Webster company fills a need with locally based print, promotional & other services

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Ryan Ashworth – who has spent nearly two decades in the printing sector – launched his business, Dasher International, when he saw a lack of customer service in the industry, especially when it came to printed promotional products.

“I saw an opportunity to help more local customers,” said Ashworth, Dasher’s president and founder. “Plus, the time was right, and I was ready to make a shift.”

Webster-based Dasher offers clients print products and services, including commercial print, signage and displays, branded merchandise, direct mail, graphic design and other custom items.

The company services a range of businesses and organizations of all sizes. Most customers are locally based, but there are also some in other parts of the country and in Canada.

Ashworth launched the business about a year ago but made it a full-time venture in June.

His goal is to provide unparalleled products and services to Dasher’s clients and believes customer relationships are key.

As technology has been increasingly utilized for customer service across the promotional printing industry, Ashworth believes a human connection is an essential component to achieve a superior experience and a successful outcome for his firm’s clients.

“We strive to be a seamless extension of our clients’ businesses and develop campaigns that exceed their unique goals,” he said.

Ashworth is well versed in the printing sector, having grown up watching his grandfather and father work in it.

His own professional experience was pivotal to launching Dasher, he said, since it gave him a solid foundation on how the industry works.

Before founding Dasher, Ashworth worked in corporate sales focusing on retail marketing and decor programs.

Ashworth’s experience includes a decade at Image, a large commercial printing company, where he spent time heading the company’s business development efforts. Before that, he gained experience in commercial printing at Rochester firms, including Complemar Partners – where he also learned about co-packing and logistics – and Excelsus Solutions.

Ashworth explained that Dasher is a print and promotional products supplier that helps clients focus on core business while providing customized marketing services.

A few examples of its work include:

• A growing spirits’ brand in Monroe County wanted to give patrons the opportunity to purchase merchandise at its retail tasting room, but cost inflation was hurting customer’s pockets. Dasher tapped into their international supplier base to keep costs down and brand awareness strong for the client.

• A Rochester-based, luxury pool and spa designer hosted a pop-up sales event to create buzz about a new product line. Dasher supported the event by sourcing various branded giveaways and premiums, and

• An international consumer packaged goods business was looking for a U.S.- based partner to source and pack branded materials. Dasher managed the sourcing and logistics allowing brand materials to be paired with product and distributed to brand teams across the country.

Ashworth believes that what sets Dasher apart from other print service providers are four pillars that make up the company’s foundation: partnership, bespoke full-service offerings, competitive pricing and the OnDasher proprietary workflow platform.

The company’s three employees, who are experienced print industry experts, create collaborative partnerships with clients, and a network of local, national and overseas production partners allow Dasher to offer a range of print offerings and niche branded products unavailable to the average consumer.

Oftentimes businesses find they are required to use several different vendors to fulfill different print and promotional needs, but Dasher offers a one-stop shopping experience by sourcing all products.

The approach saves clients time, gives them access to unique products and provides built-in supply chain management, quality control, warehousing and logistics, Ashworth explained.

The company also provides competitive pricing options through its vendor relationships and does not require a minimum order volume, he noted.

Additionally, Dasher’s proprietary OnDasher cloud-based storefront and inventory management system houses all print product information in one place for easy and efficient client management, including order history and tracking, inventory alerts, custom shopping experience and corporate level reporting.

In addition to managing day-to-day operations at Dasher, Ashworth continues his entrepreneurial efforts, supporting his wife, Sarah, and her team at two retail bridal boutiques in Western New York, including Heart to Heart Bride Inc. in Webster, and managing Ashworth Property Group LLC.

Ashworth says he is committed to growing Dasher in the Rochester region. That includes growing Dasher’s staff, geographic footprint served and revenues, adding he is confident Dasher can become a multimillion-dollar revenue generating company.

“I see it as a job growth and revenue focused company,” he said.

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