Our History

We, at Grand Ideas, liken not only our early days, but many days around project deadlines, to Episode #39 of "I Love Lucy". The Chocolate Factory episode was the second of the second season filmed in 1952 and although it is more than 50 years old, it embodies our "personality" at Grand Ideas. Like Lucy and Ethel, we seek creative solutions to operational challenges. No job is too big and we can handle any conveyor belt speed.

Grand Ideas is a female entrepreneurial success story. Grandee Ray, president, began her career as a critical care nurse and quickly found herself in various leadership roles in an academic medical center. As her career progressed, she realized what she enjoyed most involved people and the relationships she developed. She was most challenged by matching specific organizational needs with people offering various talents to meet those needs. Recruitment of eclectic talent was her forte. She had a passion for change and creativity.

As her daughter entered her teenage years, Grandee wanted to make a career change. She thought helping people find "just the right thing" to promote themselves and their companies might be a challenging and fun change of career, but it would still offer her the contact with people she thrived on.

After doing some research, she started Grand Ideas in her home in early 2001. She quickly expanded her business across the state and grew to the point that she needed larger digs and more support. So, she moved to a roomier location. By early 2003, she had 4 employees and several salespeople covering South Carolina. Continued growth has helped her position Grand Ideas to become one of the premier specialty product suppliers in the Southeast without sacrificing personal attention, friendly service and rapid turnaround.

As the business has grown, Grandee and her team still provide an unparalleled personal touch. In fact, more often than not, Grandee will pick up the phone when you call Grand Ideas. She treks across the state, spending valuable face-time with her customers. She takes the time to understand your business before recommending an item to represent you, and that means coming to you. No other company offers such an innovative, specialized approach.

Grandee’s business philosophy is simple - "Do what you say you will do on time."