Advertising Specialty Institute

Brian Duran of MediaTree Rewards discusses the supplier’s explosive growth during the pandemic.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Mitch Silver, vice president of marketing and sales at Printable Promotions (asi/299458) in Chicago, talks with ASI Executive Editor Sara Lavenduski about what he and his team have learned over the past 12 months and his predictions for how COVID will change what customers expect of their promo partners.

A great customer can become one of your strongest advocates, but if you play your cards right so can your employees. In this fun and educational Social Angle podcast, Melissa Newman talks with Carmen Collins, Cisco’s social media and brand lead, about how you can empower your employees to be your most powerful advocates, systems to fuel your content strategy's success, and the crucial role social media plays in it all. Don't miss this episode!

Thinking about running a contest for your business, and maybe even hosting it on your social media platforms? Do yourself a favor and do your research. In this informative and eye-opening Social Angle podcast, Vinnie Driscoll and CJ Mittica discuss the dos and don’ts of running a contest, how you can protect yourself from legal ramifications, and who they think will win ASI Promo Insanity.

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The last year has upended the way we work, do business and socialize, but will any of those changes stick when this is all over? ASI Editors Theresa Hegel, Sara Lavenduski and Christopher Ruvo reflect on how the last year has changed their own lives and what they expect the future to bring.

In this episode of The Social Angle, Melissa Newman sits down with Nick Lateur, of HPG Brands, to give you a behind-the-scenes look at his process for creating fun and engaging video content on a dime. He’ll also share how increasing his social media marketing skills made him more marketable in his career, what advice he’d give to other swag professionals on conquering fear when it comes to filming, and remixing “D*** in a Box” by The Lonely Island for his first episode. Get ready for another great episode!

Demand for digital marketing services is rising and promotional products distributors are in a unique position to capitalize on it. How? By starting to offer such services to clients. In this podcast adapted from an ASI Education webinar and hosted by ASI Media Digital News Director Christopher Ruvo, Luke Freeman and Seth Rand, founders of digital marketing firm Wizard Digital, reveal how you can do just that. They’re in a prime position to offer such insights, as Freeman is the founder of multimillion-dollar promo distributorship Wizard Creations (asi/362568) and Rand is a digital marketing expert and successful entrepreneur whose achievements include helping more than 1,200 clients manage well north of $50 million in Google Advertising spend.

At the urging of her speaking coach, Jamie Young -- the founder of WA-based Uptown Screen Printing (asi/184812) -- went on Facebook Live for the first time. Just a few days later she picked up her biggest client ever. In this live video interview, Jamie talks with Vinnie Driscoll about how she did it, what she talked about why you, too, should be harnessing the power of going live on social media.

Business been tough? Winter blues got you down? Well, it’s time to break out of this funk and have some fun. How? With our new ASI Promo Insanity contest. Our goal is to crown people’s favorite promotional product. To do that, we’ve chosen 16 of the most popular promo items, put them in a bracket and seeded them based on their total number of searches in ESP last year. Each round, readers will vote for their favorites until a single champion is remaining. The contest has launched and will take place throughout March. With the first-round of voting underway, the Promo Insiders crew gathered together (virtually) to dive deep into the matchups and make their predictions. What’s the toughest first-round matchup? What’s their dark horse pick? And which product will win the title? Enjoy the predictions as we profess our love for our favorite promo categories.

End-buyers aren’t only looking for new and exciting promo products this year: they’re looking for new and exciting decoration methods too. Today we’re sitting down with Rachel Corey, promo fulfillment manager of leading decorator STAHLS’ to learn more about the latest print to order trends and technology shaking up the industry, plus how you can provide the most popular methods to your clients.

Anyone can post content on social media, but how do you make it pop? Taylor Borst of American Solutions for Business knows! In this fun Social Angle podcast, Taylor – who likes to infuse pop culture and music into her social media marketing mix – dishes on how to she stays relevant in a saturated market. What networks are hot? Is meme marketing a thing? And is Schitt’s Creek better than Parks and Rec? It’s all here!

Wellness expert Martha Munroe shares her suggestions for a much-needed reset.

In this Social Angle podcast, Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman talk to Danny Rosin of Brand Fuel about how he uses social media to help get the word out about fundraising for nonprofits.

One of the biggest issues facing the promo industry during the COVID-19 pandemic is the overabundance of paid time off. We all needed an escape in 2020, but with government-imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions, there was nowhere to go. Even employees that had plenty of PTO weren’t encouraged to use it because of pandemic-related staffing cuts. So, where did it all go? And for those that did get away from work, how did they spend their time? In this episode of Promo Insiders, Executive Editor Theresa Hegel talks with Senior Writer John Corrigan about his feature story on the promo industry’s inability (and refusal) to take time off. Nearly half of the promo industry used less PTO in 2020 than they did in 2019, according to ASI data. Travel restrictions was a major contributor with many vacations scrapped because either people couldn’t fly or didn’t feel safe. Even if they did go somewhere, there were limits on activities, such as wearing a mask when you left your hotel room. Plus, with most people working from home, there was no need to get away from the office. For example, Patti Morisset, the creative merchandise director at Kaye-Smith (asi/239444), didn’t even take a sick day. And then there’s those who felt like they couldn’t take PTO. With so many cuts across the board and workforces being reduced, people had extra responsibility on their plate. Indicative of smaller promo firms, PEGG Products (asi/292782) in Houston was running double the hours on half the staff. Hopefully, more people take PTO in 2021. After all, there are decades of studies illustrating the benefits of vacation: stress reduction, heart disease prevention, better sleep, newfound creativity and increased productivity, just to name a few.

If you’re looking to stand out on social media, connect with your customers in real and meaningful ways, while simultaneously bringing them into your sales funnel – you have to listen to this week’s episode. Charity Gibson joins Vin and Melissa for a virtual hang session, where they talk about the power of storytelling on social, measuring engagement, and why you should join Clubhouse IMMEDIATELY.

It would be an understatement to say that a lot has changed in our industry since last year. While many distributors are aware of changes like the rise of PPE products, not as many are caught up on how decoration needs have changed as well. Today we have the pleasure of being joined by Ira Neaman, President of Vantage Apparel and Rob Watson, Chief Experience Officer of Vantage Apparel. We’ll break down all of the top decoration trends for 2021 that you need to know.

After one of the most challenging years on record for the promo industry, distributors are looking for fresh ideas to excite and inspire clients for the year ahead. To that end, today we’re speaking with Eric Simsolo, Director of Business Development at Next Level Apparel. We’ll explain what collection audiences are interested in this year, which selling points to emphasize on your sales calls and which markets will be a strong bet for sales.

Valentine’s Day is coming up. How are you showing appreciation to your best clients and unstoppable staff? In this Facebook Live, ASI editorial staff Theresa Hegel, Sara Lavenduski and Melissa Newman will share ideas for how to tell the people in your professional life that you truly care all year long. And to keep it fun, they’ll also be sampling unusual and unexpected Valentine-themed foods.

It’s no secret that this year has been filled with challenges for distributors. While things are expected to improve, it’s important to understand what obstacles you face so you can not only survive, but thrive in 2021 – and as it turns out, you don’t need to be going through this alone. Here to tell us today about why community is so crucial for distributor success is AIM Smarter CEO Nikki Stella & Executive Vice President of ACS Affiliate Services, Kirk Ross. Let’s get started.

In this fun and informative episode of The Social Angle podcast, Melissa Newman talks to ASI's Rick Angeloni about hiring an agency for your social media marketing. What are the benefits and how do you make sure you hire the right one? Listen now to find out!

Promo pro Steven C. Peeke shares can’t-miss strategies for handling order debacles based on his experience with a $39,000 campaign that presented major challenges.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman talk to Callie Rojewski, a marketing and brand strategist, about the customer journey: what it is, why it's important to your business, and the role social media plays in it.

Kevin Quinn of Boundless talks about the daily emails of encouragement he's sent to colleagues since the beginning of the pandemic.

Ohio-based screen printer Brian Baxter opened a brick-and-mortar location last summer. In this podcast, he talks about some of the challenges he faced.

In this quick-hit Social Angle podcast, ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman discuss the hottest new social media platform Clubhouse. What are the features, benefits and potential drawbacks of the network? And is it right for your promo business? Listen now to find out! Photo by William Krause on Unsplash

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Executive Editor Sara Lavenduski speaks with the 2021 Distributor Salesperson of the Year, Brett Marz of BAMKO.

The first quarter of 2021 is jangling the nerves of many distributors in the promotional products industry. And not without reason: The fourth quarter holiday sales surge is over, while the monumental business challenges presented by COVID-19 remain. Nonetheless, it’s possible to achieve success in the first quarter and beyond. In this podcast hosted by ASI Executive Editor Christopher Ruvo, which is adapted from a January 19 webinar, two distributors that engineered banner years in 2020 (despite the historic hurdles of the pandemic) share strategies for how they’ll execute similar success this year.

In this fun and informative episode of the Social Angle, Search Engine Optimization Team Lead Nick Morales speaks with Melissa Newman about improving SEO using social media and demystifies it for our audience. Nick gives insight into the top SEO trends for 2021, how you can improve your keyword research and why you should always optimize your social media profiles.

At the end of 2019, Jamie Young made a long-term investment that immediately paid off. The founder of Battle Ground, WA-based Uptown Screen Printing (asi/184812) hired a speaking coach. Instead of rambling during panels and presentations, she wanted to speak confidently about her business and the power of promotional products. That confidence ended up being her biggest asset during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Senior Writer John Corrigan talks with Young about the unique approach she took to staying in front of clients and how it led to her best month of sales ever.

It's no surprise the effect COVID has had on the events and trade show markets. Concerts, conferences and large gatherings have either been put on hold indefinitely or moved into a virtual environment, putting a damper on one of the biggest markets in the promo industry. But there's still opportunity if you know where to look.

Despite the countless business challenges spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic, some highly adaptable distributors and suppliers had record years for sales and growth in 2020.

Personalization in marketing isn't new, but it’s definitely a top trend for 2021. Consumers face a flood of marketing messages daily and using personalization helps cut through the noise to grab their attention. In this episode of the Social Angle podcast, ASI's Melissa Newman chats with Jayde Powell the Head of Social & Community at Sunwink. Jayde shares how she leverages data and analytics to create engaging social media campaigns, why “spray & pray” marketing is out and what’s on the top of her holiday wish list.

Adrian Molina, a senior brand manager for Aviation Gin, discusses a trends that businesses who use social media should be mindful of in 2021.

When promo sales across the industry dropped precipitously in March, firms scrambled to freeze expenses and shore up operations in order to weather the storm. For Russell Bird, owner of The Promo Addict (asi/302225) in Sherwood Park, AB, that meant locking down the entire company and making the tough decision to lay off several team members. But a few months in, Bird had an idea: Tapping into his love of competitive barbecue, he decided to open a small retail store in The Promo Addict’s offices after friends called him asking for his professional grilling advice since they were cooking at home more often. “I phoned one of my barbecue distributors and asked for five to 10 barbecues to have in my warehouse that I could sell to friends,” says Bird. “Within a week, they were gone. So, I got 10 more, and in a week, they were gone. And all of a sudden, I thought, ‘Maybe I’m opening a barbecue store.’ ” In this episode of Promo Insiders, Bird discusses opening and marketing You Need a Barbecue, developing a line of sauces and seasonings, hiring back colleagues and the importance of pivoting, resiliency and perseverance in this craziest of years.

Clothes are just pieces of fabric, right? Far from it. According to personal and corporate stylist Lani Inlander, clothes define not only how others see you, but how you see yourself. For 15 years, the founder of Washington, D.C.-based Real Life Style has been helping people dress for success so they can focus on what they do best. “What all of our clients have in common,” says Inlander, “is that they just want to look and feel put together every day and get on with their lives – and do what they need to do without having to worry about their clothes. They want to use clothes as a tool.” But what happens when people are working from home and social events are canceled indefinitely? How is that affecting the way we dress? Should it? Inlander joined Counselor’s Promo Insiders podcast to answer those questions. “Everybody is prioritizing comfort over style and, in my opinion, appropriateness,” says Inlander, who offers up clothing selections and other apparel ideas on her blog and on Instagram at lanireallifestyle. “I’ve always believed that you can find professional-looking clothes that are comfortable, stylish and appropriate if you look in the right places.” In this conversation, Inlander gives examples of how comfort and professionalism can meet, including naming specific fabrics and retail brands that will redefine the way you dress for work. In addition, she lists her five must-have pieces for your work wardrobe, and offers her predictions about whether dressing for the office will ever go back to the way things were before.

As we turn the page on 2020, ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman take the lessons of the year and try to predict some of the hot trends we'll see on social media in 2021. In this informative Social Angle podcast, the duo also talk to three experts in the field about their opinions and open the question on Twitter to see what their audience thinks.

Filming of the fifth season of Small Business Revolution began in March… You know what happened next. Thus, the new season offers a real-time look at how seven small businesses in Fredonia, NY, handled the pandemic. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Senior Writer John Corrigan discusses the surreal situation with co-hosts Ty Pennington and Amanda Brinkman, chief marketing officer of Deluxe Corp., which is the parent company of Top 40 distributor Safeguard/Deluxe (asi/316203) as well as Deluxe Business Services (asi/178720).

In this episode of the Social Angle podcast, ASI's Melissa Newman chats with Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content, and Chris Ruvo, executive editor of Counselor magazine, about social media’s influence on journalism over the past 15 years.

Sarah Sumner, a digital media manager, discusses two trends that businesses who use social media should be mindful of in 2021.

ASI executive editors Christopher Ruvo and Theresa Hegel talk about some of the challenges the promo industry is facing right now, when it comes to shipping, and lay out several actionable strategies firms can take to deal with potential delays.

Taylor Gaines, a social media expert and CEO of Social Gaines, discusses two trends that businesses who use social media should be mindful of in 2021.

When it comes to promo sales (or really, sales in general), few methods are more successful than the classic Good/Better/Best method. To break down this “ole faithful” of sales strategies, today we’re speaking with Rande Marin, Inside Sales Manager at Next Level Apparel. We’ll hear her thoughts on why this method is so effective, which end-buyers fit into each category and which Next Level styles fit each group’s specific needs.

We’re eight months into ongoing COVID-19 shutdowns and remote work, with no end in sight. In fact, states across the country are now seeing huge surges in virus cases that dwarf the highs set in the summer months. Meanwhile, remote work has its benefits – comfy clothes, minimal (or no) makeup, no stressful commute – but there are downsides; it turns out, even for the most introverted among us, we miss the in-person interaction we once took for granted. We’re finding that valuable rapport among team members is built in the little side conversations during the day that we’re not having over video meetings. As a result, millions of people are feeling isolated. This is certainly a challenge for Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2012, many of whom have recently taken or are looking for their first jobs in the corporate world. They’re missing the in-person interaction that not only helps them build relationships with their colleagues, but also forms them into productive team players in a multigenerational work environment. Fortunately, the combination of available technology and savvy employers has eased the transition. One example is Doing Good Works (asi/222095) in Irvine, CA, a distributorship that sells branded merchandise to benefit the fostered youth community. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Sara Lavenduski, Advantages executive editor, speaks with Logan Altman, director of customer experience, and Jolene Pringle, customer experience liaison and a member of Gen Z, on what remote work has been like, the challenges of working from home and how Doing Good Works is effectively managing Gen Z employees at a distance.

In this episode of the Social Angle, ASI's Melissa Newman chats with Roger Burnett, founder of Social Good Promotions, about cause marketing and how your business can benefit from it.

ASI staffers tried a cornucopia of odd foods, from apple pie Kit Kats and bacon soda to brussels sprout puffs and a turkey gravy-infused cocktail.

2020 has been a beast. 2021, promo leaders believe, will be substantially better for the promotional products industry, with sales improving over the current year. That’s just one of the predictions for 2021 that ASI editors Christopher Ruvo and Theresa Hegel discuss in this podcast. All the predictions are based on extensive feedback from a cross-section of promo professionals, as well as ASI data about the ad specialty space. What emerges are insights into major opportunities, challenges, trends and developments – knowledge about which can help you run your business better and achieve sustainable success.

Raging pandemic. Hotly contested election. Divided nation. There's no doubt this year has been tumultuous. And in the middle of it all, ostensibly stoking the flames of bitter conspiracy theories and misinformation, is social media. In this episode of the Social Angle podcast, ASI's Melissa Newman and Vinnie Driscoll put aside the negativity of the past year and discuss the four reasons they are most thankful for social media.

In addition, Catherine Monson talks about everything from surviving an abusive childhood to starring in an episode of “Undercover Boss” and how it helped her improve her business.

Julie Woodall’s sales are up, her margins are steady and she has great prospects for 2021. How’d she do it? Find out here.

ASI's Melissa Newman interviews Javier Melendez, of All Star Incentive Marketing, about his winning submission for ASI's #PromoOnTheGo social media campaign.

Sales rep Chrissy Mazzola discusses how she used video to connect with clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Advantages executive editor Sara Lavenduski welcomes Elaine Sanders, a certified life coach, stress consultant and co-founder of The Stress Experts in Manitoba, Canada, and Paul Krismer, the Chief Happiness Officer at The Happiness Experts Company, a positive psychology and happiness consultancy in British Columbia. They share their professional insights about addressing mental health in a sustainable way for the long term during this challenging time.

Online shopping has been on the rise for years, but the coronavirus pandemic kicked the trend into overdrive. Amazon recently reported that its Q3 revenue in North America was up 39.3% year over year. And brick and mortar chains have been seeing dramatic gains in online sales this year: Best Buy, for example, reported that its Q2 online sales were up 242% year over year, and Target saw a 195% jump in e-commerce. Even as societal lockdowns are loosening, many consumers are not giving up the convenience of one-click shopping from their sofas. Promotional products pros who’ve invested in technology – with user-friendly, e-commerce enabled websites – have been the most likely to survive during the pandemic – and will be the most likely to thrive in its aftermath. In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI staffer Theresa Hegel speaks with Marshall Atkinson, a decorated-apparel industry veteran turned success consultant about the power of online stores and how to market your business on the web.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll chats with social media expert Taylor Gaines about the importance of a social media manager to a business.

Lee Fine of Juice Marketing details how he pulled off a global campaign for the first-ever virtual Boston Marathon.

Next Level Apparel’s 1800 – Unisex Ideal Heavyweight Crew is the first of its kind for our industry. Finally, there’s a premium entry-point T-shirt distributors can present to their clients, regardless of their budget. But this game-changing garment didn’t come out of nowhere – it was actually four years in the making and went through 22 different iterations before the final version was brought to market. To learn more about what goes into creating innovative and imaginative apparel, we’re interviewing Caius Olowu, Director of Design and Pre-Production at Next Level Apparel. We’ll hear straight from the expert what really went in to crafting the 1800, what challenges Olowu and his team faced and why the end result is so groundbreaking for promo professionals.

Meg Erber, of S&S Activewear, joins ASI's Vinnie Driscoll for a lively discussion about fashion apparel and social media.

This year is sure to go down in history as one that everyone couldn’t wait to forget. But that shouldn’t include Q4 promotional gifts. In fact, it’s more important than ever to recognize and show appreciation to employees and clients as we look ahead to 2021. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Sara Lavenduski, Theresa Hegel and John Corrigan of ASI’s editorial team discuss ways to sell useful and fun items in the fourth quarter, from kitchen tools to accessories for Fido and Fluffy and more.

ASI's Vin Driscoll and Melissa Newman chat with Johanna Gottlieb, the VP of sales at Axis Promotion, powered by Halo, on how to use social media effectively for sales.

The ninth annual State of Women-Owned Businesses Report found that 42% of all businesses – almost 13 million – are run by women. In total, women-owned businesses employ 9.4 million workers and generate revenue of $1.9 trillion. However, those numbers haven’t come without challenges, even in the promotional products space. To understand this more, today we’re speaking with Nikki Stella, CEO of AIM Smarter. Now managing one of the largest distributor membership organizations in our industry, Nikki knows what it takes to succeed as a woman in promo: and she’s here to share her insights and experience with us on what we can learn to do the same.

With staffers at many businesses working at home this year – and beyond – it’s important to find fun and creative ways to keep them motivated.

Margie Floris, founder of Aqueous Wellness, discusses how to enter and capitalize on the seemingly recession-proof industry.

ASI's Melissa Newman chats with Sara Webb, CEO of InTandem Promotions, about the importance of integrating company culture into your social media strategy plan.

Barry Myers, event expert and founder of getgeeked Media, shares strategies for creating successful events during COVID and speculates on what the future of experiential marketing will look like.

In this Social Angle podcast, ASI's Melissa Newman and Vinnie Driscoll chat with Quianne Savoy, of Moore & Moore Merch, about how she uses Instagram for business. In this insightful conversation, Savoy discusses everything from inspiration and strategy to tools she uses and if the network has helped her with sales. Don't miss it!

In this Social Angle podcast, ASI's Vinnie Driscoll chats with Glenn Closson, a small-business brewery owner in Orlando, Fl., to discuss the effect COVID’s had on his business in 2020, his use of promo products and whether they’ve helped his bottom line during the pandemic, and how he uses social media to promote his brand. And yes, they even talk about beer!

The name change takes hold in January. It heralds new initiatives on service, products and sustainability from the Top 40 supplier.

A look at the surprising stats for logoed masks, eco-friendly products and more.

When it comes to promo apparel, there’s no shortage of decoration options available. However, sometimes the sheer amount of methods can feel overwhelming. How do you know which method to use, and for which customers? Do all methods work on all fabrics? And most importantly of all – what do they all cost? In today’s podcast, we’re taking the mystery out of apparel decoration once and for all with help from Alison Zuccaro, Strategic Product Manager of STAHLS’, a leading decoration materials manufacturer. We will explain what all the different decoration options are, why it’s so important to pick the right method and how STAHLS’ can help steer you in the right direction on your next order.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Sara Lavenduski of Advantages magazine discusses supplier diversity with Jamie Crump and Kiruba Sankar, and what promo companies need to do to be able to serve those end-buyers with diversity programs.

In this short snippet from The Social Angle Podcast, Jeremy Picker, CEO and creative director of AMB3R Creative, discusses why he likes Pinterest and how he uses it for business.

In this Social Angle podcast, ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman chat with Maria Kleger, a faithful and rabid user of Pinterest. Kleger, who is also a customer support team lead at ASI, understands the ins and outs of the platform and shares insights on how to use it effectively for business.

Ryan Sauers of Sauers Consulting Strategies shares some tips for how to stay top of mind with your audience during tough times.

In this episode of The Social Angle Podcast, Melissa Newman speaks with ASI’s Executive Creative Director of Marketing, Jake Krolick, on best practices for using video on social media. This episode breaks down video into four easy categories that’ll have you creating content easily and effortlessly. Jake shares some of his favorite editing software for beginners and the key element to crafting the perfect video.

The COVID-19 pandemic has flipped traditional marketing and communications strategies on their heads, leaving promo professionals to navigate uncharted waters. If you’re struggling to find the right words or are fearful of coming off tone-deaf in 2020, this episode is for you. ASI's Melissa Newman chats with ASI’s Public Relations & Corporate Communications Director Dawn Marie about best practices for communication strategies in 2020.

If social media in 2020 has got you down, take heart: You’re not alone. Social media-induced stress is real. And this year, it’s only gotten worse. COVID-19, combative politics, economic doldrums, widespread societal unrest – all have become flashpoints that ignite vitriol on social forums. It may be tempting to terminate your accounts and tune out social altogether. But what if you need to be active on social media as part of your job? Also, if you did nix social, you’d miss out on all the good stuff that brought you there in the first place (yes, it’s still there). So what to do? ASI Editorial staffers Christopher Ruvo and John Corrigan have a few ideas. In this podcast, they share easy-to-implement strategies that will help you protect your mental health on social media – and enable you to benefit from the positive things the platforms have to offer.

Parenting during the pandemic ain’t easy. Theresa Hegel and Christopher Ruvo know that firsthand. The ASI editorial staffers are working parents who, like thousands of other professionals in the promo products industry, now daily perform the juggling act of meeting job responsibilities and caring for/educating their children during COVID-19. As school resumes around the United States, the challenges for working parents are intensifying. In this Promo Insiders podcast (recorded during a Facebook Live event on Aug. 25), Chris and Theresa share strategies that will help parents navigate the obstacles that back-to-school presents, whether you’re sending your kids for in-person instruction or having them educated at home through cyber learning.

In his freshman year of college, Isaac Hetzroni founded Imprint Genius (asi/230604), a distributorship based in Gainesville, FL, by selling cell phone fans at parties. Today, he is a CEO and recent college graduate from the University of Florida. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Eloisa Gutierrez of ASI, talks with Hetzroni about how he got Imprint Genius on its feet and, more recently, through a global pandemic.

In this Social Angle podcast, Ryan Moor, of Ryonet and Allmade Apparel, discusses what goes into being the spokesperson for his brands on social media, the pros and cons, advice for promo professionals who are reluctant and camera-shy, and much more.

Chris Bernat of Vapor Apparel takes issue with a recent study that depicted gaiters negatively, discusses the characteristics of high-quality gaiters and more.

In the last few years, millennials and Gen Z-ers have changed the fashion industry by investing in used clothing. “Thrift-flopping” has even become a trend on social media platform TikTok, as people buy used clothes and give them new life with some simple handiwork. The billion-dollar thrifting industry is growing as young people intentionally make purchases to reduce waste, save money and keep up with trends. In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI’s Eloisa Gutierrez speaks with Patricia Garcia, a student entrepreneur from Florida International University, about how Garcia tapped into the needs of college students across the country as they look for eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) purchases. “As a student who would dread walking into the college bookstore because I knew I couldn’t afford anything,” says Garcia, “I wanted to change that.” Garcia founded College Thrifts LLC, an online platform for college students and alumni to sell their gently used university merchandise.

Like everyone else, Social Media Managers are going through a lot in 2020. From a global pandemic and mass layoffs and furloughs, to the constant threat of trolls and a TikTok ban, these folks have had to make some quick pivots to match the pace of this unprecedented year. In this episode of the Social Angle Podcast, ASI’s Melissa Newman sits down with Holly Singletary, a digital content strategist from ASI Creative Labs, to discuss self-care tips for social media professionals and how organizations can better support them and their current self-care routines.

Ellen Overcast, vacation specialist at Main Street Getaways in Kutztown, PA, says the unprecedented number of cancellations due to COVID-19 was one of the most challenging situations she and her fellow travel agents have ever experienced. Listen to more in this Promo Insiders podcast.

Jon Norris, of supplier Starline (asi/89320), knows a thing or two about social media. The VP of operations was the first winner of ASI's #PromoInTheWild, a social media campaign run by ASI that encouraged industry pros to post videos and photos of promo items they spotted in everyday life. It was also announced that Norris' company won the "Best Use of Social Media" category of ASI's annual Promo Campaign Awards.

When companies throughout the United States sent their employees home in mid-March, most expected to be back in the office by now. That hasn’t been the case for Nashville, TN-based On Promos Powered by Proforma (asi/491390). In this Promo Insiders episode, co-owner Kimble Bosworth tells senior writer John Corrigan how she and her husband transitioned the company to working remotely, offering plenty of tips and strategies along the way.

Tips and advice on how to build the right brand voice for your social media channels.

PPE expert Kimberly Fulford of Proforma provides insights on what products are trending, which end-markets to target now, how clients’ PPE needs are evolving and more.

Emblems and patches are two of the most popular decoration products in our industry – and with current needs for this decoration method on the rise, it’s important to know why you should sell them and how to speak to current customer concerns. In this podcast, learn from Alison Zuccaro, Strategic Product Manager of STAHLS’, a leading decoration materials manufacturer as she breaks down everything you need to know. Listen now to learn what exactly all the different types of patches and emblems are, how they’re used and expert recommendations to exceed expectations on every order.

Distributor Joseph Sommer saw some of the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand in his native New York City. But he’s found ways to adapt and keep business moving – something he shares here.

Businesses are reopening to a new reality, so there's no better time like the present to assess your current social media strategy and make changes. In this episode, Melissa Newman walks you through conducting a social media audit, and then speaks with Jeremy Picker, CEO and creative director of AMB3R Creative, on defining your company’s mission statement and how that influences quality content and branding on social media.

Be nice and tell the truth. Marty Lott attributes his nearly 50-year career and the massive growth of Top 40 supplier SanMar to those two kindergarten lessons. In this Promo Insiders episode, Lott reflects on growing SanMar from his parents’ basement and discusses how the company has endured the COVID-19 crisis.

In this Promo Insiders podcast, Jo-an Lantz, CEO/president of Top 40 distributor Geiger(asi/202900), discusses everything from how to lead effectively, to dealing with the impact of COVID-19, to ways forward for the promo industry, to why empathy, making mistakes and perseverance are essential to success.

Counselor's Michele Bell talks to Spencer Kramer, Chris Ferriter and Scott Latimer of Sobe Promos.

In June, Counselor asked the promotional products industry to share the most creative and interesting imprinted masks and other personal protective equipment they’ve worked on since the coronavirus pandemic started. The Decorated PPE Challenge had more than 50 entries, all of which were impressive in their own right. ASI writers and editors narrowed the field to 10 finalists, then opened the voting up to our readers, through an online poll. The winner, by a wide margin, was Toronto-based supplier Canada Sportswear (asi/43682). The company received more than 2,600 votes for the lighthearted masks it designed for a children’s ward of a Halifax hospital. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content, speaks with Michelle Wilson and Ron Brownstein of Canada Sportswear about how their winning entry came together and why PPE is here for the foreseeable future.

Diane Hall, owner of distributorship Promotions Plus, knows what impact promotional products have in politics better than most, as she also happens to be the mayor of Milo, IA. In this episode of Promo Insiders, senior writer John Corrigan talks with Hall about how she used promo in her own campaign and how promo can still be effective during this unprecedented election year.

Labor and employment lawyer Michael Elkins of MLE Law shares important information on free speech rights in the private sector.

Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman interview Jay Busselle, social media guru and Marketing Director of Equipment Zone, to discuss how promo pros can successfully use LinkedIn to generate business.

Eloisa Gutierrez, an intern in ASI’s editorial department this summer, shares her experiences of working from home and first impressions of the promotional products industry.

Nancy Schmidt became CEO of Top 40 distributor AIA Corporation (asi/109480) in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her insights here are an interesting lesson in leadership and perseverance during a crisis.

Jake Krolick and Vinnie Driscoll discuss the promo opportunities that exist for the summer as states begin opening up again.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman discuss two new Twitter features -- Voice Tweets and Twitter Replies -- in the latest Social Angle Podcast.

Distributors and suppliers are reporting an uptick in sales of traditional promotional products, but reported surges of COVID-19 in certain areas could threaten progress.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, senior writer John Corrigan talks with Andy Keller, founder and CEO of California-based ChicoBag Company (asi/44811), about the COVID-19 crisis disrupting the bag market. Keller’s business has been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic, in large part due to reusable bags being discouraged because of fears that they spread the disease.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Sara Lavenduski, senior editor of Advantages magazine, speaks with product safety and compliance expert Larry Whitney, managing partner of Whitney & Whitney Consulting Group, about what promo firms need to know when selling face masks and coverings. Since the products come in contact with the mouth and nose as well as sensitive skin on the face, it’s important to work with trusted manufacturers and make sure purchased products are tested and labeled.

Two leaders in the European promotional products market provide perspective on the state of the industry there amid COVID-19, offering insights that apply across the pond as well.

Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer, but with the coronavirus pandemic ongoing and many states still in lockdown, tourism is going to look a lot different, compared to years past. In this episode of Promo Insiders, members of the editorial team – Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content; Sara Lavenduski, senior editor of Advantages; and John Corrigan, senior writer – discuss their (lack of) vacation plans, their shared love of ambrosia salad, despite the naysayers, and how distributors can take advantage of the new opportunities that this drastically different leisure landscape has brought.

After 11 weeks of working from home, senior writer John Corrigan has grown quite content. Meanwhile, Nate Kucsma, executive director of research & corporate marketing at ASI, can't wait to get back to the office. In this edition of Promo Insiders, the colleagues debate the pros, cons and logistics of permanently working from home.

It may sound counter-intuitive during a crisis to ramp up social media ad spend, but that's exactly what you should be doing says ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Melissa Newman. Find out why, as well as the dos and don'ts of posting social media ads during a pandemic, in this informative Social Angle podcast.

As governors begin to lift closure orders, offices with remote work forces prepare for the physical and emotional challenges of reinstating in-person work. Just as organizations needed to help employees transition to home offices, they’ll need to do the same as they welcome them back to a workplace that’s going to look and feel very different from when they left it in March. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Sara Lavenduski, senior editor of Advantages magazine, discusses this next phase with Mike Goldman, a New Jersey-based business leadership coach and the author of "Breakthrough Leadership Team: Strengthening the Heart and Soul of Your Company."

After nearly a decade at Top 40 supplier Next Level Apparel (asi/73867), former CSO Mark Seymour has left due to the COVID-19 crisis. In his first public statement since his exit, Seymour – a member of Counselor’s Power 50 – opens up to senior writer John Corrigan about adjusting to life at home and what his next chapter may look like.

Patrick McHargue of promo products recruitment agency PromoPlacement offers practical tips that will help you land your new position.

Jake Krolick and Vinnie Driscoll discuss the current state of live events, where the opportunities are for promo products professionals, and what lies ahead for the future of one of the most important markets in the advertising specialty industry.

In this episode of Promo Insiders, first aired during a Facebook Live session, Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content, talks with apparel industry veteran Brian Burr about what he thinks are the most important qualities a mask should have, why fit and comfort are key, why it’s important for apparel decorators and distributors to educate themselves on masks and how they can market the items to their own customers.

Get sharp insights and practical advice from a promo products distributor who has grown sales and strengthened client relationships despite COVID-19’s challenges.

Larry Cohen of Axis Promotions powered by HALO (asi/128263) shares how his NYC-headquartered firm is still thriving and preparing for the future from the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sloan Coleman, co-owner of St. Louis print shop Tiny Little Monster, came up with a way to generate revenue for themselves and other struggling small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

For the first time in more than a decade, promotional products distributors’ collective sales experienced a quarterly decline, dropping nearly 5% in Q1 2020. In this podcast, Counselor Executive Editor Christopher Ruvo and Nathaniel Kucsma, ASI’s Executive Director of Research & Corporate Marketing, discuss the out-of-the-blue drop, offer insights on how 2020 industry sales will go, and share signs of hope for a revenue rebound.

In this episode of the Promo Insiders podcast, Sara Lavenduski of Advantages magazine speaks with Counselor’s Chris Ruvo, staff writer John Corrigan and multimedia coordinator Kyle Ashenfelder about what they’ve been up to in isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. The group’s been getting into different streaming shows, learning new things and following fun social media accounts.

In this edition of the Promo Insiders podcast, Sara Lavenduski with ASI Canada welcomes Fabio Campanella, a tax, investment and personal finance expert with Campanella McDonald LLP in Toronto, for a look into key aspects of the government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan and how it benefits companies and workers who’ve been hard-hit by the recent business shutdown orders.

This Promo Insiders podcast explores the ramifications of Wayfair v. South Dakota, a landmark case that completely changed the rules of sales tax for online companies. Featuring Stan Hansen, director of tax for the ASI Family of Companies, and hosted by senior writer John Corrigan, the podcast includes a discussion about the obligations of suppliers and distributors when collecting sales tax and how to avoid the administrative headaches.

In late March, HanesBrands (asi/59528) came up with a design for three-ply cotton face masks, working closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to meet a critical need among frontline workers fighting the spread of the coronavirus. In the span of a week, the apparel company was able to finalize designs, get approval by the Food and Drug Administration, and then convert its factories from T-shirt, fleece and other basics and ramp up production on millions of masks. In this episode of Promo Insiders, Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content at ASI, chats with Rachel Newman, vice president and general manager of Hanes Activewear, to learn more about how this impressive feat was accomplished.

Randy Chen, the president of Impex International, shares an in-depth account of the harrowing personal health battle he went through after contracting the coronavirus.

In this edition of the Promo Insiders podcast, we break down the CARES Act – the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package signed into law last week – and how it pertains to small-business owners. Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content, talks with Tom Vaughn, a corporate finance lawyer with Detroit-based law firm Dykema, about the best loan and grant opportunities that struggling entrepreneurs can pursue right now.

This Promo Insiders podcast explores how Utica, NY-based distributorship A&P Masters Images (asi/102019) has successfully pivoted to selling – and even producing -- personal protective equipment that’s badly needed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Featuring A&P CEO Howard Potter and hosted by Counselor Executive Editor Christopher Ruvo, the podcast includes a discussion about the controversy in promo over selling PPE, as well pitfalls and protections of which industry firms must be mindful.

Based in Seattle, Gifts by Design is essentially at “ground zero” for the coronavirus in the U.S. Company President Jamie Stone explains how she and her team have been coping with working from home for the last three weeks and the economic impact the pandemic has had on her business. Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content at ASI, spoke with Jamie Stone about the devastating impact of the coronavirus on her business and the promotional products industry as a whole in the latest episode of Promo Insiders.

Growing a business requires owners to know where they are, where they want to go and their roadmap to getting there. In this podcast, senior editor Sara Lavenduski speaks with Maria Brady of Marakae Marketing in Pittsburgh about her experience in the industry, where she is now and her plans for moving forward.

Working from home. Social distancing. Quarantines. This is the new reality for millions of Americans as the government tries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These extreme measures have completely upended the rhythms of everyday life as people cope with extended isolation. In this latest episode of Promo Insiders, Editor-in-Chief C.J. Mittica and Counselor Executive Editor discuss what companies in the promo industry are doing to make it through difficult times, what creative tactics distributors can use to hold onto orders, and why at the other end of this crisis lies hope.

ASI’s editorial team steps into the time machine to discuss the growing demand for ‘90s fashion, ‘80s movies and other products from yesteryear in this groovy edition of the Promo Insiders podcast.

BAMKO (asi/131431) executives Phil Koosed and Joshua White deliver powerful insights about coronavirus’ current and future impacts on the promotional products industry in the first ever Promo Insiders podcast.

It’s been nearly two years since Wayfair v. South Dakota, a landmark case that completely changed the rules of sales tax for online companies. The decision has created a major administrative challenge within the promotional products industry. Companies potentially have to know the sales tax laws of every state, file sales tax forms for every state and be registered to do business in every state. Bradley Scott, whose wife is the president of their family-owned wholesale jewelry company Halstead Beads in Prescott, AZ, will be speaking at a Congressional hearing regarding the Wayfair case on March 3. In this podcast, Scott explains the issues his company has faced by collecting online sales tax, his recommendations to the government on fixing the process and how other business owners can get involved.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll interviews Javier Melendez of All Star Incentive Marketing about his use of the social media platform TikTok, the effects it's had on his business, and whether those in the promo industry should be using it.

Vinnie Driscoll is joined by Abby Koss, ASI’s director of marketing on the distributor side, to talk about the best time to post on social media.

Vinnie Driscoll is joined by Theresa Hegel, executive editor of digital content, to discuss some of the changes they'd love to see on social media platforms. Tired of not being able to edit tweets? You're not alone!

HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000) rocked the promo industry again with its latest Top 40 acquisition: Axis Promotions (asi/128263). The move potentially makes HALO the second largest distributor in the industry, with combined revenue of nearly $660 million. In this exclusive podcast, HALO CEO Marc Simon and Axis President Larry Cohen reveal how the deal came together and what’s next for both companies.

What impact is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in China having on the North American promo products industry? How will it affect the supply chain, shipment timing and costs, planning, business travel overseas, and even human health? Larry Whitney, Top 40 supplier Polyconcept North America’s (PCNA, asi/78897) director of global compliance, is an expert on overseas sourcing and manufacturing. In this exclusive podcast, he offers insights into those pressing questions.

Seemingly every week another city passes legislation banning single-use plastic bags. Ken Trottere, vice president of Poly-Pak Industries, Inc. (asi/81350), breaks down what some of these bans entail, reveals the impact they’ve had on his business and clears up misconceptions regarding eco-friendly alternatives.

In this exclusive podcast, Stran Promotional Solutions’ Nick Mirabile—the 2020 Advantages Distributor Salesperson of the Year—speaks with Advantages’ Sara Lavenduski about his experience in the industry, the power of visualization and how he went from zero to eight figures in sales in just a year and a half.

The nascent legal cannabis industry is a wellspring of opportunity for promotional products distributors. In this exclusive podcast, marijuana market expert Ryan Tickle, vice president of sales at promo supplier Cannabis Promotions (asi/42996), shares insights on buyers to target, products to sell, selling strategies, legal issues to be aware of, and why now is the prime time to push into the cannabis niche in a major way.

Vinnie Driscoll is joined by Chris Ruvo, executive editor of Counselor magazine, to discuss how distributors and suppliers should be using social media at trade shows, why ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie, and much more!

Vinnie Driscoll interviews Counselor Executive Editor Chris Ruvo on what he thinks will be some of the biggest trends for the promotional products industry in 2020.

Vinnie Driscoll talks with Liz Chrostowski, assistant marketing manager at ASI, about how suppliers should be using social media, the best platforms for generating leads, and much more. If you’re a promo supplier this is one podcast you don’t wanna miss!

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy discuss the basics of social media strategy plans, why you should have one for your business and how to build one from scratch in this info-packed episode!

Richard Montañez went from janitor to vice president of sales and community activation for PepsiCo North America, thanks a willingness to take big risks and the determination to pull them off.

Chris Lee, Counselor’s 2013 International Person of the Year, is CEO of Brand Addition (asi/202515) -- the second largest promo distributorship in the United Kingdom, with a vast European reach and operations in North America and Asia. Those are integral reasons why Lee rose in the rankings on Counselor’s recently released 2019 Power 50, a definitive list of the most influential people in the promotional products industry. In this exclusive podcast complementing the Power 50, Lee offers insights on everything from Brand Addition’s growth in North America to the challenges and opportunities that come with being a truly global promo products company.

Tracey Barton rose three places, to 38th, on the 2019 Power 50, a definitive ranking of the most influential people in the promotional products industry. In this exclusive podcast, the director of promotional products at Top 40 distributor Safeguard/Deluxe (asi/316203/178720) offers insights on everything from leadership and Safeguard’s success, to challenges and opportunities for the promo industry.

Mark Freed is the CEO and president of Genumark (asi/204588), the largest Canadian-owned distributorship. That’s a big reason why he’s on Counselor’s 2019 Power 50, a definitive ranking of the most influential people in the promotional products industry. In this exclusive podcast released as a complement to the Power 50, Freed offers insights on everything from major opportunities for promo distributors in 2020 to the challenges the U.S./China trade war is presenting to Canadian ad specialty firms.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy peer into their crystal ball to bring you the social media business trends you should be mindful of in 2020. What network has the most potential for promotional products professionals, and which has the least? Listen now to find out!

The director of customer experience at Doing Good Works (asi/222095) shares how his company gives back to fostered youth.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy are joined by Seth Needham, Sales Executive at KEY Apparel, to talk about his use of Facebook groups, the success he’s had on the platform, and why promotional product suppliers should be using Facebook groups for their business.

Gen Z expert Jonah Stillman discusses the forces that have shaped his generation and the value Gen Z brings to the workplace.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy are joined by Britney Godsey, VP of Sales at supplier Gold Bond, to discuss her company's use of Facebook Live, the impact it's had on the brand and why all companies should be using this valuable social media feature.

The CEO of Top 40 supplier Hub Promotional Group (asi/61966) delivers can’t-miss insights about how to build and maintain a dynamic business culture in which employees thrive – and why doing so is essential to success.

In this exclusive podcast, David Katz, executive vice president and partner at Bethpage, NY-based Midnite Snax (asi/71685), discusses fostering a family-like company culture, retaining top notch employees and knowing when to cut loose and celebrate your team’s hard work.

With today’s announcement that Chocolate Inn/Lanco is now the sole distributor of My M&Ms in the promo market, ASI Editorial Director Michele Bell talks with Counselor Power 50 member David Miller about the company’s growth, how it retooled and revitalized Lanco and how – after its facility was nearly-destroyed by a direct hit from Hurricane Sandy -- the company’s leadership and its employees learned just how resilient they really are.

The co-owner of the #38 company on Counselor's 2019 Best Places to Work list, Michael Scott Cohen talks to ASI's Editorial Director Michele Bell about building a collaborative culture, finding and keeping staffers in a tight job market and the one thing he's trying to make happen for the women on his team.

Believe it or not, Gen Z — a group of people shaped by economic instability and digital innovation — is entering the market and will make up 40% of all US consumers by 2020. And what is influencing their purchasing habits? Social Media. In this insightful podcast, ASI's Patrick Kennedy interviews Gen Z'er and ASI intern Zach Cohn about how he uses social media, what he expects from brands, and how much a company’s social presence plays into his decision to buy their products and services.

Dan Thurmon is a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame as well as an author and teacher for finding peak performance and achieving greater success and happiness. His unique, acrobatic presentation style has wowed Fortune 500 companies, associations, troops on the front lines and many more. In this podcast, Dan discusses why perfect work-life balance isn’t attainable and why you should connect the various parts of your life instead of trying to compartmentalize them. Dan will deliver the keynote address at The ASI Power Summit in Coronado, CA on October 28.

In the second episode of The Event Podcast, Jake Krolick and Vinnie Driscoll discuss some interesting promo products found and how they were used at three events: two concerts and a live podcast!

Shelley McConnell, president of Printpal Promotions & Printing, shares the details of her recent nightmare order scenario and how she saved the sale.

Counselor’s Dave Vagnoni and Nate Kucsma, ASI’s executive director of research, break down the results of this year’s State of the Industry survey.

In this interview, Michele Bell talks to the charismatic, colorful president of Tekweld and the 2019 Supplier Entrepreneur of the Year about the guerilla marketing strategies he used to get started, industry trends he’s watching and how he grew his revenue 300% over the last five years.

Chris Ruvo talks with the 2019 Counselor Person of the Year about acquisition strategy, his business influences and the keys to smart negotiations.

Dave Vagnoni interviews the CEO of CIC to get his take on the rise of distributor profit margins, the impact of tariffs on promo and the top markets to target for sales.

The newly-appointed CEO of Top 40 supplier HUB Promotional Group (asi/61966) ) discusses everything from the opportunities that come with strategic market disruption to the supplier’s plans to leverage technology, product innovation and a North America-wide facility footprint to grow faster and bigger than competitors.

Luke Williams is a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, inventor and expert in disruptive innovation. He has addressed audiences in 21 countries, and is the author of Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business. In this podcast, he discusses disruptive innovation and how it applies to companies in the promotional products industry. Luke will deliver the keynote address at ASI Show Chicago on July 11.

Jeremy Cross, brand storyteller for itelligence North America, joins ASI's Vinnie Driscoll to discuss the basics of telling a good brand story. Plus, Cross and Driscoll debate which TV series finale was the worst, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Lost or Seinfeld.

In the pilot episode of The Event Podcast, Jake Krolick discusses with Vinnie Driscoll some of the interesting promo products he found and how they were used at four events: a bar mitzvah, a concert, a ski resort and an art gallery.

Heather Abbott is a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and founder of the Heather Abbott Foundation, which helps provide customized prostheses to those who have suffered limb loss through traumatic circumstances. After having her left leg amputated below the knee as a result of the horrific event, Abbott became a certified peer counselor for the American Amputee Coalition, providing strength and hope to folks who have gone through the same challenging circumstances. She will be the featured speaker at the ASI Show Chicago Motivational Breakfast on July 10. To register for the Show and to purchase your Breakfast ticket, visit www.asishow.com.

Andrew Graham of Marine Layer talks about the apparel supplier’s T-shirt recycling initiative and how its commitment to creating the softest, most sustainable shirts out there.

Jamie Notter, the co-founder of & culture designer at Human Workplaces in Washington, DC., talks about the current state of the workplace, and how employers need to be employee-focused and responsive to employees’ needs in order to attract and retain sales talent. A companion episode to the Advantages June 2019 Sales Compensation cover story.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy are joined by Digital Content Strategist Holly Singletary to discuss whether major social media conferences -- like The Social Shakeup and Social Media Marketing World -- are worth your investment. They also provide important social media takeaways from these conferences as well as trends you should have on your radar in 2019.

Rener Gracie, jiu-jitsu master and CEO of Quikflip Apparel (asi/89364), joins ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy to discuss the role social media has played in his success. Plus, Gracie talks about his upcoming appearance on Shark Tank as well as who he thinks will sit on the Iron Throne at the conclusion of Game of Thrones.

Facebook's Events resource, when used with a business mindset, can be a treasure trove of new sales opportunities. In this podcast, ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy discuss how distributors should be using this powerful prospecting tool to generate leads.

Jim Nistico, president of Proforma Infinity in Syracuse, NY, logs between 700 and 900 miles a week behind the wheel visiting clients. He spoke with Advantages senior editor Sara Lavenduski about the lasting importance of face-to-face sales calls and building client relationships in person. A companion episode to the Advantages May 2019 cover story.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy are joined by Counselor Executive Editor Chris Ruvo for a vibrant discussion on how and why you should incorporate video into your social media strategy.

Counselor Editor-in-Chief Dave Vagnoni and ASI Research Director Nate Kucsma analyze the first quarter’s 3.4% increase in distributor revenue. How does that compare to recent industry results? What trends are at play? Could a market slowdown be coming? Are distributors optimistic about the rest of 2019? Get these answers, plus much more reaction and predictions here.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll discusses ways you can use social media to generate sales leads. Also, he dishes on who he thinks will end up on the Iron Throne at the conclusion of Game of Thrones.

Liz, an experienced social media manager -both at ASI and on her own personal blog – talks with Rick about 5 social media tips you can apply to your company’s marketing efforts. Learn how to improve your posts and increase engagement.

Hannah, an expert website designer at ASI, talks with Rick about 5 website design trends and why they’re important. They review what features your site needs to have and how to make improvements to increase web traffic.

Dave Lakshmanan, ASI’s new chief technology officer, has extensive experience working in ecommerce – including time developing innovations at Amazon. In this exclusive podcast, he teamed up with ASI’s VP of Application Development Ryan Hutchison to share insights on everything from digital commerce to exciting tech advancements coming in the promotional products industry.

Paul Krismer, a positive psychology expert, public speaker, certified executive coach and the Chief Happiness Officer at Happiness Experts in Victoria, BC, spoke to Advantages senior editor Sara Lavenduski on how to be a happier person, and how a more positive outlook impacts employees, clients and overall company productivity. A companion episode to the Advantages March 2019 cover story.

Michele Bell, ASI’s Editorial Director, interviewed Neil Ringel – the new CEO of Counselor Top 40 supplier Polyconcept – and PCNA President David Nicholson on Ringel’s plans for the company, his take on the industry overall and how his previous 23-year tenure at Staples prepared him for his new role as the head of the billion dollar global promo entity. PCNA was the #3 supplier on Counselor’s 2018 Top 40 list, with $606.3 million in North American promo sales.

From "Drink Wine Day" to "Lost Sock Memorial Day," ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy describe how promotional products professionals can use quirky national holidays to their advantage. No, seriously!

Recently promoted to president of Top 40 distributor Fully Promoted (asi/384000), Mike Brugger shares insights on the firm’s successful rebrand, its growth in sales and franchisees, how it balances brick-and-mortar business and online commerce, and new competitive advantages its planning to implement.

Nina Bloomstein Shatz, brand development director at HALO Branded Solutions, discusses the growing availability of retail items in the industry and what that means for distributors. A companion episode to the Advantages February 19 cover story.

Navy Veteran Meg Erber, a sales leader with Top 40 supplier S&S Activewear (asi/84358), shares interesting insights on how her military experience has played a pivotal role in propelling her success in the promotional products industry – and why more promo firms should focus on hiring veterans.

Listen to a podcast with JNI's Josh Ebrahemi -- the 2019 Advantages Distributor Sales Rep of the Year -- and ASI's Editorial Director Michele Bell in which they discuss Ebrahemi's strategy for finding and keeping his Fortune 500 clients and growing his eight-digit annual sales.

As the founder/CEO of vertically-integrated apparel manufacturer Redwood Classics Apparel (asi/81627), Kathy Cheng has her finger on the pulse of hot trends poised to impact the promotional products market. In this exclusive podcast, she shares on insights what’s next in the world of imprinted wearables.

California-based Top 40 supplier Sweda Co. (asi/90305) is entering the largest category in the promotional products industry: apparel. In this exclusive podcast, CEO Jim Hagan and Kellie Claudio, SVP of sales and marketing, discuss the new apparel initiative, which includes Made-in-America basics, an exclusive partnership with fashion-forward surf/skate wear brand Mill42, and clothing from retail brands like Adidas, Oakley, Champion and more.

In this Strategy Session podcast, baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. discusses the mindset that enabled him to set baseball’s record with 2,632 consecutive games played. An All-Star 19 times with the Baltimore Orioles, “The Iron Man” shares his strategies to increase perseverance and the lessons he’s learned through his many business ventures. He reveals the injuries that almost stopped his streak and his method for instilling confidence and trust with his teammates. Ripken will be the keynote speaker at ASI Show Orlando in January.​

In this podcast, Michele Bell, who oversees ASI’s Editorial team, interviews Chuck Fandos – CEO of the Facilisgroup, Counselor’s 2016 Person of the Year and the fifth-highest ranked person on this year’s Counselor Power 50 list – on Elysian Capital’s acquisition of Facilis, the formation of the Pebble Group, which will focus on acquisitions in the ad specialty market, and the recent interest of private equity investment in promo companies.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy dig into the stats surrounding social customer service, ways you can implement systems into your business, and how to navigate this new frontier of the customer experience.

A longtime industry veteran and current president of Top 40 distributor Geiger (asi/202900), Jo-an Lantz has a sharp, uniquely insightful perspective on the promotional products marketplace. In this exclusive podcast, Lantz sits down with Michele Bell, who oversees ASI’s Editorial and Special Events teams, to discuss pressing issues facing the promo industry, including import tariffs, must-know trends, and the industry's dearth of C-Suite women.

In this companion podcast to the Advantages November 2018 cover story, editor Sara Lavenduski interviews Renya Nelson, CEO of Brand+Aid, about how suppliers and distributors can better develop, pitch and sell quality promotional products that truly resonate with recipients.

In this episode of the Advantages Experts Podcast Series, Lori Richardson, founder of the sales consulting firm Score More Sales, offers her expertise for reps who want to take back control of their days in order to be more motivated and productive.

In this podcast, Sarah Krasley, CEO of Shimmy Technologies, shares insights into how artificial intelligence will help apparel companies stay competitive.

In this podcast, Steven Farag, co-owner of Campus Ink in Champaign, IL, talks about modernizing his decorated-apparel shop and how automation has helped the business flourish.

In an exclusive interview with Counselor’s John Corrigan, Bamko (asi/131431) Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Joshua White and Vice President of Operations Max Levavi discuss the tariffs imposed by the United States and China and how they’ll impact the promotional products industry.

Top 40 distributor Axis Promotions (asi/128263) made big industry headlines this week when it acquired Campus Stop (asi/336407), an online provider of branded merchandise to colleges and universities. In this exclusive podcast, Axis CEO Larry Cohen shares insights on the deal, the burgeoning partnership, and broader industry trends, including consolidation.

This week, HUB Promotional Group and Origaudio (asi/75254) were the talk of the promo world. That’s because HUB, a Top 40 supplier, acquired Origaudio – one of the fastest-growing, most frequently-awarded suppliers in the industry over the last few years. In this exclusive podcast, Origaudio Co-Founder Jason Lucash discusses the deal and what the future holds.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy interview Joe Haley from The Joe Show after he recently wrapped up his 1,000th show.

Aaron Montgomery, co-host of the 2 Regular Guys podcast, discusses the current demand for personalization and customization at retail and how the promo industry is following suit. Listen to the podcast and read more from Aaron and other industry experts in the Advantages September 2018 cover story.

ASI's Vinnie Driscoll and Patrick Kennedy discuss Facebook's latest newsfeed algorithm tweak, what it means for business page managers, and how folks in the promo industry can overcome this challenge.

As the founder of Counselor Top 40 distributor Proforma – the #4 company on this year’s Top 40 list with $369 million in promo sales – and a 40-year veteran of the industry, Greg Muzzillo has a unique perspective on what the landscape of the marketplace may look like over the next 10 years and what it takes to build a successful and competitive distributorship. And he would know: The #1 company on this year’s Counselor Fastest Growing Distributors List is The IdeaBox Powered by Proforma and four additional Proforma companies would have been in the top 10 had Counselor not limited submissions to one per company. Click here to listen to tips and strategies from Muzzillo, who was named the 2010 Counselor Person of the Year with his wife, Vera, the company’s CEO.

ASI's Market Research Director Nate Kucsma and Counselor Editor-in-Chief Dave Vagnoni discuss some of the interesting stats and facts from the 2018 Counselor State of the Industry.

Counselor Editor-in-Chief Dave Vagnoni talks to Kellie Claudio of Sweda, the 2018 Supplier Woman of Distinction.

ASI's Michele Bell interviews Sharon Eyal, CEO of Counselor Top 40 supplier ETS Express and this year's Counselor Person of the Year!

An experienced well-known promo executive, Paul Lage recently took over as President of Top 40 supplier Imagen Brands. In this exclusive podcast, the 2007 Counselor Person of the Year and 2017 Marvin Spike Lifetime Achievement Award winner discusses the latest big move in his distinguished career – and what he has planned for IMAGEN.

This week, Chicago-area Corporate Imaging Concepts (CIC; asi/168962) acquired Atlanta-area eCompanyStore (asi/185782). The deal creates a new powerhouse distributor in the promo industry – a company projected to generate $85 million in sales in 2018. In this exclusive podcast, CIC CEO Bob Herzog discusses the acquisition and what the future holds.

New ASI data shows first-quarter distributor sales in 2018 were up by 3.4%, led by gains among mid-size firms. In this podcast, Counselor’s Dave Vagnoni and ASI Research Director Nate Kucsma talk about these results, what’s behind them and what’s ahead for the rest of the year.

Michele Bell, head of ASI’s Editorial department, interviews Sharon Eyal, CEO of Counselor Top 40 supplier ETS Express, on the company’s recent win in a trademark infringement case against S’well, and its implications for the industry.

At Stowebridge Promotion Group (asi/337500), a vibrant positive culture permeates everything, powering the Arizona-based distributor’s sales growth and employees’ quality of life. That winning culture is no accident; it’s intentionally cultivated by company President Kathy Finnerty Thomas. In this exclusive podcast, Finnerty Thomas delivers insights into creating a top-notch company culture that drives bottom-line results.

Top 40 distributor Geiger (asi/202900) has acquired BTC Group, a U.K.-based distributor. In this exclusive podcast with Counselor’s Christopher Ruvo, Geiger CEO Gene Geiger and Chief Operating Officer Jo-an Lantz share insights into what the major international deal means.

The new vice president of business development at Proforma (asi/300094) – Chris Piper – discussed his plans for growing the company and the industry as a whole in an interview with Counselor’s John Corrigan.

Growth opportunities, new products, the importance of company culture and the power of promotional products to drive results – BIC Graphic’s (asi/40480) new CEO David Klatt Jr. discussed all that and more in a lively podcast discussion with Counselor’s Christopher Ruvo.

Following AIA Corporation’s (asi/109480) acquisition of OfficeZilla, Counselor’s Dave Vagnoni interviewed CEO Matt Gresge to get more details on the deal.

Roy Wilbur, director of marketing and communications at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, explains why the school's fashion department decided to participate in the Wearables Fashion Faceoff contest and what the contestants gained from the experience.

In this episode of the Advantages Experts Podcast Series, Editor Dave Vagnoni talks with Stephanie Chung, a Dallas-based consultant that trains businesspeople in sales, management, and leadership development. Here, Chung provides several strategies to help salespeople improve engagement and communication with clients.

In this episode of the Advantages Experts Podcast Series, Editor Dave Vagnoni talks with Johnny Campbell, a marketing consultant and the CEO of Rise-Up and Win Seminars. Here, Campbell offers up strategies for turning leads into sales and recounts the craziest thing he’s ever done to win over a client.

Mike Blythe, owner of Blythe's Athletics in Valparaiso, IN, talks about winning Wearables Extreme Screen-Printing Shop Makeover contest this year. Blythe shares the most valuable lessons he learned from veteran consultant Charlie Taublieb, as well as his plans to continue to improve the shop's production department in the coming months.

Aaron Dignan, founder of The Ready and author of the upcoming book The Responsive Organization, speaks to ASI in this exclusive interview on how organizations can succeed in a world where digital forces are disrupting decades of tradition. Dignan also shares his experiences helping established business leaders adjust to the complexities of the 21st century.

In this episode of the Advantages Experts Podcast Series, Editor Dave Vagnoni talks with Kevin Sandhu, the founder of online Canadian lending firm Grow. Here, Sandhu explains why successful businesspeople need to follow their passions and take risks in order to achieve great outcomes.

Ruth Carter, a licensed attorney in Arizona with a practice that focuses on intellectual property, debunks some common myths and misconceptions of copyright and trademark law in this episode of Wearables Talk. Carter, selected for the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2013, is the author of three best-selling books on the legalities of guerrilla marketing and social media. Listen now to get some common-sense tips on how to protect your decorated-apparel shop and what to do if your business receives a cease-and-desist letter

In this episode of the Advantages Experts Podcast Series, Editor Dave Vagnoni talks with business trainer Alice Heiman, the founder of Nevada-based consultancy Alice Heiman, LLC. In this interview, Heiman offers up detailed advice to help salespeople earn more referrals – including one simple strategy you can employ right now to get fast results.

Rick Roth, an award-winning screen printer and president of Mirror Image Inc., shares some pointers for purchasing new equipment. How do you know it’s time to buy an additional or replacement screen-printing press? What features on a new machine are must-haves, and which aren’t as important? Once you’ve made the investment, what are some best practices to ensure your new press powers your business for years to come?

Jackie Whitfield, vice president of merchandising for PCNA Apparel, parent company of Trimark (asi/92121), talks about the supplier’s design philosophy and commitment to innovation. Trimark topped several categories in the 2016 Wearables Apparel Design Awards.

Rick Roth, an award-winning screen printer and president of Mirror Image Inc., shares some pointers for purchasing new equipment. How do you know it’s time to buy an additional or replacement screen-printing press? What features on a new machine are must-haves, and which aren’t as important? Once you’ve made the investment, what are some best practices to ensure your new press powers your business for years to come?

In this series of podcasts, we interview several of this year’s Advantages Distributor Salesperson of the Year finalists. This episode features Sandy Poster, sales executive at Axis Promotions (asi/128263). Listen to the podcast below and read about all 11 finalists in the January issue of Advantages.

In this series of podcasts, we interview several of this year’s Advantages Distributor Salesperson of the Year finalists. This episode features Kelly Stone, owner of the Idea Box powered by Proforma (asi/300094). Listen to the podcast below and read about all 11 finalists in the January issue of Advantages.

In this premier edition of the Advantages Expert podcast series, we go one-on-one with Dan Schawbel, managing partner of Millennial Branding, a Gen Y research and consulting firm. Schawbel provides tips and strategies for promoting themselves and connecting closer with clients.

Marcus Lemonis, the CEO of Camping World and host of the hit CNBC series The Profit, speaks to ASI in this exclusive interview on why some entrepreneurs are raving successes – and why others are destined for failure. Ultimately, he says, it comes down to leadership. “Business success – and success for smaller, entrepreneurial companies – is based around the person in charge and how good of a leader they are,” says Lemonis.

In this podcast, author and business-leadership speaker Meridith Elliott Powell talks about redefining personal responsibility and how it can be used as a leadership strategy. She also shares insights on assembling a winning sales team, the importance of focusing on customer experience and the most critical traits for an effective leader. Powell also has some great advice for other women business owners.

Decorated-apparel industry veteran Craig Mertens, president of Digital Art Solutions (asi/14970), shares some of his insights about the wearables marketplace’s current landscape and future opportunities and challenges. How will the election year affect decorated-apparel sales? What are the top ways that distributors and decorators can retain clients? How important will social media marketing be to expanding your client base? Mertens shares all that and more (including his number-one goal for his company in 2016) in this podcast.

In this exclusive podcast, ASI speaks with JR Martinez, best-selling author and actor and the keynote speaker for The ASI Show Dallas. As a soldier in Iraq, Martinez was injured by a roadside bomb that caused severe burns to a third of his body. During his three years of recovery, he began speaking to other patients and discovered his talent to help others. Today, he is a highly sought-after motivational speaker who shares his life story and offers advice on facing adversity with optimism and resilience. In the interview, Martinez discusses the realizations he came to after his traumatic injuries. “We have a tendency at times to look at somebody from a distance without even knowing that individual, and essentially judge them and assume that individual is less than us,” says Martinez, who has also appeared on Dancing with the Stars and All My Children. “But in reality that individual is going through the same exact thing that you’re either going through at that moment or had gone through before. That’s really opened up my eyes since my injury.” Martinez also discusses how he stayed optimistic during his recovery, the best way to support Army veterans and what he has learned from all his years of speaking.

Description: Mark Ziskind, chief operating officer at CSE (asi/155807), talks about the role speed plays in the promotional products industry, and how the age of Amazon has changed the way business is done. He also explains why speed is no longer a differentiator for distributors and decorators.

In the latest edition of ASI’s Strategy Session podcast, Marli and Jeff Thibodeau, owners of Brio Promotions, share strategies for how to build a promotional products and decoration business. Plus, they give listeners advice for helping clients increase their brand awareness. How can a brand remain relevant over time? What can distributors do to ensure their clients create brand loyalty? And, what should be done to survive a brand crisis?

Branding and marketing expert Dorie Clark, author of Stand Out and Reinventing You, shares some of the strategies she has developed for clients like Google, Microsoft and Morgan Stanley. What are the three steps to building a rock-solid personal brand? How do you keep your company’s reputation golden? Can you become a subject matter expert virtually overnight? When price is a prospect’s main concern, how do you overcome this objective by focusing on the value of your services? Clark shares all that and more (including her favorite leadership lessons from Seth Godin) in this podcast.

Erin Reilly, CEO of Pop! Promos (asi/45657), shares her unique perspective as a millennial running a thriving industry supplier. What was the greatest challenge for her and co-founder Sterling Wilson in starting their business in college? What can the promotional product industry do to entice younger workers? And as a repeat member on the Counselor Best Places to Work list, what’s the key to creating a great workplace culture? Reilly shares all that and more in this podcast.

The past two years for American Apparel (asi/35297) have had more twists and turns than a television drama, from the ouster of Founder Dov Charney to the company’s recent declaration of bankruptcy . Now a new leadership team seeks to reinvigorate the company and set it on a profitable path. Brad Gebhard, the new president of global wholesale (which oversees promotional products sales) sat down with Counselor for an exclusive podcast about American Apparel’s future. “My first objective is what we’re calling operational excellence,” Gebhard said during the interview. “We want to improve the overall operations and the way we manage the business. That starts out from the time a customer calls in and wants to speak with one of our customer service reps, where they can work with that customer to make sure they have a positive customer experience.” In the Q&A, Gebhard speaks about American Apparel’s role in the industry moving forward, the culture at the company and the legacy that Charney left behind.

Senior Writer Theresa Hegel talks with Hirsch International CEO Paul Gallagher about the popularity of the company’s Solution Studio and how Hirsch plans to stay on top in 2016. Hirsch International took the No. 1 spot on the Stitches Power 75 list this year.

In the latest edition of ASI’s new Strategy Session podcast, sales guru Diane Ciotta dishes insights no selling professional can miss. Want to build strong, long-term relationships with clients? Interested in being more productive? Want to improve your consultative selling skills?

In the latest edition of ASI’s new Strategy Session podcast, David Bronson from supplier firm Unionwear details why there has been a resurgence of interest in products that are manufactured in the United States. Why are Made-in-the-USA items becoming more popular? What markets are best to sell USA-made items to? Will next year’s presidential election further enhance the interest in this category?

In this seventh installment of the Counselor Podcast: Power 50 Series, Emmanuel Bruno explains how one industry challenge can be turned into an opportunity. “The order process we have in this market is too inefficient,” says Bruno, vice president and general manager of BIC Graphic North America (asi/40480). “We have to work together with technology – all of us – to make things more efficient. We’re still receiving orders by fax. We’re working like we were 20 years ago.”

In this edition of Strategy Session, David Bebon, the CEO of DBEBZ Apparel, talks about apparel sourcing best practices and emerging markets overseas. The long-time industry expert discusses his views on whether apparel pricing will increase or decrease next year, and also touches on new opportunities for decorated-apparel sales and the latest style and decorating trends in woven shirts. An expert with extensive knowledge of Bangladesh, China and overseas sourcing, Bebon has sourced woven shirts to the promotional industry for three decades.

In this sixth installment of the Counselor Podcast: Power 50 Series, Jeff Lederer details the importance of having capital support as a supplier in the promotional products market today. “One big challenge that companies have today is that you have to invest in inventory and still service customers at a high level,” said Lederer, president of Top 40 supplier Prime Line (asi/79530). “You need good financial backing to be able to do both.”

In this edition of Strategy Session, sales expert and networking guru Alice Heiman shares her top strategies for gaining referrals and growing your online presence. She also discusses the elements of a successful LinkedIn profile and how it can generate business. A nationally renowned expert, Heiman developed her approach at Miller Heiman Inc., where she sold to and trained large, complex accounts, including Coca Cola, John Deere, Hewlett Packard and more. The author of the ebook Connecting Your Way to New Business discusses her five-step referral program and reveals how your LinkedIn profile and online presence create instant credibility with buyers.

In this fifth installment of the Counselor Podcast: Power 50 Series, Jo-an Lantz explains why she thinks the pace of everything in the ad specialty market is picking up. “The Amazon model is really beginning to encroach on this business,” said Lantz, executive vice president of Top 40 distributor firm Geiger (asi/202900). “Traditional methods and approaches are shifting in this business and everybody really needs to adjust. There’s just less time in the whole supply chain.”

In this debut edition of ASI’s new Strategy Session podcast, sales growth expert Ryan Sauers details how distributors should continuously strive to prove their value to clients. The key? Create a brand that clients can connect to. Sauers, author of Would You Buy From You: Your Brand Makes the Difference, believes that promo products distributors need to do everything in their power to create value for customers, so that they can ensure they’re not just low-price providers. Ultimately, he says, clients will view their promotional products purchases as commodities (re: stuff they’ll only pay low prices for) unless you prove the value that both they and you as the service provider offer.

In this fourth installment of the Counselor Podcast: Power 50 Series, Ross Silverstein explains why he thinks a severely disruptive environment is coming to the promotional products market. “Technology is making it easier for companies to come into this market, and companies will do what’s in their best interest to thrive rather than just bowing to traditions,” said Silverstein, CEO of Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu. “This will cause disruption and that’s ok. But it will be difficult for companies to survive if they don’t provide meaningful value to customers.”

In this third installment of the Counselor Podcast: Power 50 Series, last year’s Counselor Person of the Year Norm Hullinger labels the impact from nontraditional suppliers as one of the biggest challenges that the promotional products industry faces today. “The encroachment from offshore suppliers that aren’t truly investing in this market is something to contend with,” says Hullinger, CEO of alphabroder, the top-ranked supplier on Counselor’s Top 40. “It’s a problem for our industry from a safety perspective and it damages margins.”

In this second installment of the Counselor Podcast: Power 50 Series, current Counselor Person of the Year Bill Korowitz pleads with the industry to do a better job of educating marketers. “We have to get out of this perception of trinkets and trash,” he says in this podcast. “We need to tell more of the branding story and show the value of the medium.” Plus, Korowitz, CEO of Top 40 supplier firm The Magnet Group, details why he thinks industry companies need to hire younger employees and he opens up about the potential merging of supplier and distributor roles.

In this first episode of the Counselor Podcast: Power 50 Series, Jason Robbins of ePromos Promotional Products provides his outlook for the industry, discusses the future of e-commerce in the market, and shares what he thinks are the biggest challenges that companies face today. Plus, the newbie to the Counselor Power 50 list answers the question: Do distributors do enough right now to appeal to the changing needs of today’s buyers?