CSE, Inc.
Address: 5400 S. Westridge Drive, New Berlin
Year founded: 1979
Product or service offered: CSE is a 35-year-old branded merchandise agency specializing in the online fulfillment of promotional merchandise, recognition programs, uniforms, name badges and banners. Additionally, CSE offers in-house embroidery, digitizing, laser engraving, large format printing, fulfillment, kitting/assembly, website design/development/hosting, and creative.
Projected 2014 revenue: $39.8 million
President and CEO: Tom Savio
Other key members of the leadership team: Gerard Savio, chairman; Charles Caliendo, chief information officer
Target clientele: Companies that understand the importance of branded merchandise in their overall marketing mix.
Business organization memberships: Legacy Buying Group, LLC, ASI, PPAW, Embroidery Trade Association
What has fueled your company’s growth? “CSE’s growth has been fueled by a commitment to delivering exceptional service combined with creative ideas.”
Do you plan to make any changes in your company in the coming months? “Yes. We are implementing a new Web interface to increase order entry efficiencies, electronic document storage, and adding three to five more employees, among other things.”
Who are the business people, locally or nationally, whom you admire? And what traits do those people exhibit that make you admire them? “The Ritz Carlton is an inspiration to us given their attention to detail and commitment to service. From a creative perspective, we are inspired by companies such as Apple, Burton, and Abercrombie & Fitch.”
What is the outlook for the business conditions of your industry over the next several months? “We believe the industry will experience a postive 3 to 5 percent growth.”
What is your company’s most important growth strategy right now? “Currently CSE is focusing on new business acquisition, organic growth, and 100 percent client retention.”
