Baby, it’s cold outside which means it’s time to drop Ep. 231 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week, hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie talk about the big move at American Solutions for Business which kicks off the BMSS (Branded Merch Silly Season) and make some predictions for what might be announced in the coming weeks, discuss an interesting Australian law that will ban social media access for children under 16, applaud Virgin’s use of AI to combat scammers, opine on what to do when a rebrand falls flat (we’re looking at you, Jaguar), and so much more!

GIANT thanks to our pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast! When you’re looking to turn your next idea into something truly iconic for your brand, look no further than the team at Seven Sourcing as they completely demystify the direct overseas sourcing process. Email them at sales@sevensourcing.com today!


Ep. 231 - Virgin Mobile Rolls Out an AI Granny to Combat Scammers

If it’s Friday, then it’s time to drop Ep. 232 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! This week, hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie talk about the Pantone Color of the Year and the surrounding hoopla on the annual reveal, the efficacy of Amazon getting into the automobile sales business, KFC “rocks” a new promotion on their famous chicken bucket, Kirby gets quizzed on how long he could survive only drinking certain beverages, and so much more!

A BIG thanks to our friends at ArtworkServicesUSA (AWS). For 24 years, AWS has been the trusted industry partner for complete back-office and innovative technology solutions. They are ready to help you transform your business in 2025 – visit them at booth 2754 at PPAI Expo or head over to artworkservicesusa.com to learn more!

Ep. 232 - Pantone Reveals the 2025 Color of the Year

Experimenting with NotebookLM to generate an audio conversation that offers insightful feedback and suggestions for a sales presentation. Read the article: https://promojournal.com/I-am-Amazed-by-NotebookLM-Amazed/?i=8234

Promoting Your Facility to School Nurses

Time for Ep. 3 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie. This week, Bill shares his thoughts on the passing of Fred Albrecht and some very questionable (and irritating) email marketing practices before being joined by Brittany Frase from HIRSCH where they discuss shedding bad industry energy and who Bill’s promo grandpa (i.e., mentor) is in the industry. Plus, as always, Bill asks Brittany “Five Easy Questions” to get to know her a bit better.

A HUGE thanks to our friends at SHEPENCO for sponsoring this fine broadcast. For 92 years – and four generations – SHEPENCO has defined stability in the branded merchandise industry. When your clients have a need for the best writing instruments available, visit shepenco.com!


Ep. 3 - Brittany Frase from HIRSCH

Time for Ep. 4 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie. This week, Bill shares some thoughts on tariffs and how toxic the conversation has become and how the fact that Super Bowl ads come out make the gameday experience “less than.” After that, Bill is joined by Brett Schaffer from Soapbox to talk about the most memorable Super Bowl ads – both good and bad and how each of them is integrating AI into their everyday businesses. Plus, as always, Bill asks Brett “Five Easy Questions” to get to know him a bit better.

A HUGE thanks to our friends at Artwork Services USA for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re looking for the right partner to help you hit your 2025 goals, AWS is ready to work with you. Whether its Virtual Assistants, ERP solutions designed for the promo industry, or even an entire website, AWS has you covered. Visit them at artworksolutionsusa.com today!


Ep. 4 - Brett Schaffer from Soapbox

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 5 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie. This week, Bill shares his thoughts on DOGE as it relates to the promotional products industry why this makes LEAD from PPAI more important than ever. After that, Bill is joined by Lindsay Bons from IDLine to talk about the importance of building strong business relationships and tactfully bridging the age gap. Plus, as always, Bill asks Lindsay “Five Easy Questions” to get to know her a bit better.

A BIG thanks to our good pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast. It’s 2025 and time to elevate your offerings with fully custom branded merchandise. Russ Mogell and his team will demystify the custom overseas sourcing process and make YOU the hero of their brand story. Email them at sales@sevensourcing.com today!

Ep. 5 - Lindsay Bons from IDLine

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 7 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill does a quick industry news roundup where he discusses the “Stanley vs. Stanley” lawsuit and the fact that PPAI Expo was officially a waste-free event! Afterwards, Bill is joined by David Shultz from commonsku where they talk about how the promotional products industry is handling tariff uncertainty and what inspired Bill to take up (gulp) running. As is our custom, Bill asks David some awkward “Five Easy Questions” that aren’t to be missed...and there might be a rapid fire at the end!

A BIG thanks to our pals over at PPAI for sponsoring this fine podcast. Speaking of podcast, did you know that PPAI just launched season 1 of their new podcast, “Voice & Force”? Well, you do now and the completely bingeable first season covers PPAI 100! Head over to ppai.org/podcast to listen!

Ep. 7 - David Shultz from commonsku

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 8 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill talks about brand loyalty when the product you seek is experiencing scarcity and no longer a premium due to insane pricing. Afterwards, Bill is joined by Dana Geiger from The Premier Group where they talk about common challenges brands face, the biggest hurdle that distributors have to overcome to successfully market their businesses, and Bill’s “dream guest!” As is our custom, Bill asks Dana some awkward “Five Easy Questions” that you do NOT want to miss!

A BIG thanks to our pals over at PPAI for sponsoring this fine podcast. Speaking of podcast, did you know that PPAI just launched season 1 of their new podcast, “Voice & Force”? Well, you do now and the completely bingeable first season covers PPAI 100! Head over to ppai.org/podcast to listen!

Ep. 8 - Dana Geiger from Premier Group

Have you ever wondered how the merch you buy affects the planet?

Do you want to make smarter, more sustainable choices when it comes to promotional products

Then you're in the right place!

This episode of Frequent Flyer is all about the exciting sustainability progress happening within the promotional products industry.

Our hosts Aiden and Ainsley are here to  help you navigate the evolving landscape of eco-friendly options, from understanding what materials are truly sustainable to asking the right questions about a product's lifecycle and ethical production.

Let's build a more sustainable future for promotional products, together.


Frequent Flyer 2 - Promo for the Planet

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 11 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill shares his Spring Break experience with one of his sons and why it’s finally time for Adult Spring Break. After that bit of nonsense, he is joined by the one and only Mandi Rudd from Genumark where they talk about what gives them the most career joy before diving into those pesky “Five Easy Questions” – and we mean NO disrespect!  

A BIG thanks to the good strongs over at Coasterstone for sponsoring this fine podcast. When your clients are looking for rock-solid branded merchandise that will be kept and used for years to come, email David Glenn at promo@coasterstone.com and he will help you find the perfect merch solution!

Ep. 11 - Mandi Rudd from Genumark

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 13 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill shares his thoughts on how the branded merchandise industry is reacting to the tariffs (hint – it’s not with a lot of grace). After that bit of volatility, he is joined by the Chief Excitement Officer of Taco ‘Bout Pins, Hillary Morris, where they chat about how to avoid epic fails and, instead, experience triumphant success when it comes to a rebranding and play a little branding game. Afterwards, Bill asks Hillary “Five Easy Questions” so we can all get to know Hillary just a wee bit better. 

A HUGE thanks to our good pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this epic podcast. When you’re looking to turn a great idea into something that becomes part of your client’s iconic brand, email sales@sevensourcing.com and they will help you deliver bespoke fully-custom merch without the headaches.


Ep. 13 - Hillary Morris from Taco 'Bout pins

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 14 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill discusses a tradition unlike any other – Masters merch (and what we can learn from it)! After that bit of fun, he is joined by the Branding Badass herself, Joelly Goodson, where she flips the script and grills Bill like a cheese sandwich by asking him some direct questions! Afterwards, Bill reclaims control of the podcast and asks Joelly “Five Easy Questions” so we can all get to know her just a bit better. 

A BIG thanks to our good friends at CoasterStone for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re looking for rock-solid merch for your clients, look no further than CoasterStone – home of the ORIGINAL absorbent stone coaster! Email them at promo@coasterstone.com!


Ep. 14 - Joelly Goodson from BAMKO

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 15 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill shares his thoughts on the AMAZING Gen-X End User research from ASI. After that bit of fun, he is joined by the social media legend himself, Dana Zezzo, where they talk about how they would build their ideal distributor and supplier if they stared from scratch. Afterwards, Bill asks Dana “Five Easy Questions” so we can all get to know him a little better. Heck, he might even share his secret recipe for armadillo quesadillas or rattlesnake tartare with spotted owl aioli! 

A BIG thanks to our friends over at PromoPlacement Recruiting. They are the only recruiting firm exclusively dedicated to the promotional products industry and will help you hire smarter – saving you time and money! When you’re ready to build your dream team, email them at info@promoplacementrecruiting.com!

Ep. 15 - Dana Zezzo from American Solutions for Business

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 16 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill shares his thoughts on Amazon considering adding tariffs as a line item to the total product cost as a marketing tool and the value of volunteerism. Once that bit of business is out of the way, Bill is joined by Josh Robbins from Vault Promotions/Promocations where they discuss taking an “Amazon approach” to adding a tariff line item for promotional products and a fun discussion about the value of mascots as it relates to brands. Afterwards, Bill asks Josh “Five Easy Questions” so we can all get to know him a little better. You’ll want to tune in to find out, once and for all, who is the champion burger maker!

A BIG thanks to our friends over at BEL Promo for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When it comes to branded merch with 2-day production, low minimums, deep inventory, and free shipping on tech and apparel products, you can absolutely BEL Promo that! Visit them at belpromo.com today!

Ep. 16 - Josh Robbins from Vault Promotions and Promocations

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 17 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill talks about the challenge of being sick and taking time off as a solopreneur. After that, it’s the dramatic return of the one and only Meg Erber, now of The Bark & Buoy, where they talk about her transition out of the world of branded merch and following her passions. Afterwards, Bill asks Meg “Five Easy Questions” so we can all get to know her a little better. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of Goonies talk and maybe even a “Adieu Haiku.” 

A BIG thanks to our friends over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this platinum-level broadcast. When you’re looking to deliver the custom and bespoke merch that your clients demand, look no further than Russ Mogell and his expert team at Seven Sourcing. They demystify custom merch sourcing and make you the hero to your clients. Email them at sales@sevensourcing.com today!


Ep. 17 - Meg Erber from The Bark & Buoy

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 18 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week, Bill talks about the evolution of the CMO role and the different challenges they face today. After that bit of pontificating is out of the way, Bill is joined by Natalie O’Leary from BAMKO where they chat about who inspired them when they grew up and what drinkware best describes their brand. Afterwards, Bill asks Natalie “Five Easy Questions” to get to know her a bit bitter. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one! 

A HUGE thanks to our good pals over at CoasterStone for sponsoring this Texas-themed podcast! When you’re looking for rock solid promotions that will be used, kept, and remembered, look no further than the original absorbent stone coaster from CoasterStone! Visit them at coasterstonepromo.com today!

Ep. 18 - Natalie O'Leary from BAMKO

It’s the final Friday of May and time for Ep. 20 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! This week is all about lists. To kick off the episode, Bill shares his thoughts on why we all love lists so much before sharing a David Letterman-inspired Top 10 list. Then Bill welcomes back his former partner-in-crime, Kirby Hasseman, to discuss, debate, and dissect the entire PPAI 100 list. There might even be a list-themed rapid fire – who could possibly say?

Thank you to our friends over at PromoPlacement Recruiting for sponsoring this fine broadcast. As the ONLY recruiting firm that focuses exclusively the promotional products industry, they have the insight and knowledge to help you find your next rockstar – and fast. Email them at info@promoplacementrecruiting.com today!

Ep. 20 - Reviewing the PPAI 100

It’s Friday and most assuredly time for Ep. 21 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie. To start things off, Bill shares his thoughts on his weekend in Kansas City supporting Children’s Mercy Hospital and Big Slick through the lens of the power of branded merchandise to drive engagement and donations. After that, he is joined by Ashely Colautti from Spector & Co. where they take a deeper dive into Big Slick before Bill asks her five (very) easy questions that end in a robust discussion about the branding of Taylor Swift. You don’t want to miss this one!

A HUGE thanks to our friends over at BEL Promo for sponsoring. Whether it’s deep inventory, low minimums, Made in the USA merch, or 2-day production, there is so much good coming out of BEL Promo. Visit them at belpromo.com!

Ep. 21 - Ashley Colautti from Spector & Co.

It’s Friday which can only mean that it’s time for Ep. 22 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with your host, Bill Petrie! Today Bill kicks off the podcast with some promo industry quick hits before welcoming his guest (and friend), Terry McGuire of HALO. The main topic – before “5 Easy Questions” anyway – is tariffs where Terry has some fantastic advice for any businessperson trying to navigate these very muddy waters. Then, of course, Bill poses some very fun questions to Terry where we learn about their past, Terry’s present, and perhaps a sneak peek into his future! You really don’t want to miss this one!

Thanks to our good friends over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this broadcast. When you’re ready to deliver what your clients truly desire: bespoke merchandise that feels designed just for them, email Russ Mogell and his team at sales@sevensourcing.com!

Ep. 22 - Terry McGuire from HALO Branded Solutions

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PromoCorner is a full-service digital marketing and media company that specializes in helping promotional products suppliers and distributors market their unique identity to grow their business. Whether you need a targeted email campaign to share your products, the ability to create unlimited online catalogs, cutting-edge content by industry thought leaders, or innovative ways to deliver your message, PromoCorner is poised to help you market your identity.

​In this weekly podcast - available in both audio and video formats - industry thought leader Bill Petrie, welcomes a new guest every week to share some candid thoughts on the world of marketing, branding, and branded merchandise with a heavy dose of wit and humor. Also, Bill askes "Five Easy Questions" to each guest that are not always what they seem. Tune in every Friday at 7:00 AM Central!

New tracks tagged #promotionalproducts