Justin Lawrence, owner of Oklahoma Shirt Company, joined the show to give a decorator’s perspective on what distributors should look for in a decorator partner, how to simplify the order process and common mistakes to avoid. He also told us about the big apparel trends he’s seeing (and much more)…
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Like many promo distributors during the pandemic, The Identity Source has found success in kitting, assembling swag boxes for clients’ virtual events. But the company has taken a unique approach that elevates its “Event in a Box” program to another level. Patrick Wyant, business development manager for The Identity Source, told us how…
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Scott Pearson and Scott Edidin tell us about their new company, Mexico’s surprising manufacturing capabilities and some of the custom programs they’ve done so far (including one involving pinatas). They also share firsthand analysis of the pandemic’s impacts on the promo supply chain and how North American sourcing is alleviating logistics and supply chain pain points…
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Silver Swag Box founders Brandi Allen and Ashley Rollins told us what it was like starting a subscription box service with no prior experience, how they select the themes and items for each box, how they use personalization to make each box special, and much more…
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Joél Bastien shared ideas from AIA’s new “Ask the Experts” series featuring actionable PPE sales advice, emerging trends and direct feedback from end-buyers in thriving markets (including a surprising revelation about asking for referrals). She also explained how any distributor can use subject matter experts to help their own businesses…
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Branded merchandise has played a major role in Milwaukee Tool’s recent growth. Sandy Johns, the company’s national account manager, told us about two successful co-branded campaigns and explained why they selected their distributor partner. She also told us how Milwaukee Tool uses promo to reach customers at every stage of their brand journey (and much more)…
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By now, we’ve all been there: a video call gone wrong. But Lisa Greyhill, president of Firebrand Global Marketing, has a story so chilling that it can only be described as the “Zoom call from hell.” Plus, Sean and Brendan talk branded merchandise’s big night at the Super Bowl and much more…
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Claire Jerry, Ph.D., is a political history curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. She joined the show to talk about some of the best (and weirdest) items in the collection and discuss 2020 campaign merch trends she’s seen. Sean and Brendan talk “Sexy Joe Biden” merch and other 2020 items…
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After a successful career running his printing company, Scott Cappel was ready to retire. Then, on a whim, he went to PPAI Expo, and was so blown away by the industry he decided to jump in as a promo distributor. Scott told us why he made the switch, what he’s learned so far and more. Plus, Sean and Brendan discuss old, obsolete tech and remember the mythical iPod Sock…
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Avocados From Mexico’s Super Bowl ad brought to life a QVC-style home shopping network filled with weird and wonderful merchandise for your avocado. We talked to the good folks at Energy BBDO, the agency behind the campaign, for the behind-the-scenes scoop. Plus, are these really the top 30 most recognizable logos?…
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