Archive for category: News

Go Outdoors Kansas is the New Licensing System for Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks launched its new licensing system, Go Outdoors Kansas, on May 1, 2022. The new efficient system is designed to improve the user experience for KDWP, license agents, boat vendors, and its more than two million public license holders. “We are transforming the outdoors experience with our simple, modern, and secure Go Outdoors Kansas solution,” announced Richard Wise, Brandt CEO. Through the Go Outdoors Kansas website and mobile app, customers can purchase hunting and fishing licenses, complete harvest reports, register boats, and more.

Public customers may log in at GoOutdoorsKansas.com or download the mobile app GoOutdoorsKS. Durable license cards are available in two designs, crappie or pheasant, with artwork by KDWP’s Dustin Teasley and full card design by Brody Latham.  

The iOS and Android mobile apps allow users to access their licenses easily on their phones, view regulations and sunrise/sunset times in the field, and report harvests after hunting. Also included in the release is a private law enforcement mobile app for conservation officers to scan license documents and/or hard card QR codes to confirm customer status in the field, with or without cell phone reception. 

Over 500 license agent and boat vendor locations are now processing transactions through the online system. 

“Brandt will continue to work side by side with state agency partners on innovative new solutions that help improve the overall outdoors experience. We are proud to be live with Kansas,” stated Brandt’s President, Mike Wons. 

Brandt Information Services Acquires Terra Technology Group

NEW YORK, March 17, 2022  Brandt Information Services (“Brandt” or the “Company”), a NexPhase Capital-backed company and a leading provider of outdoor recreational licensing and camping reservation software, today announced the acquisition of Terra Technology Group (“TTG”), a leading SaaS technology provider for outdoor licensing and recreational solutions.

Since 2011, Brandt has grown strategically and organically to become a market leader in outdoor recreational support. The Company provides innovative software, as well as a technology-enabled suite of services, including call center, fulfillment, credit card processing, billing reconciliation, and digital marketing. These services enable public agencies to more effectively engage and grow consumers of hunting & fishing licenses and parks reservations.

With the addition of TTG’s platform, Brandt will be able to provide even more choices to best meet each agency’s needs. Under the Brandt name, Brandt’s Go Outdoors platform and the Terra platform will serve more than 18 partners in the U.S. and abroad.

“Brandt and TTG are two highly successful organizations in the outdoor recreational space, and we are excited to be able to offer both Go Outdoors and the Terra platform to our customers,” said Richard Wise, President of Brandt. “With this acquisition, Brandt has expanded our ability to serve all agencies’ licensing and reservations needs, and we look forward to helping more customers deliver easy and reliable, web-based automated experiences for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere across licensing, permitting, reservations and other purchases.”

“TTG is proud to join Brandt, an outdoor industry leader, with its strong reputation of continuous innovation and technology improvements,” said Jeff Roberts, General Manager of TTG. “Our complementary platforms offer our customers and agency partners unique technology and services built to capture real-time, high quality data that is critical for their success. We are thrilled to be able to continue this mission as part of a broader platform.”

Financial terms were not disclosed.


About Brandt

Since 1985, Brandt Information Services has provided local, state and federal agencies, as well as private organizations, with innovative solutions to maintain large-scale technology projects, streamline business processes, manage a variety of transaction systems and support agency operations. The company has successfully scaled with organic growth in the outdoor recreational industry with products and services to support hunting, fishing, boating and camping transactions.

About Terra Technology Group

Terra Technology Group is a leading provider of next-generation outdoor licensing and recreational solutions. TTG partners with fish and wildlife agencies to provide innovative technology for conservation and natural resource licensing needs. The company offers more than a decade of experience in developing and operating license and permit point of sale, event management and CRM software throughout the United States.

About NexPhase Capital

NexPhase Capital (“NPC”) is a thematic and operationally focused private equity firm that invests in lower middle market growth-oriented companies within three distinct sectors: consumer, healthcare, and software. The firm partners with companies that have reached a growth inflection point and are seeking a value-added partner to help navigate the company’s “next phase.” The NPC team has extensive industry and operational experience and NPC’s partners have invested together for over a decade. The firm has completed over 80 investments, including add-ons, and targets control equity investments between $25 million and $150 million. For more information, please visit www.NexPhase.com.

Go Outdoors South Carolina is here!

SCDNR logo

COLUMBIA, S.C., March 15, 2022

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is excited to announce the launch of Go Outdoors South Carolina—our new licensing and boat titling system. The new system makes it easier for our customers to:

  • View and purchase hunting and fishing licenses, permits and tags.
  • Apply for lottery hunts.
  • Register and renew watercraft.
  • Report turkey harvest through SC Game Check.
  • Upgrade to a licensing hard card.
  • Purchase SCDNR gear or make a donation through the Go Outdoors SC Shop.

Additionally, the new system brings with it a new multi-functional app. The new GoOutdoorsSC app will allow users to:

  • Also view and purchase hunting and fishing licenses, permits and tags.
  • Report turkey harvest through SC Game Check.
  • Have online resources like regulations, harvest data, the new SC Public Fishing Access platform at your fingertips.

This app is available in both the Apple and Google Play Store.

We hope this transition brings with it an improved user experience.

Turkey Hunters make sure to delete the previous app and download the GoOutdoorsSC app to report your harvest. The app from last year is no longer functional.

Find our new licensing system here.

GFP Launches Go Outdoors South Dakota

January 3, 2022

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) launched a new e-commerce system, Go Outdoors South Dakota.

This system combines the purchases of hunting and fishing licenses with state parks camping reservations and other purchases. The new system makes it easier and more convenient for the public to log in and view their preference points, purchase hunting and fishing licenses, make park reservations, and manage their profile information.

“We are very excited to offer a one stop shop for customers looking to pursue their next outdoor adventure. The new e-commerce system makes it easier for family and friends to get outdoors and create long lasting memories and traditions,” said Kevin Robling, GFP Department Secretary.

Log in and check out the new system today at GoOutdoorsSouthDakota.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I log in to the new system?

Go to gooutdoorssouthdakota.com and begin by logging into or creating a mySD account. New with the system is integration with the statewide single sign on to provide additional account security and connection between other state agency systems. If you have an existing account with mySD, please use the email address on file. If you need to create a new mySD account, you will be prompted to do so after entering your unique email address. Every family member will need a unique email address for their mySD account to proceed. Upon verifying your customer information, you will be brought to the Customer Home Page where you can manage your profile information.

Will I still be able to purchase at a license agent location?

Yes. Most license agent locations will continue to sell GFP licenses. While the system launched on December 15, 2021, it would be a good idea to call ahead before visiting a license agent to make sure they are prepared to sell you a license.

Did my preference points get transferred?

Yes! All preference points on your customer account will remain valid with the new system. The preference points purchased for 2022 season are already included in the point values displayed on your account available now. For example, you purchased one preference point for Gavins Point Paddlefish on December 10, 2021 where previously you had zero. Now you will have one displaying for 2022. If you notice any irregularities with your account, please call our customer support line at 605.223.7660.

What is Auto-Renew?

Once you complete a purchase through the new system, you may be asked to sign up for auto-renew. This is a feature that allows you to automatically renew any applicable licenses/permits when they are about to expire using a stored payment method. If you choose to enroll, you will receive an email 10 days in advance notifying that your eligible licenses will be renewed using Auto-Renew. You may adjust your auto-renew settings (including stored payment) at any time before your license(s) expires through your customer profile.

Licenses eligible for auto-renew include resident small game, annual fishing, combination, and furbearer licenses. The habitat stamp will be automatically added to your cart and auto-renew with your other licenses you have selected. Nonresident annual fishing, shooting preserve, and predator/varmint licenses are also eligible for auto-renew.

Did my Auto-Renew run?

Automatic renewal of customer licenses were issued on January 3, 2022 this year. Customers with a valid payment option on file, who met the customer criteria to automatically renew their licenses, received a purchase confirmation email to the email address listed on their customer account. Log in to your account to confirm your current and 2022 licenses are on file. The system is up to date on all transactions. If you do not see the licenses you were expecting to auto-renew, please purchase accordingly.

What is a Durable South Dakota Collector’s Card?

When you purchase a license and/or permit through the system, you may be asked if you would like to upgrade to a durable card for $5. This optional, durable card is a valid form of proof of purchase that will not be damaged by water, sun, dirt, or regular wear and tear like the traditional paper document. The card is made of credit card-like material that contains your customer and license information on one side, and on the other side features artwork from Terry Redlin, America’s most popular outdoor artist and South Dakota native.

Cards are mailed within 5-10 business days of purchase to the customer mailing address on file. At the time of printing, eligible licenses currently held by the customer will print on the card. Hunters are still required to carry the physical tags for big game in addition to the collector’s card. Current licenses that will be printed on the card include: habitat stamp, annual fishing, annual small game, combination, furbearer, predator/varmint, and migratory bird.

Two artwork options are available to print on your collector’s card at this time. You may order one of each design, if desired, at time of purchase. GFP intends to offer new artwork on the collector’s cards each year, so start with the first one!

Will my mobile app still work?

As part of the system transition, there are new mobile app versions available for download. If you have the previous mobile app, please update the app through the app store. If you do not have the app already downloaded, search for “Go Outdoors South Dakota” to find GFP’s official mobile app for iOS and Android. Note: users will not automatically be updated to the latest app version. To access the latest version of the app each user must manually update/download the Go Outdoors SD app.

The app will allow you to purchase licenses and access your license information, no matter where you are. You may download multiple customer licenses to offer one secure digital license document location for families, groups, and more. This will also be a legal means of carrying your licenses in the field. In addition to storing multiple customers’ documents, you are able to sign up for season reminders and access regulations documentation.

How do I check my upcoming parks reservations and make a new reservation?

GFP has consolidated the camping reservations system into the new e-commerce system! You may now log in to gooutdoorssouthdakota.com with your mySD account to access your upcoming reservations. You may also purchase Park Entrance Licenses and/or make a campsite reservation at any state park in our great state.

If you notice any irregularities with your account, please call our customer support line at 800.710.2267

Brandt Information Services Named Best & Brightest Company to Work For Sixth Consecutive year

Brandt Information Services is honored to have been selected for the sixth consecutive year as one of the 2021 Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation. While the winners are not ranked, Brandt has been recognized as one of 167 winning organizations of 1,500 nominations across the country. Brandt will be honored during the Illuminate Business Summit in January 2022.

With over 20 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards. All 2021 companies that are selected to be recognized nationally will be featured in the online edition of Corp! Magazine.

About the Best & Brightest Companies to Work For Program

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This competition scores potential winners based on regional data of company performance and a set standard across the nation. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

To learn more about Brandt’s culture and career opportunities, please visit the Brandt Careers page.

Brandt Information Services ranks as a Top 100 Best Place to Work

Brandt Information Services, LLC (Brandt), a Tallahassee-based Information Technology solutions and outdoor marketing firm, has been named one of Florida Trend’s Best Companies To Work For In Florida. The recognition comes off the heels of their recent honor as one of the Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation.

Florida Trend’s annual Best Companies list features one hundred companies ranked in small, medium and large employer categories. Brandt secured the 18th spot in the midsized employer category. With nearly 250 team members, Brandt is also the only Tallahassee headquartered company to be ranked in the midsize category. More than 200 of Brandt’s team are based in Florida while other team members are working from home across the country. This Best Companies achievement adds to Brandt’s high honor as a one of the overall top ranking Best and Brightest Companies to Work For earning the #1 ranking nationally in the Small Company Category.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a best place to work, an award rooted in the success of our amazing team,” said John Thomas, CEO. “This award is a testament to the clients and partners we serve and a key indicator of the unmatched service we provide.”

To participate, companies or government entities were required to have at least 15 workers in Florida and to be in operation for at least one year. Companies that chose to participate underwent an evaluation of their workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The process also included a survey to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. 

“Success starts with our team” said Richard Wise, President. “We make a conscious effort every day to create a space that empowers our team to be the best version of themselves. This award demonstrates Brandt’s dedication to creating a culture where people want to work and reflects how our team feels about what we do.” 

Brandt provides technology solutions, marketing strategies and consulting services, including software products and mobile apps to support natural resource agencies, particularly in the outdoor recreational space.

To learn more about Brandt’s culture and career opportunities, visit https://www.brandtinfo.com/careers. For a list of the 100 Best Companies To Work For In Florida, go to www.floridatrend.com/BestCompanies.

  

About Brandt

Brandt Information Services offers innovative technology solutions to support natural resource agencies by promoting outdoor participation, customer outreach, marketing, and streamlining business operations through customized recreational licensing & registration solutions. Brandt’s growth in the industry is backed by their customer-first partnership approach and industry-first features which has resulted in expansion of state agency partnerships across the country. For over 35 years, Brandt has offered local, state, and federal agencies and private organizations best in class technology solutions and services.

 

About Florida Trend  

Florida Trend is Florida’s Business Authority—an award-winning media company delivering balanced, trusted, in-depth business news and information across print and digital platforms. Florida Trend reports on all industry sectors, including health care, education, research and technology, finance, law, transportation and real estate. Its monthly business magazine is read by more than 270,000 influential business, civil and governmental leaders, and its companion website, FloridaTrend.com, garners a million page-views and over 170,000 unique visitors each month. 

About Best Companies Group 

Best Companies Group works with partners worldwide to establish and manage “Best Places to Work,” “Best Companies” and “Best Employers” programs. Through its thorough workplace assessment, utilizing employer questionnaires and employee-satisfaction surveys, BCG identifies and recognizes companies that have been successful in creating and maintaining workplace excellence. For more information, visit www.BestCompaniesGroup.com

Brandt Information Services named Best & Brightest Company to Work For for Fifth Consecutive Year

Brandt Information Services has been selected for the fifth consecutive year as one of the 2020 Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, not only placing in the Top 101 Highest scoring companies, but also achieving the Elite Best of the Best in the Small Business category. Brandt has been recognized as providing winning company culture and benefits to its employees, and this is truly a prestigious honor for our growing team.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® program recognizes the most influential, trend-setting companies across the country. The program is operated by the National Association of Business Resources (NABR) and presented to companies that incorporate best practices in the workplace and promote employee involvement, enriching the lives of their employees.

To see us featured in the Wall Street Journal, click here. To learn more about Brandt’s culture and career opportunities, please visit the Brandt Careers page.

About the Best & Brightest Companies to Work For Program

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment
that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This competition scores potential winners based on regional data of company performance and a set standard across
the nation. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole. https://thebestandbrightest.com/

The Online Transition: How Electronic Licenses Help Customers, State Agencies

The online licensing system helps customers more easily and efficiently buy their licenses. It also gives them immediate access to recreational activities, meaning they can accept last-minute invitations and purchase a license on the way to hunt or fish. The system helps state agencies sell more licenses, boost their conservation efforts, and collect more data to improve their marketing techniques. So, how did the online system come about, how does it work, and why don’t all states offer it?

ArcheryTrade.org “The Online Transition: How Electronic Licenses Help Customers, State Agencies”

New Idaho Fish and Game licensing system gives buyers more options and features

Idaho Fish and Game has launched a new licensing system with a new contractor, and hunters, anglers and trappers will see new and more customer friendly services and options when buying licenses, tags and permits.

Buyers will have a variety of new options available when they purchase from gooutdoorsidaho.com, including:

  • No password required to log in to your account. Other information will be used so you can get into your account. 
  • Auto-renew feature that allow you to get new licenses automatically before the current ones expire. 
  • Option to store a payment method securely on file for buying convenience. 
  • Optional “hard card” puts your license and other permits (not tags or permits that need to be notched) on a durable plastic card that’s the same size and shape as a credit card. 
  • Licenses bought online are instantly valid by printing a copy or storing it digitally on your smart phone. 
  • Updated tag menu shows what tags are available for purchase, and when you put a tag in your shopping cart, it’s guaranteed available for a limited amount of time so you can finish your purchase without worrying about all tags selling out. 
  • Multiple ways to fill out mandatory hunter reports, including a quick log-in feature.
  • “Go Outdoors Idaho” phone app is available on the Apple App Store and Google play. You can download the apps for ease of buying licenses and tags, applying for controlled hunts, tracking up to five family members’ purchases, filing mandatory hunter reports, and more.

State game agencies aren’t engaging nearly enough new folks, or capturing their potential license dollars

Hunter numbers have been declining from an all-time high in the early ’80s. And when the alarm bells started ringing more than a decade ago, our collective response time was abysmal. First, the hunting industry had to admit there was a problem. Next, we had to understand what we’d been doing wrong. Now that state agencies and conservation groups have finally identified which programs work, they’re trying to act on that intel. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we’ve lost 255,195 hunters nationwide between 2016 and 2020.

OutdoorLife.com “In the Future: The New Guard Will Save Hunting (and the Old-Timers Are Going to Help)”