Company: Budco, Highland Park, Michigan
Company Description: Budco works with some of the world’s leading companies, that choose to outsource non-core functions, in the areas of marketing and distribution. We focus on helping organizations build and strengthen relationships with their key business and consumer audiences and design and execute Solutions using our in-house marketing and distribution resources creatively and innovatively.
Nomination Category: Company, Office & Product Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Overall Company

Nomination Title: Budco, Highland Park, Michigan

   1. Tell the story about what this nominated company achieved in 2004 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

Established in 1982 by founder and chairman Bud Brian, Budco has achieved
success that very few companies enjoy -- a true example of entrepreneurial
success.  In 2004 the company reached the distinguishing $100 million mark in
revenue -- 22% growth annually over the life of the company.  We've also
demonstrated that besides an economic purpose, companies have a
social responsibility.

Budco began as a small print shop.  Over the years the company grew in
response to the needs of its customers, first adding warehousing and distribution
capabilities, then information technologies, teleservicing, and finally, creative
services.  Today we sell these services independently or in combination as, what
we call, Solutions. 

The real value Budco provides is that we act as a “general contractor.”   We
coordinate and orchestrate all aspects of a customer’s marketing and distribution
needs and provide them with a single point of contact with our organization.
 
Our clients include DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors,
Disney, Johnson & Johnson, SBC, and HoneyBaked Ham.  Each has a unique
need and the services we provide are based on customer requirements. 

Our goal is to help our customers build dialogue.  It is through dialogue that our
customers build and strengthen relationships with their audiences and today,
relationships are vital to corporate prosperity and survival. 

Budco has played a prominent role in the landscape of Detroit. The firm has built
its reputation over the last 20 years and is characterized by loyal customers, an
ability to attract and retain outstanding employees, community involvement and
financial growth.

Some of our major accomplishments in 2004:

o Budco’s Canadian venture, Pareto Dialogue, Inc., became fully
operational.  In 2003 Budco established a company devoted to warehousing and
distribution near Toronto together with Canadian partner, Pareto Corporation. 
Budco, a leader in warehousing and distribution in Detroit, saw a need to enter the
Canadian marketplace
o Published by CCH, Inc., a leading publisher of human resources
information.  Budco was selected along with many high profile companies to be
featured in the HR Networking Series, a reference manual for HR professionals
nationwide, because of our people orientation.  www.hr.cch.com.   Specific
programs highlighted include the Budco Mentoring Program, our comprehensive
training program, Budco University and our McNaughton Award Program for
innovation.
o Distributed 49 grants to non-profits through The Budco Giving Fund. 
Budco established this small grant program to support local non-profits that may
have no other sources of funding.  In the last four years, since the inception
of the fund, we have awarded 49 grants, exceeding our goal.  This is only part of our Giving Program which includes financial, inkind and volunteerism.
o Honored as a finalist in the prestigious Governor’s Service Award
program recognizing outstanding community service.  Each year, the State of
Michigan honors companies and individuals that demonstrate outstanding
community service.  Budco was recognized as a finalist for Outstanding Corporate
Citizenship.
o Launched a flagship solution, "Dependent Audit," which assists
companies in controlling health care costs.  This has enabled us to grow our
Contact Center business exponentially.

   2. List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: List each link on a separate line, begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.website.com]:

http://www.budco.com

   3. Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated company:

Budco Brian, founder and chairman had dual careers prior to Budco: Sales in the
marketing and distribution services industry and an English teacher, specializing
in “at risk” students.  Bud is involved with many professional and civic
organizations.  He was named 1999 Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst &
Young.  His company received “Best Overall” Metropolitan Detroit’s 2001 “101
Best & Brightest Companies To Work For.” It also was ecognized in the Detroit
Regional Chamber’s Best Practices 2003 competition for several Human
Resources initiatives.  Bud’s from West Branch, MI; a graduate of Western
Michigan University.