Turning Colorful Moments into Bold Impact
At Pathify, we believe even the smallest details reflect our biggest promises. Anyone stopping by a Pathify booth at a conference knows we don’t do things without going full-bore. From kangaroo plushies and tropical bucket hats to bright red lobster sandals1, we put our heart and soul into ensuring our swag stands out, reflecting the work our brilliant Product and Engineering teams put in. But among all the fun, quirky items we offer, one giveaway consistently surprises and delights in a way we didn’t expect — our pens.
Yes, pens.
The moment people spot them, it’s always the same.
A hesitant, raised eyebrow and a question, “May I take a pen?”
“Absolutely!” I say with a wink and a smile, “These pens write in color.”
What follows feels almost predictable — an open-mouthed grin, wide-eyed surprise and an enthusiastic, “What?! It does?!” Suddenly, an ordinary object transforms into something extraordinary. People eagerly lean down, carefully selecting their favorite shade (or two) — electric pink (always the first to go), rich sunset orange, cool celestial blue or the elusive cocoa brown. Each pen feels like a tiny burst of creativity and glee. And at that moment, a simple interaction symbolizes the bigger promise we make to our partners and customers.
A Discovery Worth Writing About
Including colorful writing utensils in our swag box didn’t happen overnight. For years, we steered clear of pens, dismissing them as mundane and common. But a lesson from my early days as a waitress lingered in the back of my mind.
During my shifts — hustlin’, bustlin’ and bustin’ my, ahem, derrière in serving up a top-tier dining experience — I stumbled upon an unexpected outcome. Somewhere between the pitchers of beer, endless sides of ranch and to-go boxes, I noticed what I called “The Colorful Pen Phenomenon.” Handing customers a brightly colored-ink pen to sign their checks brought surprise and joy. It turned a routine, blasé transaction into something fun (yes, it also helped boost the tip line!).
Fast-forward to Pathify and this small moment of joy stayed with me. When the opportunity came to experiment with swag, I asked for a batch of colored-ink pens. A happy manufacturing mix-up left us with 1,000 pens instead of 100 — a serendipitous signal of our full commitment to the idea. From our first conference on, the pens flew off the table. The Pathify team returned with countless stories of pens sparking cheerful conversations and colorful conference notes.
Writing in Color, Delivering on Promises
At last year’s EDUCAUSE conference, my colleagues and I wandered through the exhibit hall, marveling at the sheer number of pens. Retractable pens, oversized pens, stylus pens, sleek pens, rollerball pens — some even looked identical to ours at first glance. But upon taking other pens to paper, one truth stood out — ours were the only ones to write in color.
The experience goes beyond the simple joy of writing in color. It’s about follow-through — a pink pen should write in pink. The pens people keep and use stand out for their vibrancy, reliability and unwavering commitment to their word.
A Lesson in Follow-Through
This small distinction mirrors Pathify’s approach to everything we do. Pens may appear like a small detail but they represent something much larger — our commitment to delivering reliability, results and joy in each interaction. Just as our pens surprise with the vibrant ink matching their bold exteriors, Pathify strives to deliver on promises in ways that truly resonate.
Our customers (with curiosity and boldness) often tell us about flashy solutions failing to deliver, leaving them searching for something better. When they discover Pathify, the feedback remains consistent — we follow through. Our Engagement Hub doesn’t just make an impression — it makes an impact, from first interactions to long-term success. In other words, our ink color matches the outside, and our promises match the results.
Inking Strong Partnerships
Take Internet2, one of our latest collaborations. Every new partnership begins with listening, learning and ensuring our promises translate into results. Jenna Malberg, Associate Program Manager for Internet2, summed it up perfectly:
“Pathify is off to a great start in setting a strong foundation for our program. Their team’s collaboration, communication and commitment are impressive, and we truly appreciate their dedication. We’re confident as the program grows, Pathify will continue to build successful relationships and make a meaningful impact.”
Every partnership we build centers on trust, communication and a shared commitment to creating impact. From enhancing student engagement to streamlining operations, we turn vision into meaningful progress. The same spirit of follow-through shines through in the smallest of details — right down to an unassuming, humble writing utensil.
At Pathify, we don’t just stand out, we follow through — with authenticity, vibrancy and purpose. Whether it’s a bold burst of pink ink or a transformative digital solution, our commitment to our word remains steadfast, with every detail reflecting the heart of what we stand for.
And rest assured, our pens will always write in color.
Citations
1 “Every Good Partnership Starts with Lobster (Sandals)” Collegium Magazine, Fall 2024, https://pathify.com/blog/every-good-partnership-starts-with-lobster-sandals/
About the Author: Loui Atchison
As Field Marketing Lead, Loui Atchison brings a unique blend of expertise to Pathify. With a background spanning business consulting, management, sales and even a stint touring as a musical theater performer, Loui effortlessly weaves her diverse experiences into impactful relationships. She leads the company’s event presence, representing Pathify both virtually and on the road. When she’s not building lasting relationships, you might find Loui cuddling Merl (her cat), carving up Colorado’s ski slopes or jamming out to live music. A self-proclaimed “pen connoisseur,” Loui values the finer details of life — from smooth writing experiences to perfectly executed marketing strategies.
