We made it! After 6 months of episodes filled with ideas, laughter, strategy, and yes, plenty of merch, we’ve wrapped up Season 1 of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast. This final episode of the season was all about reflection, creative inspiration, and preparing for what’s next.
Here’s a quick recap of the finale—and why you’ll want to catch it, whether it’s your first time tuning in or you’ve been along for the entire journey.
Lessons from Season 1
Kirby and Jade kicked things off by reflecting on what they’ve learned during the creation of this weekly podcast.
Kirby’s biggest takeaway? The importance of having fun and being authentic. When you’re building content consistently, it’s easy to overthink it. But the episodes that really resonated—and the ones that were the most enjoyable—were the ones that felt natural, unscripted, and just plain fun.
He also talked about the willingness to pivot. Even when you like an idea or plan, it’s okay to change it if something better emerges. Adaptability is a marketing superpower.
Jade shared a powerful reminder for any content creator: “Done is better than perfect.” If you wait until you feel fully inspired or have the perfect plan, you’ll never hit publish. Not every episode felt effortless, but doing the work—even when it wasn’t easy—made all the difference. That consistency added up. Want the rest of the lessons (and the conversation)? Watch the full episode!
Jade’s Creative Process
Jade also gave listeners a peek behind the curtain into a large project she’s been working on. When the pressure’s high, she doesn’t just rely on raw inspiration. Instead, she builds out mood boards, dives into Pinterest, explores colors and aesthetics, and gathers inputs from outside the typical path.
The big insight here? Don’t wait for inspiration—go chase it. Sometimes the act of collecting and curating visuals can re-ignite creativity in ways you don’t expect.
If you’re stuck on a campaign, project, or even a logo design—this part of the episode is a must-listen.
What to Expect at the Hasseman Marketing Customer Show
Jade and Kirby also spent time previewing one of Hasseman Marketing’s biggest events of the year: The Customer Appreciation Show (aka Branding Basecamp). Whether you’ve attended before or this is your first year, they shared helpful tips on how to come prepared and get the most out of it.
Some quick reminders:
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Bring your curiosity: You’ll see LOTS of great branded products.
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Take notes and take photos: It’s a great place to gather ideas for the next quarter (or year).
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Come ready to connect: Whether it’s chatting with suppliers, the Hasseman team, or other attendees, this is a fantastic networking opportunity.
Product of the Week: Proline 12′ Tape Measure
Every week features a standout product—and this episode did not disappoint. The Proline 12′ Tape Measure from HPG is a practical and reliable branded item that gets used again and again. It’s the kind of merch that brings real utility to your clients…while keeping your brand top of mind.
Check it out here: Proline 12′ Tape Measure. Learn more about our featured products and even order for your organization!
Shout-Out of the Week: Good Boy Bakery
Finally, this week’s shout-out goes to Good Boy Bakery, a beloved local business that just received a grant and announced a big expansion. Based in Coshocton, they’ve been a favorite in the community—and now they’re growing!
Read more about their exciting news here: Good Boy Bakery Announces Expansion
We’re thrilled to see small businesses succeed, and this is a shining example of turning passion into impact. Great stuff!
Final Thoughts
Season 1 has been a fun, insightful ride—and if this final episode is any indication, Better Merch…Better Marketing is only getting better.
We’ve talked about everything from branded merch strategy and personal branding to content marketing and creative processes. And through it all, the heart of the podcast has remained the same: helping you build a better brand with better tools.
We’ll be taking a short break to gear up for Season 2. Until then, be sure to catch up on any episodes you’ve missed and subscribe so you’re ready when we launch the next chapter.
Thanks for tuning in, sharing, and supporting Better Merch…Better Marketing. Here’s to what’s next!
As always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
