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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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.
2/14/2023
An Update on the Travel Industry
Two experts return to the podcast to give an update on this recovering sector.
2/8/2023
Breaking Down Promo’s Record-Tying 2022 Sales
ASI’s Nate Kucsma and Christopher Ruvo examine the industry’s strong 2022 performance and discuss what lies ahead in 2023.
2/3/2023
Talking Casual Fashion With SanMar’s Trend Analyst
Vicki Ostrom explains how comfortable apparel became synonymous with style.
1/24/2023
How Promo Can Help End Plastic Pollution
Gia Machlin of New York City distributor EcoPlum discusses the importance of creating a Global Plastics Treaty and strategies distributors can use to become more sustainable.
1/20/2023
The Future of HPG and Evans Following the Big Acquisition
Top 40 supplier HPG this month acquired fellow Top 40 firm Evans Manufacturing. What can distributors expect in terms of service? How does the deal benefit the firms and their customers? Plus, where is M&A in promo headed?
1/18/2023
Frank’s Take: Gemline’s New CEO Gets Candid on the Challenges, Opportunities & Evolution of Promo
The just-promoted chief executive of the industry’s 10th largest supplier, Frank Carpenito talks everything from consolidation and supplier service levels, to changing end-client demands, sustainability, potential recession impacts and more.
1/12/2023
Recapping ASI Show Orlando
ASI Media’s editors talk about the first major industry event of 2023, which featured instructive education, insightful keynote speakers and a bustling floor of supplier exhibits.
1/6/2023
10 Bold Predictions for 2023
The editors of ASI Media predict the trends and issues that will define the year ahead for the promo industry.
12/22/2022
Building the Dallas Cowboys Brand: A Chat with Charlotte Jones
Charlotte Jones, who spearheads business operations and marketing strategies for the Dallas Cowboys, shares insights into the sports franchise’s brand and previews her upcoming keynote at the ASI Show Fort Worth.
12/19/2022
Creative Secrets of Live Decoration and Activations
Lucas Guariglia of Rowboat Creative shares his advice and details the state of experiential branding as events return.
12/19/2022
Sustainability Solutions From a Small Supplier
Toddy Gear President Jason Emery talks about some of the challenges of offering sustainable promo and how to overcome them.
12/8/2022
Develop a More Intentional Strategy for Sales Calls
Consultant, author and speaker Shawn Rhodes, a former U.S. Marine, gives a preview of his keynote address to be held in January at ASI Show Orlando.
11/30/2022
A Deep-Dive on the State of Promo With Jeremy Lott
The industry’s most influential leader weighs in on hard-hitting issues like supplier service levels, inventory/supply chain, big opportunities, pressing challenges, and how the branded merchandise market will fare in 2023 and beyond.
11/23/2022
Countdown to Thanksgiving
ASI Media staff share their Thanksgiving plans, try out some delicious – and wacky – treats (Turkey & Gravy-flavored soda anyone?) and discuss ideas for distributors to leverage the season.
11/17/2022
Welcome to the Power 50
Three first-timers on Counselor’s annual list of the industry’s most influential people share how they got started in promo, plus company innovations and initiatives aimed at moving the market forward.
11/10/2022
Talking About Promo Sales in Q3 & Q4
ASI Media editors share key data from the Distributor Quarterly Sales Survey and discuss what the industry is saying about end of 2022 and beyond.
11/2/2022
Could This Proposed Federal Rule Impact Your Livelihood?
ASI’s Senior Counsel Chuck Machion and Digital News Director Christopher Ruvo delve into an under-consideration regulation that could affect independent contractors – and the businesses that rely on them – in the promo industry.
10/26/2022
Promo Has an Image Problem, and We’ve Got the Answers to Fix It
The ASI Media crew offers their ideas to improve the industry’s reputation. Plus, “promotional products,” “swag” or “branded merchandise” – what term is best?
10/20/2022
Implementing Personality Assessments for Sales Teams
Mike Carroll of Intelligent Conversations shares insights about using evaluations to make sure new hires are a good fit for a specific team and job, as well as to improve productivity and culture for existing departments.
10/12/2022
How Big Brands Build FOMO With Clever Merch
We’ve rounded up some of the best branded merch campaigns we’ve seen recently and discuss what makes them work. Plus, what lessons can promotional products suppliers and distributors learn from these examples?
10/6/2022
Don’t Get Conned: Tips to Detect Scams Aimed at Distributors
Scam attempts against industry firms are proliferating. Here’s how to spot them and keep from getting conned.
9/22/2022
Networking for a New Age
Beth Bridges, the Networking Motivator, explains how to navigate the fragmented landscape of in-person and online events.
9/15/2022
Are You Ready for Pumpkin Spice Season?
ASI Media staffers test out some fall flavors and share ideas for capitalizing on the season.
9/8/2022
Navigate the Q4 Holiday Selling Season Craziness
Get insights on top markets, hot products, selling strategies, and supplier inventory and service levels to help power a successful fourth quarter.