lasting impression. Think about the classic “So… we did a thing!” post that new homeowners share on social media… keys in hand and a snap of a gift basket from their estate agent.  Are you capitalizing on that? The trouble is, most of those freebies seldom make a lasting impact. Cleaning hampers get used up, mugs get shoved in a cupboard, flowers wilt, and keychains rarely see the light of day. Custom socks, on the other hand, get used regularly. The Power of Custom Branded Socks Buying or selling a home can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. But when the deal closes and everything falls into place, clients are on cloud nine. In those moments, people are especially susceptible to forming positive associations with the businesses and individuals who supported them along the way. That’s why a thoughtful, practical gift can have a huge positive impact. The trouble is, many corporate gifts are disposable or perishable. Custom socks, on the other hand, are worn again and again, reinforcing that positive connection. Also, they naturally connect to feelings of comfort, warmth, and being at home. When you hand over a pair at the right time, clients anchor that sense of happiness to you.  Why Customized Socks Stand Out From the Usual Swag Most real estate professionals have seen it all when it comes to giveaways, and most promotional items are forgettable. Worse still, many aren’t even inclusive. A bottle of wine doesn’t work for non-drinkers and food gifts often clash with dietary restrictions: Pens: run out of ink quickly and are easily lost. Mugs: get tucked away in cupboards and rarely used. Bottles of wine: only suit some clients or may go unopened. Keychains or magnets: often clutter, rarely noticed. Cleaning hampers: quickly used up and forgotten. Flowers: look nice for a week, then wilt and disappear. Chocolates and snacks: gone in a flash, with no lasting reminder of your brand. Socks are different. They leave a lasting impact because they’re worn again and again, keeping your brand present long after the sale is completed. They also offer versatility compared to most corporate gifts. With a “one size fits most” fit, socks are size-friendly and inclusive, making them suitable for all ages and demographics. You don’t need to worry about awkward sizing or leaving anyone out. Better still, they’re useful all year round. Warm in the winter, lightweight in the summer. Need support with custom sock design? Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com and we’ll present you with a range of bespoke design options. Use Your Marketing Budget for Maximum Visibility One of the biggest advantages of custom socks is their affordability compared to other marketing efforts. But what truly makes custom socks stand out is the ongoing visibility they deliver. While a pen disappears into the bottom of a bag and a mug gathers dust on a shelf, personalized socks are seen again and again. They show up: On the daily commute: spotted on trains, buses, or walking through town. At the office: peeking out under desks or in meetings. During workouts: at the gym, on a run, or at a yoga class. At social events: adding a touch of personality at gatherings. This repeated exposure keeps your brand front of mind without any extra effort. Custom socks are a small investment that keeps giving back: visible, practical, and meaningful. Creative Sock Designs That Reflect Your Brand & Logo Custom socks offer far more creative space than traditional giveaways like pens or keychains. That extra room allows you to showcase your brand in a way that’s both eye-catching and memorable. Logos, colors, patterns, or even playful home-themed designs can be integrated seamlessly, turning an everyday item into a talking point. Socks are also easy to store and hand out, making them practical for real estate professionals who need a hassle-free giveaway option. Unlike bulky items such as umbrellas or bottles, socks don’t take up valuable storage space. They’re perfect for mailing to clients or including in thank-you packs, and there’s no need to worry about awkward sizing or wasted stock. Most promotional socks come as one size fits most, ensuring they suit nearly every recipient. Aside from that, they’re practical marketing tool: Extra creative space for branding Compact and easy to store Simple logistics with no sizing issues All these benefits make custom socks a small investment with a big marketing impact. How to Distribute Custom Socks for Maximum Reach Giving out custom socks is more than just handing over a gift. How and when you present them dramatically increases their impact. Consider giving socks: During closings: a “welcome home” gift that celebrates the milestone. In seasonal campaigns or holidays: add festive designs for extra delight. Mailing as a thank-you gift: include a personal note or branded packaging. At trade shows or industry events: a memorable B2B giveaway. That said, you don’t want to hand out socks indiscriminately at open houses or to people with no real connection to your business. They’re best reserved for clients you’re actively building relationships with. This makes the gesture feel more intentional and meaningful. You can elevate the experience by presenting them with: Branded gift boxes or bags for a professional look. Personalized notes or tags to add a thoughtful touch. Quirky, themed wrapping that reflects your brand personality. A pair of socks sitting there for a new homeowner might seem a little odd on its own. But paired with a handwritten greeting card and a short poem about taking their first steps, they carry a thoughtful, heartfelt sentiment that marks the start of a new chapter. The ultimate goal here is to create a moment worth sharing.  You could also encourage clients to snap a picture of their socks and share it online and even tie this into a fun social media competition; for example, “post a pic of your socks and tag us for a chance to win a gift card to Home Depot for all those home renovations.” Branded Socks for Employees Custom socks aren’t just for clients. They’re a great way to reward your team as well. For companies with passionate employees, quirky sock designs, bold colors, or clever patterns become something to show off.  Wearing them can turn into a point of pride, creating a subtle emotional tie with your team. Putting Your Best Foot Forward in Real Estate Marketing High-quality custom socks may seem like a small gesture, but in real estate marketing, small gestures make a big impact. They’re practical, memorable, and full of personality, and they keep your brand visible long after completion of the property sale. By choosing thoughtful designs, timing your giveaways strategically, and presenting them thoughtfully, you’ll leave a lasting impression with clients, who are likely to become repeat customers and a source of recommendations to their friends and family, that is, your target audience. Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com to get your free mockup and start designing custom socks that make your brand unforgettable. Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Socks Thinking about using custom socks for a real estate giveaway? Here are the most common questions we get and how to make sure your giveaway leaves a lasting impression. Are custom socks effective as a real estate giveaway? Yes! Unlike business cards or pens that often get discarded, socks are practical, memorable, and tie into the idea of “feeling at home,” making them an effective way to stay top of mind. How much do custom socks usually cost? Our minimum order is 100 pairs. Choose the dress sock option and follow our standard timeline, and each pair costs $10.50, with prices dropping quickly for larger orders. There are no hidden fees, making them a more affordable marketing option than gift baskets or bottles of wine. Do I need to worry about sizes when ordering socks? Thanks to a blend of 80% combed cotton, 15% nylon, and 5% elastane, our custom socks have excellent stretch and flexibility to fit most adult foot sizes. So, there’s no need to manage multiple sizes for your giveaways. When is the best time to give out custom socks in real estate? The most effective moments are when clients are celebrating a milestone, such as at closing, as a “welcome home” gift, or as part of a client appreciation package. Socks can even be mailed with a handwritten note or card, creating a personal connection.  Can I design socks to match my real estate brand? Absolutely! Socks can be fully customized with your logo, brand colors, patterns, or even playful home-themed designs, giving you a unique way to showcase your brand identity. We can guide you through the design process to ensure your socks align with your brand.  

Pizza parties are out, custom socks are in. Today’s employees can see through half-hearted corporate perks and hollow gestures of appreciation.  But perhaps yours is a company determined to buck the trend, one that values its people, cares about their well-being, and is as committed to happiness and belonging as it is to productivity. If you’ve created an environment people truly want to be part of, it’s the perfect opportunity to build on that connection with something fun and meaningful. Here’s why custom socks can reinforce group identity, spark conversations, and promote a sense of belonging. Why Custom Socks Work As A Company Culture Tool Humans are hardwired for connection, and in a workplace, that instinct translates into a need to feel part of something bigger than ourselves—what psychologists call the “psychology of togetherness.” After all, we spend around a third of our lives at work. That togetherness is encapsulated in: Shared experiences – projects, celebrations, and milestones. Symbols – color schemes, mantras, philosophies. Rituals – regular traditions or events that foster connection. Dress code – guidelines that unify the team while allowing individuality. Language – shared phrases, common interactions, and inside jokes. When people feel included and connected to their organization, they’re more likely to collaborate, communicate openly, and show loyalty to the team.  Even small, tangible cues (like everyone wearing the same branded socks) can serve as a visual reminder that “we’re in this together,” functioning as both a symbol and a subtle element of the dress code. Novelty Breaks Down Formality The novelty factor of custom socks breaks down formality and humanizes the workplace. Imagine how it feels to see a senior manager wearing something less serious: It softens their image It makes them more relatable It signals approachability Formality in the workplace acts like a social mask: people follow strict roles, hide vulnerabilities, and stick to scripted interactions to meet expectations. This creates distance and stifles genuine connection.  But wearing custom socks encourages people to drop the mask. When employees feel free to be their authentic selves, it strengthens team cohesion, especially across different levels of hierarchy. TIP: To maximize engagement, encourage teams to share photos wearing their socks on LinkedIn, and showcase your culture to a wider audience.  Custom Socks Are A Conversation Starter Custom socks serve as icebreakers and encourage interaction across teams and departments. A flash of bright, branded socks can prompt a comment as you walk past someone’s desk.  Suddenly, you’re having a lighthearted chat with someone you might not have spoken to before without defaulting to small talk. If someone is wearing custom socks, you already know one thing for certain: they love this business.  That’s common ground from the first step, which naturally segues into conversations about their role, the tasks they’re juggling, and leads to cross-functional dialogue. That connection can prove valuable later when you need support from that department. Encouraging conversations among employees who don’t usually interact creates fertile ground for innovation. According to a study by Project Management Institute, teams with high levels of cross-functional collaboration are 20% more likely to report innovation success.  Custom Socks In The Workplace Everybody wears socks. That’s why custom socks are one of the most affordable and inclusive gift option that avoids many of the pitfalls of traditional perks, such as: Pizza parties, which exclude those with dietary restrictions. After-work drinks, which don’t include non-drinkers. That’s why Franklin Morrow socks are offered in a one size fits most size to fit a wide range of foot sizes. There’s no need to manage multiple sizes. Simply put, they fit everyone. When To Distribute Branded Socks At Work There’s a right time and place for custom socks, ideally paired with key events to celebrate a variety of workplace occasions: Welcoming new hires during onboarding. Marking important milestones like project launches or promotions. Adding flair to corporate events, from casual socials to big annual gatherings. Recognizing team achievements and outstanding performance. Enhancing morale during seasonal celebrations or company retreats. If you want to tie your socks to seasonal festivities, consider creating a special design and plan ahead to ensure you receive them in time. Checking supplier lead times is essential to avoid missing the moment. Need support with design? Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com  and we’ll present you with a range of bespoke design options. Small Perks, Big Impact Sure, most people appreciate a financial bonus, but sometimes it’s the small, thoughtful perks that leave a lasting impression. These little tokens create a subliminal sense of belonging and recognition, showing that the company cares about the everyday experience. From a neuroscience perspective, customized socks activate multiple neurological pathways simultaneously. Research from Stanford University reveals that physical objects trigger: Haptic memory formation through the sense of touch Emotional processing tied to feelings of comfort Social bonding reinforced by shared experiences Activation of brain reward centers during gift reception This explains why remote employees who receive physical company items report 43% higher engagement scores compared to those limited to digital interactions. Tangible connections help compensate for missing in-person experiences. Final Thoughts: Custom Socks For Employee Engagement The benefits of custom socks are broad; custom socks provide enhanced visibility for your brand and provide a simple yet effective way to promote cross-functional working. When employees love their company, they don’t just talk about it; they’re happy to wear that pride, quite literally, on their feet. Using custom socks allow teams to express that sense of belonging and shared identity.  This small token reinforces loyalty, sparks water-cooler conversations, and contributes to employee satisfaction. Ultimately, it’s these everyday expressions of pride that contribute to happier employees and a more cohesive team. Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com to get your free mockup and start designing high-quality custom socks that make your brand unforgettable. Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Socks Here are some frequently asked questions about distributing custom socks as employee gifts. Are custom socks suitable for all types of workplaces? Custom socks work best in environments where there’s already a positive culture and employee loyalty. If your company enjoys low turnover and strong, positive reviews (like on Glassdoor) they’re a great way to reinforce team spirit.  However, if employee feedback uncovers deeper underlying issues within the workplace, it’s important to address those root causes first before investing in perks. Also, custom socks can be effective for fully remote teams, since offering something tangible helps create a sense of connection despite the physical distance. How do you choose the right design for personalized socks? Choosing the right sock design goes beyond socks featuring your company logo. It’s about capturing your brand’s personality through colors, patterns, and style. Aim for a design that’s eye-catching and unique—something that stands out from everyday socks, draws attention, and prompts conversation—while also being something employees are proud to wear. Getting input from your team, whether through surveys or design competitions, can make the socks feel more personal and increase employee buy-in.  At Franklin Morrow, our specialist design team is on hand to bring your vision to life and ensure the final design reflects your brand. What sock sizes should I order to fit all employees? At Franklin Morrow, we offer any size that you can think of, but generally recommend our one size fits most sizing because it provides the best fit for the vast majority of employees. Thanks to a blend of 80% combed cotton, 15% nylon, and 5% elastane, the socks have excellent stretch and flexibility to fit a wide range of foot sizes.   

Pens, tote bags, stress balls… it all gets a bit tiresome at trade shows with the same old giveaways. When giving something away, businesses are doing so to stay top of mind, but if everyone’s handing out the same old stationery, they just blend into the same pile.  Not only that, but up to 40% of corporate swag ends up in landfill shortly after the event! Whereas, custom socks are actually reused, worn, and remembered, and they offer both a fun and functional way to grab your prospects’ attention. This article explores how your business can make use of personalized and branded socks as a standout promotional item. We’ll explore why they work, how to design them for impact, and tips for making the most of your trade show booth. Why Trade Show Giveaways Matter Trade shows are fast-paced, high-energy environments where hundreds of brands are competing for attention. If you're showcasing a booth, you need to do two things to stand out: Attract foot traffic  Make a lasting impression It’s important to offer something that draws people in and keeps your brand top of mind after they leave. However, when everyone is giving away pens, tote bags, and keychains, attendees end up with duplicates or things they don’t actually want.  That only contributes to promo fatigue. To cut through the noise, your giveaway needs to offer utility. It should be useful, well-designed, and a little unexpected. A pen may be useful but you see an abundance of them at trade shows and conferences. Custom socks, on the other hand… Why Custom Socks Are a Smart Choice Custom socks combine practical use with style and personality, making them far more memorable than typical giveaways. Do you use a pen every day? Maybe. But in many industries (especially tech and office-based professions), most work happens on screens. Whereas, custom socks are wearable items that people actually use every day (well… maybe not consecutive days), meaning your brand stays visible long after the trade show ends. Additionally, socks provide excellent branding real estate. The entire surface can feature your colors, logos, patterns, or slogans. Unlike a pen tucked away in a bag or drawer, socks are highly visible when worn: On the commute At the office During workouts At social events For companies with passionate communities, these socks create a strong emotional connection, and people wear them with pride. Recipients love to show off quirky designs and bold colors.  A design doesn’t have to be just a logo. Patterns, slogans, and creative branding all add personality and make the socks truly memorable. People value items that serve a real purpose and express individuality.  How To Distribute Socks Without Giving Them All Away Handing out freebies to just about anyone who walks past will dilute your giveaway’s impact. Beware also of those who make a habit of stopping by each booth, feigning interest in your company, filling their tote bag with event swag, only to disappear and never be heard from again. You should reserve your custom socks for qualified leads only, as the goal is to generate business and ensure a solid return on your investment.  This approach is backed by research—a study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) revealed that 83% of consumers are more likely to do business with a brand after receiving a promotional product. The best way to convert people who engage meaningfully with your booth is to ask for something in return, such as: Their contact details (email, phone number, website) Social media interaction, i.e., like, follow, subscribe, tag, share.  Completing a short survey or feedback form  Scanning a QR code to join your mailing list Booking a follow-up call or meeting Gamification also works a treat, too. You could set up a fun challenge like a spin-to-win wheel where socks are a prize. This builds excitement, draws crowds, and creates memorable experiences linked directly to your brand.  Whatever you do, you mustn’t indiscriminately give away your custom socks. The best giveaways don’t just sit in a bag. They get used, get noticed, and remind people who you are. Design A Sock Style That Leaves A Lasting Impression If you’re going to invest in custom socks, make them distinctive and eye-catching. Color and personality matter. Choose bold color palettes and fun graphics that stand out from a distance and that contrast with the usual dark trousers worn by professionals. They’ll have dozens of pairs of plain, boring ones to choose from every day. Design a sock that people would genuinely pick off a shelf, and you’ll turn a giveaway into a keepsake! Seasonal themes with a corporate twist are a hit, too; for example: Winter: Festive elements like your log with a Santa hat on it, snowmen wearing branded scarves, or elves carrying products from your range.  Spring: Soft, pastel socks with your logo or a slogan like “Fresh Ideas Bloom Here”. Summer: Bold, beach-inspired patterns featuring sunglasses or surfboards with your logo subtly worked in. Autumn: Halloween-themed designs like your company mascot dressed up in costume or spooky illustrations that reflect your industry. Depending on your target market, you may also want to choose between gender-specific or unisex sock designs to maximize appeal and wearability.  The more people want to wear your socks, the more exposure your brand gets. Need support with design? Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com  and we’ll present you with a range of bespoke design options. Creating A Sock-Worthy Booth Experience Effective visual merchandising can dramatically amplify your reach, so it’s a good idea to showcase your socks front and center using: Creative stands Hanging displays Sock-themed décor Lighting and signage Naturally, custom socks cost a bit more than your average pen so keep them well-guarded, but not completely off limits. They need to be visible to spark curiosity and encourage visitors to stop and engage. You want to entice people so that they want to see and touch, even encouraging hands-on tactile experience so they can assess the socks’ durability, but only when you’re locked into a conversation. Something that works particularly well with branded socks (given their visual appeal) is encouraging attendees to share a photo with your socks to their social media with a dedicated hashtag (so you can analyze the online reach).  This not only extends your reach beyond the trade show floor but online too. Final Thoughts: Sock Giveaways That Enhance Your Brand Custom sock giveaways are a powerful marketing tool that offers a unique opportunity to break free from the usual trade show clutter and create a memorable, lasting connection with your audience.  They turn a simple promotional item into a wearable statement that people actually want to use. When distributed strategically and showcased properly, they not only attract attention at your trade show booth but continue to promote your brand long after the event ends.  In a world where most giveaways end up forgotten or discarded, custom socks will boost your brand visibility, literally putting it one step ahead. Email us at sales@franklinmorrow.com to get your free mockup and start designing custom socks that make your brand unforgettable. Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Sock Giveaways Thinking about using custom socks at your next trade show? Here are the most common questions we get and how to make sure your giveaway leaves a lasting impression. How far in advance should I order custom socks for a trade show? At Franklin Morrow, the sock-making process takes between 4-7 weeks from approval of design to delivery. Our team will work with you to ensure that you are always up to date on where we are at in the sock-making process and will send pictures of your socks along the way. What are the best ways to give socks away at a trade show? Avoid handing them out to everyone. Instead, offer them to qualified leads in exchange for contact details, booking a meeting, or for sharing a picture of them on social media. Do people really want socks as a freebie? Yes! High-quality, well-designed socks are surprisingly popular. Attendees often prefer unique items they won’t get from every other booth. It’s not unusual to see larger crowds gather around booths giving them away compared to those handing out more traditional freebies.  

Discover how to boost brand visibility with high-quality custom socks. The perfect promotional item to build loyalty at events, conferences, and trade shows.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around and let's take a walk down memory lane to discover the fascinating history of socks! Believe it or not, socks have been around for centuries. The earliest recorded evidence of socks dates back to ancient Egyptian times, where they were made from animal skins and fur. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that socks became more mainstream. During this time, socks were worn by high-ranking officials and royalty as a symbol of wealth and luxury. They were often made of expensive materials, such as silk and velvet, and adorned with intricate designs and jewels. Maybe our next designs will have some jewels on them! Then came the 16th century, and with it, the invention of the knitting machine. This revolutionized the sock industry, allowing socks to be produced much more quickly and efficiently. It also made socks more accessible to the general public, rather than just the elite. As the centuries went by, socks took on different forms and styles depending on the era and culture. In the 1800s, men's socks were typically knee-high and made of wool or cotton. Women's socks, on the other hand, were shorter and made of delicate materials like silk or lace. In the 1920s, socks became a fashion statement with bold colors and patterns. It's interesting to note that during World War II, socks became an essential item for soldiers. They were made to be durable and comfortable for long periods of time, and could even be worn as makeshift gloves.  In today's world, socks come in all colors, sizes, and styles. There are ankle socks, crew socks, knee-high socks, compression socks, and even toe socks. Some socks are great for running and sports, while others are made to be casual and comfortable for everyday wear. One of the more recent sock trends is customization. People are now able to create customized socks with their own designs and logos, making them a great way to advertise a business or organization. Plus, it's fun to have your own unique pair of socks! So why do we wear socks in the first place? Well, for starters, they keep our feet warm and dry. They also provide cushioning and support, which can help prevent blisters and other foot issues. But there's something else to wearing socks that goes beyond just keeping our feet cozy. Socks can also be a form of self-expression. Whether it's through the color, pattern, or message on the sock, we can show off our personality and style. We believe that socks are more than just a piece of clothing. They're a way to express yourself and add some fun and humor to your wardrobe. That's why we offer a wide variety of unique and creative socks that are sure to make a statement.  

We get this question a lot and it makes sense. There are thousands of sock companies all around the world that specialize in socks. So what makes Franklin Morrow socks special? It’s a combination of things. The first thing that I tell people is that it’s the care that go into our socks. I spent hundreds of hours hand picking materials to make sure you got the perfect material in each sock. I combed through samples of various types of cotton, combed cotton, bamboo, wool, nylon, elastic, and a whole host of other materials. This meant reading articles and books on these materials, what purposes they serve in the clothing, and how they interact with one another. It wasn’t the most exciting thing I’ve ever done, but it was necessary. We are always trying to get better as a team, please share your feedback with us whenever you have it! We also wanted to make sure we put other design elements into the socks to help us stand out. In every pair of Franklin Morrow socks we reinforce the toe and heel of the sock. For most people this isn’t a design element you’ve likely heard of or even care about, but for us it was important to increase the quality of the sock. The additional reinforcement that this provide ensures your toe isn’t going to pop out through the end of your sock or for you hard walkers, your heel won’t wear through into your shoe. What makes our socks special doesn’t stop in the materials we use, design elements, or how we make our socks. As I mentioned in a previous post, it was a no brainer to have an element to Franklin Morrow that gave back to the community. After some research we found that socks were the number one need for homeless shelters. After reading about this need we knew this was the way we could make an impact for our community. It’s simple, you buy an amazing pair of socks and we donate a pair of socks to an individual in need. In addition to donating a pair of socks to an individual in need we also partner with local charities to create custom socks to help them hit their fundraising goals. Our most recent partnership was with Autism Speaks, a national organization that is focused on advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism. For any individual purchasing our Kindness Counts socks, 100% of the proceeds from that sale goes to Autism Speaks. We will continue to partner with at least two charities a year to give back to causes that our community cares about. We are currently planning our charitable partners for 2022. If you have any suggestions, please reach out to me at alex@franklinmorrow.com. Another aspect of our socks that make us unique is our designs. When I started Franklin Morrow I wanted to provide individuals a fun sock that was also simple in design, but also came with an affordable price tag. I also wanted to pay homage to the things in my life that helped shape who I am. You will see a lot of Ohio themed socks on our website. This is because I was born and raised here and am now raising my family here (I’ll save everyone my normal speech about how Ohio is great and why everyone should move here). As many of you now know, I grew up on a farm and wanted to pay homage to that. We have both our cow themed socks and our new wool socks made from wool from the sheep on our farm. We also have both shark and anchor themed socks. This next one is a fun fact most of my friends don’t even know. When I was in High School I considered becoming a marine biologist. I’ve always had a fascination with the ocean and everything in it. Which is strange considering I live in the midwest and the closest “beach” we have is on Lake Erie. Lastly, what makes us special is our people. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best experience while choosing your socks. Whether that be through our customer service team, our sales team, or our graphic designer. We want to make sure you leave with a positive story to share about Franklin Morrow as a company.

A lot of the times when we hear entrepreneurs talk about their business, we hear them talk about how much revenue they are bringing in or all the things they did right. While that is great and everyone should celebrate their successes, we should also look at our failures and lessons learned to find ways to improve and help others avoid those same mistakes. This post will focus on some of my failures and lessons I’ve learned in business. My goal in this post is to help you in your business venture.    I know this will be a common mistake for entrepreneurs, but my first mistake was estimating the amount of time it would take to start/run a business. I remember thinking it would take me no more than a few months to get Franklin Morrow off the ground. Fun fact: it took nearly two years. This was due to me wanting to get everything perfect before bringing this business to the public. While I think this was a great strategy in terms of product quality, I wasted a lot of time second guessing myself in terms of my business plan, branding my business, social media posts, etc...With the exception of product quality, I view action as far more important than perfection. I can always change things if needed, but it’s more important to get things done than second guessing yourself along the way and wasting valuable time. I now always assume something will take three times as long as I assume it will.    My second biggest mistake was assuming I’d never have production or shipping delays. I had done my homework, so why should I worry about those things (naive thinking, I know)? I had researched everything I could about the production of socks and shipping times, but my first large order was three weeks later than expected. This means customers were expecting orders that arrived almost three weeks late and in the world of Amazon, three days seems like an eternity. Our hold up on that shipment was two-part. The first part was a production problem. Multiple pieces of equipment in our production facility had gone down for several days. This caused delays that resulted in over a week-long delay in the production of our socks. The shipping of that order was delayed an additional few days due to an issue with paperwork I had filled out. Needless to say, I figured out quickly how to fill out the appropriate paperwork for shipping. Things like this will happen in business and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it. Keep reading below to see my lesson learned from this.    This lesson learned goes somewhat hand in hand with the shipping and production issue mentioned above. When we had those issues, I did a poor job communicating those delays to our customers. It was because I was embarrassed. I thought because things were delayed, it would look like I was not capable of running a business. After some conversations with other business owners, I determined over communicating was going to be my winning strategy. From that point forward, if there were going to be any delays or issues with any order, the customer was the first to know. I’ve found that people are understanding when you are upfront and honest with them.    It’s important to say here that if you are in the social media marketing and marketing field you deserve a raise immediately. This was one of my biggest struggles as a new business. I assumed I could post a nice picture and include some hashtags and my post would be seen by people trying to buy socks. This was not the case. It takes massive and consistent action to build a social media presence. This is an area I’m still trying to master, but one item that has really helped me grow my knowledge of how best to utilize social media was interacting with other social media posts in a genuine and authentic way. I try to spend at least 5 minutes a day encouraging people and commenting on other businesses and individuals posts. I’ve found that this does a couple things. Selfishly, it boosts my mood because I’m encouraging people, and who doesn’t like to do that? It also leads people to come check out my page and interact with me!   I’m sure when other entrepreneurs read this there may be some disagreement with this next one, but I’m going to say it anyway. After almost four years in business I’ve come to realize how important processes are to your success. You must keep to your processes no matter the cost. Obviously that sentence should include the caveat that those processes have to be successful. At times, I’ve had clients ask me to break our processes in order to better fit their needs. I’ve done this three times because the order was huge for Franklin Morrow and hard to turn down. However, after agreeing to the terms of the deal, I had run into new issues because I was operating outside of my normal protocol. This ranged from an upfront financial burden on me, large increases in the use of time per order and larger delays due to design changes at the last second. I always try to be accommodating as possible, but you should trust that your processes work, even if it means not landing a big deal.    If these paragraphs had titles this one would have the title “the pandemic”. I’m not even sure where to begin here, or if an explanation is necessary. We all felt the hardships of a pandemic. Let’s be honest, socks aren’t a necessity when everything else around you seems to be falling apart. Businesses are deciding on whether to let go of employees or shut their doors, not rewarding their employees or clients with custom socks. The stores our socks were in were closed for months and when they reopened, it wasn’t the same for months after that. To be honest, it was a rough year. I think I had all of the emotions in the book through the last 18 months. Fear of the unknown, to sadness for what we saw every day. However, If there ever was a silver lining to the pandemic, it gave us the opportunity to retool and rethink how we can best serve our neighbors. This led us to new partnerships and lasting relationships. It helped us reimagine what Franklin Morrow could be and how best to get there. The pandemic made me even more thankful for the store owners where our socks are sold. They were always open, honest, communicated regularly and cared about the entrepreneurs in their stores.    If after reading this, you’re thinking, “Man, Alex made a bunch of mistakes starting/running a business,” then you’re right. It’s definitely been a learning experience and I’ve been presented with some unique challenges, but I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s helped me grow into a better business person and a better human in general. Of course there are more lessons learned than I could fit into a blog post, but these have been a few that have stuck out in my head. In a future post, I’ll talk about some of the successes of Franklin Morrow and what I’ve learned from those wins, but for now I wanted to make myself vulnerable and let aspiring entrepreneurs know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes you have to fail before you grow.

Why I started Franklin Morrow. It’s probably best to start off my first blog post to say I’m not what one would call a gifted writer. When it comes to business, it’s probably the area I struggle most with, but in business if you do not make yourself uncomfortable, you do not grow. I welcome your advice and let me know what you think of the first ever Franklin Morrow blog post. The questions I get asked most frequently are why and how did I start Franklin Morrow? The short answer is I wanted to provide a better quality and more affordable sock than what was available on the market. But honestly, it’s more than that. I wanted to find a way to help men dress better at an affordable price.  I always viewed men's clothing options as being somewhat limited and overpriced. It felt as if everyone was wearing the same type of suit, the same monotone socks, the classic pocket square wasn’t widely worn, and cell phones kept the time, so who needed a watch? Today we have more options than ever before, but more options doesn’t always mean better quality. For socks, this is where I wanted Franklin Morrow to come in. Prior to launching Franklin Morrow, I read dozens of books, thousands of articles, and spent two years working with 75 different manufacturers to find the right team. It was important to me to find a manufacturer that cared as much about producing quality socks as I did. Once that decision was made, it was time to produce a high-quality, long-lasting, and affordable sock. I spent months researching what materials to use, how much of each of those materials were going to be in each sock, and finally tested the socks for over a year prior to ever bringing them to market. At this point, it would be good to thank all my friends that helped me product test these socks and for putting up with all of my ridiculous questions as we went through the testing process. I also promise not to ask you about your socks or feet ever again. Once we had a sock to my standards, it was time to begin designing some of our first pairs In March of 2018, I officially launched Franklin Morrow to the “masses”. I’d be lying if I said it all went smoothly and it was just uphill from there. In another blog post I will talk about lessons learned from starting a company, but for now I’ll say that we experienced production and shipping delays that naively I didn’t think would happen.  I assumed starting a business would be like the field of dreams. If you build it, they will come. However, after friends and family supported Franklin Morrow, it was not as easy as I assumed to find new clients. It took time and more reading to determine how best to market a new, unheard-of sock company to a larger audience. Thankfully, there were people that were willing to take a chance on me. I remember walking into several stores and asking to put my socks on their shelves, and to my surprise, after a few questions, a few said yes. It was a surreal moment for me to see Franklin Morrow socks on store shelves and seeing orders roll in. It is still surreal when I see someone I don’t know in our socks. Another item that was equally as important as the quality of our socks was our commitment to give back to the community. I grew up in a community that preached and practiced the importance of giving back, and I knew from the early days that I wanted to incorporate that philosophy into Franklin Morrow. After some back and forth on how best to impact the community, I landed on donating a pair of socks to a local homeless shelter for each pair of socks that were purchased by our customers. It seemed like a natural fit for a sock company to donate socks.  As much as we enjoy donating socks to a great cause, we knew we could do more. In 2019 we began creating custom socks in partnership with local charities. The goal was to create fun custom sock designs to help those charities promote their cause while giving that charity 100% of the proceeds from those sock sales. Our latest partnership was with Autism Speaks, with the goal of raising $2,000 for all of the great work they are doing in the Central Ohio region. We are almost to that goal, so for a shameless plug, go buy our Kindness Counts socks. I’ve had the privilege of being in business for three and a half years. It’s been a rollercoaster ride of both emotions and challenges. There are days that I'm on cloud nine after a big deal is closed, and there are days when we don’t make a single sale. I’ve grown to appreciate the unique challenges of running a business and have found myself humbled when things don’t go as planned. Through all of the challenges, our mission is to still provide you with quality socks while attempting to do good in the community.  My hope is to continue to build a trusted brand that gives back to the community. To continue to strive to be the best in the business and grow the products we offer to our customers. We will continue to grow our passionate team of individuals that share in our commitment to all of you.  Thank you for taking the time to read my first blog post. If there is ever a topic you think I should cover or questions you have, please reach out to me at Alex@FranklinMorrow.com.