The CEO and creative director of Colorado-based distributor AMB3R talks about how he got his start in the apparel and promo industries and where he draws inspiration for his projects.
October holds plenty of treats for print and promo professionals, with both the ASI Power Summit and PRINTING United Expo happening. In this month’s episode, Branding Together Co-hosts Theresa Hegel and Cassie Green discuss the value of attending trade shows and other industry events. Plus, they welcome Jeremy Picker, CEO and creative director of Colorado-based distributor AMB3R (asi/590243), who talks about the importance of creativity, empathy and strategic planning in creating promo campaigns that have a lasting impact.
Stay tuned to the end of the show for a game of “Pitch or Pass,” where Cassie and Theresa propose and judge absurd product ideas.
Also mentioned in this month’s episode:
- ASI Announces 2026 CEO Transition Plan
- 2025 Printing Impressions 300
- Counselor Promo Campaign Awards
Podcast Chapters
9:08: The importance of in-person events
19:39: Interview with Jeremy Picker
37:09: Streamlining creativity in a fast-paced industry
39:05: Adapting to industry changes and client needs
40:04: From retail trends to individual client focus
52:11: Elevating branded merchandise
1:09:26: “Pitch or Pass”
Key Takeaways
• Jeremy Picker, CEO and creative director of AMB3R (asi/590243), said his passion for design began early, inspired by his mother’s sewing and his brother’s apparel work.
• He founded AMB3R in 2008 to merge fashion and promo, focusing on high-quality apparel and advanced decoration techniques rather than mass production.
• Picker said his creative process blends curiosity, empathy and market research, using Pinterest as a key tool for inspiration and organization.
• He urged promo professionals to move beyond cheap giveaways and focus on purposeful, retail-worthy products that reflect a brand’s story.
• Picker said collaboration and cultural storytelling, such as his Día de los Muertos-themed project, can elevate creativity and industry education.
• Despite market challenges, Picker remains committed to creating meaningful, high-quality merchandise that avoids waste and builds lasting connections.
