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For over 20 years, Friends Forever International has been dedicated to helping young people develop essential life skills—communication, empathy, and leadership—so they can better serve their communities and the world. But in its early years, Friends Forever faced a challenge: they weren’t widely known in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, where they are based.
That’s when Executive Director Steve Martineau turned to Blue Dolphin Screen Printing and Embroidery.
Steve Martineau, Executive Director
“When I started here 20 years ago, one of the very first things we did was realize that we needed a brand presence,” Steve recalls. “We began working almost immediately with the brothers, Jay and Peter, to get hoodies made. My goal was to have hoodies that weren’t just cheap, throwaway items, but something that people would want to wear for years.”
As a nonprofit, Friends Forever had to find apparel that was affordable but still high quality—an often difficult balance. “There’s a difference between inexpensive and cheap,” Steve explains. “Jay and Peter were really supportive of that and helped us find the perfect balance. Over time, our relationship with them grew into a much deeper partnership.”
Through the years, Blue Dolphin became more than just a supplier for Friends Forever. They became a part of the organization’s mission.
“A big part of our program is helping young people develop human skills like communication and public speaking,” Steve says. “We like to get them out into the community, and for over a decade, we’ve been able to bring them to Blue Dolphin. They get to see the front of the house, go back into the warehouse, watch the printmaking process, and even make their own screen prints.”
But it doesn’t stop there. The young participants also share personal stories as part of their public speaking training—with the entire Blue Dolphin team as their audience. “It’s incredible to see how much teamwork exists within Blue Dolphin,” Steve says. “Everyone, from management to the people working the presses and shipping, is involved. It’s a testament to the kind of organization they are.”
One of the most remarkable things about Blue Dolphin, according to Steve, is how they treat every client with the same level of care and professionalism—whether they’re producing a small batch of beanies for Friends Forever or printing World Series and Super Bowl shirts.
“They’re huge. When you see the scale of what they do, it’s amazing,” he says. “But at the same time, if I call them with a last-minute request for a small order, they always find a way to make it happen.”
Over the years, Friends Forever has expanded beyond hoodies, ordering everything from t-shirts and aprons to fleece-lined beanies and polos. “Our young participants love them—15- and 16-year-olds are actually asking if they can keep their polo shirts!” Steve laughs.
The quality of Blue Dolphin’s work even extends to donor appreciation. “We recently did a surprise mailing of fleece-lined beanies to long-time donors during a cold snap. The response was incredible—photos of people hiking in them, messages of gratitude. These are people who have the means to get any promotional swag they want, but because Blue Dolphin’s quality is so high, they truly appreciate these gifts.”
Beyond apparel, Blue Dolphin actively supports Friends Forever’s mission. Every young participant receives a backpack from Blue Dolphin, but the company also donates additional duffel bags for a special initiative.
“In our program, we teach conscious consumerism and the power of purchasing decisions,” Steve explains. “Our participants fill these donated duffel bags with essential supplies, which we then distribute to people experiencing homelessness or living in shelters. Blue Dolphin didn’t hesitate to support this effort.”
Steve has recommended Blue Dolphin to countless organizations and businesses over the years. Here’s why:
“Loyalty is important to me, and that goes both ways,” Steve says. “Blue Dolphin has been an incredible partner, and I would do anything for them. We’ve built a great bond over the years, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
For nonprofits, businesses, and anyone in need of high-quality custom apparel with top-tier service, Blue Dolphin Screen Printing and Embroidery is the go-to choice.
Want to experience the Blue Dolphin difference for yourself? Contact the team today at printedtees.com to get started!