HISTORY

Advertising Specialty Company was founded in 1948. Over the years, the company passed through several different owners, and was incorporated in 1968. The current owners, Rick and Joleen Heckman, purchased the business from Martha Ellis in 1984. "Ad Spec" our customer friendly name, started expanding in 1985 with the acquisition of another company's screen printing equipment, and in 1987 added an embroidery machine. With further expansion of these two departments and the acquisition of assets from two more companies, Ad Spec has attained a stable, high level of garment decorating capabilities to meet the needs of Northern Nevada and surrounding area.

ABOUT OUR LOGO

The face of a panda nearly always accompanies our Ad Spec name. Why a panda? From 1984 to 1998 Ad Spec was the official supplier of imprinted goods for the Great Reno Balloon Race. Each year we sponsored a gentleman by the name of Pat Michael's from the Washington, D.C. area. In honor of the pandas given to the United States by the People's Republic of China, Pat had a hot air balloon constructed in the shape of a panda's head. After sponsoring this beautiful balloon for several years, when Pat wanted to sell it, we could not let the lovable panda go. So we purchased this 7 story hot air balloon, and continued to fly it in The Great Reno Balloon Race, and other events in the Western United States.

OUR PLEDGE - "To Exceed Customer's Expectations"

Because we are a family based business, we and our family originated in the mid-west, we know the value of good customers. Our actions in serving you will reflect the fact that we intend to serve you again. Not that all orders go perfectly smooth, on the contrary, there are many circumstances awaiting the opportunity to make the road to success a bumpy one. The test of good service does not lie exclusively in the absence of problems, but rather what we do about the problems when they occur! In all cases, perfect and not so perfect, it is our goal to exceed your expectations and keep you returning to us!

What's New!

We have completed our move into our new 16000 square foot facility at
1555 Industrial Way in Sparks.  With our expanded showroom, production and office facilities, we will be able to serve you more efficiently than ever before!  Come on by and see our new place.

Ad Spec is pleased to announce the acquisition of International Services as of July 1, 2005.  You can search for thousands of products through our website or give one of our knowledgeable salespeople a call and they will be happy to help you.