In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Alok from PPAI to unpack the latest research and insights shaping the promotional products industry heading into 2026. They discuss key economic trends, growth opportunities, and the challenges suppliers and distributors can expect in the coming year — from inflation and tariffs to AI-driven efficiency and the rising demand for sustainable products. You’ll also learn which product categories are leading the way, how technology is transforming buyer expectations, and what upcoming policy changes could impact the promo space. Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or industry enthusiast, this episode will help you navigate what’s next for promo with clarity and confidence. 🎧 Topics Covered: 2026 economic outlook and industry growth Top product categories and buyer trends Sustainability and ESG’s growing influence AI, personalization, and automation in promo Tariffs, compliance, and workforce legislation updates 📈 Stay informed and get ahead of the curve with this insightful discussion!

🍫 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook chats with David Miller of NC Custom about one of the sweetest segments in the promotional products industry, food promos! David shares how his family business evolved from a small chocolate manufacturer into one of the top suppliers in the industry, creating everything from custom-shaped mints to gourmet chocolates and branded gift sets. Discover why food remains one of the most powerful (and underused) promotional tools, how distributors can tap into the opportunity, and how personalization and packaging can make food gifts truly unforgettable. You’ll also hear fun stories, like the time they made a pastrami-flavored mint, and how one simple conversation led to a $500,000 order. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your brand more memorable, or just love hearing about creative marketing ideas that taste as good as they look, this episode’s for you. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about NC Custom at nccustom.com and explore more promo insights at SAGEworld.com/podcast.

🌍 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole Cook sits down with David and Scott from PromoCares to talk about their inspiring Water4Good initiative. Learn how the promotional products industry is coming together to fund clean water towers around the world, impacting communities, schools, and supply chain regions where access to safe water is limited. From the origins of PromoCares to the ripple effects of clean water on health, education, and opportunity, this conversation highlights the power of social purpose in business. You’ll hear stories from on-the-ground deployments in places like Vietnam and Mexico, the role of suppliers and distributors in driving change, and how anyone in the industry (or beyond) can get involved. 💧 Discover how small actions, whether through products, campaigns, or direct support, can add up to life-changing impact. 👉 Learn more and get involved at PromoCares.org.

In this episode, we sit down with William Rubsamen, who runs marketing for a small business called Whirlix Design. William uses AI every day in his workflow, so we dive into: ✨ Our favorite AI tools 🚧 Common hurdles when getting started ⚖️ How to set responsible, ethical guidelines for using AI in your own business Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting, this conversation is packed with practical tips and real-world insights you can apply right away.

🤖 What’s your gut feeling about AI? Is it the breakthrough that will take humanity to new heights? A powerful tool that works best with humans in control? A benevolent force (with great dental plans)? Or are you convinced Skynet is inevitable? Welcome to Promo Perspectives, a live podcast presented by SAGE. Each episode delivers tips, tricks, and insights designed to help promotional products suppliers and distributors grow their businesses, while tackling the big conversations shaping our industry.

On the final episode of our Band Merch Series, we're handing the mic over to the musicians themselves! Join us as we sit down with four different artists—Chris Jordan, Joshua Stone, Bradley Blackwell, and Myles Maestro—to get their real-world perspective on promotional products. You'll hear directly from your customers about what they want and need from their merch. They share honest stories about the lessons they've learned, the challenges they've faced, and what they're looking for in a reliable promotional products partner. From figuring out the right apparel to wear on stage to choosing between screen printing and direct-to-garment, these musicians reveal the struggles and successes behind building their brands. This episode is packed with invaluable insights, including: Why merch is critical for band revenue and legitimacy. The importance of material, fit, and design for both comfort and conversation. The challenges of finding the right products and decorators. Tips for creating professional branding that makes a band unforgettable. How distributors can build trust and grow with artists as their partners. Don't miss this crucial look into the mind of a musician. Whether you're a supplier or distributor, this episode will help you understand how to best serve artists, outfit their dreams, and turn their passion into a professional brand.  

Turn up the volume and get ready to rock with this episode of Promo Perspectives! We’re continuing our series on band merch and bringing you a conversation with Angelica and Caleb from Merch Media. Angelica and Caleb are music lovers at heart, and they've turned that passion into a business that helps independent artists create awesome promotional products. You'll hear about their own love for music, from the iconic concert experiences that shaped them to the artists that inspire them every day. We dive deep into the world of band merchandise, covering topics like: The difference between official and "unofficial" merch. How to get creative and stand out in the music market. Why band merch is a vital source of income for artists. The importance of online stores and other emerging tech like NFC chips. The value of networking and building connections within the music community. Whether you're a supplier, distributor, or a fan who wants to support your favorite artists, this episode is packed with great tips and insights.

On this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, we dive into the world of band merchandise from the distributor's point of view. We're joined by Adrian and Shadow from Seven Sins Printing and Embroidery, a company dedicated to helping artists translate their visual identity into profitable merch. Adrian and Shadow share their story of how they immersed themselves in the Texas music scene and the unique challenges and triumphs of working with bands. They discuss the importance of understanding different music genres' preferences, from the types of garments to specific artwork styles. They also reveal the secrets behind their success, including their commitment to fair pricing, lightning-fast communication, and building strong, lasting relationships with their clients. Whether you're a distributor looking to break into the band merch market or a supplier wanting to understand this niche better, Adrian and Shadow offer invaluable insights and practical advice. They touch on everything from navigating the unpredictability of tour life to the power of word-of-mouth marketing within the music community. Episode Highlights: The Nuances of Merch: Discover how different music genres, from death metal to alternative, have distinct preferences for apparel types, artwork sizing, and even colors. The Power of Connection: Learn why communication and building a relationship with your clients are just as important as the quality of your product. Beyond the T-Shirt: Adrian and Shadow discuss the deeper meaning of band merch as a "badge of honor" and a conversation starter, fostering a sense of community among fans. Don't miss this insightful conversation with two passionate professionals who are making a real impact in the music industry.

The live entertainment industry is booming, and promotional products distributors have a massive opportunity to profit from this growth. In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we take a deep dive into the $14 billion band merchandise industry.   Hosted by SAGE's Gabe Gotay, a musician himself, this podcast explores the history of band merch, from Elvis Presley's "I Love Elvis" buttons to the Grateful Dead's iconic t-shirts and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. We break down the stats and explore why band merchandise is not just a side hustle, but a crucial revenue stream for artists. In this episode, we discuss: The numbers: The band merch industry is projected to reach over $16 billion by 2030. Learn which genres and products are driving the most sales. The history: We trace the evolution of band merch, from early pioneers like Elvis and the Beatles to modern-day icons and the rise of the t-shirt as a cultural canvas. The strategy: Discover how to find and connect with independent artists and mid-tier touring acts—the ideal clients for distributors. We'll also cover common pain points and how you can position yourself as a valuable partner. This is the first episode in a series all about the music merch market. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we'll hear from distributors and musicians themselves!

In this episode, we continue our series on decoration methods, focusing on insights from the supplier decorator side. Our guest is Jenna Sackett, Brand Engagement Manager at Stahls. Jenna shares how Stahls' educates the industry on best practices for various heat transfer methods, from foundational techniques to cutting-edge innovations like UltraColor Max and specialty finishes. Discover how understanding these methods can help you educate your customers, secure repeat business, and become a trusted consultant. She also touches on the importance of quality materials for your reputation and the exciting future of on-demand and small-batch production in the promotional products industry. What you'll learn: Stahls unique approach to educating decorators and distributors. An overview of popular heat transfer methods and their best use cases. The importance of quality and how it impacts your business and client relationships. Insights into the rise of on-demand and small-batch production. Tips for becoming a guide, not just a seller, to your clients.

Join SAGE for an insightful episode of Promo Perspectives as we dive deep into the world of promotional product decoration! This episode offers a comprehensive look at popular techniques like embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, laser engraving, and embossing/debossing, breaking down their pros, cons, and best uses. Independent distributor Ryan Feigenblatt of The Boca Ratonian shares his invaluable expertise, revealing how he navigates client conversations, simplifies complex methods with relatable analogies, and ensures successful projects. Ryan also discusses the nuances of new innovations like DTF (Direct to Film) and the critical role of supplier relationships and continuous education. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the industry, gain practical tips to confidently discuss decoration options and elevate your promotional product game! Check out the SAGE Decoration Guide for more in-depth knowledge.

In this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, join us and special guest Jeremy Rossbach as we dive deep into the heart of marketing: passion and creativity. Jeremy, a seasoned tech professional who transitioned back to his marketing roots, shares his unique journey, from running data centers to becoming a passionate advocate for network observability and even a podcaster. Discover how Jeremy channels his marketing energy into meaningful endeavors, including his own podcast, "NetOps Expert," and pro bono work for a non-profit empowering underserved youth through tennis. This episode explores the vital connection between personal values, creative pursuits, and effective marketing. We also discuss how diverse creative talents within a marketing team, from authors and graphic designers to musicians, contribute to truly collaborative and impactful work. We also touch on the delicate balance of receiving and giving constructive criticism in the creative process.

In this episode, we're joined by SAGE's Vice President of Marketing, Billie Forman, to dive into the world of marketing with a large team. This episode serves as a powerful counterpoint to our recent discussion on marketing with a small, limited team. Billie, with 18 years of experience at SAGE and a deep understanding of the promo industry, shares invaluable insights on: The advantages of a diverse, specialized marketing team: Discover how having in-house experts like copywriters, graphic designers, and video producers can lead to greater efficiency, higher quality work, and a deeper understanding of your brand. Real-world examples of successful large-team initiatives: Learn how SAGE leverages its diverse team for major projects like the Promo Perspectives podcast itself and the industry's "Super Bowl," PPAI Expo. Overcoming the complexities of managing a large, diverse team: Billie discusses strategies for fostering communication, collaboration, and prioritizing projects, especially in a hybrid work environment. Fostering individual growth: Get tips on how to empower team members, provide transparency for career advancement, and trust your specialists to excel. Scaling a marketing team: Billie offers practical advice on identifying skill gaps, justifying new hires, and deciding whether to bring on a generalist or a specialist. The role of AI in modern marketing: Explore how SAGE's team is currently utilizing AI for tasks like image generation, voiceovers, content polishing, and strategic assistance. Whether you're looking to grow your marketing department or optimize your current large team, this episode is packed with actionable advice from an industry expert!

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we're joined by his friend William Rubsamen of Whirlix Design to discuss marketing strategies for small businesses with limited marketing teams. Many distributors in the promotional products industry operate with small teams, often with owners or their family members handling marketing efforts. This episode aims to provide practical tips, tricks, and insights to help these businesses thrive. Gabe and William dive into the realities of wearing many hats in a small marketing department, covering topics like: Setting Goals: The importance of defining clear, SMART goals to guide your marketing efforts and ensure your content is impactful. Choosing Channels: How to identify the most effective marketing channels for your specific business, with a special focus on the power of video content. Leveraging AI: A deep dive into how artificial intelligence tools can save time and enhance various aspects of the marketing process, from planning to content creation. Competitive Analysis: Understanding what competitors are doing, even with limited resources, using free and affordable tools. Budget-Friendly Tools: Practical advice on utilizing free or low-cost marketing tools like Canva and Hootsuite, to maximize impact without breaking the bank.   Whether you're a seasoned marketer in a small business or just starting to build your marketing presence, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you make the most of your resources and achieve your business goals.

On this episode of Promo Perspectives, we're joined by special guest Nicole Cook, SAGE's Senior Brand Marketing Manager, to dive deep into the world of brand marketing for the promotional products industry. Nicole breaks down what brand marketing truly is (hint: it's more than just a logo!) and shares actionable steps for distributors and suppliers to define their unique brand identity. Learn about the three core pillars: Mission & Values: What does your company stand for? Brand Personality: What's the tone and voice of your brand? Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes you different and better than the competition? We also discuss how to maintain brand consistency across all your marketing channels – from your website to social media and email campaigns. Plus, get insights into how to measure brand health even without a single "brand authority" metric. Whether you're a distributor or a supplier, understanding and investing in your brand is crucial for success. Tune in to learn how to build a strong brand that resonates with your customers and drives sales!   🔔 Subscribe to Promo Perspectives for more tips and tricks to grow your promo business! #BrandMarketing #PromotionalProducts #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #SAGE #PromoPerspectives

Are you a promotional products supplier or distributor looking to boost your online presence and grow your business? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, SAGE's Senior Marketing Coordinator, Gabe Gotay, dives deep into the essentials of building, executing, and growing a successful digital marketing strategy. Gabe breaks down the process into three key phases: Build: Learn how to set clear, measurable goals using the SMART framework, understand your target audience with detailed buyer personas, and select the most relevant digital marketing channels for your business. Execute: Discover actionable tips for developing effective campaigns across various channels like SEO, paid advertising, content marketing, email marketing, and social media. Gabe also highlights how SAGE's tools can simplify your online presence and streamline your marketing efforts. Grow: Understand the importance of tracking your key performance indicators (KPIs) and leveraging analytics tools to gain insights. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement through reporting and iteration to maximize your ROI. Whether you're new to digital marketing or looking to refine your existing strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice specifically tailored for the promotional products industry.

In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Jenna Quaranta, a significant force in the industry who's made multiple appearances on the PPAI Online 18 over the years. Jenna shares her incredible journey, from her early days at AlphaBroder to her current role as Director of Sales and Training at HPG, where she coaches over 100 people a week through her own sales academy. Discover how her unique sales methodology, born from deeply personal experiences, prioritizes re-engagement, discovery, and building genuine trust. In this candid conversation, Jenna reveals: Her "Field Sales Method" and how it helps sales reps protect their relationships and mental health. Why authenticity and trust are the cornerstones of true influence in the promotional products industry. Practical tips for leveraging social media to build relationships and prospect effectively, without wasting time. Her powerful insights on setting boundaries with social media and protecting your mindset. The crucial first step to take if you're looking to elevate your social media presence or build a brand from the ground up. This episode is packed with invaluable wisdom for both promotional product suppliers and distributors looking to grow their businesses and build a lasting impact. Don't miss out on Jenna's game-changing perspectives! #InfluencerMarketing #PromotionalProducts #SalesTraining #DigitalMarketing #SAGE #PromoPerspectives #JennaQuaranta #B2BSales #SocialMediaStrategy #Authenticity #TrustInBusiness

Ever wonder what goes into the high-quality video content that earned SAGE a spot on the prestigious 2025 PPAI Online 18 list? In this episode of the Promo Perspectives Podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on the process and workflow of video production with SAGE's talented producer, Lafonso Brown! Following up on our previous discussion about videography philosophies, Lafonso dives deep into the nitty-gritty of creating impactful promotional videos. He shares invaluable insights into: Pre-production secrets: From brainstorming unique concepts (like our "Email Campaigns" skit!) and meticulous scriptwriting to detailed storyboarding and shot lists – discover how rigorous planning saves time and elevates your final product. Production challenges and solutions: Learn about lighting techniques, audio recording strategies (including double-system sound!), and how to navigate on-location shoots, whether it's a fictional narrative or a fast-paced event like Expo. Post-production magic: Lafonso reveals the software (Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition) and workflow behind transforming raw footage into polished, engaging content, even for animated software demos. Whether you're a distributor looking to enhance your client presentations or a supplier aiming to showcase your products, understanding the dedication behind professional video production can revolutionize your approach. Lafonso emphasizes that while the tools might vary, the importance of a well-defined process is universal for telling a truly good story.

SAGE recently secured the #1 spot on the PPAI Online 18 for our outstanding social media performance, and a big reason for that success is our video content! In this episode, Lafonso shares his incredible journey into video production and dives into fundamental principles that will help promotional product suppliers and distributors create compelling visuals, even on a budget. In this episode, you'll learn: The Power of Storytelling: How understanding narrative in other media (like books and movies) can inform your video production, and how to evoke emotions without saying a word.Essential Video Production Rules: Lafonso breaks down key principles like white balance, focus, headroom, and look room – and when it's okay to break them for creative effect!Budget-Friendly Equipment: Get practical recommendations for building an affordable video kit using your smartphone, tripods, microphones, and lighting.Stepping Up Your Game: Advice on moving beyond basic smartphone setups with DSLR cameras and more advanced lighting.The Importance of Subtlety: Why the best video production is often invisible, drawing viewers into your story without them even realizing the techniques at play. Whether you're a distributor looking to showcase products or a supplier aiming to reach more industry professionals, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow your business through impactful video.

On this episode, Anne-Marie Bolton, SAGE's Senior Social Media Coordinator, shares the secrets behind SAGE's #1 ranking in the PPAI Online 18, highlighting their successful content mix and engagement tactics. Learn about SAGE's four content pillars – Cultivation, Celebration, Education, and Innovation – and how they guide their award-winning social media presence.   This episode covers: Developing a strategic social media plan with clear goals. Tailoring content for different platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Determining optimal posting frequency and consistency. Tips for suppliers and distributors to showcase products and build brand authority. Leveraging user-generated content and industry collaborations. The importance of brand guidelines and utilizing tools like Canva.   Whether you're a small business or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your social media game.