Folder Focus: FLUID MARINE
BY FOLDERPRINTERS WRITERS
Posted on 1/15/2026
Closeup detail of Fluid Marine's folder's silver foil and linen.
Having seen thousands upon thousands of folders come off our production floor as a
leading national manufacturer of custom presentation folders, it takes a lot for us to be wowed. So we were pleasantly surprised when one recent piece immediately caught our attention.
First, there was the minimalist elegance of the design: silver foil stamped on rich black linen stock. Then came the reveal of the company behind it: Fluid Marine.
At first glance, most would probably make the wrong assumption. The design and elements, along with the company’s logo and name, Fluid, might lead you to guess it belongs to a broker, law firm, or financial institution.
Surprisingly, it comes from a military-grade boat manufacturer, an industry widely perceived as rugged in style but almost never associated with elegance.
We reached out to Tiffany Cifers, marketing manager for
Fluid Marine, to learn more about their design philosophy, creative process, and the role these folders play in their marketing efforts.
FOLDERPRINTERS WRITERS: Please describe your company and its services or specialty.
TIFFANY CIFERS: Fluid Marine designs and manufactures high-performance rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for government agencies across the country. We specialize in patrol and rescue vessels used by law enforcement, fire departments, and military units.
FPW: What makes you stand out or differentiates you from your competition?
TC: Our boats are built for mission-critical use with durability, performance, and safety at the forefront. We offer custom solutions tailored to each agency’s needs, and our team is deeply involved from design through delivery.
FPW: Are folders in any way a part of it?
TC: While the folders aren’t part of our boats, they’ve become an important piece of how we present our brand and organize materials for potential buyers.
"At a recent law enforcement conference, our folder presentation stood out from the crowd. Several agencies commented on how sharp and professional our materials looked..."
— Tiffany Cifers
FPW: Who are your main customers?
TC: Police departments, fire and rescue teams, military branches, and government procurement officers.
FPW: What purpose do your folders generally serve?
TC: We use them primarily for marketing and sales. They help us stay organized during trade shows and boat deliveries, where we often hand over brochures, business cards, spec sheets, and warranty info.
FPW: Has there been a particular instance where folders helped in any of your goals?
TC: Yes, at a recent law enforcement conference, our folder presentation stood out from the crowd. Several agencies commented on how sharp and professional our materials looked, which helped us make strong first impressions.
FPW: Are they also used for administrative purposes?
TC: Not really. They're more of a sales and branding tool than admin.
FPW: When do you hand them out?
TC: At trade shows, during sales meetings, and when delivering boats to agencies.
FPW: What items do you put inside the pockets?
TC: Spec sheets, product brochures, business cards, warranty documentation, and occasionally promo items like stickers.
FPW: Have the folders proven to be effective?
TC: Absolutely. They’ve helped elevate our brand and keep all our materials in one polished, professional package.
FPW: In this digital, internet age, why use analog presentation folders?
TC: Because we’re often face-to-face with clients at shows or in the field. A tangible folder makes a lasting impression and gives them something they can hold onto and review later.
FPW: Who designs your folders?
TC: Our internal marketing team handled the design.
FPW: What was your aesthetic philosophy or aim in coming up with the final design?
TC: We wanted something clean, bold, and tactical that reflected the rugged performance of our boats while still looking premium.
FPW: Do you know if your competition also employs the same type of folders?
TC: Some do, but not with the same level of polish and branding.
FPW: Are these your first professionally printed folders? What made you decide to go with Folderprinters?
TC: Yes, and we’re really happy with how they turned out. We chose Folderprinters based on product options, pricing, and turnaround time. They also sent us a free sample pack of all their folder style options.
"It [expectations on final product] exceeded them. The folders look and feel premium, and we’ve already had compliments on them."
— Tiffany Cifers
FPW: Did you look at other folder sellers’ websites? What made you choose us?
TC: We compared a few, but Folderprinters offered more customization, better reviews, and a straightforward ordering process.
FPW: What was your experience using the website? Was it easy to use?
TC: Yes, very easy to navigate.
FPW: Did you use our online design tool?
TC: No, we uploaded our own design.
FPW: Did you easily find the product you were looking for?
TC: Yes, everything was clearly laid out.
FPW: Did the final product meet your expectations?
TC: It exceeded them. The folders look and feel premium, and we’ve already had compliments on them.
Fluid Marine's polished ruggedness Folder.
Although it carries no negative sentiment, the hackneyed old sayingss “Never judge a book by its cover” and “To each their own” aptly apply here. First, we initially guessed wrong about the folder’s owner and industry.
Second, members of the military and law enforcement—groups generally perceived as rugged and forceful—can and do appreciate sophisticated, polished aesthetics.