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Promo Insiders

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: C.J. Mittica

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Is Myron on the Rise Again?

3/12/2024

Is Myron on the Rise Again?

Industry veteran Jeff Lederer co-leads an investment firm that bought the Top 40 distributorship – intent on revitalizing the firm. Here, he discusses how the effort is going nearly a year later, including a recent international acquisition.

A Deep Dive Into Boundless’ Acquisition of Touchstone

3/6/2024

A Deep Dive Into Boundless’ Acquisition of Touchstone

New Boundless CEO Aaron Hamer and Touchstone founder Derek Block discuss the mega deal involving the two Top 40 distributors, while offering insights on everything from industry M&A to the future of promo in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

‘Lost Arts’ & Customer Service Secrets From ASI Fort Worth Keynoter Bruce Himelstein

2/26/2024

‘Lost Arts’ & Customer Service Secrets From ASI Fort Worth Keynoter Bruce Himelstein

Former Ritz-Carlton Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Bruce Himelstein offer tips from his 30-plus years of success in the hospitality industry.

Pelican CEO JC Curleigh Riffs on ‘140-Year-Old Startups’ & Turning Around Gibson Guitars

2/21/2024

Pelican CEO JC Curleigh Riffs on ‘140-Year-Old Startups’ & Turning Around Gibson Guitars

The global leader’s latest challenge is Pelican, which makes protective cases, coolers and drinkware that are offered in the promo industry by Top 40 supplier Logomark. As Curleigh puts it: “Pelican is the gear that protects gear, and we equip those on a mission.”

Mindset Shifts & Storytelling: A Conversation With Mimi Brown

2/14/2024

Mindset Shifts & Storytelling: A Conversation With Mimi Brown

The sales, communication, leadership and influence expert will deliver a keynote address at ASI Fort Worth next month.

The Numbers, Nuances & Stories Behind Promo’s Record-Breaking 2023

2/6/2024

The Numbers, Nuances & Stories Behind Promo’s Record-Breaking 2023

ASI Senior Executive Director of Research Nate Kucsma and News Director Christopher Ruvo delve into the details behind promo’s successful but challenging year.

Culture-Building Strategies From Counselor Best Places to Work Companies

2/2/2024

Culture-Building Strategies From Counselor Best Places to Work Companies

Three leaders from our most recent list of great companies share how they built businesses where people love to work.

Introducing ASI Media’s Product Hub

1/24/2024

Introducing ASI Media’s Product Hub

ASI Media editors discuss our new product-specific page, featuring showcases, trends, case studies and more.

Contending With Stress in Sales

1/17/2024

Contending With Stress in Sales

Selling is a tough gig, even in a traditionally fun industry like promo.

Recapping ASI Orlando: Product Trends, Inspiring Keynotes & Professional Development

1/10/2024

Recapping ASI Orlando: Product Trends, Inspiring Keynotes & Professional Development

Excitement and energy for the new year abounded at the industry’s first big trade show of 2024.

Bold 2024 Predictions

1/5/2024

Bold 2024 Predictions

The ASI Media editors peer into their crystal ball once again and forecast this year’s major developments.

Product of the Year: The Stanley Quencher

12/21/2023

Product of the Year: The Stanley Quencher

Nick Lateur of Top 40 supplier HPG talks about the insatiable demand for 2023’s must-have status symbol.

‘Whatever Is Normal, Do the Opposite’

12/12/2023

‘Whatever Is Normal, Do the Opposite’

Jesse Cole, founder of the super successful exhibition baseball team the Savannah Bananas, delivers unconventional insights that can help power a brand or business to the top. Cole is keynoting the ASI Show Orlando 2024.

Beth Paretta Shares Insights on Leading ‘Woman-Forward’ Motorsports Team

12/6/2023

Beth Paretta Shares Insights on Leading ‘Woman-Forward’ Motorsports Team

In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI Media’s Theresa Hegel talks with Beth Paretta, owner of Paretta Autosport, the first woman-owned, woman-driven team in the INDYCAR Series. Paretta will be a speaker at the upcoming ASI Orlando show in January.

Taking Advantage of the Holiday Season

11/29/2023

Taking Advantage of the Holiday Season

ASI Media editors taste test seasonal treats and share ideas for distributors.

Wisdom From Distributors Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries

11/17/2023

Wisdom From Distributors Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries

Owners and execs whose companies have lasted 10, 20 and 30 years share the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Lewiston Strong: Geiger’s Jo-an Lantz on Leading in the Wake of Maine’s Deadliest Mass Shooting

11/8/2023

Lewiston Strong: Geiger’s Jo-an Lantz on Leading in the Wake of Maine’s Deadliest Mass Shooting

The tragedy occurred in the town that Lantz and the Top 40 distributor call home. Here, the CEO candidly discusses the impacts on her community and how to lead during a crisis.

Top Takeaways From the ASI Power Summit

11/2/2023

Top Takeaways From the ASI Power Summit

Brand authenticity, AI and industry sales were among the many compelling topics discussed at the event, which brings together top executives in promo.

How To the Market Is Building Ethical Supply Chains

10/26/2023

How To the Market Is Building Ethical Supply Chains

Jane Mosbacher Morris says she saw the power of leveraging market forces to effect change during her time working for the U.S. State Department.

The Staying Power of Pens

10/18/2023

The Staying Power of Pens

Colleen Shea shares the history of her family’s 95-year-old writing instrument company and their commitment to keeping all production in New Jersey.

Scams Aimed at Distributors Increase, Get More Sophisticated

10/11/2023

Scams Aimed at Distributors Increase, Get More Sophisticated

ASI Media editors Christopher Ruvo and Theresa Hegel unpack how the schemes are becoming more cunning and provide tips to keep from getting conned.

Building an Inclusive Workplace

10/4/2023

Building an Inclusive Workplace

About 10% of staff at Stakes Manufacturing has a disability. Co-Founder Jed Seifert talks about how inclusion benefits both employees and employers, and the many career resources available.

Why Closed-Loop Manufacturing Is Crucial

9/26/2023

Why Closed-Loop Manufacturing Is Crucial

Bill Johnston of Recover Brands and Andy Bell of Boxercraft talk about sustainability and how to meet ESG goals.

A Candid Conversation With the CEO of Barstool Sports

9/20/2023

A Candid Conversation With the CEO of Barstool Sports

Erika Ayers Badan will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming ASI Power Summit in California.

Former White House Director of Economic Policy Dishes Advice for Thriving in Uncertain Times

9/13/2023

Former White House Director of Economic Policy Dishes Advice for Thriving in Uncertain Times

Also a Harvard economics professor and managing director of a $15 billion hedge fund, Todd Buchholz will be speaking at the ASI Power Summit in October.