Promo Insiders
If it impacts the promotional products industry, then the editorial team for Counselor, ASI’s flagship publication, is on top of it. Join these industry insiders as they delve into the issues, challenges and opportunities that matter most to promo.
Hosted By: Counselor's Editorial Team
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9/10/2026
Promo Insiders: The Importance of Human Connection in the Age of AI
Dr. Ryan Sauers, president and founder of Sauers Consulting Strategies, shares best practices for leveraging the power of AI in sales while maintaining a personal touch.
9/3/2026
Promo Insiders: Josh Militello on Leading PCNA Into Its Next Chapter
The Counselor Top 40 supplier’s new CEO discussed the opportunities he plans to pursue at the company and what success will look like over the next three years.
8/28/2026
Promo Insiders Deep Dive: The Growing Threat of Natural Disasters
As major weather-related disasters ravage the U.S. and the world, promo companies need to have emergency preparedness and disaster response plans in place.
8/27/2026
Promo Insiders: Parker Clay CEO on Making a Positive Global Impact
Ian Bentley, who founded the leather goods brand with his wife, Brittany, in 2014, is on a mission to empower women in Ethiopia through sustainable job opportunities — all while creating a lasting premium product.
8/20/2026
Promo Insiders: Revealing Trends From the 2026 Counselor State of the Industry Report
Counselor’s editors discuss surprising shifts in promo’s top markets and the many ways that tariffs affected industry companies.
8/13/2026
Promo Insiders: Megan Spire on Leading BELLA+CANVAS Into the Next Chapter
The executive vice president of the fashion blanks supplier discusses what the acquisition by Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar means for its future.
8/6/2026
Promo Insiders: The Data Behind Promo’s Uneven Second Quarter
ASI’s Nate Kucsma and Hannah Rosenberger break down the promotional products industry’s 2.5% second quarter sales growth – and why some distributors thrived while others struggled.
7/31/2026
Promo Insiders Deep Dive: Inside Trade Talks Between the US, Canada and Mexico
After the USMCA wasn’t renewed, the future of the agreement stands in question. A pair of trade experts analyze the latest trade talks and explain how promo businesses will be affected.
7/30/2026
Promo Insiders: All the Highlights From ASI Show Chicago
Brendan Menapace, content director for Print & Promo Marketing, reflects on covering his first ASI Show at McCormick Place, from insightful professional development to an inspiring keynote and memorable Counselor Awards.
7/27/2026
Promo Insiders: Counselor’s 2026 Woman of Distinction on Mentorship, Meaning & Leading With Humanity
Jodie Schillinger, executive vice president at Maple Ridge Farms, joins Promo Insiders to discuss meaningful leadership and how creating a sense of belonging can be transformative.
7/23/2026
Promo Insiders: Lessons on Leading Through Crisis From Counselor’s 2026 Person of the Year
Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem, talks about how fear built his family business and his bold plan to future-proof the company.
7/16/2026
Promo Insiders: Our Print & Promo Takeaways From the 2026 FIFA World Cup
ASI’s writers and editors share how print and promotional products have become key players at the global sporting event.
7/9/2026
Promo Insiders: Breaking Down the Details of ASI Research’s European Promo Market Study
ASI’s Michele Bell and Nate Kucsma share the trends and most important findings from ASI Research’s fourth annual study of the European promo market.
7/2/2026
Promo Insiders: How To Reach Your ‘Exact Right Customer’
Shawna Suckow, who will be speaking at ASI Chicago this July, shares tips for adding a human touch to marketing messages.
6/26/2026
Promo Insiders Deep Dive: The Hidden Complexity of the Tariff Refund Process
A trio of experts discuss how promo companies can successfully claim their tariff refunds in the inaugural episode of our new in-depth podcast.
6/25/2026
Promo Insiders: 4 Consumer Purchasing Habits Shaping End-Buyer Demand
Stephanie Preston of PCNA discusses the Counselor Top 40 supplier’s current trend forecast and what it means for the promo industry in the months ahead.
6/18/2026
Promo Insiders: Red Lobster CEO on Pivoting From Crisis to Comeback
Damola Adamolekun, who will be the keynote speaker at ASI Show Chicago in July, talks about the power of “red carpet hospitality” and building company culture.
6/11/2026
Promo Insiders: Playing the Long Game With Counselor’s 2026 Supplier Salesperson of the Year
Alissa Succi of Counselor Top 40 supplier Koozie Group reflects on her nearly 30 years in promo and the attributes essential to a high-performing sales rep.
6/8/2026
Promo Insiders: From 16 Years Old to $16 Million Sold – Winning Advice From Counselor’s Distributor Salesperson of the Year
Matt Kirsh of Score Promotions shares his secrets for sales success.
6/4/2026
Promo Insiders: What ASI’s 2026 Ad Impressions Study Reveals About the International Market
ASI’s Michele Bell and Nate Kucsma take a deep dive into key insights on the international market from the 2026 Ad Impressions Study.
5/28/2026
Promo Insiders: Vera Muzzillo & Michael Roney Break Down Proforma’s Blockbuster Safeguard Deal
The Proforma executives discuss how one of the largest distributor acquisitions in promotional products history came together.
5/21/2026
Promo Insiders: Andrew Titus & Walter Miska Discuss What’s Next for Fully Promoted
Former President Titus and new Brand President Miska talk about the future of the Counselor Top 40 distributor.
5/14/2026
Promo Insiders: How To Build a Brand With Lisa Hu of Lux & Nyx
Lisa Hu, founder of Lux & Nyx, shares her journey from a career in corporate finance to the CEO of her own luxury bag brand with product in both promo and high-end department stores.
5/7/2026
Promo Insiders: Essential Insights From ASI’s 2026 Canadian Ad Impressions Study
Counselor’s Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger discuss the data for consumers of promotional products in the Great White North.
4/30/2026
Promo Insiders: Navigating Supply Chain Instability With Sunscope’s Dilip Bhavnani
As the War in Iran continues to threaten the global supply chain, Counselor editor Tara Lerman sits down with Bhavnani to discuss how suppliers can keep their heads above water.