In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby tackle the intersection of branding, consumer behavior, and employee engagement—with a healthy dose of fun and a few sharp marketing lessons along the way.
This episode covers:
The rise of plastic bag bans—and the merch opportunity hiding in plain sight
Two very different coffee campaigns—and what they teach us about promises and promotion
A new Gallup study on remote workers, stress, and engagement
Plastic bags are now banned in 12 states (and counting), along with many major cities. While some see this as an inconvenience, Jade—who lives in Colorado where the ban has been in place—says it’s really not that big of a deal.
In fact, both Jade and Kirby see this as a branding opportunity. If your business provides your audience with a high-quality, reusable tote, you’re not just solving a problem—you’re delivering a useful piece of branded merch that gets seen over and over again.
As Kirby put it, this is a great example of “creating marketing that people say ‘thank you’ for.” Functional, relevant, and repeat-use merch is how brands stay top of mind without shouting for attention.
A Tale of Two Coffee Campaigns
This week also brought two contrasting stories in the world of coffee marketing:
7 Brew Coffee launched a clever Mother’s Day campaign: Buy two coffees, get a coffee coolie. It worked—customers felt appreciated, and the gift made sense for the moment. The key? Knowing your audience.
In contrast, Dunkin’ promoted a Nurses Week campaign… but not all locations participated, leading to disappointment, confusion, and frustration. Jade and Kirby agreed that it’s better not to promise anything than to offer a campaign that falls apart in execution.
Marketing lesson of the week: Don’t overpromise and underdeliver. Whether you’re selling coffee or branded merch, clarity and consistency win trust.
Gallup Study: Remote Workers Are Engaged—But Also Stressed
A recent Gallup study found that people working from home report higher levels of engagement with their work, but also increased levels of anger, sadness, and loneliness. It’s a revealing—and important—data point.
Jade and Kirby discussed the balance between productivity and emotional wellness in remote settings. It’s not just about output; it’s about how people feel. Some solutions?
Create space for intentional connection (virtual or in person)
Encourage breaks and boundaries
Look for signs of burnout—not just performance metrics
This segment was a good reminder: Engaged doesn’t always mean okay. Leaders and teams need to pay attention to both.
Product of the Week: Pucker Up—It’s Lip Balm Time
This week’s Product of the Week is a pint-sized powerhouse—the Pout Pucker Mini Lip Moisturizer from HPG.
Affordable and addictive—people keep coming back for more
High use frequency—your logo is seen multiple times a day
New scents and flavors let your brand find its personality
Great for events, giveaways, wellness kits, and retail add-ons
This is a perfect example of small merch with a big impact. Your customer will literally carry your brand in their pocket.
Shoutout of the Week: The Coshocton Collaborative Is Now Open!
We’ve shouted out the Coshocton Collaborative before—but this time, it’s for something big: the ribbon has officially been cut, and the Collaborative is open for business.
Located in the heart of Coshocton, this new space is part coworking center, part innovation hub, and part small business incubator. It’s designed to serve entrepreneurs, startups, remote workers, and anyone looking for a collaborative community to build and grow.
Kirby and Jade shared their excitement for the investment in Coshocton County and the potential ripple effect this space could have across the region. From local economic development to entrepreneurial energy, this is a project worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was a mix of practical insights and inspiring stories, reminding us that great marketing isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about consistency, thoughtfulness, and relevance.
Here’s your quick recap:
Plastic bag bans = opportunity for functional branded merch
Great campaigns work because they deliver what they promise
Remote workers may be thriving—but also need support
Lip balm is small, affordable, and high-impact
Coshocton Collaborative is now open—and the future is bright
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing—and if your team needs help finding the right merch to stay visible and valuable, we’d love to help. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
Jade and Kirby are back with another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this one is all about intentional practices—whether it’s sustainability, team wellness, or simply clearing out the clutter. As always, they mix actionable ideas with real talk and a dash of merch magic.
In this episode, they cover:
Eco-friendly practices for your business that go beyond product selection
Mental health initiatives you can implement with your team
🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmcRTUigr58
1. Eco-Friendly Practices That Don’t Break the Bank
It’s easy to assume “eco-friendly” means expensive. But Jade and Kirby challenge that assumption by focusing on practical sustainability ideas that every business can implement—without blowing the budget.
Their tips include:
Encouraging team members to bring their own drinkware to the office to reduce single-use waste. A simple idea, but one that builds better habits.
Taking a closer look at your breakroom. Are there reusable containers available? Are you offering sustainable utensils or dishes instead of disposables?
Investing in quality over quantity when it comes to branded merch. If it’s cheap and gets tossed after one use, it’s not sustainable—or cost-effective. Well-made, functional merch will be used (and seen) again and again.
The takeaway: Eco-friendly isn’t just about products. It’s about choices and habits that add up over time.
2. Supporting Your Team’s Mental Health
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Jade and Kirby discuss ways to support your team’s well-being—no therapist or wellness app required.
Here are a few ideas they shared:
Do a service project together. Giving back can lift moods and build camaraderie.
Meet outside when you can. A walk-and-talk or lunch under the sun is good for focus and connection.
Check in intentionally. Sometimes a simple “How are you, really?” can go a long way.
The conversation underscores that promoting mental health doesn’t always require a big initiative—just a little thought and consistency.
3. Spring Clean Your Merch Closet
We all have that merch closet (or cabinet… or warehouse corner) full of outdated, mismatched, or forgotten branded items. Jade and Kirby say now’s the perfect time to do some Spring Cleaning.
Why?
Outdated merch sends the wrong message. If your old logo or messaging is still floating around, it may be time to move on.
Stale inventory takes up space. Make room for the new ideas and items that better reflect your brand’s current goals.
Unused items can still serve a purpose. Consider donating them, repurposing for internal use, or offering them in a giveaway.
If your team hasn’t audited your merch stash lately, consider this your sign.
4. Product of the Week: Chillamanjaro Cooler Bag
This week’s Product of the Week is a showstopper: the Chillamanjaro 12-Can Plateau Cooler Bag from HPG.
Stylish and rugged design that looks great while holding up to regular use
Holds up to 12 cans, making it perfect for outdoor events, picnics, or tailgates
Plenty of space for branding, with a retail-inspired look and feel
Padded strap and top handles for easy transport and all-day convenience
This cooler bag is more than just practical—it’s the kind of item people want to use. That means more visibility for your brand, and more value from every impression. Order yours here.
5. Shoutout: COTC’s Coshocton Promise – Free College for Coshocton Residents
This week’s shoutout goes to Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and their Coshocton Promise—a groundbreaking initiative that offers free college tuition to Coshocton County residents.
Programs like this are powerful because they don’t just support individuals—they uplift entire communities. We’re proud to spotlight organizations like COTC that are investing in the future through access to education.
Final Thoughts
From smart sustainability ideas to community shoutouts, this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas.
Here’s your quick recap:
Eco-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive—start with your habits
Mental health support is often about connection and consistency
Now’s the time to clean out your merch closet and make room for what’s next
The Chillamanjaro Cooler Bag is a stylish, functional win for events and giveaways
And we celebrate COTC for making college accessible to more students in Coshocton County
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and if you need help refreshing your merch strategy or sourcing new eco-conscious pieces—we’re here to help. 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.
Sometimes the best Thirsty Thursday episodes are the ones that have the worst kind of beer and go a little sideways—and this week’s edition is no exception. From mystery drinks to role reversals (and yes, a pink hoodie), this one had laughs, strong opinions, and a great piece of branded drinkware that we actually wanted to keep.
This time, Jade, Kirby, and Briar took their usual seats—except they didn’t. Jade and Briar switched spots, and for reasons that will only make sense if you watch the episode, Briar ended up wearing Jade’s bright pink zip-up hoodie. It was silly from the start… and only got sillier.
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: 22 oz Full Color Big Game Stadium Cup from Hit Promo
Let’s start with the star of the show—the drinkware.
This week, we sipped (and struggled) from the 22 oz Full Color Big Game Stadium Cup from our friends at Hit Promo.
It looked like a Guinness, smelled like a Guinness… but that’s where the resemblance ended.
The flavor? Thin, watery, and confusing.
Briar’s now-infamous quote: “It tastes like a spit cup.”
Oof.
Whether you’re a diehard Guinness fan or just curious about NA options, we’ll say this: proceed with caution. If you’re after that classic stout flavor without the alcohol, this may not be the one to get you there.
The Vibe: Pink Hoodies and Punchlines
Beyond the drink and the cup, what made this episode fun was the energy. From the moment Briar zipped up Jade’s hoodie and took her seat, the tone was set. It was loose, unscripted, and full of laughs—the kind of vibe that makes Thirsty Thursday what it is.
One of the best things about this series is that it’s not just about drinkware—it’s about real reactions, real people, and relatable branded merch. Whether the drink is a hit or a flop, we always walk away with a product we’d be proud to recommend.
Want to Get Your Hands on Thirsty Thursday Drinkware?
We’ve tested dozens of drinkware items on the show—and we’ve put together a curated shop featuring some of our favorite pieces, including this week’s stadium cup.
Whether you’re planning a company event, onboarding kit, or just want to elevate your branded merch game, these products are tested, reviewed, and team-approved.
Final Thoughts
This episode had everything:
A fun branded item we truly loved
A mystery drink we’ll try hard to forget (with the worst kind of beer).
And the kind of spontaneous, lighthearted energy that makes branded merch feel personal and fun
Thirsty Thursday isn’t just about taste tests—it’s about helping you discover branded drinkware that people will actually want to use, paired with a little laughter along the way.
Thanks for tuning in! 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.
This week on Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back with another lively conversation that ranges from nostalgic mascots to how to support remote workers—and of course, some fun branded merch to sweeten the deal.
In this episode, they cover:
Their favorite brand mascots (with some fun surprises)
A shoutout to Gentlebrook for their investment in Coshocton County
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Mascot Madness: Who’s Winning Our Hearts
Kirby and Jade kick things off by discussing something we don’t talk about enough in marketing—mascots.
Jade’s pick: The Duolingo Owl, who has gone viral on social media for its sassy, slightly unhinged behavior. Whether it’s dancing on TikTok or sending guilt-laden reminders to complete your lesson, this owl has become an unlikely fan favorite.
Kirby’s favorite: The one and only Energizer Bunny. Still going strong after all these years, this iconic pink battery-powered mascot represents brand consistency and staying power.
They share a few other honorable mentions too—but you’ll have to tune in to hear the full lineup. Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of nostalgia, clever marketing, and pure mascot chaos.
Advice We Don’t Always Agree With
Next up, the duo takes on a classic topic with a twist: bad advice that sounds good.
One that’s especially common? “Follow your passion.”
Sure, it sounds great on paper, but Kirby and Jade both caution against taking this advice too literally. Sometimes, your passion doesn’t make a sustainable business—or doesn’t pay the bills right away. A better strategy? Follow your skills. Develop your passion into something practical.
Jade also confesses her hesitation with the advice to “just trust your gut.” While intuition can be valuable, she explains why she sometimes needs data, reflection, and a second opinion before making big decisions. The conversation turns funny, relatable, and refreshingly honest.
Supporting Work-From-Home Teams the Right Way
As more businesses embrace remote and hybrid work, the conversation naturally shifts to how we support our WFH team members.
Jade’s take: Having a great home office setup is key. Comfortable, functional, and personalized space helps improve both productivity and mindset. She recommends investing in tools that make daily work easier and more enjoyable.
Kirby’s focus: Communication is everything. Without the casual interactions of an office environment, leaders need to be more intentional about how (and how often) they check in. Clear expectations, regular updates, and genuine connection go a long way.
If you’re leading a remote team or part of one, this segment offers some great reminders that go beyond tech tools—and get to the heart of culture and connection.
Product of the Week: Sweeter Cards with Gummy Bears
This week’s featured product brings a literal sweetness to the episode—Sweeter Cards with Gummy Bears from Maple Ridge Farms.
It’s delicious and delightful—who doesn’t love a treat paired with a thoughtful message?
The packaging makes it feel like a gift, not just another promo item
Great for employee appreciation, client gifting, or “just because” outreach
This is branded merch that adds joy and flavor, and it’s something people will actually enjoy (and remember).
Shoutout of the Week: Gentlebrook’s Big Move in Coshocton County
We always love celebrating organizations doing good—and this week’s shoutout goes to Gentlebrook, who is investing in a brand new facility in Coshocton County.
Gentlebrook is known for providing supportive services to individuals with developmental disabilities and seniors, and their investment in the community is both inspiring and impactful.
We’re proud to spotlight organizations like Gentlebrook that are building stronger communities and making a lasting difference.
Final Thoughts
From iconic mascots to the realities of remote work, this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing had laughs, lessons, and gummy bears—what more could you want?
Quick recap:
Mascots matter—when done right, they become brand icons
Not all advice is created equal—question everything (even the stuff that sounds nice)
Supporting your remote team goes beyond Zoom—it’s about intentional culture
And we love seeing organizations like Gentlebrook investing in the future
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing. 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.
On this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back with another round of insights, trends, and real-world lessons from the frontlines of branding and merch.
This week’s conversation includes:
The Trader Joe’s tote bag craze and what it teaches us about branding, scarcity, and audience connection*
Tariff lessons and how to respond (not react) as pricing shifts
Productivity apps that help keep the Hasseman Marketing team running smoothly
Product of the week: a name badge release program from Vault
A shoutout to the upcoming Shark Tub event in Zanesville—a pitch competition for entrepreneurs
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Trader Joe’s Tote Bags: A Masterclass in Brand, Scarcity, and Culture
You’ve probably seen it by now—Trader Joe’s mini tote bags going viral. People are lining up. Resellers are flipping them online. And social media is buzzing with hype.
So what’s the lesson here?
Jade and Kirby break it down like this:
Great brand affinity + well-designed merch = success
Create something that resonates with your audience—not just another logo slap
Add scarcity to the mix, and the hype becomes real
The bigger takeaway: branded merch works when it’s emotional, meaningful, and hard to get. Whether it’s for employees, fans, or customers, the same formula can be applied to your brand—if you’re thoughtful and intentional.
Tariff Talk: What We’ve Learned So Far
Tariffs have been front and center in recent industry conversations. Some suppliers are already adjusting pricing, others are holding firm (for now), and many distributors and clients are wondering what to do next.
Here’s what Kirby and Jade shared as key takeaways:
Don’t panic—but don’t wait. If you know you need product this year, ordering sooner can help lock in current pricing.
Confirm all pricing before reordering. Don’t assume your old quote is still valid—always double-check.
Domestic and alternative sourcing is becoming even more relevant.
Be transparent with your clients and help them plan ahead.
With so much going on, staying organized is key—and this week, Kirby and Jade share their go-to productivity apps that help them keep things moving.
Jade’s Picks:
Notion – For project management, content planning, and internal documentation.
Google Calendar – For scheduling, visibility, and shared team planning.
Kirby’s Picks:
Outlook – For email, calendar, and daily task tracking.
Trello – For visual workflows, project timelines, and marketing tasks.
Whether you’re a list-lover, a visual thinker, or a calendar junkie, the right tools make it easier to focus on what matters—and keep teams aligned along the way.
Product of the Week: Name Badge Release Program
This week’s featured product isn’t just about the item—it’s about the program behind it.
Vault’s name badge release program simplifies how companies onboard and update name badges for new employees, locations, or events.
Why it matters:
Consistency across locations or roles
Reduces the back-and-forth on proofs and reorders
Saves time for internal teams (and your promo partner)
This is one of those “simple but smart” solutions that helps businesses look polished and professional without reinventing the wheel.
Perfect for organizations with frequent new hires or multiple departments.
Shoutout of the Week: Shark Tub in Zanesville
This week’s shoutout goes to the Shark Tub Pitch Competition happening in Zanesville on April 9th. Hosted by the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, Shark Tub is all about supporting and spotlighting local entrepreneurs.
Events like this are vital for the region—they foster innovation, create connections, and help the next generation of business leaders grow. Hats off to the organizers and participants!
Final Thoughts
From tote bags and TikTok trends to name badge programs and productivity hacks, this episode had a little bit of everything. It’s a reminder that great branding is about more than just product—it’s about strategy, intention, and execution.
Here’s your quick recap:
Trader Joe’s tote bag buzz shows the power of brand + scarcity
Tariffs aren’t the end of the world, but they require planning and flexibility
Tools like Notion, Trello, Outlook, and Google Calendar keep things moving behind the scenes
Vault’s name badge release program is a smart system for growing teams
And we love seeing communities support entrepreneurship, like at Shark Tub
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing.
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.
It’s time for another episode of Thirsty Thursday, the show where we sip (or sometimes suffer) through a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware—and this week’s episode was definitely one for the books.
In this installment, Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman gathered around for what started out as a promising tasting experience. We had a slick new drinkware piece from Gold Bond, and we were excited. But then we took a sip… and that’s where things went off the rails.
Let’s just say, the drink did not go down easy.
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: Pour Caddy Stainless Steel Flask Set (Gold Bond)
Before we dive into the chaos that was this week’s mystery drink, let’s give some love to the real winner of the episode—the drinkware.
This week we tested out the Pour Caddy from Gold Bond, and it was a total standout.
Stylish and functional – The stainless steel flask set includes a pour spout and shot glasses that fit perfectly into the cap.
Portable and giftable – Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or gifting it to your favorite client, it’s sleek, compact, and screams quality.
Branding opportunity – It has a high-end feel that elevates any logo, making it perfect for executive gifting or team appreciation kits.
We all gave the Pour Caddy a resounding thumbs-up. It’s one of those branded merch pieces that people will actually keep, use, and remember.
The Drink: Jeppson’s Malört
Now, about that drink…
Jeppson’s Malört is a liqueur with a reputation that precedes it. Distilled in Chicago, Malört is often described as a “rite of passage” drink—something you try once, maybe for the shock value, and then never again.
Tasting notes (according to the internet and our faces):
Bitter.
Herbal.
Lingering.
Memorable… but not in the good way.
If you’ve never had it, imagine grapefruit peel mixed with rubber cement and despair. Okay, maybe we’re being dramatic—but it was rough. The reactions were priceless (you’ll definitely want to watch the video for the full effect), and the general consensus was: never again.
That said, it made for a hilarious episode.
What Makes Thirsty Thursday Work
We always say that Thirsty Thursday is about more than the drink. It’s about:
Testing out fun branded merch
Sharing honest reactions
Highlighting what makes products memorable
And of course, having a good time doing it
This week hit all those notes. We found a fantastic drinkware product that we’ll be recommending a lot going forward, and we had a little too much fun trying one of the worst mystery drinks we’ve ever pulled from the hat.
If you’re in charge of picking branded drinkware for an upcoming campaign, event, or client gift—don’t let this week’s drink scare you away. The Pour Caddy is the kind of item that brings people together and creates a lasting impression.
Final Verdict
Drinkware: Pour Caddy from Gold Bond – 10/10 recommend
Drink: Jeppson’s Malört – never again
Entertainment value: Off the charts
Thirsty Thursday continues to be a place where branding meets fun, and where we can laugh, learn, and sip (or suffer) together.
Have a drinkware item you want us to test—or a drink you think we have to try? Let us know! And if you want to learn more or order, head to our Thirsty Thursday shop here.
