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 Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) Column: DuPage business; Fox Valley business Amerimac Keeps Clients Front and Center Author: Kim Mikus Edition: DuPage,F1,F2,McHenry,F3,F4 Section: Business The main objective at Amerimac is assisting clients to become well-known in their business circles. "We help companies market their products and services," said Patrick McDonnell, owner of the 4 1/2-year-old firm. He sells everything from golf shirts to Christmas ornaments with corporate logos. The Geneva resident said he offers more than just the product. As part of the deal at no additional cost, he offers consulting services to assist clients find the best way to brand, or get their name in the marketplace. An outgoing McDonnell meets with clients and asks a series of questions to find out what they are trying to accomplish with the product. "We also help create slogans for product lines," he added. "We don't just try to sell the product, we try to consult and give suggestions on how to market the product or services," McDonnell said. "We work on the whole picture." The entrepreneur recently relocated his growing business from Des Plaines to unincorporated West Chicago, on the border of Batavia and Geneva. He launched a showroom at 33W480 Fabyan Parkway, Suite 105. He said customers feel more comfortable when they can see and touch the products. He often meets with clients at their businesses. McDonnell, 40, works with companies and organizations of all sizes. He's done a large volume of work with the U.S. government. For example, he said he created miniature flashlights with the phrase, "Thanks for Looking Out For Us." The lights were sent to the 20,000 people who helped look for debris from the space shuttle Columbia following the tragedy on Feb. 1, 2003. McDonnell suggests clients present a nice shirt at a company golf outing or give a clock, calculator or Cross pen with a logo or slogan on it. "That way your name is always on their desk," he said. Apparel, gifts for the holidays, and pens are his top products. McDonnell worked for eight years for a large company that manufactured prestigious recognition awards before breaking out and launching his own business. He and his wife, Karen, are! raising two daughters, Samantha, 10, and Cassandra, 9. For more information, call (630) 444-1111. Caption: Patrick McDonnell is the owner of Amerimac Ltd., a business he recently relocated from Des Plaines to unincorporated West Chicago. Jeff Knox/Daily Herald Copyright 2004 Daily Herald Record Number: 753114 |