Archives: Audio

Something Inked’s Bill Feldberg on Branded Footwear, Nike’s Dope 420 Shoes, Promo Opportunities

Branded footwear is having a moment. Everywhere you look, big names are collaborating with shoe brands, bringing the promo and retail worlds together. We talked to noted sneakerhead Bill Feldberg, of promo company Something Inked, who gave us the details on the footwear phenomenon. Bill told us about Nike’s 420 releases, Vans’ licensing brilliance, Crocs’ unlikely ascent to “cool,” promo sales opportunities with footwear brands and much more…

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Quality Certification Alliance’s Tim Brown on Why Brand Safety Is Smart Business, Big Changes at QCA

Tim Brown, executive director for Quality Certification Alliance, joined the show to tell us why brand safety matters to modern promo buyers (and why it’s a big opportunity for business), and give us more details on QCA’s new participation model and recent rebrand. Plus, Sean and Brendan discuss how Disney’s latest Star Wars theme parks merchandise might lead to a cup-holder crisis!…

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Blue Generation’s Eric Rubin on the Cannabis Industry, a $22 Billion (and Growing) Promotional Market

The $22 billion cannabis industry is expected to reach more than $46 billion in value by 2027. Eric Rubin, president of Blue Generation, joined the show to talk about the huge promotional products sales opportunities the market presents, especially in branded apparel. Plus, Sean and Brendan are talking Blockbuster Video! Get your JNCO jeans ready, because only ’90s kids will remember this episode…

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Barefoot Swag’s Britni Levitt and Rhonda Reedy Talk Taking On the Big Online Distributors, Delighting Customers and More

Barefoot Swag Powered by Proforma is a three-person operation that’s topped $1 million in sales, almost entirely online. How has the small distributor found so much success competing with the big online mega-players? Owners Britni Levitt and Rhonda Reedy joined the show to share their story. Plus, customer reviews, work-life balance, women-owned businesses and legislating Pop Tarts…

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BAMKO’s Phil Koosed on Creating Taco Bell’s ‘Instagrammable’ Branded Merch, Promo’s Unrivaled ROI, Private Equity Pros and Cons

Phil Koosed, president of BAMKO, joined the show to take us inside its immensely popular and successful branded merch campaigns for Taco Bell, including how the distributor created “Instagrammable” promotional products designed to reach younger demographics online. We also talked about promo’s powerful ROI, corporate social responsibility, private equity. Plus, Sean and Brendan finally discuss Weezer, and ask Phil for help getting Elon Musk on the show…

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Starline’s Brian Porter Talks Tariffs’ Impact on 2019 Pricing, Streamlining the Ordering Process, PromoStandards

It’s clear the tariffs are going to impact the promo industry in the new year. We asked Brian Porter, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Starline Inc., about what we can expect for 2019, how promo suppliers are handling pricing and much more. Plus, Sean and Brendan discuss a totally crazy insane morning hack from Jeff Bezos, and Sean asks the tough questions everyone’s afraid to ask about Pantone’s Color of the Year…

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