It’s that time of year—sunshine, vacations, and, for some, a slight dip in motivation. On this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider get honest about summer plans, productivity slumps, and the things currently grinding their gears in business.
But don’t worry, it’s not all venting. This episode is packed with laughs, practical tips, and a very cool (and useful) product of the week. Whether you’re counting down to vacation or trying to stay focused during the warmer months, this conversation has something for you.
Watch the full episode here:
Summer Plans: Time Off and Beach Dogs
We kicked off this episode by sharing what we’re looking forward to this summer.
Kirby admitted he’s planning to take most of July off—and while that sounds relaxing, it’s stressing him out a bit. Like many business owners, the idea of stepping away completely brings both excitement and anxiety. Will things fall apart? Will he actually unplug? Stay tuned!
Jade, on the other hand, is counting down the days until she can take her dog Maverick to the beach. Sometimes a little sand, sun, and a wagging tail are all the motivation you need to recharge.
The takeaway? Whether you’re planning a full month off or a weekend escape, making time for yourself is a crucial part of long-term success.
Business Pet Peeves: It’s Not Just You
Next up, we aired a couple of business pet peeves that have been popping up lately—and chances are, you’ve felt these too.
Kirby’s gripe? People not keeping their promises.
In a world full of noise, trust and follow-through matter more than ever. When someone says they’ll deliver, call back, or send a proposal and then vanishes—it erodes confidence. If you want to stand out in business today, just doing what you say you’ll do puts you ahead.
Jade’s pet peeve? The dreaded customer service hand-off.
You’ve been there—calling with a problem only to be bounced from one rep to another, none of whom can help. It’s not just frustrating; it’s a missed opportunity for brands to make a customer feel valued.
Both issues boil down to ownership. Whether it’s fulfilling a promise or solving a problem, great brands and people take responsibility—and that builds loyalty.
Summer Motivation: Keep It Moving (Even When It’s Hot)
How do you stay motivated when the sun is shining and distractions are everywhere?
Kirby’s strategy is simple but effective: work early. By getting up and moving in the morning—before emails pile up or the day gets away from you—he’s able to stay productive while still enjoying summer.
Jade is challenging herself to post on social media every single day in June. For her, it’s about building momentum and staying consistent. A daily post might not seem like much, but over time it creates engagement, awareness, and discipline.
Summer doesn’t have to mean slowing down—it can be a great time to double down on habits that fuel your long-term goals.
Product of the Week: The Trakard by Rupt
If you’re always misplacing things or want to give your brand a modern twist, this week’s product is for you.
The Trakard by Rupt is a smart Bluetooth tracker the size of a credit card. You can slide it into a wallet, bag, backpack, or even a moving box—which is exactly what Jade is doing as she preps for her next move.
Why we love it:
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It’s sleek, modern, and actually useful
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It connects to an app for easy location tracking
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It’s a great branded item for tech-savvy audiences or people on the go
Branded merch doesn’t have to be boring—and this is a perfect example of a high-perceived-value item that your audience will thank you for. Shop now for details here.
Shout Out of the Week: Joel Jumper and Hartville Hardware
This week’s shout-out is both a farewell and a welcome.
Joel Jumper, the longtime owner of Coshocton Lumber, has sold the business and is heading into retirement. We want to thank Joel for his years of hard work and dedication to serving the Coshocton community.
At the same time, we’re thrilled to welcome Hartville Hardware as the new owner. Known for their incredible store experience and customer-first mindset, Hartville Hardware has an opportunity to expand their legacy into Coshocton—and we’re excited to see what they bring to the table.
Here’s to a smooth transition and continued service to our local builders, homeowners, and DIYers.
Final Thoughts
From beach dogs and business frustrations to smart tech and summer goals, this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing is all about balance.
Summer is a great time to slow down and refresh—but it’s also a chance to reconnect with your purpose, double down on habits, and invest in the tools (and people) that make your brand stronger.
So here’s to motivation, real talk, and merch that matters.
And 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.
