TSC3, or Topeka & Shawnee County 3%, encourages businesses to support each other by purchasing supplies and services locally. There are real benefits for businesses to support other local businesses and there are many experienced and highly skilled people right here in Topeka that help create a better quality of life for Topekans, North East Kansas and across the country.
Derrick Hodam with Farm Bureau Financial Services is one of those businesses and has already started shifting his spending locally while giving his clients a unique #TopCity experience.
How did you approach the idea and process of shifting 3% of your purchasing decisions to buy local?
My story may be different than others. I’m an insurance agent, so something I’ve been focusing on with the help of my wife and Sales & Service Associate Lesleigh is making the most efficient use of marketing dollars. Right now we’re a small operation and have to make the most with what we have, and from the beginning, we’ve been purchasing nearly 100% of our client thank you and referral gifts locally.
I was purchasing my business cards and signage through another provider, but I’m now working locally with Kalos Print Services. I was able to not only save money but put it back into the market by doing it locally.
What businesses have you been working with locally for client gifts?
When giving gifts to clients we get to know them and the things they like, then tailor gifts for those needs.
We get dog treats from Hazel Hill Chocolates to give to families with dogs, wine from Glaciers Edge Winery and Prairie Fire Winery and Cashmere Popcorn for families with kids. We’ve also purchased mugs from a local artist that sells out of Cashmere Popcorn and tea from Cafe Barnabas for a client who wasn’t a wine drinker but loves teas.
What other advice can you provide to help give people ideas on what they can shift?
We challenge people to at least take a look at your purchasing behavior to identify what you spend outside of Shawnee County. It’s not as difficult as you might think, and 3% really isn’t a lot. If you have the freedom to buy it locally, try and take a look at what you can get.
Time is also a currency. Giving back has always been important to me. Many people have helped me along the way, and I want to continue to do those things for others. Getting involved in the community and helping sponsor or volunteer also builds up our community. Try shifting 3% of your time if you can’t shift 3% of your purchasing dollars.
As far as local business go if we don’t take care of ourselves no one is going to do that for us. We’re a local brand and trying to build a referral base, and one of the easiest ways to do that is to do it with the people and businesses around us.
To learn more about TSC3 or to pledge your 3%, visit our website and join over 65 businesses making the shift to a better Topeka.
Derrick Hodam is a Farm Bureau Financial Services agent in Topeka, KS. Hi is about more than just insurance- he’s about you, your family and those moments that matter. As a Farm Bureau agent, he wants to help make sure you have the coverage you need and are prepared for what lies ahead. It’s your future. Let’s protect it.
Derrick Hodam, Agent, Farm Bureau Financial Services
FBFS Website