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.
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7/27/2023
From Pavement Pounding to CEO of a $65 Million Company – Andy Shape Shares His Story
Shape, a longtime promo products pro and CEO of Stran & Company, is Counselor’s 2023 Person of the Year.
7/14/2023
The Story Behind BDA’s European Expansion – and What Lies Ahead
CEO Jay Deutsch, a member of Counselor’s Power 50, discusses the recent acquisition of Germany-based ipm | gruppe and how BDA is looking to aggressively grow sales across the pond.
7/11/2023
Finding & Retaining Sales Talent
Business strategist and sales coach Michelle Parisi shares her expert tips for effective hiring and managing of a high-performing team.
6/27/2023
Harness the Power of Print, Promo & Marketing Collabs
Joe Favre of Vanguard Promotions explains how combining services can lead to powerful client engagement.
6/21/2023
When Style & Sustainability Go Hand in Hand
Fashion industry veteran Pam Seidman launched reusable bag brand BYBBA, creating high-end products made from 100% recycled ocean plastic.
6/15/2023
Create a Killer Pitch With Precious Williams
Precious Williams, a 13-time national elevator pitch champion, trainer, TEDx speaker and bestselling author, will be sharing her knowledge at the upcoming ASI Chicago show in July.
6/9/2023
Welcome Summer
Executive Editors Theresa Hegel and Sara Lavenduski talk warm-weather branded merchandise sales and try some fun and wacky treats – like shrimp-flavored chips and iced tea fruit snacks.
6/2/2023
Catching Up With the 2023 Distributor Salespeople of the Year
Lorin Carlino Ogawa and Marissa Carlino, swag specialists at Creative Solutions, talk about the early days of the company their mother founded and their advice for fellow family-owned businesses.
6/2/2023
A Conversation With the 2023 Supplier Salesperson of the Year
Claire Ashford, southwest regional sales manager for Top 40 supplier Tekweld, talks about her sales philosophy and what she loves about the promotional products industry.
6/2/2023
Gemline’s Frank Carpenito Talks Sustainability Goal-Setting & Avoiding Greenwashing
In this episode of Promo Insiders, the president and CEO of the Top 40 supplier discusses his company’s most recent CSR report and its plans for the future.
5/25/2023
Talking Creativity and Favorite Campaigns With the Up-and-Comer Distributor of the Year
Since late 2021, Tommy Gomez has increased his sales at Brilliant (asi/146116) by an impressive 1,600% due to his dedication to customized solutions and an unparalleled client experience.
5/25/2023
Discussing Recent Developments at Brand Blvd
The distributorship in Ontario recently announced the appointment of a new CEO. What does this mean for the company?
5/17/2023
Breaking Down Distributors’ Q1 Performance & the Outlook for 2023
ASI’s news director and senior research executive discuss the key stories and trends behind the industry’s first quarter sales, while offering insights into where things are going in the months ahead.
5/12/2023
The Mission: Turn Myron Into a Powerhouse Again
Longtime industry leader Jeff Lederer has returned to promo with the acquisition of Myron and is intent on making the struggling Top 40 distributor a resurgent force. He discusses that here.
5/11/2023
What’s the Future of Sales Roles, Manufacturing Work & Other Jobs in the AI Age?
David Espindola, a technologist, futurist and author who just penned a book on artificial intelligence and humanity, answers that question and related important ones from both practical and profound perspectives.
5/5/2023
Highlights From ASI’s Ad Impressions Study
We uncover the surprising findings and best strategies to take from ASI’s annual comprehensive report on the power of promo.
4/25/2023
Can a Promo Product Save a Life?
A distributor owned by Donate Life America is using 100% of the proceeds from each sale to support organ, eye and tissue donation.
4/21/2023
Marking One Year of PCNA’s Proud Path
Holly Brown and AJ Dickson of Top 40 supplier PCNA talk about how the company’s Proud Path initiative has grown in the last year and what they have in store for the future.
4/13/2023
Spring Has Sprung
Executive Editors Theresa Hegel and Sara Lavenduski share their seasonal traditions, try new sweet treats and discuss ways distributors can take advantage of the thaw to sell more promo.
4/5/2023
Greenwashing, Greenhushing & How To Avoid Both
ASI editors Theresa Hegel and Christopher Ruvo discuss the ins and outs of these important sustainability-related topics, and offer strategies for undertaking eco initiatives and responsibly marketing them.
3/31/2023
Distributors’ Biggest Client Pet Peeves – And How To Solve Them
Amy Clyne of Top 40 distributor Kaeser & Blair shares her advice for the most common client challenges as listed by our readers.
3/17/2023
Analysis of the Biggest DC News Stories Impacting Promo
The Promo Insiders crew discusses what bank failures, noncompete bans and independent contractor legislation will mean for the industry.
3/9/2023
Marking International Women’s Day
Ann Baiden from Innovatex Solutions in Ontario reflects on the important observance and her efforts to advance women’s causes.
3/7/2023
SnugZ USA Reborn: Integration & Service Challenges Behind, the Top 40 Supplier Is Ready for a Strong 2023
CEO Brandon Mackay candidly discusses the post-acquisition integration challenges that led to service problems in 2022 – and how the firm has put the issues in the past.
2/23/2023
Social Missions & Sustainability Score-Keeping
Kevin McCracken, co-founder of Social Imprints, talks about baking social responsibility and “fair-chance” hiring into your company’s ethos, as well as how sustainability efforts can improve the industry as a whole.