Sentinel Technologies Uses Wildman to Strengthen Employee Engagement And Culture

At Sentinel Technologies, a strong company culture isn’t just a talking point; it’s part of the foundation. With more than 700 employees across the country, including a mix of in-office, hybrid, and fully remote team members, creating a sense of connection and recognition is a top priority.

That’s where Wildman has helped make a lasting impact.

We sat down with Sentinel’s Employee Experience Manager to hear how partnering with Wildman has streamlined processes, increased engagement, and made recognition more meaningful.

About Sentinel Technologies

Sentinel Technologies has been a trusted leader in business technology services for more than 40 years. With a legacy of excellence and a forward-thinking approach, Sentinel’s nationwide team delivers world-class IT solutions, cybersecurity services, and support with an unwavering focus on customer success. 

Through innovation, operational excellence, and deep industry partnerships, Sentinel continues to help organizations adapt and thrive in a dynamic digital world, no matter their size or industry.

Sentinel has a long-standing reputation for being a family-oriented workplace where many employees have been with the company for decades. That culture of loyalty and support drives their constant dedication to employee engagement.

The Role Of The Employee Experience Manager

Sentinel’s Employee Experience Manager, Kelly Duff, oversees engagement, community building, and recognition programs.

From workplace surveys and wellness initiatives to onboarding and celebrations, her job centers on making employees feel valued and connected no matter where they’re located.

“I’m considered an employee advocate,” Kelly explains. “I’m not really HR, but I partner with them often. I handle recognition programs, orientation, well-being programs, and yes, I plan a lot of parties. I get to do all the fun things.”

The Challenge: Engaging A Distributed Workforce

When the pandemic shifted hiring patterns, Sentinel brought on talent from across the United States, often in places without a local office. The challenge was ensuring these employees felt welcomed, included, and recognized, even from afar.

One idea: welcome boxes and swag that employees could choose for themselves.

Instead of sending a one-size-fits-all gift that might go unused, Sentinel wanted a flexible, employee-driven solution that also reduced time-consuming manual ordering.

The Wildman Solution: Custom Web Store And Swag Credits

Sentinel partnered with Wildman to create a custom online store where employees can select branded apparel, gear, and accessories. New hires receive a budget and a QR code, letting them order exactly what they want, from jackets and backpacks to hats and lunch totes.

The same system supports company-wide appreciation events, quarterly awards, and special occasions like retirement celebrations.

“Having the store has taken so much off my plate,” said Kelly. “Before, I ordered everything myself. Now employees just pick what they want, and I handle payment on the back end. It’s streamlined the whole process.”

Flexibility for Every Occasion

Wildman’s support extends beyond onboarding. Sentinel has used their platform to:

• Outfit onsite teams with branded polos and jackets
• Provide swag credits for Employee Appreciation Week
• Support employee resource group events with custom apparel
• Offer quarterly award winners store credits
• Supply bulk swag for conferences, customer sites, and charity walks

The flexibility to choose exactly what Sentinel prefers and the range of high-quality brands like Carhartt, Nike, and Under Armour ensure employees receive items they’ll actually use.

A True Partnership

Working with Wildman has been more than just a transactional relationship. The Sentinel team appreciates the responsiveness and personalized support, especially from their main contact, Austin.

“He’s great about getting back to me quickly,” said Kelly. “If I’m not sure what we need, I can give him the budget and vibe, and he’ll send a curated list of options. It makes my job so much easier.”

While turnaround times can be longer during large company-wide orders, Sentinel understands the value of on-demand, custom-made swag: “It’s not sitting in a warehouse, it’s made for you. That’s worth the wait.”

Results: Stronger Connection And Engagement

By giving employees the freedom to choose meaningful branded gear, Sentinel has improved engagement and recognition across its distributed workforce.

The process is faster, more efficient, and more impactful for employees.“The swag is always a hit,” said Kelly. “Even when I suggest doing something different, people say, ‘No, we like the swag.’ That’s a win.”