It is time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this week Kirby and Jade cover a wide mix of topics ranging from favorite Christmas movies to real-world sales visits, international policy debates, and a standout apparel item you should know about. As always, the conversation delivers practical insights, a little humor, and a look behind the scenes at what is happening in the world of branded merchandise and marketing.
Favorite Christmas Movies and Some Friendly Debate
The episode opened on a lighter note as Jade and Kirby shared their favorite Christmas movies, and the discussion quickly turned into a playful debate. Kirby listed three films that top his personal holiday rotation: Scrooged, Red One, and Die Hard. Each one brings a different flavor of storytelling that reflects his sense of humor and nostalgia.
Jade, however, made the case that the Grinch is the greatest Christmas movie of all time. She defended the story, the character arc, and the emotional impact, arguing that no other holiday film captures the spirit of redemption and joy quite the same way.
The conversation made it clear that Christmas movies are personal, and every viewer has strong feelings about what deserves the top spot. But we want to hear from you! Jade and Kirby invited the audience to weigh in, and it will be fun to see where this debate lands with listeners.
Kirby Visits Bluffton and the Team Takes Action
The episode then shifted into a recap of Kirby’s recent visit to the region. A lot of progress was made on multiple fronts in a short amount of time. First, Hasseman Marketing officially joined the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, an important step for strengthening relationships in the area and supporting the growth of the newest team member, Adam.
Next, Kirby spent time training Adam, helping him improve his presentation skills, build his sales pipeline, and understand the Hasseman Marketing approach to serving clients. After that, Kirby traveled down to visit Jade and spent time joining her on sales calls. These in-person interactions help deepen client relationships and set the team up for future success.
This portion of the episode highlighted the importance of showing up in person, supporting your team directly, and becoming involved in the local business community. Whether you are onboarding a new salesperson or expanding into a new market, the fundamentals remain the same. Commit to the process. Build relationships. Reinforce your mission.
The Australia Social Media Ban Debate
One of the more serious topics this week was the recent news about Australia considering a ban on social media for children under a certain age. Kirby expressed mixed feelings about the idea. On one hand, he understands the desire to protect young users from harmful content, addictive patterns, and the pressures of digital culture. On the other hand, he wondered how much regulation is appropriate and whether such decisions should come from governments, parents, or a combination of both.
Jade took a more definitive stance. She believes the ban could be a positive step. In her view, children should not be exposed to social media until they are developmentally ready, and giving them more time before entering that online world could be beneficial. She noted the challenges young people face with comparison, anxiety, and constant digital input, and believes a delay could help set healthier habits in the long run.
The conversation opened the door for listeners to share their views. It is a topic with real implications for parenting, technology, and culture. Both hosts agreed that the audience will likely have diverse opinions, and they are interested in hearing them.
Product of the Week: BELLA+CANVAS Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie
This week’s featured product is the BELLA+CANVAS Unisex 10-Ounce Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie. You can find it here:
https://www.sanmar.com/p/64674_Dust
This piece is a standout. It is thick, durable, and designed with a quality that makes it ideal for branded apparel programs, retail environments, employee gifts, or winter promotions. Heavyweight hoodies are trending because they offer a premium feel and long-lasting construction. When someone receives apparel that feels substantial and well-crafted, they wear it more often and your brand gets seen more often.
The hoodie’s unisex fit, modern look, and strong construction make it a smart addition to any merch strategy. If your organization is looking for a winter item that people will appreciate, this is one to consider.
Shout Out: Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
The shout-out this week goes to the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. They hosted the ribbon-cutting for Hasseman Marketing and were incredibly welcoming throughout the entire process. Beyond that, they have welcomed 150 new members this year, which speaks to their growth, leadership, and strong presence in the region.
Their support of local businesses and willingness to help newcomers integrate into the community is impressive. Chambers play a vital role in connection-building, resource-sharing, and fostering a business-friendly environment. This one is clearly making a big impact.
Final Thoughts
This episode blended personality, practical advice, and thoughtful discussion. From the fun debate over Christmas movies to the real work of training, visiting markets, and joining a thriving chamber, Jade and Kirby provided insight that applies to both marketing and leadership.
They also tackled a meaningful international issue and highlighted a top-tier apparel product that can elevate any brand’s merch program. And, as always, they closed by recognizing positive work being done in the community.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
