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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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The Power of Unconscious Communication

8/31/2022

The Power of Unconscious Communication

An expert on persuasion and influence discusses the impact of suggestion and how it can transform teams and relationships.

Where Did Arch Promo Group Come From & Why Is It Buying So Many Supplier Firms?

8/24/2022

Where Did Arch Promo Group Come From & Why Is It Buying So Many Supplier Firms?

Recent acquisitions of StrombergBrand, Drum-Line and ProRose have put this holding company on the map.

Balancing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet & Profit

8/17/2022

Balancing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet & Profit

Kathy Cheng of Redwood Classics Apparel explains what it means to have a sustainable business model and shares strategies for suppliers and distributors looking to do the same.

Marc Simon: The Long Term Looks ‘Exceedingly Good’ for the Promo Industry

8/10/2022

Marc Simon: The Long Term Looks ‘Exceedingly Good’ for the Promo Industry

Beyond that positive prediction, the CEO of HALO Branded Solutions delivers a bevy of insights on the current state – and future of – the market.

Challenges – and Opportunities – in the Travel Industry

8/3/2022

Challenges – and Opportunities – in the Travel Industry

A travel expert and a professor of travel and hospitality join the podcast to discuss the current state of the travel industry and occasions for promo products sales.

A Deep Dive Into the 2022 State of the Industry Report

7/29/2022

A Deep Dive Into the 2022 State of the Industry Report

The ASI Media team unpacks the most interesting findings and trends from our annual survey.

Counselor's 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred Oesen

7/28/2022

Counselor's 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred Oesen

From building Canada’s nascent promo industry to mentoring countless professionals, Oesen leaves a staggering legacy.

Counselor’s 2022 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year: Lisa Smith

7/27/2022

Counselor’s 2022 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year: Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith established her Texas company with a mission: to provide the best customer service and a flexible work environment.

Counselor’s 2022 Supplier Family Business of the Year: Shelbyville Pencil Company/Shepenco

7/26/2022

Counselor’s 2022 Supplier Family Business of the Year: Shelbyville Pencil Company/Shepenco

Owner Dan Townes shares stories and wisdom from decades of working in promo.

Counselor’s 2022 Woman of Distinction: Debbie Abergel

7/25/2022

Counselor’s 2022 Woman of Distinction: Debbie Abergel

The chief strategy officer at Nadel reflects on her early days at the Top 40 distributor and her career trajectory that’s led her to become a beloved peer mentor.

#PromoSpace: Overcoming Price Objections to Sustainable, Ethical Merch

7/20/2022

#PromoSpace: Overcoming Price Objections to Sustainable, Ethical Merch

Daniel Cardozo of Ethix Merch and Lauren Piller of Eco Marketing Solutions talk about strategies they use to convince clients to purchase sustainable products.

NC Custom’s Remarkable 11th Hour Acquisition of Fresh Beginnings

7/15/2022

NC Custom’s Remarkable 11th Hour Acquisition of Fresh Beginnings

David Miller of NC Custom tells the story of how the Top 40 supplier acquired Fresh Beginnings just as it was about to close for good.

Trends & Sales Opportunities With Branded Displays, Banners and Exhibits

7/14/2022

Trends & Sales Opportunities With Branded Displays, Banners and Exhibits

Bill Roman, strategic sales manager at Orbus Exhibit & Display (asi/75209), offers can’t-miss tips for capitalizing with these product categories.

News Roundup With ASI Media’s Writers

7/6/2022

News Roundup With ASI Media’s Writers

Theresa Hegel, Sara Lavenduski and Chris Ruvo give synopses of recent stories involving the supply chain, product trends, sustainability, apparel and more.

Which States Are Driving Growth in the Promo Industry?

6/29/2022

Which States Are Driving Growth in the Promo Industry?

The ASI Media editors dive into the telling data from the just-released State & Regional Sales Report.

Serving Up Summertime Promo Ideas

6/23/2022

Serving Up Summertime Promo Ideas

ASI Media staffers discuss all things summer in this lively chat.

How to Survive – and Thrive – In a Recession

6/14/2022

How to Survive – and Thrive – In a Recession

Three successful industry executives deliver powerful strategies distributors can use to overcome the challenges of an economic downturn.

Sustainability and Self-Care: The Story Behind Baloo Living

6/8/2022

Sustainability and Self-Care: The Story Behind Baloo Living

Sisters Elizabeth and Jennifer Grojean discuss the sustainability and giveback aspects of their company, Baloo Living (asi/38053), which sells weighted blankets for alleviating anxiety and insomnia.

From the Farms to Your Arms: Why Traceability Is Key for Sustainability

6/3/2022

From the Farms to Your Arms: Why Traceability Is Key for Sustainability

Vik Giri of Terra Thread, Lori Wyman of GOTS and Meg Buckley of Fairtrade America discuss the importance of supply chain transparency to help avoid falling into the trap of greenwashing.

#PromoSpace: Canada Faces New Challenges as Restrictions Lift

6/1/2022

#PromoSpace: Canada Faces New Challenges as Restrictions Lift

Two leaders in Canadian promo joined us on Twitter Spaces for a frank discussion on the state of promo, economic challenges and predictions for the months ahead.

The Surprising Benefits of Workplace Conflict

5/25/2022

The Surprising Benefits of Workplace Conflict

Author Bonnie Artman Fox explains how properly resolved conflict can solve problems and push projects forward.

Promo Europe Races Ahead in Sustainability Movement

5/20/2022

Promo Europe Races Ahead in Sustainability Movement

Europe-based promo firms are making a strong push toward greater sustainability in product materials and operations. What can North America learn? A sales leader at Netherlands-based supplier Clipper shares insights.

Sell Value Rather Than Price

5/18/2022

Sell Value Rather Than Price

Sales strategist and leadership expert Meridith Elliott Powell discusses the importance of reframing the sales conversation around value rather than dollar signs.

Proof of the Longevity of Promotional Products

5/4/2022

Proof of the Longevity of Promotional Products

Why do people keep promos for 10, 20, even 30 years? The ASI Media editors explain using their own beloved possessions.

Spotlight on Stran & Company

4/29/2022

Spotlight on Stran & Company

The Top 40 distributor’s profile in promo has been on the rise. CEO Andy Shape discusses becoming a publicly traded company, acquisitions, the future of the industry and more.