How a Uniform Manufacturer Unified Its Nationwide Team Communication

Introduction

Fruhauf Uniforms is a fifth-generation family business built on passion and a deep commitment to quality. From their factory in Wichita, Kansas, they have designed and created world-class uniforms for marching bands and performers for over 115 years. 

Over 100 employees touch every single uniform, creating world-class marching arts apparel for customers nationwide. This commitment to quality extends to their sales team of 25 representatives spread across the country. For National Sales Manager Chris Green, connecting the team is a top priority.

The Fruhauf team needed an internal communication system that could connect everyone, keep resources in one place, and bridge the gap between their sales reps and the factory.

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The Challenge: When Communication Becomes a Wildfire

With a sales team of 25 representatives located all across the country, Fruhauf's communication was a mess. Important information was scattered across texts, emails, and phone calls, making it impossible to keep everyone on the same page.

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This created several key problems:

• A Disorganized Workflow: Instead of having a clear plan, managers found they were always reacting to problems and hunting for information across different platforms.
• No Central Place for Information: Simple resources like sizing charts were not in one easy-to-find place. Sales reps in the field couldn't quickly get the information they needed to help customers, causing delays and frustration.
• An Impending System Shutdown: To make matters worse, their previous communication tool was being discontinued, forcing them to find a new solution that could fix the chaos and get the team organized.

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"When I came in, everything was text, email, phone calls, it's chasing the fire. I always use the analogy of, you're trying to put a fire out but you're just putting water on the smoke. You need to get to the fire and what's going on."

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The Solution: Why Zenzap?

Fruhauf needed more than just a basic chat app; they needed a central communication hub for things like resources and team education. 

After looking at nearly two dozen different work chat apps, they chose Zenzap because it was the only platform that gave them all the features they needed in an intuitive, easy-to-use package. The team was able to get up and running almost instantly.

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"I Onboarding is pretty easy for the most part. If someone's able to get their text and their email set up very quickly into the system, they're on in 20 seconds."

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Key Features in Action

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A Central Hub for Team Resources

Zenzap became the single source of truth for the entire sales team. Instead of having information scattered everywhere, critical files like sizing charts are now stored in one place where every rep can find them in seconds.

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Instant Video Collaboration

With Zenzap's built-in Google Calendar integration, the team can launch a Google Meet call directly from a chat. If a rep is with a client and has a question, they can instantly start a video call and share their screen to get an answer from the home office.

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Organized Chats for a Clear Workflow

With organized chats, Chris can now get a pulse of where the office is every morning. He can quickly see the day's priorities and challenges, allowing him to create a strategic plan instead of just reacting to problems.

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"The really cool thing about Zenzap that we didn't have before... if I have a chat going with a certain rep... they can click on the phone icon, create a Google Meet, and I can open it up real quick and we can share screens."

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The Impact: Organized, Efficient, and Connected

The switch to Zenzap transformed Fruhauf's chaotic workflow into a clear and efficient system. Information is no longer lost, and the team is more connected and responsive than ever before, allowing them to focus on serving their customers.

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The transformation was clear across the business:

• The team can find what they need, instantly. Sales reps in the field no longer have to hunt for information. They can pull up any file or resource they need right from their phone.

• The whole team can solve problems together in real-time. With integrated video calls, a rep on the road can instantly connect with the home office to get answers, making them more effective in front of customers.

• The workday is proactive, not reactive. Instead of chasing down texts and emails, the team has a clear, organized view of the day's priorities, allowing everyone to focus on moving forward.

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"I come in and the very first thing I do is check with everybody... I kind of get a pulse of where the office is... what the concerns are for the day, what the frustrations are, so that when I sit down, I can look through everything very quickly and see, 'Okay, my plan of attack for today is..."

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Conclusion

Fruhauf Uniforms' passion for its people and products was being held back by a communication system that created more problems than it solved. Zenzap provided the convenient work chat tool they needed to connect their nationwide team and streamline their workflow. 

By bringing all the internal team communication into one place, Fruhauf Uniforms is now better equipped to continue its 115-year legacy of quality and service.

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"The reason why Zenzap worked for us is, I mean, a lot of programs had a chat feature... I'm not really looking for something that manages the sales process. I'm looking for something that is more on the education, resource side."