Bucknell University SBDC Client Success Story
Preserving the Past, Manufacturing a New Brand

Tom Kenly, President of Mantle Archival and Packaging Products, had a vision: to refresh his company’s identity and embrace more impactful marketing strategies. For years, the business operated under the name Systematic Filing Products, with limited emphasis on digital marketing. As the market for his company’s products evolved, so did Tom’s desire to modernize and explore new growth opportunities.

“We’ve been blessed with assistance from the Bucknell SBDC: we’ve worked with them on marketing strategies, financial projections, & business planning for the launch of Mantle”

Recognizing the weight of such decisions – particularly renaming a long-standing company and marketing a new brand – Tom sought help from the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With a foundation in education and consulting, the SBDC helped Tom combine strategic planning with targeted research. Together, they explored the implications of a rebrand, and SBDC consultants worked with Tom to evaluate the effectiveness of new marketing techniques. This positioned him to not only move forward with renaming the business but also to leverage marketing professionals to execute his vision. Their collaboration with the SBDC also included generating financial projections and documenting key financial assumptions; tools that proved essential as he pursued financing. As a result, Mantle is positioned to engage financial institutions and is poised for growth.

Additionally, the Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC) and SEDA-COG have served Tom over the years. The IMC provides a range of services to manufacturers, and its work with Mantle included training, process optimization, and system integration. These projects have helped Mantle not only strengthen its technical and operational capabilities but also maintain a strong commitment to quality and innovation. Tom has also relied on SEDA-COG’s procurement expertise to identify and secure contracts for his company’s archival products.