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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

00:12:57

A Conversation with Tim Andrews, President and CEO of...

Why It Matters ·

2025/11/29

In this conversation, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon sits down with Tim Andrews, President and CEO of ASI, to discuss Tim's remarkable 23-year journey at ASI. As he prepares for retirement in March 2026, Tim shares insights on transforming ASI from a traditional print business into a tech-driven one focused on supporting sustainability efforts, including the Branded Merch Network's "Why It Matters" content component. Tim emphasizes the impact of the ASI internship

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00:10:54

Why It Matters with Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI

Why It Matters ·

2025/11/24

In this "Why It Matters" update conversation, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, and Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability and Responsibility at PPAI, discussed emerging trends and key takeaways from the recent PPAI Responsibility Summit. Elizabeth shared highlights from keynotes presented by Dr. Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of Project Drawdown, and Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle, on sustainability and circularity. They emphasized the importance of sustainability in

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00:03:25

Why It Matters with Rob Baumgardner

Why It Matters ·

2025/11/03

In this quick conversation, Branded Merch Network co-founder, Jeff Solomon, talks with Rob Baumgardner, National Accounts Manager for Goldstar, about the power of collaboration to drive sales. Rob talks about a project he did with a large distributor using one of their new sustainable sling backpacks that discriminating buyers love.👉 The discussion addresses how sustainability is an effective selling tool. Rob spotlighted Goldstar's "made better" collection and the digital product

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00:08:31

Why It Matters with Original Favorites

Why It Matters ·

2025/10/31

In this "Why It Matters" conversation, David Boger and Lexi Mikkelsen shared the Original Favorites brand story. They discussed sustainability practices, emphasizing their use of high-quality Supima cotton and their decision against recycled cotton due to quality concerns. Dave highlighted their GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards) certification and the importance of product longevity. They also discussed the ethical implications of sourcing, mentioning issues in China and Brazil. Original

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00:05:08

Why It Matters: Certification & Sustainability with...

Why It Matters ·

2025/10/03

n this follow-up conversation from the Branded Merch Network Sustainable Merch Summit, we continue to share more insights on "Why It Matters" to produce clean products. Here, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon talks with Summit panelist Marshall Atkinson from Atkinson Consulting LLC and Shirt Lab. They discuss the importance of sustainability in the printing industry, emphasizing the need to start with a clear "why" for adopting sustainable practices. They highlighted

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00:13:58

Why It Matters LIVE: Sales Panel - Can Purpose &...

Why It Matters ·

2025/09/30

When sustainability drives sales, the numbers speak for themselves. During the live Sustainable Merch Summit, a panel discussion proved that purpose and profit can coexist.👉 “It’s probably close to $1.5 million in new business over the last couple of years from clients that sought us out because of our focus on sustainability,” shared Robert Fiveash of Brand Fuel.👉 And Joseph Sommer of Whitestone revealed, “A client who stopped working with us because we were not EcoVadis-certified came back with

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00:18:38

Why It Matters LIVE: Inside the Sustainable Merch...

Why It Matters ·

2025/09/28

The Why It Matters LIVE: Sustainable Merch Summit brought together 400+ industry pros from promo, print, and apparel to spotlight how sustainability drives both positive impact and profitable growth. In this wrap-up video, hosts Jay Busselle and Jeff Solomon are joined by Theresa Hegel (ASI) and Cassie Green (Apparelist/Printing United Alliance) to reflect on key takeaways from the summit. They dive into lessons on transparency, certifications, and how values-driven brands are winning new business

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00:08:15

Why It Matters LIVE, Follow Up with Julie Schneiderman

Why It Matters ·

2025/09/09

WHY IT MATTERS SUSTAINABLE MERCH SUMMIT FOLLOW-UP VIDEO SERIES: We continue to go a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the Branded Merch Network Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit, hosted by ASI, Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys. In this conversation, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder, Jeff Solomon, talks with Julie Schneiderman, Founder and CEO of EcoStiks. The discussion pulled a few more nuggets from the Summit. Julie shared a bit about EcoStik's role in providing sustainable branding

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00:09:09

Why It Matters with Joel Freet, CEO of Cutter & Buck

Why It Matters ·

2025/08/28

In this Why it Matters conversation, Joel Freet, CEO of Cutter & Buck, and Jeff Solomon, Co-Founder of the Branded Merch Network, discuss what's at the core of this successful brand. Joel highlighted the company's commitment to high-quality, long-lasting sportswear since 1989, emphasizing their use of post-consumer recycled polyester. He noted the significant reduction in air freight, which has improved their environmental impact. The point was made that sustainability matters for three

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00:06:35

Milissa Gibson, Lane Seven WIM Follow Up

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

WHY IT MATTERS SUSTAINABLE MERCH SUMMIT FOLLOW-UP VIDEO SERIES: We continue to go a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the Branded Merch Network Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit, hosted by ASI, Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys. In this conversation, Jeff Solomon talks with Milissa Gibson, Director of Sales for Lane Seven Apparel. Milissa was on a panel moderated by Jay Busselle, entitled "Sustainability Sells. It's Good for the Planet and GREAT for Business."The discussion

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00:07:21

Follow Up Conversation from the Why It Matters Summit...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

Following up on the "Why It Matters" Sustainable Merch Summit, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon and Michele Dando from Facilisgroup took a deeper dive into the importance of transparency in the branded merch industry. Michele was on the "Why Transparency Matters" panel facilitated by Theresa Hegel from ASI. Jeff and Michelle emphasized the need for distributors to understand their value beyond just selling merchandise. They highlighted the role of suppliers in

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00:16:18

What's Happening in Washington D. C. and Why it Matters?

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

Drew Holmgreen, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) President and CEO, and Kara Keister from Social Good Promotions join Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, to discuss the L.E.A.D. (Legislative Education and Action Day) trip to Washington D.C. Learn Why It Matters that PPAI and a group of passionate colleagues in the promo products industry are investing in this annual trip. The conversation focused on emphasizing our role in advocacy and increasing visibility on

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00:13:41

Follow Up Conversation from the Why It Matters Summit...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

We are excited to delve a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the Branded Merch Network Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit, hosted by ASI, Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys. Here, Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone, shared his company's journey toward sustainability, emphasizing its importance for businesses of all sizes and the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. He discussed Whitestone's initiatives, including earning certifications, implementing circular impact programs,

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00:05:09

Why It Matters with Kriya Stevens, MBA – Director,...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

Join Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, and econscious Director Kriya Stevens, MBA, for an insightful discussion on the critical role of sustainability in the apparel industry. This engaging conversation explores:• econscious journey: Founded in 2006, pioneering organic and sustainable products• The growing demand for eco-friendly branded merchandise• The power of sustainable fibers: Organic cotton's climate-smart, chemical-free appeal• How sustainability offers distributors a

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00:06:35

Why It Matters with George Morgan, HIRSCH

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

In this "Why It Matters" conversation, George Morgan, Director of Marketing at HIRSCH, discussed the company's evolution of doing good things with Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS. Working with great companies that do great things and offer quality products is a win for distributors and their end-user clients. HIRSCH recently achieved a platinum certification from the Green Business Benchmark, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Morgan noted the

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00:05:09

Why it Matters with James Guan from Acehigh

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

James Guan, CEO of Acehigh, engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, covering sustainability in business practices, product design, and corporate gifting. James shared his company's sustainability story, focusing on thoughtful design and packaging. Jeff emphasized the value of doing business with companies that consciously try to be different and meticulous. They discussed the need to make it easy to do business, which is a focus of Acehigh,

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00:10:13

Theresa Hegel from ASI on Why it Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

Theresa Hegel, Executive Editor for Special Projects and Sustainability at ASI, discussed the importance of sustainability in the promotional products industry. She highlighted "Promo for the Planet," a resource for industry updates on sustainability. Hegel emphasized the growing demand from clients for socially responsible and eco-friendly products, citing ASI Research, where 88% of end buyers prioritize socially responsible products, and 86% value eco-friendly ones. She also noted the

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00:03:59

Why it Matters for PPAI to Facilitate Legislative...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/17

Alok Bhat, Market Economist and Senior Research Manager for PPAI, joined Global Brand Ambassador Rod Brown and Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, for a quick overview of "Why it Matters" to those watching this that a group of our passionate colleagues is investing in a business trip to Washington DC. Alok, Rod, and Jeff discussed the significance of the Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) in shaping the future of business, protecting jobs, and changing the

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00:04:05

Gerald Pinkley from Cap America on Why It Matters

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/16

Gerald Pinkley, VP of Compliance at Cap America, discusses the company's commitment to sustainability and compliance. Cap America delivers clean products that benefit its company position and distributor clients. He emphasizes the importance of staying updated with regulations, particularly in the EU and the US, to remain relevant to customers. They are working on an EcoVadis assessment and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification, supporting these efforts to enhance their sustainability

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00:10:21

A Conversation on Why it Matters for Storm Creek to...

Why It Matters ·

2025/07/16

Laura Smith, Head of Sustainability at Storm Creek, discusses the company's commitment to using recycled polyester for apparel and their choice to become a bluesign systems partner. bluesign assesses the entire supply chain for environmental impact, including carbon emissions, water usage, and chemical safety.Nira Maya and Simone Ross from bluesign joined Laura for this conversation. Nira explains that bluesign ensures the entire supply chain is clean and sustainable by focusing on eliminating

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43 results

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