It’s time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into books, promo products, avoiding burnout, and even a little bit of family wisdom. We also give a quick shout out to PPAI for recognizing us on their “Online 18.” We are pumped about it…and you can read all about that here.
This week’s episode is titled “Sexy Books We Love!”—but don’t worry, this isn’t just about steamy romance novels (though there is some of that). Jade and Kirby talk about their favorite books, underrated promotional products, how to recharge when burnout hits, and a special shoutout to some amazing Ohio entrepreneurs.
Now, let’s break down what went down in Episode 8!
Books We Love (Yes, Some of Them Are Spicy) 📚🔥
Books are a big part of both Kirby and Jade’s lives, and this week, they shared some of their favorites.
📖 Jade’s Pick: Acowar (A Court of Wings and Ruin) – Part of a fantasy, romance, and spicy book series, this one is for readers who love adventure, strong characters, and a little heat. If you know, you know. 😉
📖 Kirby’s Pick: The Reacher Series – If you love mystery, action, and thrillers, the Reacher books are a must-read. With the Amazon series bringing Jack Reacher to life, it’s a great time to check out the books if you haven’t already.
Of course, it’s not just about sexy and thrilling books—they also talked about more serious and business-focused reads. Want to hear what else made the list? You’ll have to watch the episode!
Underrated Promo Items That Always Deliver 🎁
Branded merch is what we do best, so Jade and Kirby took some time to shine a light on some underrated promo products that often get overlooked—but deliver BIG value.
✅ Branded Desk Mat – Jade’s pick! A simple but high-end promo item that elevates your workspace while providing constant brand visibility.
✅ Beach Towel – Kirby’s pick! High perceived value and something people keep for years. It’s one of those promo items that doesn’t just get thrown away—it gets used over and over again.
✅ Lip Balm – Another Jade favorite! It’s an inexpensive promo product, but 40% of the population is addicted to it. It’s one of those small items that people always appreciate.
Of course, they mentioned even more underrated items—but you’ll have to tune in to hear the full list.
Avoiding Burnout: Our Go-To Reset Moves 🔄
Burnout happens to the best of us. When life and work get overwhelming, it’s important to have a reset strategy.
💡 Jade’s Burnout Hack: Reset your desk. When things start feeling chaotic, cleaning up and decluttering your workspace helps reset your brain and create a fresh start.
🌳 Kirby’s Burnout Hack: Get outside. Sometimes, the best way to clear your head is to step away from the screen, take a walk, and breathe in fresh air. Even 10-15 minutes outdoors can make a huge difference in productivity and energy levels.
Feeling burned out? Try these tips and see if they help you recharge!
Dad Was Right: The Elopement Prediction 👰♀️💍
This week’s “Dad Was Right” moment is a little more personal.
Jade shared that Kirby knew early on that she and John were going to elope. It was one of those moments where Dad just knew, even before they did. Turns out, he was right.
Sometimes, dads just have a sixth sense about these things!
Shoutout to Jim & Bobbi Lepi! 🎉
This week’s shoutout goes to Jim and Bobbi Lepi, who were recently recognized for their contributions as Ohio Entrepreneurs. Jim was recognized for his work with Dresden & Company. And Bobbi is the leader of Lepi Real Estate (the leading real estate agency in Muskingum and surrounding counties).
They’ve made a huge impact in the community, and their recognition is well deserved. A big congratulations to them for their hard work and leadership!
Final Thoughts: Books, Merch & Avoiding Burnout
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was packed with fun conversations, great insights, and a little bit of wisdom.
📢 Key takeaways:
✅ Books can be fun, exciting, and a great way to escape OR grow.
✅ Underrated promo items can make a huge impact—think outside the usual swag bag!
✅ Avoiding burnout starts with simple resets—whether it’s your desk or a walk outside.
✅ Sometimes, Dad really does know best. 😉
✅ Jim & Bobbi Lepi deserve a big round of applause for their entrepreneurial contributions.
What’s your favorite underrated promo item? Do you have a go-to move for avoiding burnout? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
