In 2026, U.S. Ventures marks 75 years, a milestone that underscores a legacy of change, growth, and the steadfast work of the Schmidt family across four generations. As the organization approached this landmark, leadership wanted to mark the milestone with a unique shareholder gift that represented their brand story.

For this shareholder gift, U.S. Ventures wanted something that represented where the company came from as they looked to the future. After being founded as Schmidt Brothers Oil Company in 1951, the company soon expanded into related business ventures, including service stations. The custom Playwell Bricks that U.S. Ventures envisioned came from this era: a vintage service station sign, imagined in bricks, with the company’s modern branding and name.

Playwell Bricks designer Simon MacDonald studied photos sent from U.S. Ventures to bring their vision to life. “The majority of the 'heavy lifting' was done with the decals,” he says, which were designed by Playwell Bricks’ graphic designer Kostik Poloskin.

In addition to the design itself, U.S. Ventures included an inspiring note in the build instructions for their shareholders to see as they began building. This note offered U.S. Ventures’ leadership the opportunity to embed their mission, values, and brand into the experience of this milestone Playwell Bricks set.

Designed as a milestone keepsake, this custom Playwell Bricks set honours where U.S. Ventures began and where it’s headed next. The built-in brand messaging guides the experience, forging deeper ties with shareholders and creating a positive, lasting impression.

Make every gift a statement of purpose. Whether you’re honouring shareholders, teammates, or clients, Playwell Bricks helps you brand well, build well and gift well, creating gifts that reflect your values and inspire lasting connections. Get started by booking your discovery call today!