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PODCAST

Why It Matters

The Show for People Who Give a Damn About Better Merch.

Why It Matters is a Branded Merch Network original built on one belief: better merch starts with sustainable thinking. We dive into why it matters for suppliers to create better products, distributors to offer responsibly sourced solutions, and end users to choose merch that reflects their brand values. Through real conversations with leaders in promo, apparel, and print, we spotlight the voices reshaping the industry with purpose. Tune in and be part of what’s next.#MakeMerchBetter

business marketing

All Episodes

00:07:00

Why It Matters with Kate Alavez, PromoShop

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/16

In this Why It Matters conversation, Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Kate Alavez, President of PromoShop, about leadership and doing the right thing. PromoShop has been a family-owned, minority-owned business since 1998. Jeff and Kate discuss the company's commitment to ethical business practices and the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Kate emphasizes the significance of doing the right thing, personally and professionally. Enjoy

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00:06:11

An Amazing Brand Story Discovered! - Why It Matters...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/16

Saved from being donated! An awesome product was saved from being donated. In this Why It Matters conversation, Branded Merch Network Contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Ian Rosenberger, Founder and CEO of Day Owl, a company doing brilliant things with an innovative product line.Jeff and Ian discussed the circular economy concept and its relevance to distributors. Ian emphasized the importance of creating products and a company that has a net positive impact on the world. The video wraps up with a

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00:11:29

Natalie Sheffey and Tommy Levin from Hit on Why It...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/16

Here are some things you may not know about one of the industry's largest suppliers. In this "Why It Matters" conversation, Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Natalie Sheffey, Director of Sustainability, and Tommy Levin, Director of Sales at Hit Promotional Products.From a sales perspective, Tommy observed that distributors' responses to sustainability initiatives can vary. In his experience, while some distributors are genuinely passionate about these issues, others show

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00:09:11

Elizabeth Wimbush on Why it Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/16

In this informative "Why It Matters" conversation, Branded Merch Network Contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability and Responsibility PPAI. Elizabeth talks about being at a crossroads and future-proofing our industry. Articles about brand fill and swag-free conferences are not happening in a void. That's reality. We need to prepare ourselves for this future where promotional products are still universally valued and appreciated because they are

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00:09:30

Ryan Moor from Allmade on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/16

In this engaging "Why It Matters" conversation, Ryan Moor, a founder of Allmade Apparel, talks with Branded Merch Contributor Jeff Solomon about real-world experiences that impacted his life and business. It started with the death of a screen printer due to the long-term impact of chemicals used in screen printing. We talk about reducing the impact of chemicals, the importance of using bluesign-certified inks and organic materials that lead to producing a cleaner, sustainable product.Ryan

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00:07:39

Why It Matters with Jo-an Lantz

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/14

In this riveting "Why It Matters" conversation, we talk with industry icon Jo-an Lantz, the President and CEO of Geiger. We discuss the importance of understanding why it matters to do the right thing, which includes respecting people, society, and the planet. Good business is about profitability and Geiger shares that profit with the Geiger team. Jo-an offers meaningful thoughts on sustainability and why it matters to their clients. Enjoy the conversation!Shoutouts to Maine Beer Company

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00:05:14

Why It Matters with Denise Taschereau from Fairware

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/14

Our industry is becoming more mindful of the impact the branded merch industry is having. Denise Taschereau, CEO and co-founder of Fairware Promotional Products is one of the leaders in this movement. In 2009 Fairware was the first B Corp Certified company in our industry. Fairware is part of Reciprocity Road, a group of like-minded distributors committed to doing the right thing. It's encouraging and exciting to see the positive ways we are changing to be better stewards of how we communicate

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00:07:14

Kate Nash from Raining Rose on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/14

Raining Rose is a community-driven company that strives to be a responsible business neighbor as part of their business positioning. Kate Nash, Director of Sales, shares thoughts on Why It Matters to focus on initiatives that positively impact business and community. They consider the longer-term impact of how they produce their products. Kate also shares about Honeybees and Humans, a unique initiative that works on many levels and will pique your interest. Good business is driven by suppliers with

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00:06:23

Bart Simpson from Flywheel on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/14

Bart Simpson, the President of Flywheel in Tenessee, talks with Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon, MAS, about Why It Matters to do things right. Their focus is not just about selling products; they want to make an impact. As members of Reciprocity Road, they are connected with like-minded distributor companies that focus on the concept of doing the right thing. These companies ARE making a positive impact!Bart offers several nuggets that are relatable to businesses of all sizes. He also

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00:31:54

Why It Matters LIVE All Star Panel from the SAAC Expo

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/13

The Why It Matters Live panel, recorded at the Specialty Advertising Association (SAAC) Expo on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, in Anaheim, California, centered around People, Planet, and Prosperity. Jeff Solomon, MAS, and Jay Busselle from the Branded Merch Network led a thought-provoking conversation featuring RJ Hagel, Global Marketing Director of Goldstar, Kate Alavez, President of PromoShop, and Kathy Cheng, President of Redwood Classics Apparel. The discussion tackled evolving consumer demands,

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00:07:10

Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/13

Vantage Apparel has been creating quality products for almost 50 years. In this Why It Matters video, Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage, talks with Branded Merch Network Contributor Jeff Solomon about how making things better is in their DNA. This also extends to the decoration that Vantage offers. The term Logogevity™ they have trademarked speaks to the high-quality decoration they offer. Apparel you love to wear with an imprint that lasts creates an unbeatable value for brand impressions!Our industry is

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00:08:17

Robert Fiveash from Brand Fuel on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/13

Many of us are passionate about product sourcing, but we often find ourselves frustrated by the challenges of driving change. In this 'Why It Matters' conversation, Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon explores this vital topic with Robert Fiveash, President and Co-Owner of Brand Fuel. We discuss domestic production, concerns about China, and other factors that impact our businesses. Robert also shares the inspiring story of the acquisition of Sweeter Cards by Maple Ridge Farms,

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00:09:12

Why It Matters with Kathy Cheng, President of Redwood...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/13

"We've realized in society and our business world that we need to operate in a world of we versus just about me." This riveting conversation on "Why It Matters" with Kathy Cheng, President of Redwood Classic Apparel, is filled with thought-provoking nuggets. Kathy's family story, company history, and principles of people, planet, and prosperity are inspiring. This conversation has many pearls of wisdom. Redwood Classics is an exceptional Canadian company now available in

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00:07:51

Heidi Urban from Gordon Sinclair on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/13

Some companies have doing the right thing in their DNA. Gordon Sinclair is one of them. It was a pleasure to connect with their Director of Sales, Heidi Urban, who has a passion for sustainability causes. In this Why It Matters conversation, we discuss the evolution of better-made products. There is a trend to buy fewer quality products that recipients will appreciate receiving. Why would a company want to put its brand messaging on a product no one wants to keep? Distributors have the opportunity

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00:08:33

Alex Paschal from Warwick on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/13

Discover Why It Matters with some intriguing insights about Warwick Publishing from Alex Paschal, a fifth-generation family member now leading this well-established, beloved company. With a rich history and a strong reputation, Warwick is a go-to source for many.Alex has a background in chemical engineering and a keen understanding of environmental issues. Warwick strongly believes in doing the right thing and creating products that clients want and use daily. The market is changing, and responsible

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00:07:30

Heather Smartt from Goldstar on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/04

Heather Smartt, formally the Global Director of Product Development and Sustainability, now Global Head of Goldstar, discusses the global steps Goldstar takes to create better, responsibly sourced products. This is crucial because it's what discerning buyers are demanding. It's not just good business; it's a necessity. Goldstar has innovative products and resources to help you sell them.Learn more here: https://ideas.simplygoldstar.com/category/made-better/#brandedmerch #whyitmatters #madebetter

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00:12:29

Ben Grossman from SwagCycle on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/04

Upcycling and recycling made easy! SwagCycle is an innovative company that saw a need and developed a simple process for repurposing and recycling products. Ben Grossman shares why it matters to have this process in place to keep products out of landfills and create a more sustainable environment for the branded merch industry. Enjoy this engaging conversation and learn how any company can take advantage of what SwagCycle is doing.Learn more about SwagCycle here: swagcycle.net/#whyitmatters #recycle

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00:12:32

Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of bluesign on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/03

In this on-location conversation from the California coast, Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of bluesign, shares how throwing stones at a window as a child opened the door to his experience with chemicals. The lesson his dad taught him directed his life's course. This beautiful location is appropriate because the ocean and the things we appreciate are slowly being destroyed. Get a glimpse into "Why It Matters" to Daniel and bluesign system partners to do a better job in how we produce the products we sell and

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00:07:54

Hillary Morris - Taco 'Bout Pins on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/02

Hillary Morris, Chief Excitement Officer, Pin Guru, Mom of the Year, and Excellent Wife Award Winner at Taco 'Bout Pins, shares a blast of energy taco 'bouting Why It Matters to do things differently and do good stuff. "Slapping a logo on a product is old and outdated. We need to think outside the box." Hillary will inspire and fire you up about how creativity and giving back is a business win.Learn more here: tacoboutpins.com/#whyitmatters #brandedmerch #pins #dotherightthingUploaded on Apr 24,

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00:06:27

Sterling Wilson from Pop! Promos on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/02

It's a Team effort! In this conversation with Sterling Wilson, the President of Pop! Promos shares his passion for why it matters to do things right and how that impacts his business on many levels. Much of their excellent work is driven by their Team's desire to make a difference. Sterling shares some jewels here! Take a few minutes and enjoy the conversation.Learn more about Pop! Promos here: poppromos.com/#brandedmerch #madebetter #sustainability #makeadifference #businessleadership Uploaded on

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43 results

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