Case Study: Empowering a Nationwide Workforce with Branded Apparel

How Threads Custom Gear Helped GT Independence Celebrate 20 Years of Impact

Client Overview: GT Independence

GT Independence is a national leader in self-directed care, empowering individuals and families to manage their own support services. Headquartered in Sturgis, Michigan, the company also maintains offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Raleigh, North Carolina, supporting a remote workforce of over 800 employees across the United States.

Challenge: Celebrating a Milestone Across States

In 2024, GT Independence marked its 20th anniversary—a significant milestone in the company’s history. To commemorate the occasion, GT Independence wanted to offer every employee a branded piece of merchandise. However, the company faced logistical challenges:

• Employees were spread across multiple states, with the majority based in Sturgis, MI.

• Many worked remotely or in the field, making centralized distribution impractical.

• The experience needed to be seamless, personalized, and celebratory.

Solution: A Custom Online Store Built by Threads Custom Gear

GT Independence partnered with Threads Custom Gear, a Traverse City, MI-based provider of custom apparel and promotional merchandise. Known for their agility and personalized service, Threads Custom Gear designed and launched a custom online store tailored specifically for GT Independence’s 20th anniversary campaign.

Key Features of the Store:

• Secure, Employee-Only Access: Each employee received a unique coupon code, allowing them to redeem a free anniversary item without cost.

• Product & Brand Consistency: The store featured the commemorative long sleeve design with 2-color front & back print in sizes up to 5XL.

• Home Delivery: Employees could enter their personal shipping address, enabling Threads to deliver items directly to over 800 residences nationwide.

• Time-Boxed Ordering Window: The store was live for a specific period to encourage timely participation and ensure production deadlines were met.

Execution & Logistics

Threads Custom Gear handled the end-to-end process:

• Design & Branding: Collaborated with GT Independence’s marketing team to finalize logo placements and anniversary designs.

• Store Development: Built and tested a user-friendly e-commerce platform with coupon code integration.

• Production: Managed inventory forecasting based on initial order interest and ensured high-quality printing.

• Fulfillment & Shipping: Packaged each order individually and shipped it to employees’ homes while remaining compliant with digital security.

Results & Impact

• Over 800 Employees Reached: Employees from Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and beyond participated in the celebration.

• 100% Home Delivery Rate: All merchandise was successfully delivered to individual homes, regardless of location.

• Positive Employee Feedback: The program boosted morale and reinforced GT Independence’s culture of appreciation and inclusion.

• Effortless Administration: Threads managed all technical and logistical details, allowing GT Independence’s HR and communications teams to focus on celebration events and internal messaging.

Conclusion

By partnering with Threads Custom Gear, GT Independence was able to turn a logistical challenge into a moment of connection and appreciation for its widely distributed team. The custom online store became more than just a way to distribute merchandise—it became a symbol of company pride and 20 years of meaningful service.