Sometimes the greatest growth begins with a simple question: "What if I'm wrong?" For years, I appreciated the band Rush far more than I actually enjoyed them. That probably sounds strange coming from someone who loves music as much as I do, but it's true. I respected the band's incredible musicianship: Neil Peart was one of the most innovative drummers of all time, Geddy Lee's voice and bass playing were unmistakable, and Alex Lifeson never seemed interested in simply shre

This episode of Between Two Brands has been brought to you by the good people at CoasterStone – home of the original absorbent stone coaster. With that combination of stone-cold quality, striking decoration, low cost-per-impression, retail packaging, and unmatched value, David Glenn and his team at CoasterStone are ready to help you make a ROCK-SOLID impression with your clients. Email them at promo@coasterstone.com today! We are firmly in the dog days of summer, but it’s Fri

The burden of uncertainty usually falls on someone else. Most days, I have difficulty remembering where I left my keys or, even worse, what I was going to do when I walk into the kitchen. I suppose that's simply part of aging, that slight forgetfulness. However, every once in a while, someone says something that just sticks with you. Not because it's especially profound or a statement you agree with, but because it causes you to look at something differently. While planning

HUGE thanks to our pals over at SHEPENCO for sponsoring this fine broadcast. For 90 years – and four generations of family ownership – they have defined stability by caring about the success of their distributor partners. Head over to shepenco.com to start your next project today! Heck yes, it’s time for Ep. 83 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! In today’s “opening shot,” Bill talks about the ASI Counselor Awards in Chicago and the importance of rec

Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs happen when we stop chasing them. Sometimes, a phrase or sentence just sticks with you. It doesn't matter where you heard it or who wrote it. It settles in your mind and tends to resurface when you least expect it. That's exactly what happened to me with a line from a centuries-old sonnet. "The more we pause, the more we progress." For whatever reason, I can't seem to shake those eight words. At first, they felt completely backward.

BIG thanks to our pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re ready to be the partner your clients want – one that delivers unique, custom, and bespoke branded merch designed exclusively for them – reach out to Russ and his team at sales@sevensourcing.com. You know it’s time for Ep. 82 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with Bill Petrie! In this week’s Opening Shot, Bill brings back an edition of “industry quick hits,” including two folks partner

Before anyone else will believe in your perspective, you have to trust that you've earned one. As much as I don’t like to admit it, I’ve been hard-wired to be a people pleaser from the day I was born. Part of it was that I avoided confrontation, part of it was that I didn’t want to disappoint others, and part of it was that I wanted to be agreeable. Honestly, I thought that was the best way to get ahead in the first ten years or so of working. If my boss had an idea, I enth

HUGE Thanks to our friends over at BEL Promo for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re looking for the lowest minimums, deepest inventory, 5-star and A+ service – you know you can BEL Promo that! It’s Friday and time for Ep. 81 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie. In the Opening Shot, Bill shares a “Billatorial” about the proliferation of AI trends and the problems of marketers relying too heavily on all things AI. Then he welcomes the Chief Mar

What the “Wrecking Crew” can teach us about becoming indispensable. Unless you’re a complete music nerd like I am, there’s a pretty good chance you've never heard of the Wrecking Crew. Even so, I’d be willing to bet you’ve certainly heard their music. For those not aware, the Wrecking Crew was a group of extraordinary studio musicians in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 70s who played on thousands of recordings for artists like the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunk

This episode of Between Two Brands has been brought to you by the good people at CoasterStone – home of the original absorbent stone coaster. With that combination of stone-cold quality, striking decoration, low cost-per-impression, retail packaging, and unmatched value, David Glenn and his team at CoasterStone are ready to help you make a ROCK-SOLID impression with your clients. Email them at promo@coasterstone.com today! If it’s Friday (and it is), then it’s time for an ove