--- title: Developing Relationships with Packaging Partners description: Strong relationships and partnerships between customer and supplier are critical to maintain growth through communication and teamwork. image: https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Partnerships%20blog%20image.png --- [![ashtonne packaging company](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/ashtonne_logo.png?width=328&height=112&name=ashtonne_logo.png "ashtonne packaging company")](https://ashtonne.com/) [Request More Information ](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/creative-packaging-ideas-and-solutions) [877-522-6937](tel:8775226937)   × # Developing Relationships with Packaging Partners - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/AshtonnePackaging/) - [** ](https://www.twitter.com/Ashtonne_pkg) - [** ](http://pinterest.com/ashtonne8775226937/) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11170776) - [** ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpVPPbg_6lPaoNol_G6PuPQ) ![Developing Relationships with Packaging Partners](https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Partnerships%20blog%20image.png) ** [Bill Madl](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/author/bill-madl) ** Posted on May 12, 2026 | Updated on May 14, 2026 ## Is it business or Pleasure? How about Both?    If your [packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/) is just filling orders, you're already behind.   It's true in packaging, but it's true in just about any business you're involved in. Because the companies that actually grow, the ones that scale without constant friction, grow with [partnerships](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/ashtonne-long-term-partnerships). They are aligned. They communicate early. They make decisions faster. And most of the time, they avoid problems that slow everyone else down.   Recently, our CEO, Chad Honaker, was a guest on the [*Purpose Under Pressure Podcast*](https://youtu.be/kbIc8viXf4A?si=Qrr5A2h8uaPq9ypv). He talked about what's really driven [Ashtonne Packaging's success ](https://www.ashtonne.com/)over nearly two decades. Not systems. Not tactics. Relationships.   Why does that matter to you? First, because when something works, it should be repeated. If you're not working with true partners, you're missing a huge opportunity. So, it's good to listen to Chad, who knows a little bit about it. And second, this conversation shares a light on what drives success for our clients here at [Ashtonne Packaging.](https://www.ashtonne.com/)   [Here's a link to the podcast.](https://youtu.be/kbIc8viXf4A?si=Qrr5A2h8uaPq9ypv) Read on for more details about how this approach can benefit your operation.   ### When You Focus on the Person, the Work Gets Better   Most businesses organize themselves around output. The nuts and bolts: what needs to be done, when it needs to be delivered, and how much it costs.  In the [*Purpose Under Pressure* podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbIc8viXf4A), Chad described something different. From the start, he and Dan Schlitt, President at [Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/), built the business around how they wanted to work and who they wanted to work with. It wasn't formalized in some grand plan. It "just kind of became who we were and how we were going forward together".   It's not a strategy. It's natural, and it comes from a center of wanting to help others and doing the right thing.   Because when that mindset is baked in early, it shows up everywhere. You're not chasing every opportunity. You’re building the right ones. You’re not reacting to every issue. You’re thinking ahead. You’re not trying to win a transaction. You’re trying to make the relationship work long-term. And when both sides are doing that, the work gets better.   ### Fewer Problems in the First Place   A lot of companies talk about relationships when something goes wrong. My guy fixed this.They gave us a discount. They’re always there for me if something happens. And that’s good. But the bigger advantage is what doesn’t go wrong in the first place. When there’s trust, people speak up earlier. When there’s alignment, decisions don’t stall. When both sides understand the bigger picture, fewer things slip through. In packaging, that’s everything. Because once it’s in the box…it’s in the box! Timelines move. Materials change. Demand shifts. If you’re working transactionally, every one of those changes creates friction. You’re reacting, negotiating, adjusting on the fly. But in a [strong partnership,](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/ashtonne-long-term-partnerships) many of those issues never fully develop. They get caught early. They get talked through. They get solved before they turn into something bigger. That’s how good relationships work.   ### Showing Up When Things Go Sideways   Of course, things will still happen. They always do. Chad talked about potentially losing a large customer through no fault of our own—a situation that could have created real instability. But instead of scrambling and trying to figure out a way to “keep the business”, we doubled down on communication, focus, and accountability. We focused on the relationship, and doing the right thing for people that mattered. He pointed out how easy it is to get stuck in your own view of the business. You want to hit your numbers, control your costs, manage the deal. But you miss out when you can’t see things from your customer’s point of view. That’s what matters. Chad reminds us that “you’re in the forest… and all you see are all the trees around you.” There is a bigger picture, and it revolves around your client's success and the supplier being able to help them get there. Strong [relationships](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/ashtonne-long-term-partnerships) with customers, [partners](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/products-partnerships-packaging-and-the-power-of-ai), or advisors pull us out of “the forest”. They give us perspective. They keep us honest.  They understand our business. They help us respond with intention instead of urgency. Bottom line: [Partnerships ](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/products-partnerships-packaging-and-the-power-of-ai)create the environment to help each other make better decisions, for the common good. [Partnerships ](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/products-partnerships-packaging-and-the-power-of-ai)focus on good outcomes for each other. Win/Win…everytime. ### Why This Makes the Work Better From the Start   Here’s something else people don’t always realize until later in a relationship: [Good partnerships](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/products-partnerships-packaging-and-the-power-of-ai) make the work more enjoyable. That came through in the podcast conversation as well. Over time, the relationships Chad and [our team ](https://www.ashtonne.com/creative-packaging-and-unique-product-solutions)have built don’t stay locked inside a defined scope. The conversations expand. The trust deepens. The work becomes more collaborative. Friendships tend to sprout and grow. Business is no longer tied to a narrow agenda. There’s more at stake here. It becomes something more fluid, more open, more productive. More personal. We’re not just completing tasks. We’re building something together. That may not sound like how you’re used to seeing business done. And it’s not always going to be so relational. But doesn’t working together, for a common goal, with people you like and trust sound better than the alternative? We think it does. [![Chad Honaker_Purpose Under Pressure_Short Video on packaging partnerships](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chad%20Honaker_Purpose%20Under%20Pressure_Short%20Video.png?width=250&height=438&name=Chad%20Honaker_Purpose%20Under%20Pressure_Short%20Video.png)](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/68hKltRx77M) [                                            CEO Chad Honaker on Relationships](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/68hKltRx77M) ### Growth Requires It As businesses grow, complexity increases. More volume. More variables. More pressure. That’s where transactional relationships start to break down. [Strong partnerships](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/ashtonne-long-term-partnerships) don’t. Just like friends, or family, sticking together makes a difference. And getting through the good and the bad with people who have been with you through the thick and the thin is a nice outcome for all of the work you’re putting into it. ### The Question Worth Asking So, we haven’t talked a lot about packaging in this blog article. We haven’t discussed packaging materials, cost initiatives, shipping improvements, logistics strategies, unboxing or retail displays. At [Ashtonne Packaging,](https://www.ashtonne.com/creative-packaging-and-unique-product-solutions) we certainly do all of that with expertise, gained over 18 years in the business. There’s a time for questions about that. There’s also a time for questions like this: • Are you aligned with your [packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/benefits-of-a-packaging-partner-in-your-supply-chain) on what success looks like? • Are you communicating together, early enough to prevent problems? • Are you working toward the same outcome with all of your [partners](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/products-partnerships-packaging-and-the-power-of-ai), including packaging? If the answer is yes, then you have experienced what we are all about at [Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/creative-packaging-and-unique-product-solutions) and what our CEO, Chad Honaker shared in the podcast. Business moves more efficiently when we’re moving together. If you’re not experiencing this smoother, more efficient growth based on [true partnerships,](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/ashtonne-long-term-partnerships) then you might consider reaching out for a conversation about how we might be able to work together.![](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Packaging%20Long%20Term%20Partnership%20pieces%20fitting.png?width=250&height=141&name=Ashtonne%20Packaging%20Long%20Term%20Partnership%20pieces%20fitting.png)  In packaging,where everything is moving all the time, that’s a difference maker worth finding. We're ready to help with some great ideas! Give us a call at 877-522-6937 or contact [Ash](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/cost-effective-retail-and-wholesale-packaging-designs)[tonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/cost-effective-retail-and-wholesale-packaging-designs) and let's figure this out together. We look forward to it!       ## [![    Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5108155/2cd96a44-0ce6-4705-b635-7aa158274279.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5108155/2cd96a44-0ce6-4705-b635-7aa158274279)   ** **Tags:** [custom designed packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-designed-packaging), [custom packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-packaging), [packaging company](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/packaging-company), [creative packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/creative-packaging), [packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/packaging-partner), [brand merchandising](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/brand-merchandising), [trusted packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/trusted-packaging-partner), [packaging growth](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/packaging-growth), [relationships](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/relationships) [« Back to Blog](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog) [![Ashtonne Logo- custom designed packaging company](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Frame.jpg?width=426&name=Ashtonne%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Frame.jpg "Ashtonne Logo- custom designed packaging company")](https://www.ashtonne.com/about-bill-madl) #### Contact us using the form below or call us at [877-522-6937](tel:8775226937). ["Ashtonne Packaging has been our primary supplier of custom display products for several years. Their creative designers go above and beyond to quickly turn our ideas into physical samples, which helps ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner)[Bendon](https://www.bendonpub.com) secure a great deal of promotional sales. Once we go to production, Ashtonne always delivers high-quality and eye-catching display solutions which allow our products to stand out from the competition at retail. I can sincerely say that Ashtonne’s overall service is the best I have experienced in the 8 years I have been a buyer of corrugated products!" [Rachel Rabalais](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Bendon](https://www.bendonpub.com) Ashland, Ohio [“We have been buying boxes and using Ashtonne Packaging for years now. The prices have stayed very competitive and the VMI service really works in our favor. They come once a week to do inventory and I am never out of boxes.”](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Mike Buckingham II](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Lake Erie Frozen Foods](http://www.leffco.net/) Ashland, Ohio ["The Ashtonne Packaging team has been instrumental in our business. The Ashtonne Packaging Team was able to work with our design team seamlessly from creating final drawings, artwork, and material selection, through production. We have continued to rely on them for other print and packaging needs."](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Josh Wiesman, Co-Founder and CEO](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products ](https://www.smilobaby.com) ["We talked to plenty of packaging people, and we tried to do that early on...I think we could go to a number of different companies that could deliver on budget and on time...But it was the level of detail and the craftmanship that you get at Ashtonne Packaging that I haven’t seen before.” ](https://www.smilobaby.com) [Keith Tritschler](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products](https://www.smilobaby.com) ["Ashtonne Packaging brought in several prototypes of a four-pack carrying carton for my approval… their designs met my specifications for functionality and attractive design… and they delivered on time, with quick turn-a-round!” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Doug Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Uniontown Brewing](https://www.uniontownbrewing.com) Ashland, OHIO [Working with Ashtonne Packaging was a dream. As a new business, we rely on business partners and vendors not just for their service, but for the experience and education they offer. Rich and the Ashtonne Packaging team were super knowledgeable, flexible, and patient. I also appreciated their willingness to work with low volumes (critical for new products) and that they have the capacity to handle so much more as we grow. They also provided some thoughts on our business outside of packaging showing that they were focused not just with their piece of the puzzle, but interested in supporting our all-around growth. And perhaps most importantly, our launch packaging was gorgeous and we get rave reviews from our customers on it! ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Adiya Dixon, Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Yubi Beauty](https://www.loveyubi.com) Powell, Ohio ["We continue to look for new ways to get in front of the consumer and are leveraging off-shelf displays more than ever before to achieve this objective. John Baxter and the team at ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner)[Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com) continue to deliver innovative display solutions that provide the flexibility and quality we need." [Tim McNamara, VP of Marketing- Perio, Inc](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Barbasol](https://www.barbasol.com) Ashland, Ohio ["We appreciate Ashtonne Packaging's keen packaging insights, and design expertise that have vastly improved our e-commerce packaging for both our own ecommerce business, and our Amazon business." ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [John Domurad](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Lenox](https://www.lenox.com) ["I'm very happy with how smoothly the process went with Ashtonne Packaging. They are very helpful, the pricing is competitive, and the design team has been great."](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Mike Nash](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [SPX Brands](https://solarxeyewear.com/) [“Ashtonne Packaging worked with us for many months until we had the perfect packaging for our product. They went above and beyond every step of the way, and we are very happy with the final results. I’d highly recommend them, especially for those looking for quality packaging Made in the USA.” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Michael C. Rice, Inventor/Founder/Co-CEO ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Gripknife LLC](https://www.gripknife.com) [“Before we installed the automation equipment from Ashtonne Packaging, we would need twenty to twenty-five employees to produce about 2,000 packages. On typical days, six workers would produce 750 units . Now just four employees can produce 800 units. It has completely exceeded our expectations.”](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Eric Wentworth](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Fin Fur Feather Outfitters](https://www.finfeatherfur.com) ["I want you to know that I receive amazing feedback daily, from customers and fellow business owners, on the quality and style of your packaging. You knocked our packaging out of the park and I am truly grateful. You will be hearing from me soon with another order. Until then, keep doing great things!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Heather Chabino, Co-Owner](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Hob Nob Candles](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["Regarding the Skullmate Hanger Project, we and our client have been thrilled with how it turned out and how it functions". ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Emily Miller, Owner](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Inspire Design](https://www.inspiredesignco.com) [“We talked to plenty of packaging people, and we tried to do that early on...I think we could go to a number of different companies that could deliver on budget and on time… But it was the level of detail and the craftsmanship that you get at Ashtonne Packaging that I haven’t seen before.” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Keith Tritschler](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products](https://www.smilo.com) [" Thank you for being such a dependable supplier to us. It's nice not to have people I don't have to worry about". ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [J. Howard](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [J-Lenco, Inc](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["We can tell you that the first batch that was sent to REI sold out around Thanksgiving, good and bad problem. The distributor has sent a second batch to REI and we are waiting for the product to activate on the site again. It was cool walking into our local store and seeing the product on the shelves/peg board".](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Brad Kenemuth](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [The Liftie](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Regarding the Tasting Board Retail Kit Project, Matt Snyder said: "Whoa! Mind blown! That is incredible! I love it! Cheers!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Matt Snyder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["As a consumer-facing brand, we really value a customer's first impression of our product in-store. When we expanded into a larger retailer, we looked to Ashtonne for help designing a custom display to showcase our alcohol infusion kits. The team at Ashtonne listened to our needs and quickly came up with a creative way to show our products. Everyone we worked with at Ashtonne was flexible and offered solutions for pricing that worked within our budget. As a result of using the display stands, our product is selling faster than accounts that do not have a display case!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [John Feller, co-Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Aged and Infused](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ![Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/ashtonne_logo_white.png?width=328&height=112&name=ashtonne_logo_white.png) 1235 Jacobson Ave, Ashland, OH, 44805 Toll-Free: [877-522-6937](tel:877-522-6937) Fax: [877-292-5660](tel:877-292-5660) Follow Us: [![Linkedin](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/linkedin-512.png?width=50&height=50&name=linkedin-512.png)      ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11170776)  [![Facebook](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/fb-f-logo__blue_100.png?width=50&height=50&name=fb-f-logo__blue_100.png)      ](https://www.facebook.com/AshtonnePackaging/) [![Twitter](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/twitter_logo_transparent.png?width=55&height=55&name=twitter_logo_transparent.png)](https://twitter.com/Ashtonne_pkg)      [![Youtube](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/youtube_2.png?width=55&height=55&name=youtube_2.png)](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvH14R6_JrMsTINzuWseni4dUfcHsJezO)      [![Pinterest](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pinterest-logo%202.png?width=89&name=pinterest-logo%202.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/ashtonne8775226937/)[![Instagram hi-res](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Instagram%20hi-res.png?width=93&name=Instagram%20hi-res.png)](https://www.instagram.com/ashtonnepackaging/) Digital Marketing Powered by Bryan Media and Bill Madl [![blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533 copy](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533%20copy.png?width=200&height=42&name=blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533%20copy.png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/ashland/profile/packaging-design-and-development/ashtonne-packaging-inc-0272-235829533/#sealclick)   Copyright © 2018 Ashtonne Packaging. 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