Promo Insiders
If it impacts the promotional products industry, then the editorial team for Counselor, ASI’s flagship publication, is on top of it. Join these industry insiders as they delve into the issues, challenges and opportunities that matter most to promo.
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4/17/2024
What Kind of Branded Merch Do College Students Crave?
ASI Media editorial staffer Elena Hubert talks about hot trends and popular promo products among undergrads.
4/9/2024
Sprout USA’s Michael Stausholm Talks Plantable Pencils & Data-Driven Sustainability
The industry executive also explains why “eco-friendly” is a fluffy term that’s banned from his company.
4/3/2024
Ready for Spring
ASI Media’s Sara Lavenduski and Sami Marshak discuss all things spring – including sales tips for distributors – and try out fun seasonal treats.
3/28/2024
The A-to-Z of Selling or Buying a Promo Business
Jamie Watson, one of the foremost experts on mergers and acquisitions in the industry, offers in-depth insights on the M&A process in this discussion hosted by ASI Media’s Christopher Ruvo.
3/18/2024
Strategies & Steers: Highlights From ASI Fort Worth
The ASI Media team recaps the top trends and what distributors and suppliers were saying at the Show.
3/12/2024
Is Myron on the Rise Again?
Industry veteran Jeff Lederer co-leads an investment firm that bought the Top 40 distributorship – intent on revitalizing the firm. Here, he discusses how the effort is going nearly a year later, including a recent international acquisition.
3/6/2024
A Deep Dive Into Boundless’ Acquisition of Touchstone
New Boundless CEO Aaron Hamer and Touchstone founder Derek Block discuss the mega deal involving the two Top 40 distributors, while offering insights on everything from industry M&A to the future of promo in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
2/26/2024
‘Lost Arts’ & Customer Service Secrets From ASI Fort Worth Keynoter Bruce Himelstein
Former Ritz-Carlton Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Bruce Himelstein offer tips from his 30-plus years of success in the hospitality industry.
2/21/2024
Pelican CEO JC Curleigh Riffs on ‘140-Year-Old Startups’ & Turning Around Gibson Guitars
The global leader’s latest challenge is Pelican, which makes protective cases, coolers and drinkware that are offered in the promo industry by Top 40 supplier Logomark. As Curleigh puts it: “Pelican is the gear that protects gear, and we equip those on a mission.”
2/14/2024
Mindset Shifts & Storytelling: A Conversation With Mimi Brown
The sales, communication, leadership and influence expert will deliver a keynote address at ASI Fort Worth next month.
2/6/2024
The Numbers, Nuances & Stories Behind Promo’s Record-Breaking 2023
ASI Senior Executive Director of Research Nate Kucsma and News Director Christopher Ruvo delve into the details behind promo’s successful but challenging year.
2/2/2024
Culture-Building Strategies From Counselor Best Places to Work Companies
Three leaders from our most recent list of great companies share how they built businesses where people love to work.
1/24/2024
Introducing ASI Media’s Product Hub
ASI Media editors discuss our new product-specific page, featuring showcases, trends, case studies and more.
1/17/2024
Contending With Stress in Sales
Selling is a tough gig, even in a traditionally fun industry like promo.
1/10/2024
Recapping ASI Orlando: Product Trends, Inspiring Keynotes & Professional Development
Excitement and energy for the new year abounded at the industry’s first big trade show of 2024.
1/5/2024
Bold 2024 Predictions
The ASI Media editors peer into their crystal ball once again and forecast this year’s major developments.
12/21/2023
Product of the Year: The Stanley Quencher
Nick Lateur of Top 40 supplier HPG talks about the insatiable demand for 2023’s must-have status symbol.
12/12/2023
‘Whatever Is Normal, Do the Opposite’
Jesse Cole, founder of the super successful exhibition baseball team the Savannah Bananas, delivers unconventional insights that can help power a brand or business to the top. Cole is keynoting the ASI Show Orlando 2024.
12/6/2023
Beth Paretta Shares Insights on Leading ‘Woman-Forward’ Motorsports Team
In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI Media’s Theresa Hegel talks with Beth Paretta, owner of Paretta Autosport, the first woman-owned, woman-driven team in the INDYCAR Series. Paretta will be a speaker at the upcoming ASI Orlando show in January.
11/29/2023
Taking Advantage of the Holiday Season
ASI Media editors taste test seasonal treats and share ideas for distributors.
11/17/2023
Wisdom From Distributors Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries
Owners and execs whose companies have lasted 10, 20 and 30 years share the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
11/8/2023
Lewiston Strong: Geiger’s Jo-an Lantz on Leading in the Wake of Maine’s Deadliest Mass Shooting
The tragedy occurred in the town that Lantz and the Top 40 distributor call home. Here, the CEO candidly discusses the impacts on her community and how to lead during a crisis.
11/2/2023
Top Takeaways From the ASI Power Summit
Brand authenticity, AI and industry sales were among the many compelling topics discussed at the event, which brings together top executives in promo.
10/26/2023
How To the Market Is Building Ethical Supply Chains
Jane Mosbacher Morris says she saw the power of leveraging market forces to effect change during her time working for the U.S. State Department.
10/18/2023
The Staying Power of Pens
Colleen Shea shares the history of her family’s 95-year-old writing instrument company and their commitment to keeping all production in New Jersey.