PRINTING United Alliance is grateful to serve its members who make such significant impacts on the printing industry. Through our Member Spotlights, we continue to recognize our members, and help our community get to know their peers better, both professionally and personally. The following is a Q&A with Rhyen McFarland, marketing manager of Chipply, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Please provide a brief history of your company and its core mission.
Chipply was created by the management of Burghardt Sporting Goods, a team and retail sporting goods dealer. In 2006, Burghardts created its first online spirit wear sites. It took a few years of software tweaks and training, but in 2010, team stores became a fast-growing and required part of everyday business.
After 2010, group online ordering exploded, growing tenfold by 2017. Along the way, new software alternatives became available, making it easy for team dealers to get online and start creating team stores. After looking closely at these options, Burghardts decided that what they already had was the best alternative. They decided to re-write the software to be shared with other team dealers and added a bunch of great new features, ultimately creating Chipply.
Are there any markets or industries outside of your traditional offerings you are looking to add (or have added)?
Since Chipply was developed by a team dealer, our core customers have always been team dealers. However, as we've grown, we've expanded into a variety of industries. One of the most exciting areas we're focusing on is the print-on-demand space, along with the promotional products industry. These markets align perfectly with our platform’s strengths, and we’re excited to continue driving innovation in these areas.
How do you ensure your software platform stays ahead of industry trends and continues to innovate?
One of Chipply’s greatest strengths is that it’s built by people who actively use the platform and work within the industry every day. Being on the front lines allows us to spot emerging challenges and opportunities in real time, ensuring we’re always evolving to meet our users’ needs. This hands-on approach drives continuous innovation, keeping Chipply ahead of industry trends and pushing the platform forward.
Do you have any notable client success stories or examples where Chipply’s platform significantly impacted the success of an event?
Many customers who have worked with various online sales platforms for years have found Chipply to be a game-changer. Our platform streamlines setup, making it faster and more intuitive while providing robust support through our team and comprehensive online resources. With a deep understanding of industry challenges, we continuously adapt to meet our users' needs. Time and time again, businesses transitioning to Chipply express one common sentiment—they only wish they had made the switch sooner.
What does the future hold for Chipply? Are there any upcoming features or developments that your clients can look forward to?
Chipply is focused on enhancing and simplifying business operations by integrating various tools into a unified platform. Throughout the year, we are rolling out new features designed to support both online and offline businesses. These updates will improve areas such as pricing, ordering, inventory, and workflow management. Our goal is to create a seamless solution that optimizes your processes and drives efficiency.
Why did you decide to join the Alliance? What resources do you plan to or have already utilized through your membership?
PRINTING United Alliance is a major force in the print industry, and joining was an easy decision for us. The resources and events alone make membership worthwhile, but what really sets it apart is the sense of community. In our industry, relationships are everything, and having an association that helps us connect, collaborate, and strengthen those relationships is invaluable. In addition to attending events like the Expo and the Apparel Decoration Summit, we’re tapping into industry publications to stay on top of trends and insights. Keeping a pulse on the industry helps us continue driving innovation in online stores and ensuring we’re always evolving with the market.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Chipply isn’t just a platform—we’re a true partner. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the industry, because we were built by the very people who use this technology every day. That means we don’t just offer software; we provide real-world expertise, unmatched customer support, and solutions that are designed to work the way our customers need them to. When you work with Chipply, you’re not just getting a tool—you’re getting a team that understands your challenges and is committed to helping you succeed.
For more information on Chipply, visit their website at https://chipply.com/