It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday—our favorite excuse to sip, laugh, and test out a great piece of branded drinkware (all in the name of marketing research, of course).
This week, Jade Crider (your Branding Bestie), Briar Swigert from Simple Signs & Print, and Kirby Hasseman gather around the table again to take on a fall-inspired drink and a new branded favorite.
Let’s dive into this week’s mix of cozy flavors, sustainable design, and honest opinions.
The Drink: Apple Spice Donut Wine
The mystery pour this week came straight from St. Julian Winery — their Apple Spice Donut Wine, part of a limited-edition fall series that promises “sweet, spiced, and seasonal” in every sip.
The team’s reactions? Let’s just say it was…mixed.
Jade kicked things off with a hesitant but fair review: “Not bad.” You could tell she appreciated the seasonal flavor, but it wasn’t going to be her go-to.
Briar gave it a weak thumbs up — which, if you’ve watched a few episodes, you know means it cleared the bar but didn’t earn a spot in his personal fridge.
Kirby brought it home with perhaps the most accurate description of all: “It tastes… thick.”
In other words, this one’s perfect for fans of sweeter, dessert-style wines that bring a little nostalgia with every sip. Think cider meets donut shop — but with a bit more kick.
The Drinkware: Ball 16 oz. Recycled Aluminum Cup
Now, while the drink sparked some debate, the Ball 16 oz. Recycled Aluminum Cup was a slam dunk.
Everyone on the crew was impressed by this simple yet powerful piece of branded merch. It’s lightweight, durable, and 100% recyclable — a refreshing change from the typical disposable options.
Here’s what made it stand out:
It feels premium. Despite being a cost-effective option, the cup has a sleek, modern vibe that feels great in hand.
It’s sustainable. Made from recycled aluminum, it’s a win for eco-conscious brands and events.
It’s practical. Perfect for concerts, company events, outdoor parties, or even as a giveaway that people actually use.
Jade, Briar, and Kirby all agreed — this one’s a keeper. And with a low minimum order quantity, it’s perfect for companies who want to make an impact without breaking the budget.
If you want to check it out for your next branded event, you can find it (and tons of other great drinkware ideas) in our Thirsty Thursday Shop.
The Verdict
When the final sips were tallied, the Apple Spice Donut Wine might not have taken the crown, but the Ball 16 oz. Recycled Aluminum Cup definitely earned a permanent spot in our merch rotation.
It’s affordable, customizable, and eco-friendly — everything you’d want in branded drinkware.
As Kirby summed it up, “The drink was thick… but the cup was slick.” (Okay, he didn’t say that exactly—but we’re claiming it anyway.)
Why Thirsty Thursday Works
Beyond the laughs and honest reviews, Thirsty Thursday is our reminder that branded merch doesn’t have to be boring. The right piece can be functional, fun, and memorable — just like this show.
Each week, we get to test, touch, and toast to great drinkware options that keep your brand top of mind all year long. Because when your logo ends up in someone’s kitchen cabinet (instead of a junk drawer), that’s a win worth celebrating.
So grab your own favorite cup, pour something seasonal, and catch the full episode of Thirsty Thursday — The Return of Jade “Cider” and the Case of the Apple Spice Donut Wine.
Cheers to great drinks, better merch, and the relentless pursuit of marketing joy.
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!
This week’s Thirsty Thursday was full of laughs, light-hearted banter, and maybe just a little bit of bullying—courtesy of Jade!
In this episode, Kirby, Jade, and Briar tested out the Chili Lime Mexican Lager from Parsons North Brewing Company—and it definitely brought some heat. The crew had mixed reactions, but one thing they all agreed on? The drinkware was a winner.
They sipped (and debated) from the 32 oz Hydrapeak Insulated Tumbler, a sleek and sturdy piece that keeps your beverage cold no matter how spicy the conversation gets. You can check it out or order your own here:
In the latest episode of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast, Jade and Kirby dive into a fun and insightful conversation centered around creativity, nostalgia, strategy—and, of course, better merch. Titled “McDonald’s Monopoly Marketing,” this episode is packed with takeaways for marketers, business leaders, and anyone looking to make the most of Q4.
Let’s break down the highlights of the show.
McDonald’s Monopoly Is Back—and It’s Brilliant Marketing
McDonald’s has brought back its iconic Monopoly game, and both Jade and Kirby are here for it. Why? Because it hits on two powerful marketing strategies at once: Nostalgia Marketing and Owned Media.
Nostalgia marketing is a term they’re hoping to coin, and for good reason. When you tap into a customer’s fond memories—especially from childhood or earlier in life—you tap into emotion. That emotion builds connection, trust, and attention. The Monopoly game has been a core memory for many McDonald’s fans, and bringing it back in the digital age just works.
But here’s where it gets really smart: this time, the game is tied to the McDonald’s app.
Instead of just peeling game pieces off fry boxes, customers now need to interact with the McDonald’s app, turning the campaign into a powerful owned media play. McDonald’s isn’t just driving visits—they’re building long-term customer relationships by getting people into their ecosystem. That means more push notifications, more loyalty, and more data.
Jade and Kirby both agree: this campaign is chef’s kiss marketing. It’s not just a throwback—it’s a strategic move that any business can learn from.
Takeaway: How can your business create moments of nostalgia for your customers—and tie those moments to platforms you own (like your email list or app)?
Q4 Goals: The Power of Starting Fresh (Every Quarter)
Next up, Kirby and Jade talk about the fresh energy that comes with the start of a new quarter. At Hasseman Marketing, goal setting isn’t just a once-a-year thing—it’s baked into the rhythm of the business. And Q4 is no different.
Kirby shares how they break down annual goals into quarterly checkpoints. It’s a method that keeps things practical, focused, and achievable. When you only focus on big, long-term goals, it’s easy to lose momentum. But quarterly goals keep the team aligned and energized.
Jade adds that she loves the “reset” vibe that comes with a new quarter. It gives her the chance to revisit what’s working (and what’s not), and bring fresh creativity to her projects.
Takeaway: If you’re not setting quarterly goals, you’re missing out on one of the simplest and most effective tools for keeping your marketing (and your mindset) on track.
LinkedIn on the Rise
Let’s talk about LinkedIn.
Jade noticed something—and she’s not alone. LinkedIn is growing. Not just in user count, but in content engagement and business relevance. While other platforms are battling algorithms and ad fatigue, LinkedIn is quietly becoming a go-to space for professional content, real conversations, and brand-building.
Kirby has been a longtime fan of LinkedIn and talked about how he uses it to connect with business leaders, share consistent content, and build credibility. The platform is less about viral dance trends and more about value-driven posts—and that’s exactly what makes it effective.
Whether you’re in sales, recruiting, leadership, or marketing, LinkedIn is worth a second look.
Takeaway: Now is a great time to double down on LinkedIn. Start by sharing what you know, celebrating your wins, and being authentically helpful.
Product of the Week: Gold Bond HydraPeak 32 oz Water Bottle
This week’s featured product comes from the team’s friends at Gold Bond—and it’s a winner.
The HydraPeak 32 oz Insulated Water Bottle with straw lid is a perfect blend of quality, function, and value. Whether you’re hydrating during your workday or keeping your brand in front of your customers, this bottle does the job.
High perceived value
Customizable with your brand
Built for everyday use
This is the kind of merch that doesn’t get tossed—it gets used.
Takeaway: Don’t just give stuff—give merch that earns a permanent spot in your customer’s daily life.
Shout Out: Groundbreaking at the AEP Site in Conesville
Finally, Kirby and Jade wrap up the episode with a BIG shout-out to the recent groundbreaking at the old AEP site in Conesville, Ohio.
This massive site has been under redevelopment since 2020, and now the first business is moving in—a major step forward for the community.
Huge kudos go out to the Port Authority, County Commissioners, City Officials, and the many organizations who have collaborated to make this happen. It’s proof that when people work together with vision and purpose, big things happen.
Takeaway: Community progress is something to celebrate—and it’s made possible by people who believe in building a better future.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a perfect snapshot of what Better Merch…Better Marketing is all about:
Learning from smart brands (like McDonald’s)
Staying intentional with your goals
Using the right platforms
Choosing the right merch
And celebrating progress—big or small
If you haven’t tuned in yet, this is a great episode to jump into.
Catch the full episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing wherever you listen to podcasts—and be sure to share it with a fellow marketer or business owner who needs a little spark.
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!
Season 2 of Better Merch…Better Marketing is rolling along, and this week Kirby and Jade are back LIVE in the Hasseman Marketing office for a lively conversation about tech, retail, events, and of course, branded merch. From futuristic glasses to giant grocery bags, they covered a wide range of topics you won’t want to miss.
Meta AI Glasses: Cool Tool or Creepy Gadget?
The episode kicked off with a look at the Meta AI glasses—a product that has sparked plenty of buzz and more than a few questions.
Jade pointed out some creative ways these could be used at a trade show or live event, like identifying brands in real time or helping attendees navigate a show floor. Imagine walking into a booth and instantly pulling up a brand’s story or product catalog, all without pulling out your phone.
Kirby, meanwhile, focused on the content creation angle. For marketers, the ability to record, stream, and create hands-free opens up some incredible opportunities. But he also acknowledged the elephant in the room: privacy concerns. How will people feel about wearing or being recorded by glasses that are always on?
Both agreed it’s a fascinating piece of tech—but they want to hear from you. Would you wear Meta AI glasses? Would you use them in your business?
Aldi’s Giant Bag Campaign
From futuristic tech to the grocery aisle, Jade and Kirby then tackled the latest campaign from Aldi. The discount chain made waves with their oversized shopping bags designed to perfectly fit their carts. To add to the buzz, they gave away 1,000 of them.
The verdict? Jade and Kirby loved the concept. The bag fits seamlessly into Aldi’s shopper experience, it’s fun, and it’s a walking billboard for the brand. But the limitation—only 1,000 bags—left them scratching their heads. Why not make this a bigger program that more shoppers could access?
The lesson: if you create branded merch that perfectly fits your brand and resonates with your audience, don’t stop at just a taste. Scale it up and let the campaign run.
Lessons from the Customer Show
With Hasseman Marketing’s Branding Basecamp Customer Show just wrapped up, Kirby and Jade shared their takeaways.
The T-shirt station was a hit. Giving attendees a chance to print and customize their own shirt was not only fun but also created an interactive brand experience.
You can never over-communicate. From emails to reminders, making sure people know what’s happening and where to go is critical for success.
People remember the highlights. The conversations, the experiences, and the special touches are what stick—not the little things you might stress about behind the scenes.
It was a great event, and Jade and Kirby were thrilled with the feedback and energy.
Product of the Week: The 10 x 10 Tent
This week’s Product of the Week is something many attendees saw firsthand at the show: the 10 x 10 Deluxe Steel Frame Tent.Check it out here.
Tents like these are perfect for:
Outdoor events and festivals
Trade shows and community gatherings
Company picnics or recruiting fairs
Not only do they provide function and shelter, but they also create a big, bold canvas for your brand. Learn more and get yours here.
Shout-Out: Baltic State Bank
Finally, Jade and Kirby gave a shout-out to Baltic State Bank, which is opening a new branch in West Lafayette. It’s always encouraging to see investment and growth in the local community, and this expansion is a win for the area.
Wrapping Up
This episode had a little bit of everything: tech trends, retail campaigns, event lessons, and a standout product for outdoor marketing. If there’s a thread tying it all together, it’s this: when you combine creativity with strategy, branded merch and marketing campaigns can create real impact.
From AI glasses to giant shopping bags, the landscape of marketing continues to evolve—and Better Merch…Better Marketing is here to help you make sense of it all.
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!
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday! This week was a special one because Jade is officially back in the office (for the Customer show), which meant the full crew—Jade, Briar, and Kirby—was together again. And in true Thirsty Thursday fashion, we celebrated by trying a mystery drink from a fresh piece of branded drinkware.
So what did we sip on this time? Let’s dive in.
The Drink: Downeast Pumpkin Blend
Since fall is in the air, it only made sense to try something seasonal. We cracked open the Downeast Pumpkin Blend cider, a drink that promised to bring cozy autumn vibes in every sip.
The reviews were solid across the board. Jade, who has been lovingly nicknamed “Jade Cider” for her fondness of this category, gave it a big thumbs up. She thought the pumpkin spice notes were flavorful and a perfect match for the season. Briar and Kirby were also on board, calling it “solid” and “good for the season.” While it may not be the kind of cider you’d drink every single day, it definitely has a place as a fall staple—something you’d want to enjoy by a campfire, after a hayride, or at a fall tailgate.
Bottom line? If you’re looking for a seasonal sip that pairs pumpkin spice with crisp cider, Downeast delivers.
The Drinkware: Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap
Now let’s talk about the star of the show—the Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap from Bel Promo. This 34 oz. bottle was an absolute hit with the team. Everyone agreed: it’s a great size, great value, and perfect for both everyday hydration and promotional use.
One of the standout features of this piece is its subtle, tone-on-tone imprint. Sometimes, less really is more. The design came out sleek and understated, which makes the bottle not only functional but also stylish. In fact, this was one of the giveaway items at our recent customer show, and it received rave reviews.
Another big win? The low minimum order quantity. With just 12 pieces as the starting point, this makes it a great option for smaller teams, special events, or exclusive giveaways. You don’t have to commit to hundreds just to get high-quality branded drinkware into the hands of your audience. Learn more and order yours here.
Why This Works
One of the things we love most about Thirsty Thursday is showing how branded merch can be more than “stuff.” When it’s done right, it’s useful, high-quality, and creates an experience. The Vulcan Water Bottle is exactly that kind of piece—it’s the kind of promo item people actually want to use. Pair that with a fun, seasonal drink like Downeast Pumpkin Blend, and you’ve got a winning combo that fits the vibe of the season.
Final Thoughts
This week’s Thirsty Thursday was a reminder of why we love doing this series. It’s about trying new things, testing out great merch, and having a little fun along the way. The Downeast Pumpkin Blend brought the fall flavors, and the Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap proved to be an MVP in the branded merch game.
So what’s the verdict? Solid reviews on the cider (especially from Jade “Cider”) and unanimous love for the drinkware. That’s a Thirsty Thursday win in our book.
If you want to check out this piece for your team, event, or next campaign, you can find it here: Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap. And don’t forget—if you want to see other great drinkware ideas we’ve tested on the show, you can shop our Thirsty Thursday collection here: Thirsty Thursday Shop.
Until next time, cheers from all of us at Thirsty Thursday!
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!
It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about Q4, but here we are—and this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing is packed with timely insights. From industry events to seasonal trends, Kirby and Jade share lessons, stories, and strategies to help you finish the year strong.
Lessons from Skucamp
Kirby just returned from Skucamp, one of the premier events in the promotional products industry. Beyond the swag and sessions, what stood out were the lessons that apply far beyond just this industry. Here are a few of his takeaways:
Be willing to invest in yourself. Whether it’s time, money, or both, the best growth opportunities come when you’re intentional about stepping outside your routine.
There isn’t one path to success. At Skucamp, leaders of all types shared their journeys, and no two looked alike. That’s good news—it means you can chart your own course.
Get in rooms that elevate you. When you surround yourself with people who push you to level up—and genuinely want you to succeed—you grow faster.
Keep an open mind. Growth requires curiosity. The minute you stop thinking you have something to learn, you plateau.
Events like Skucamp aren’t just about business cards and presentations. They’re about finding energy and perspective that you can’t always get from behind your desk.
Q4 Trends in Branded Merch
From there, Jade and Kirby dove into the trends they’re seeing as we head into the busiest season of the year for branded merchandise. A few key themes stood out:
Great Kitting and 1-Piece Minimums. The industry is embracing personalization at scale. Whether it’s curated kits for employees or one-off gifts, it’s never been easier to create high-impact experiences.
Improved Packaging. First impressions matter, and packaging has leveled up. Thoughtful, branded packaging elevates even simple products into memorable gifts.
Give-Back Components. More organizations are choosing products with a purpose—items that contribute to causes or sustainability efforts. This not only resonates with recipients but also aligns with company values.
These trends point to a shift: branded merch isn’t about “stuff” anymore. It’s about meaningful experiences.
Jade’s Return to Ohio
In exciting news, Jade is heading back to Ohio to help with the upcoming Customer Show. Kirby and Jade discussed why this event matters and the kind of products that are absolute “must-haves” for making an impression. (Pro tip: you’ll have to watch or listen to hear their picks!)
Their point? While Jade (and a few of the team) work remotely, it can be powerful to get them to come into the office to work together on projects and reconnect.
The book explores how marketing and HR intersect when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. With practical frameworks and real-world lessons, it’s designed to help leaders approach hiring and culture with the same intentionality as their marketing.
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing covered a lot of ground—from Skucamp lessons and Q4 merch trends to personal updates and new releases. But if there’s a theme tying it all together, it’s this: be intentional.
Be intentional about where you spend your time (and who you spend it with).
Be intentional about the products you choose and the experiences you create.
Be intentional about investing in yourself and your team.
With that mindset, you won’t just get through Q4—you’ll thrive.
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!
