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In this weekly podcast - available in both audio and video formats - industry thought leaders Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie share their unfiltered thoughts on the world of promotional products, sales, marketing, and branding with a heavy dose of reality and humor. Tune in every Friday at 7:00 AM Central!
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It’s the last Friday of April and time for Ep. 199 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie take a deep dive into the PPAI “Cool Stuff List,” discuss a bizarre movie promotion with an NBA player, applaud the FTC ban on noncompete agreements, delve into language and the lost art of reading people, have a little musical rapid fire during the party in the back, and so much more!
BIG thanks to our pals at Shepenco for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When it comes to stability and dedication to the promotional products industry, you’d be hard pressed to beat Shepenco. Visit them at shepenco.com.
It’s Friday and time for Ep. 198 of the Promo UPFront #podcast. This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie – who is recording from the Caribbean – discuss LinkedIn’s foray into influencer marketing, chat about the impact of events on the promotional products industry, Nike goes all in on Olympic advertising, Fanatics focus on creating a Comic-Con style event for sports, and so much more!
HUGE thanks to our game-changing pals at BamBams who, well, are always changing the game! Check out their new self-promo site that makes it easier than ever to help grow your sales at bambamsselfpromo.com.
It’s Friday and time for Ep. 197 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss the HALO data breach and how well it was (or wasn’t) communicated, debate how to make returning to the office work for both employers and employees, skewer the communication from Dunkin’ regarding the fulfillment challenges for the viral “DunKings” merchandise, Kirby advocates for elections to be held next month, and so much more!
BIG thanks to our pals at Logo Mats for sponsoring this fine broadcast! With the vibrant, bold, and durable colors, Logo Mats has the perfect indoor, outdoor, and point of purchase mats for any client. Even better, use the code “Promo UPFront” and receive 10% off your order through April 30, 2024! Help them celebrate 20 years by visiting them at logomatsllc.com today!
It’s Friday and time for Ep. 196 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss the harm done to brands pulling April Fools’ Day pranks, debate whether Supplier Star awards impact buying decisions, chat about the major change in realtor compensation, ponder whether campaigning for awards negatively taint the recognition, have a little party in the back, and so much more!
BIG thanks to our pals at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast! Russ Mogell and his team demystify overseas custom merchandise sourcing and help you turn great ideas into iconic brands, email them at sales@sevensourcing.com!
It’s the last Friday of International Women’s Month so you know Ep. 105 of the Promo UPFront #podcast is going to be revealing the annual list of Powerhouse Women of Promo! That’s right, this week Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie share their sixth annual list of the amazing and creative women that are pushing the promotional products industry forward be they suppliers, distributors, or service providers! Help us celebrate these fantastic women who are doing truly phenomenal things.
A HUGE thanks to our friends at BEL Promo for sponsoring this podcast. When it comes to a supplier that delivers on the promises of low minimums, simplified pricing, deep inventory, and 5-Star/A+ Service, look no further than BEL Promo. Yeah, you can BEL Promo that!
You bet it’s time for Ep. 194 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss the value (and the cost) of large distributor national sales meetings, the continued invasion of the subscription model, whether Glassdoor should continue to allow anonymous comments about employers, how a restaurant brand changing soft drink affiliation might impact customer behavior, and so much more!
A GIGANTIC thanks to our good pals over at BamBams for sponsoring this game-changing podcast. Speaking of changing the game, that’s something BamBams is always doing! From being the industry made-to-order experts to creating a dedicated website to make ordering self-promos easier for distributors (bambamsselfpromo.com), BamBams is always changing the game.
Julius Ceasar was told to “beware the Ides of March.” However, when Ep. 193 of the Promo UPFront #podcast drops on the very same day, the only thing to be afraid of are candid opinions! Today hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie take a deep dive into the new PPAI membership structure, discuss how the potential ban of TikTok will change influencer marketing, share some mega trends in marketing – and what you need to do about them, giggle about google having issues with Wi-Fi in their new building, Kirby endures a St. Paddy’s Day edition of Rapid Fire, and so much more!
A HUGE thanks to our friends over at Logo Mats who have a HECK of a deal for Promo UPFront listeners. Simply put the code “Promo UPFront” on your next PO between now and March 29, 2024, and they will take 10% off your order! Yes, it’s just that simple! Check all their fine merchandise out at logomatsllc.com today and take advantage of that offer!
It’s Friday before we lose an hour of sleep which means the time has come to drop Ep. 192 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie carefully and thoughtfully dissect the PPAI #Online18 list, dig into one of the reasons behind so many big names in promo making equally big moves, dive into the default font change from Microsoft, and so much more!
A big thanks to our good direct sourcing buddies at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast! Russ Mogell and his team demystify the overseas sourcing process and help you turn a great idea into an iconic brand. Email them at sales@sevensourcing.com today!
It’s Friday and time for Ep. 191 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss the impact of Donald Trump’s new merch, the “Florida Man Games” and how we might adapt them for PPAI Expo, a fast-food restaurant testing surge pricing, Wal-Mart purchases television maker Vizio for reasons that might not be obvious, and so much more!
A BIG thanks to our friends over at Shepenco. In a business climate where change is the norm, it’s wonderful to have the stability of over 90 years in your corner when it comes to branded writing instruments. Visit them at the redesigned Shepenco.com today!
It’s Triple F Day – the Final Friday of February – which means it’s time for Ep. 190 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie applaud ASI for removing the paywall that blocked their amazing editorial content, whether the new “Sun Day Red” brand will perform for Tiger Woods and Taylor Made, debate how to answer when someone asks how your business is going this year, ponder how entertainment companies are trying to both reach audiences while monetizing their content, and so much more!
A HUGE thanks to our game-changing pals at BamBams! From being the made-to-order experts to buying a premium cooler company instead of simply partnering with them, BamBams is always changing the game – for the better. Their new frictionless self-promo site is a perfect example, and you can experience that for yourself by visiting bambamsselfpromo.com!
It’s Friday and time for Ep. 189 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie take a deep dive into the branded merchandise tie in with the Super Bowl, dissect the good, the bad, and the WTF ads during the Big Game, ponder if the payment of “exposure” is enough for providing services, wrap up the final PPEF picks for good, and so much more!
A big thanks to our pals at Logo Mats! They have some fantastic new and vibrant products just waiting to be decorated with your client’s brand! Check them out at logomatsllc.com today!
It’s Friday morning, so you know it’s time for Ep. 188 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss a very interesting advertising approach to the Super Bowl by Miller Lite, take a hard look at the marketing tactics of one Taylor Swift at the Grammy Awards, debate the efficacy of Meta seeing to label images created by AI, Bill takes some time to really get to know Kirby by asking him the questions others are too afraid to ask, the boys make some Super Bowl prop bets – and make our predictions for the game, and so much more!
A HUGE thanks to our friends over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this award-winning podcast! With over 25 years of overseas sourcing experience, the team not only demystifies custom product sourcing, but they will also help you turn a great idea into an iconic brand. Email them at sales@sevensourcing.com.
It’s Friday morning which means it’s time for Ep. 187 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie are joined by Rupt founders (and Merch All-Stars) Jason Lucash and Mike Szymczak! Today the quotable quartet discuss whether promotional products suppliers should put their brand on merchandise, ponder the question of restaurants catfishing prospective patrons, laugh about the over-holidization of America, Mike and Jason endure a round of “Rupt Rapid Fire,” and so much more!
A big thanks to Rupt for sponsoring this platinum-level podcast! When you’re ready to experience truly insane merchandise that’s 100% crafted from recycled materials, visit rupt.com. You truly won’t be sorry you did.
It’s Friday morning which means it’s time for Ep. 186 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie talk about managing the work week after the big trade show in Las Vegas, whether putting an NFL playoff game on a streaming service is good for the product (and the fans), the growing issue of “AI Washing,” give a huge shout out to multi-line reps (who may be the hardest working group in the industry), and so much more!
A GIANT thanks to our friends at BEL Promo for sponsoring this platinum-level podcast! With low minimums, deep inventory, and the lowest pricing for printed, in stock merchandise, BEL Promo is one to watch. Visit them at belpromo.com. BEL Promo: Just Watch Us!
Ready to roll the dice on ep. 185 of the Promo UPFront #podcast live from BamBams booth at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas? Of course, you are! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie talk about the biggest tradeshow in the promotional products industry – education, great booths, surprises, and a few other topics, Bill receiving the PPAI Icon Award for Distinguished Service, welcome back the return of “rapid fire,” and so much more!
A big thanks to our sponsor in BamBams for hosting us at their booth. When you’re looking for custom, made to order merchandise, look no further than BamBams. Also, be sure to check out their BRAND NEW web-to-print platform at bambamsselfpromo.com!
Absolutely it’s time for ep. 184 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week, co-hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss the efficacy of safe air travel (looking at you, Boeing), the end of an era as Nike parts ways with Tiger Woods, how best to avoid “quitters Friday,” Bill shares an epic Top 3/Bottom 3 – Las Vegas Experiences edition, the final (sort of) picks for PPEF, and so much more!
A BIG thanks to our sponsor in Logo Mats. If you’re going to be in Vegas, stop by booth 2333 to see their amazing mats as well as some really cool new products. You won’t be sorry you did!
Yes, it’s time for ep. 183 of the Promo UPFront #podcast with Kirby Haseman and Bill Petrie! This week the co-hosts discuss suppliers closing up shop for the holidays – and the post in the Promotional Products Professionals group on Facebook that ignited the conversation, share some really insightful tradeshow tips for new and seasoned attendees alike, ponder the five threats that need to be taken seriously according to PPAI Research, make the final football picks for good for PPEF, and so much more!
A big thanks to our friends at Shepenco for sponsoring. As you’re writing down your goals for 2024, make sure you’re doing it with a writing instrument from Shepenco! They would love to see you in Las Vegas at the PPAI Expo – just stop by booth #5405 and let them know Bill and Kirby sent you!
It’s time for the final Promo UPFront #podcast for 2023! In this episode (#182 if you’re counting), co-hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss a new round of supply chain issues and whether it’s time to push the panic button, dissect the biggest marketing fails of the year and the lessons we can learn from them, ponder whether wearable tech is making a comeback, Bill shares his Top 3/Bottom 3 New Year’s Eve foods, football picks for PPEF and so much more!
A HUGE thanks to Logo Mats for sponsoring this broadcast. Help them celebrate 20 years in business by visiting them at ASI Orlando (booth 921) and PPAI Expo in Las Vegas (booth 2333)! Of course, you can always visit them at logomatsllc.com!
It’s time for Ep. 181 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! In this special pre-Christmas episode, co-hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss Time Magazine doubling down on live events, explore some “interesting” posts in the Promotional Products Professionals Facebook page, finally share some 2024 business trends, Kirby shocks Bill with a holiday-based Top 3/Bottom 3, PPEF football picks for good, and so much more!
Big thanks to our friend Bruce Jolesch and PXP Solutions for sponsoring this fine broadcast! They are ready for all your apparel decorating needs in 2024 – simply call Bruce at 214.226.3105 or email him at bruce@pxpsolutions.com.
Yes! It’s (finally) time for a delayed Ep. 179 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! Today co-hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss the reason for the break in consistency last week, dive into the ASI article wondering why promo is growing slower than GDP, dissect the Oxford word of the year, share their football picks for PPEF, and so much more!
HUGE thanks to our friends at Shepenco. They have acquired the equipment of Dixon Promo (a division of Dixon Ticonderoga) which will allow additional decoration capacity and better finishing pencils for the promo world! Visit them at Shepenco.com today!
Yes! It’s (finally) time for a delayed Ep. 179 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! Today co-hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie discuss the reason for the break in consistency last week, dive into the ASI article wondering why promo is growing slower than GDP, dissect the Oxford word of the year, share their football picks for PPEF, and so much more!
HUGE thanks to our friends at Shepenco. They have acquired the equipment of Dixon Promo (a division of Dixon Ticonderoga) which will allow additional decoration capacity and better finishing pencils for the promo world! Visit them at Shepenco.com today!
Of course it’s time for Ep. 178 of the Promo UPFront #podcast. This week Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie talk about how to maximize your December, share thoughts on some promo industry quick hits, the backlash of Sports Illustrated using AI, debate the Merriam-Webster word of the year, share some football picks for good, and so much more!
Big thanks to our friends at LogoMats for sponsoring this fine broadcast! Creatively designed and expertly built in the USA, LogoMats are insanely effective in capturing the attention of your target audience. See them at ASI Orlando (#921) or PPAI Expo (#2333)! Or, visit them at logomatsllc.com!
Yes, it’s time for Ep. 177 of the Promo UPFront #podcast with Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie! In this VERY special Black Friday edition (where Black Friday isn’t mentioned at all), the hosts discuss the brilliant VistaPrint/Ryan Reynolds collaboration, share some industry quick hits from the past few weeks, debate whether F1 damaged its brand with the race in Las Vegas, opine on some really ingenus marketing campaigns and sponsorships, make football picks for good with a very special guest, and so much more!
A big thanks to our sponsor in Evans. Even as they work diligently to make the lives of their distributors easier, they also focus on amazing merchandise that’s used, kept, and remembered. To see all their amazing product offerings, head over to evans-mfg.com.
Time for Ep. 176 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie focus on gratitude by sharing things they are thankful for both in and out of the promotional products industry. They also chat about irritating marketing practices, make football picks for PPEF, and much more!
A HUGE thanks to our friends at Kanata Group for sponsoring this fine broadcast. Whether it’s amazing towels, cozy blankets, or gorgeous footwear, Kanata IS comfort. Learn more at kanatapromo.com.
Time for Ep. 175 of the Promo UPFront #podcast – live from the Caribbean Sea! This week hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie talk about how the second PromoCruise is unfolding mid-event, chat about legislation that might kill airline rewards programs, debate the use of multi-line reps over direct factory reps in light of a recent decision by Spector, express curiosity over the odd development feature from Tinder to allow friends and family to weigh in on potential matches, PPEF football pics for good with a special guest, and so much more!
A HUGE thanks to our friends from Shepenco for sponsoring this fine broadcast. Strong, stable, and reliable: those are the three words that come to mind when you think of Shepenco. Don’t your clients deserve that level of trust? Visit them at Shepenco.com.