More than 50 years of entrepreneurship and affinity marketing innovation.
We pioneered the affinity marketing discipline, and are committed to supporting entrepreneurship in all its forms.
Welcome to Trans National Group: Marketing Innovation Hub
Since 1974, Trans National Group has been a marketing-innovation leader. We are an entrepreneurial organization that has built 27 companies since inception, with combined peak annual revenues of more than $350 million. Along the way, we pioneered and optimized sophisticated affinity-based direct marketing techniques.
More than 4,000 affinity organizations have endorsed our products. Working with these organizations, and in partnership with global leaders in the financial services, travel, and telecom industries (among others), we have created more than 20 million new customer relationships through direct-to-consumer channels.
Trans National Group has also been active in direct and partnered private equity investing since the mid 1990’s. We have invested more than $200 million in innovative direct marketing businesses and beyond.
Today, Trans National Group continues to reshape whole industries through direct marketing innovation, investment, and expertise.
Business innovators since 1974.
Private equity investors since 1994.
Affinity marketing pioneers.
More than 4,000 partner affinity organizations.
20 million+ affinity customers served.
27 companies founded.
Successful in the US, Canada, and Europe.
Affinity Marketing Pioneers
We define "affinity marketing" as the marketing of high quality products and services to identifiable groups of people with a strong common "affinity" interest with which they identify themselves. As executed by Trans National Group, affinity marketing yields customers with a much lower acquisition cost (CAC) and a much higher lifetime value (LTV) than our partners typically see.
Trans National Group developed the affinity marketing discipline in 1974, starting in the travel industry, and eventually expanding to credit cards, telecommunications, investments, delivery services, and insurance.
We have created endorsed affinity programs for more than 4,000 organizations. Our sophisticated direct response techniques have produced more than 20 million new customer relationships for our provider partners. We continue to expand our affinity market reach in new areas such as non-membership groups such as hobbyists, brand loyalty customers, and many more, through our affiliate, TN Marketing.
Trans National Group History
Trans National Group has evolved through three distinct eras in its 50+ year history, gradually transitioning from a company focused exclusively on wholly-owned affinity marketing businesses into a diversified holding company with both operating entities and sophisticated investments.
Founding Era:
Travel
1974 – 2011
Expansion Era:
Credit Cards (& more)
1979 – Present
Investment Era:
Real Estate, Pro Sports
1994 – Present
Affinity travel
Affinity credit cards
Affinity consumer loans
Affinity telecom services
Affinity investment products
Affinity insurance products
Affinity group fundraising
Affinity hobby video on demand
Direct and partnered private-equity investing
Commercial real estate investing and management
Museum-quality art
Professional sports ownership
Created the affinity marketing channel
Provided more than 2.6 million individual vacations
Created more than 20 million new customer relationships
Maximized annual revenue at $350 million
Invested more than $200 million in M&A, private equity, and real estate
Sold to strategic buyer in 2011
Multiple sales to strategic buyers
Hobby video on demand business still thriving
Currently active
Active Companies
Today, Trans National Group operates six affiliate companies:
TN Marketing (TNM)
TN Marketing is a hobby video-on-demand subscription business engaging enthusiasts with their passions and hobbies through 15 distinct affinity communities. The company serves nearly 10.5 million registered users.
Craftsy
Craftsy, a subsidiary of TN Marketing, is an online library of classes and projects spanning more than 20 categories for single subscription. We’re a vibrant community of makers, doers, and dreamers inspiring endless creativity through more than 2,000 expert-led classes.
TN Real Estate
TN Real Estate owns several commercial and residential properties and provides management services to other building owners in the Boston area.
TN Ventures
TN Ventures channels investments into a diverse array of opportunities, with investments to date exceeding $200 million.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm
Belkin Family Lookout Farm is a leading destination for family agri-entertainment, farm-fresh dining, and premium local produce.
Lookout Farm Brewing & Cider Co.
A farm-fresh restaurant, a brewer of hard cider and craft beer, and an event provider for businesses and families.
Investments
Since 1994, Trans National Group has been an influential player in the investment sector, focusing on nurturing businesses with a strong foundation in marketing. Our approach has consistently been about fostering growth and profitability in various marketing-related domains.
Our diverse investment portfolio covers a range of areas including venture capital, private equity, real estate, and hedge funds, complemented by strategic co-investments. Balancing traditional financial objectives with a keen interest in the arts, our portfolio features a collection of museum-quality artworks, reflecting our broader commitment to cultural enrichment.
A key aspect of our investment strategy is a strong focus on sustainable and socially responsible ventures. We are deeply invested in green technology and environmental impact funds, aiming to contribute positively to the global community.
Supporting young entrepreneurs is important to us and reflective of Trans National Group and our founder's journey. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators through investments, advice, and mentorship. With over $200 million committed to various projects, our mission is to drive impactful financial returns while making meaningful advancements in community development.
Our Founder: Steve Belkin
Steven B. Belkin, the founder of Trans National Group, has established a remarkable entrepreneurial legacy over the company’s 50+ years of history. His ambitious creativity, financial acumen, and strategic vision have been the driving forces behind Trans National's domestic and international achievements.
Steve created the direct-response affinity marketing discipline and eventually proved its effectiveness in sectors including credit cards, travel, mutual funds, communications, and hobby video on demand. Currently, his focus is on active investing, aiding entrepreneurs with innovative, often marketing-centric ventures, while also investing in real estate and fine art, among other fields.
From 2004 to 2011, Steve was the principal owner and NBA governor of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. During the same period, he was the principal owner of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers and Atlanta’s Phillips Arena as well.
A dedicated and involved philanthropist, Steve actively supports educational, medical, faith-based, and arts initiatives. He has been recognized with Cornell's Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Anti-Defamation League's Distinguished Community Service Award, and the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps' Embracing the Legacy Award, among many others.
Steve is a graduate of Cornell University, where he was captain of the tennis team, and earned induction into the Cornell Squash Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School as well.