When motor oil provider Valvoline wanted to make an impact during a corporate golf outing, the company reached out to a distributor of SailorBags (asi/84293). The Rochester, NY-based supplier specializes in promotional bags, and had the perfect product for Valvoline’s needs: shoe bags for the golfers’ cleats.

“It was a unique opportunity that we sunk our teeth into and really had a lot of fun with,” says Tina Paradiso, owner of SailorBags. Made of pristine white sailcloth fabric with navy blue trim, the bag was branded with the Valvoline logo set dead center. Measuring 12" x 8.75" x 5", the bag featured marine-grade YKK zippers and a wide opening on the front for instant access. The mesh sides captured excess dirt, allowing the shoes to breathe or dry. Up to a men’s size 13 could fit in the lightweight, water-resistant bag with an all-important lifetime guarantee.

“It’s a nice niche market, which we’ve experienced great success in,” Paradiso says. SailorBags has worked with notable brands in the past such as Audi, Harley-Davidson and HGTV, producing a variety of nautical tote bags, duffel bags, backpacks, soft cooler bags, home décor and other accessories.

The company’s latest innovative product offering is the Silver Spinnaker utility case, comprised of ultra-light, extremely durable, water- and stain-repellent silver-gray ripstop and super tough navy webbing. With 17 assorted pockets and pouches, the case opens flat and zips closed for secure storage and transportation. The handles allow it to be carried like a briefcase, and its slim profile allows for easy storage.  

In addition to the shoe bags, the utility case could be the next hot offering for the golf market. Instead of lugging around a heavy collection of clubs, the case would best serve those playing chip and putt, with its compartments for balls, scorecards, pencils and tees. “It’s great for any industry where you’re going to take little tools and put them in a beautiful design space,” Paradiso says.

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