Bob Franklin started All American Advertising in 1997 in Spokane, Washington by renting out searchlights. Then he expanded the business to balloons and other advertising attention-getters. The business grew enough by word of mouth alone for a while - (after all, who doesn't want to rent the giant Godzilla that got the car dealership such great results?) But at some point, you have balloons and giant puppets sitting in a storage facility and every day that goes by that they aren’t rented out is a missed opportunity for revenue and further business growth. That’s when All American joined the ITEX Marketplace.

ITEX has been a great business builder for All American Advertising, bringing them business from all over the country that they never would have received otherwise. "The Broker Network did all the work for me as far as getting new sales," says Bob Franklin, Owner of All American Advertising. All American is looking to expand the business, hire on additional help, and create a web site to further grow the business. "Not only have we received ITEX dollars but everyone who sees the balloons we rent out is a potential customer and we've gotten a lot of business that way too." says Mr. Franklin.

The quantity of sales has not been the only benefit. "I like the people I deal with that come to me through the Marketplace," Mr. Franklin states, "They are business people and very easy to sell to." Everyone benefits when businesses like All American Advertising exchange through the Marketplace. Businesses that they rent or sell balloons to get to advertise their businesses without spending any cash, All American gets a boost in revenue and visibility, and the owner increases his quality of life. "I get to eat out a lot more with ITEX," says Mr. Franklin, "and I have a plan for how I want to spend my ITEX dollars as I accumulate more."

ITEX can open up new markets and be the catalyst for growth that smaller businesses need. Exploring this opportunity is easier and safer than ever.