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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6/27/2024
Supply Chain Flare-Ups Intensify
A “perfect storm” of challenges is making importing more complicated and expensive, raising concerns about potential inventory issues and product price increases in the industry.
6/19/2024
Winning Ideas for Summer Branded Merch
ASI Media staffers talk about their favorite souvenirs and share thoughts on how distributors can capitalize on the sunny season.
6/12/2024
Flying High in the Travel Market
Dr. Jan Louise Jones joins the podcast from Italy to discuss the current state of the travel industry and where distributors can look for opportunities to sell more promo.
6/7/2024
How To Cure Your Addiction to Email
Productivity coach Alexis Haselberger shares her top strategies to free you from the clutches of your inbox.
5/30/2024
A Look Back on the Wild Proxy Fight for Control of Gildan
Fired in December, Glenn Chamandy returned as president/CEO of the Top 40 supplier in late May, capping a corporate war that had lasted months.
5/23/2024
Talking 7-Figure Sales With ASI Media’s Distributor Up-and-Comer of the Year
Rielly Troyer of Proforma Printhouse (asi/491465) is a promo products-selling whiz kid who generated over $1 million in annual revenue at just 23 years old.
5/22/2024
Catching up With Jessica Hiner, 2024 Supplier Salesperson of the Year
The vice president of business development at Top 40 supplier The Magnet Group talks about her best sales strategies and why being labeled “relentless” is a badge of honor.
5/21/2024
ASI Media’s 2024 Distributor Salesperson of the Year on How She Rebuilt Her Client Base From Scratch
Rose Sarro of Promo Direct explains how she achieved sales records despite practically starting over.
5/15/2024
Entrepreneur Ramon Ray on Making Human Connections in a Digital World
In this episode of Promo Insiders, the small-business expert who will keynote ASI Chicago shares tips for making a positive impact online and in person.
5/8/2024
Standing Out From the Competition
Samantha Strazanac, CEO and founder of Strazanac Solutions and a newly listed ASI distributor, talks about offering a diverse menu of services and staying competitive amid industry-wide M&A.
5/3/2024
Executive Insights on the ASI, PRINTING United Alliance Deal
ASI President/CEO Tim Andrews and Alliance President Dave Leskusky deliver an in-depth perspective on how ASI’s acquisition of a promo-focused events and media portfolio from PRINTING United, along with a new partnership between the organizations, will benefit print and promo purveyors.
5/2/2024
An Exclusive Look Into the 2024 End-Buyer Research Report
Data gurus Nate Kucsma and Sami Marshak offer insights into ASI Research’s new extensive end-buyer study series – and how it can help distributors.
4/24/2024
An Inside Look at the Acquisition Involving Showdown Displays & AAA Innovations
John Bruellman, CEO of Showdown Displays’ parent company, and Jeffrey Nanus, president of AAA Innovations, discuss what the deal means, along with topics like M&A, supply chain and 2024 sales.
4/17/2024
What Kind of Branded Merch Do College Students Crave?
ASI Media editorial staffer Elena Hubert talks about hot trends and popular promo products among undergrads.
4/9/2024
Sprout USA’s Michael Stausholm Talks Plantable Pencils & Data-Driven Sustainability
The industry executive also explains why “eco-friendly” is a fluffy term that’s banned from his company.
4/3/2024
Ready for Spring
ASI Media’s Sara Lavenduski and Sami Marshak discuss all things spring – including sales tips for distributors – and try out fun seasonal treats.
3/28/2024
The A-to-Z of Selling or Buying a Promo Business
Jamie Watson, one of the foremost experts on mergers and acquisitions in the industry, offers in-depth insights on the M&A process in this discussion hosted by ASI Media’s Christopher Ruvo.
3/18/2024
Strategies & Steers: Highlights From ASI Fort Worth
The ASI Media team recaps the top trends and what distributors and suppliers were saying at the Show.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.