Client Gifts For PNC Bank: A Case Study

Overview

PNC Bank, a large financial institution with operations throughout the United States, contracted with Linden Square to curate client gifts as a way to thank their valued clients for their business and reinforce their commitment to continuing their professional relationship. The goal of the project was to create on-brand gifts that matched PNC's brand colors and included several branded elements, such as personalized notecards for each of their bankers. With Linden Square's highly customizable branding options, attention to detail, and efficient fulfillment and shipping process, we created a seamless and impactful gifting experience for PNC.

Collaboration and Customization: Aligning the Gifting Experience with PNC's Brand Guidelines

Linden Square began by working closely with PNC to understand their brand guidelines and preferences. After gathering insights, our team curated a selection of gift options that aligned with PNC's brand colors and included all the necessary branded elements. The curated options were presented for review, and PNC selected items that not only reflected their brand but also supported women-owned businesses.

One standout choice was Partners Coffee Roasters from Brooklyn, New York. Their beautifully packaged Flatiron blend in blue and orange was a perfect match for PNC's signature colors. We worked with Partners Coffee to ensure a sufficient supply of freshly roasted coffee, adding an elevated touch to the gift. (Side note: if you ever have the opportunity to try their Flatiron blend, don't pass it up—it’s definitely one of our new favorite things!)

In addition to Partners Coffee, Gadget Girl, a woman-owned business specializing in branded items, was also featured in the gift set. These thoughtful selections from women-owned businesses reinforced PNC’s commitment to championing women entrepreneurs while providing a meaningful and personalized experience for their clients.

Personalization

Once the gifts were selected, Linden Square began the process of personalizing them for each of PNC's bankers. This included gathering brand assets—such as logos, brand colors, and banker signatures—and creating a unique signed card for each banker. This level of customization made each gift truly one-of-a-kind. Additionally, we collaborated with a local printer to create a custom branded gift band made from embossed cardstock, digitally printed with the PNC logo.

A Special Touch

Earlier in the year, our founder, Amanda Klingenberger, was invited to apply for a membership grant to Coralus through PNC's 257 Initiative, a program designed to accelerate women’s financial equality. Amanda’s application was accepted, and she became a Coralus Activator, joining a global nonprofit that practices radical generosity through interest-free loans and a community of women and nonbinary entrepreneurs sharing resources and expertise.

To acknowledge this, PNC requested that a special notecard be included in each gift, co-branded with both PNC and Coralus, explaining the purpose behind the initiative and Amanda’s involvement. The card read:

"Did you know it will take 257 years to close the economic gender gap? This year, PNC chose Amanda Klingenberger, founder of Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Linden Square, as one of the 100 participants in the new PNC Bank + Coralus Collective. The Collective offers entrepreneurs like Klingenberger a variety of benefits, including unfettered access to Coralus, a global nonprofit organization practicing radical generosity through an interest-free revolving loan fund and a community of women and nonbinary individuals sharing resources and expertise. PNC’s partnership with Coralus is part of Project 257®, a PNC initiative to accelerate women’s financial equality and help close the economic gender gap."

Full-Service Experience

When PNC approached us for a custom gifting experience, we were ready to rise to the occasion. PNC was paired with a dedicated account manager who worked with them every step of the way—from the initial gift proposal to the final shipment—to ensure their vision came to life. In addition to personalized customer service, our team provided innovative technological solutions, custom branded packaging, and handled all logistics through our fulfillment center, ensuring a flawless gifting experience.

Outcome

The project was a great success! PNC’s clients were delighted with the gifts, and the personalization added a thoughtful touch that resonated deeply. Sending the gifts just after the New Year allowed PNC to stand out from the crowded holiday season, making their gesture even more memorable. The inclusion of products from women-owned businesses, like Partners Coffee and Gadget Girl, further highlighted PNC’s dedication to supporting diverse entrepreneurs.

This thoughtful and strategic approach to gifting not only helped PNC strengthen client relationships but also left a lasting impression on their clients.

Originally posted January 16, 2023. Updated with additional attribution September 3, 2024.