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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: Christopher Ruvo

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Winning Ideas for Summer Branded Merch

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.

Flying High in the Travel Market

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.

How To Cure Your Addiction to Email

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.

A Look Back on the Wild Proxy Fight for Control of Gildan

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.

Talking 7-Figure Sales With ASI Media’s Distributor Up-and-Comer of the Year

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.

Catching up With Jessica Hiner, 2024 Supplier Salesperson of the Year

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.

ASI Media’s 2024 Distributor Salesperson of the Year on How She Rebuilt Her Client Base From Scratch

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.

Entrepreneur Ramon Ray on Making Human Connections in a Digital World

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.

Standing Out From the Competition

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.

Executive Insights on the ASI, PRINTING United Alliance Deal

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.

An Exclusive Look Into the 2024 End-Buyer Research Report

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.

An Inside Look at the Acquisition Involving Showdown Displays & AAA Innovations

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.

What Kind of Branded Merch Do College Students Crave?

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.

Sprout USA’s Michael Stausholm Talks Plantable Pencils & Data-Driven Sustainability

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.

Ready for Spring

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.

The A-to-Z of Selling or Buying a Promo Business

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.

Strategies & Steers: Highlights From ASI Fort Worth

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.

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.