It’s time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into books, promo products, avoiding burnout, and even a little bit of family wisdom. We also give a quick shout out to PPAI for recognizing us on their “Online 18.” We are pumped about it…and you can read all about that here.
This week’s episode is titled “Sexy Books We Love!”—but don’t worry, this isn’t just about steamy romance novels (though there is some of that). Jade and Kirby talk about their favorite books, underrated promotional products, how to recharge when burnout hits, and a special shoutout to some amazing Ohio entrepreneurs.
Now, let’s break down what went down in Episode 8!
Books We Love (Yes, Some of Them Are Spicy) 📚🔥
Books are a big part of both Kirby and Jade’s lives, and this week, they shared some of their favorites.
📖 Jade’s Pick: Acowar (A Court of Wings and Ruin) – Part of a fantasy, romance, and spicy book series, this one is for readers who love adventure, strong characters, and a little heat. If you know, you know. 😉
📖 Kirby’s Pick: The Reacher Series – If you love mystery, action, and thrillers, the Reacher books are a must-read. With the Amazon series bringing Jack Reacher to life, it’s a great time to check out the books if you haven’t already.
Of course, it’s not just about sexy and thrilling books—they also talked about more serious and business-focused reads. Want to hear what else made the list? You’ll have to watch the episode!
Underrated Promo Items That Always Deliver 🎁
Branded merch is what we do best, so Jade and Kirby took some time to shine a light on some underrated promo products that often get overlooked—but deliver BIG value.
✅ Branded Desk Mat – Jade’s pick! A simple but high-end promo item that elevates your workspace while providing constant brand visibility.
✅ Beach Towel – Kirby’s pick! High perceived value and something people keep for years. It’s one of those promo items that doesn’t just get thrown away—it gets used over and over again.
✅ Lip Balm – Another Jade favorite! It’s an inexpensive promo product, but 40% of the population is addicted to it. It’s one of those small items that people always appreciate.
Of course, they mentioned even more underrated items—but you’ll have to tune in to hear the full list.
Avoiding Burnout: Our Go-To Reset Moves 🔄
Burnout happens to the best of us. When life and work get overwhelming, it’s important to have a reset strategy.
💡 Jade’s Burnout Hack: Reset your desk. When things start feeling chaotic, cleaning up and decluttering your workspace helps reset your brain and create a fresh start.
🌳 Kirby’s Burnout Hack: Get outside. Sometimes, the best way to clear your head is to step away from the screen, take a walk, and breathe in fresh air. Even 10-15 minutes outdoors can make a huge difference in productivity and energy levels.
Feeling burned out? Try these tips and see if they help you recharge!
Dad Was Right: The Elopement Prediction 👰♀️💍
This week’s “Dad Was Right” moment is a little more personal.
Jade shared that Kirby knew early on that she and John were going to elope. It was one of those moments where Dad just knew, even before they did. Turns out, he was right.
Sometimes, dads just have a sixth sense about these things!
Shoutout to Jim & Bobbi Lepi! 🎉
This week’s shoutout goes to Jim and Bobbi Lepi, who were recently recognized for their contributions as Ohio Entrepreneurs. Jim was recognized for his work with Dresden & Company. And Bobbi is the leader of Lepi Real Estate (the leading real estate agency in Muskingum and surrounding counties).
They’ve made a huge impact in the community, and their recognition is well deserved. A big congratulations to them for their hard work and leadership!
Final Thoughts: Books, Merch & Avoiding Burnout
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was packed with fun conversations, great insights, and a little bit of wisdom.
📢 Key takeaways: ✅ Books can be fun, exciting, and a great way to escape OR grow. ✅ Underrated promo items can make a huge impact—think outside the usual swag bag! ✅ Avoiding burnout starts with simple resets—whether it’s your desk or a walk outside. ✅ Sometimes, Dad really does know best. 😉 ✅ Jim & Bobbi Lepi deserve a big round of applause for their entrepreneurial contributions.
What’s your favorite underrated promo item? Do you have a go-to move for avoiding burnout? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! 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.
We are incredibly excited to share some big news—Hasseman Marketing has been recognized on the 2025 PPAI Online 18.
This prestigious list highlights the most successful and influential organizations in the Promotional Products industry when it comes to social media, content, and digital marketing. Being included is a huge honor, and we are thrilled to be recognized alongside some of the best in the business.
At Hasseman Marketing, we believe in the power of consistent, engaging, and fun content to connect with our audience and bring value to the industry. Our approach to digital marketing isn’t just about selling promotional products—it’s about educating, entertaining, and building relationships through a variety of platforms.
From weekly educational and inspirational content to interactive social media engagement, our goal has always been to deliver value while having fun along the way.
A Team Effort: Content That Connects
Content creation at Hasseman Marketing is truly a team effort. Everyone has a hand in shaping the messaging, videos, and ideas that resonate with our audience.
Some of our favorite content initiatives include:
Thirsty Thursdays, a lighthearted series where we test branded drinkware with a mystery beverage.
This recognition from PPAI reinforces our belief that authentic, creative, and valuable content can make a difference in the industry.
Kirby Hasseman on the Recognition
“I’m incredibly proud of our whole team for this recognition. Everyone at Hasseman Marketing has a hand in the content we create—from ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ to the funny videos that Jade Crider puts together. It’s a total team effort. To be recognized as a leader in digital marketing in our industry is an incredible honor, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward.” Kirby Hasseman, CEO of Hasseman Marketing
What’s Next?
We are grateful to PPAI for this recognition, but we are just getting started!
We will keep creating content that inspires, educates, and entertains. Our goal is to continue helping brands stand out through creative branded merchandise and marketing strategies. We will keep engaging with our audience, because that is what makes this all possible.
For businesses looking to take their marketing to the next level, we have created a proven framework to help organizations plan and execute an effective marketing strategy. Get your own marketing playbook today at HitTheTargetBook.com. And if your organization needs help developing a social and digital strategy to stand out, please let us know how we can help!
Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby dive into marketing, branding, and the little things that make a big impact.
This week’s discussion touched on valuable advice we needed to hear, ways to elevate an event experience, and how AI is helping us work smarter every day. Plus, Dad was right (again), and we’re giving a big shoutout to the Coshocton Chamber and Coshocton Regional Medical Center for their upcoming Health Expo in Coshocton on March 15th.
Watch the latest episode below!
Now, let’s dive into the biggest takeaways!
Advice We Needed to Hear
We’ve all been given advice that didn’t fully hit us until we needed it most. Sometimes, those words stick with us for years, helping to shape how we think and act.
Here are some of the best pieces of advice that Jade and Kirby shared in this episode:
🐕 “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight… it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Kirby’s takeaway: This one is all about grit, perseverance, and mindset. It doesn’t matter where you start—it matters how much heart and effort you put in.
🏃 “A body in motion tends to stay in motion.”
Jade’s takeaway: Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. But once you do, momentum takes over. This applies to business, fitness, creativity, and pretty much everything else in life.
🔥 “You can’t control what happens. You can control your reaction.”
Kirby’s takeaway: This one was a game-changer for keeping his temper in check. We can’t always control external events, but we can control how we respond to them—and that makes all the difference.
Of course, there were more great insights in the episode, so listen in to hear them all!
How to Elevate an Event Experience
A great event doesn’t just happen—it’s intentionally designed from start to finish. Whether it’s a trade show, conference, or company gathering, the small details can make or break the guest experience.
Here are a few proven ways to take your event to the next level:
🎟️ Take great care of how the guest’s experience begins and ends.
First impressions matter, and last impressions last.
From registration to check-in to how guests leave the event, make every touchpoint seamless and enjoyable.
🔥 Get your team excited about the event (and use merch to do it!).
If your team is excited, attendees will feel that energy too.
Branded merch is a great way to unify your team and build anticipation before the event even starts.
💡 Borrow ideas from other events you loved.
If you’ve attended an event that made an impact, think about what made it special.
Whether it’s interactive experiences, creative giveaways, or thoughtful details, take inspiration and make it your own.
The best events aren’t just organized—they’re memorable. Focus on the guest journey, and you’ll create an experience that people want to come back to.
Using AI to Work Smarter
AI is changing the game in marketing, and we’re finding more ways to use it every day.
Here are a few ways we’re using AI to boost productivity and creativity:
📱 Helping with social media posts – AI can assist with writing captions, generating post ideas, and repurposing content across platforms.
📝 Creating summaries and synopses – Instead of starting from scratch, AI helps us break down key points from past content to create blogs, emails, and new posts.
🤔 Asking AI “What are we missing?” – When working on presentations or proposals, AI can offer insights we may not have considered, helping to fill gaps and strengthen our messaging.
AI isn’t here to replace creativity—it’s here to enhance it. The best results come when you use AI as a tool while still keeping your unique voice and perspective.
Dad Was Right: Life is About Choices
This week’s “Dad Was Right” moment revolves around one of the simplest yet most profound life lessons:
👉 Life is about choices. 👈
Every day, we make choices—some small, some big. But over time, those choices add up and shape the direction of our lives.
✅ Want to improve your health? Start making small, daily decisions that lead toward better habits. ✅ Want to grow your business? Choose to be consistent, intentional, and proactive. ✅ Want to be happier? Choose to focus on gratitude and progress over perfection.
When you realize that your choices determine your path, you start making better decisions. Simple as that.
Shoutout to the Coshocton Chamber & Coshocton Regional Medical Center
This week’s shoutout goes to The Coshocton Chamber and Coshocton Regional Medical Center for organizing the upcoming Health Expo in Coshocton!
📅 Date: March 15, 2024 📍 Location: Community Room ⏰ Time: 8 AM – Noon
Health expos are a great way to connect with the community, promote wellness, and provide valuable resources. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out and show your support!
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Choices
This week’s episode covered a little bit of everything—personal growth, event marketing, AI, and even some solid life advice.
📢 Key takeaways: ✅ Great advice isn’t always easy to hear—but it’s often exactly what we need. ✅ Event success is all about the details—plan the guest journey intentionally. ✅ AI is a tool, not a replacement—use it to work smarter. ✅ Life is about choices—the small ones matter just as much as the big ones. ✅ Big things are happening in Coshocton! Be sure to check out the Health Expo.
Now we want to hear from you! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? What AI tools are you using? How do you make events unforgettable? Let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! 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.
Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where we dive into branding, business, and the world of promotional products—all while keeping it fun. This week, Jade and Kirby tackled some hot topics, including:
🎙️ Podcasts that inspire us 👟 Nike’s partnership with Skims 🆚 Trendy vs. timeless branded merch 📢 Why fancy office gear actually matters 🚀 A shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative
Watch the latest episode here now!
Now, let’s break down the highlights.
Podcasts We Love & Why You Should Be Listening 🎧
Podcasts have become one of the best ways to grow personally and professionally. They can motivate, educate, and inspire—whether you’re on your morning run, driving to work, or just need a little lift.
Jade’s Podcast Picks: 📢 Mel Robbins – Known for her high-energy motivation and practical advice on mindset and success. 📢 Ed Mylett – A mix of business, leadership, and personal development, featuring some of the top names in entrepreneurship.
Kirby’s Podcast Picks: 🎯 Alex Hormozi – The Game – Straight-up, no-nonsense business advice from a multi-millionaire entrepreneur. 🎯 Jon Acuff – All It Takes Is a Goal – A deep dive into setting and achieving goals in a way that actually works.
💡 Why this matters: If you’re in business, marketing, or sales, podcasts are an easy (and free) way to keep learning and stay motivated.
What are your favorite podcasts? Drop them in the comments! 👇
Nike x Skims: A Smart Play or Just Hype? 👟
Nike recently announced a partnership with Skims, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, as a way to better connect with female athletes and consumers.
💬 Jade and Kirby’s take:
Nike’s strategy: They’re trying to tap into a younger, fashion-forward female demographic.
Skims’ role: Skims brings a strong brand identity and a built-in audience that trusts the brand.
Does it make sense? At the end of the day, Jade and Kirby agreed that it could make sense for Nike in the short term as they look to re-make their image in this area.
Final thoughts: The collaboration is bold, but we’ll have to wait and see if it translates into sales and long-term brand impact.
Branded Merch: Trendy vs. Timeless – Which One Wins?
When it comes to branded merch, should you go for trendy items or stick to timeless classics? The answer is it depends—on your audience and your campaign goals.
✅ Trendy items – Great for brands that want to feel fresh, modern, and relevant. But trends fade fast. ✅ Timeless classics – These are reliable, always in demand, and have staying power. But they can sometimes feel predictable.
💡 The takeaway? It’s all about the audience. If your merch is for a younger, trend-sensitive crowd, go for something trendy. If you’re creating corporate gifts or long-term brand builders, invest in high-quality, classic items that will be used and appreciated for years.
What’s your approach—trendy, classic, or a mix of both?
Dad Was Wrong: Fancy Office Equipment Edition 🖥️
In this episode, Jade called out Kirby in the latest “Dad Was Wrong” segment.
The topic? Fancy office equipment.
Kirby originally teased Jade when she wanted premium office gear, questioning whether it was really necessary. But now? Jade stands by her decision—because having the right setup makes her happier and more productive.
The lesson? Sometimes, investing in quality work tools isn’t just about luxury—it’s about creating an environment where you do your best work.
Shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative 🚀
This week’s shoutout goes to the Coshocton Collaborative, a new space for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators in Coshocton, Ohio.
🏢 What’s exciting? ✅ The sign just went up, and the project is getting close to completion! ✅ It’s going to be a game-changer for local businesses and anyone who needs a place to work, meet, or collaborate. ✅ We can’t wait to see how this space supports business growth in our community.
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Conversations
This week’s episode covered a wide range of topics, from personal growth to global branding moves, marketing strategy, and workspace productivity.
Key takeaways: 🚀 Keep learning – Podcasts are a free way to stay sharp and motivated. 🔥 Brand collaborations can be powerful – But only if they make sense. 🆚 Trendy vs. Timeless? It depends on your audience. 💡 Your workspace matters – Investing in your environment can boost productivity. 🏢 Big things are happening in Coshocton! – The Coshocton Collaborative is set to be a huge asset to local entrepreneurs.
What’s your take on Nike x Skims, trendy vs. classic merch, or workspace investments? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! 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.
Branded merchandise is one of the most powerful marketing tools a business can use—but only if it’s done right. Too often, marketers approach branded merch the same way they approach traditional advertising, and that’s a huge mistake. Unlike digital ads or billboards, branded merch isn’t just about visibility—it’s about experience, connection, and value.
In this latest video, Kirby breaks down five common mistakes marketers make when it comes to branded merchandise. If you’re investing in promotional products, make sure you’re getting the most out of your merch strategy by avoiding these missteps.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
Now, let’s dive into the biggest branded merch mistakes—and how to fix them.
Obsessing Over Impressions Instead of Experience
Marketers often treat branded merch like other forms of advertising, focusing only on the number of impressions an item might generate. But branded merch is different—it’s not just about how many people see it, it’s about how it makes them feel.
Branded merchandise is the only form of advertising that people actually say “thank you” for. Think about that! When was the last time someone thanked a brand for a social media ad or a billboard? Probably never. But when you give someone a well-thought-out, high-quality piece of merch, they appreciate it, use it, and associate your brand with a positive experience.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Focus on creating a memorable experience with your merch. Consider the quality, the design, and how it will be received—because those factors matter more than just “how many people will see it.”
Choosing Cheap Over Quality
Let’s be real—budget matters. But too often, marketers prioritize cheapness over quality, and that can backfire.
Your branded merch represents your brand. If it’s low quality, flimsy, or falls apart after one use, what does that say about your company? Instead of building a positive connection, it creates a bad impression.
However, cheap isn’t the same as inexpensive. You can absolutely find high-value, cost-effective items that work for your brand without sacrificing quality.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Choose quality over cost whenever possible. Look for affordable but durable items that align with your brand values and resonate with your audience.
Ignoring the Message & Design
One of the biggest mistakes I see is when brands just slap a logo on a product and call it a day. If all you’re doing is printing your company name on an item, you’re missing an opportunity to create something meaningful and engaging.
Branded merch isn’t just about brand visibility—it’s about brand resonance. You want your audience to actually want to wear or use your merch, and that means creating something that speaks to their interests, lifestyle, or values.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Think beyond just your logo. Create a message, design, or theme that connects with your audience. If your merch tells a story, sparks a reaction, or aligns with something people care about, they’ll be more likely to wear it, use it, and love it.
Ignoring Packaging & Delivery
Great branding isn’t just about the product itself—it’s also about how it’s presented. Too often, marketers overlook the importance of packaging and delivery, missing out on a chance to elevate the entire experience.
With the rise of subscription boxes, influencer unboxings, and high-end packaging, presentation matters more than ever. A beautifully packaged product can make even a simple item feel premium and create an emotional impact on the recipient.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Consider how you’re presenting your branded merch. Can you use custom packaging, tissue paper, or a handwritten note to make the experience feel special? A great unboxing experience adds to the perceived value of your merch.
Ignoring the Brand Connection
At the end of the day, the most important question you should ask about your branded merch is:
Does this create a meaningful connection between my brand and my audience?
Branded merch isn’t just about putting your logo on things—it’s about building relationships. If your merch doesn’t align with your brand story, audience, or overall mission, then it’s just another giveaway item that won’t create real impact.
✅ What to Do Instead:
Choose products that reflect your brand values and speak directly to your audience. If you’re in the fitness industry, maybe it’s high-quality water bottles or performance apparel. If your brand is about sustainability, go for eco-friendly promo products. Whatever you choose, make sure it strengthens your brand identity and connection with customers.
Use Branded Merch the Right Way
Branded merchandise is an incredible tool when used correctly, but these common mistakes can hurt your ROI and brand perception. Instead of focusing only on impressions or cost, think about experience, quality, design, and connection.
Another week, another round of marketing insights, branded merch strategies, and a few laughs along the way! At Hasseman Marketing, we love creating content that helps businesses grow while keeping things engaging and fun. This past week was packed with valuable lessons, great conversations, and even a little time with Maverick (our favorite four-legged co-star).
If you missed anything, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a look at what went down this week at Hasseman Marketing.
Monday Minute: The Sentence That Kills Progress
We kicked off the week with Monday Minute, where Kirby shared a phrase that stops progress in its tracks—“I am already good at that.”
It’s a dangerous mindset. The moment you decide you don’t need to improve, you stop growing. The best in any industry—from elite athletes to top entrepreneurs—never stop learning and refining their skills. The key to long-term success? Stay curious. Stay coachable. Keep improving.
Employee Appreciation Day Reminder (Starring Maverick!)
Jade and her pup Maverick took over the camera to remind everyone that Employee Appreciation Day is coming up on March 7th.
If you want to show your team some love, branded merch is a great way to make employees feel valued and engaged. Plus, Maverick steals the show in this one, so even if you don’t need the reminder, it’s worth watching for the cuteness overload. 🐶
Kirby shared a short but powerful productivity tip on YouTube this week, and it’s something we’re all guilty of doing. Constantly shifting between tasks kills focus and slows down progress. Instead, commit to one thing at a time, and you’ll get way more done.
Delivering Marketing Joy: From Bank Robber to Sales Leader
This week’s Delivering Marketing Joy was a special one. Kirby sat down with Luke Lunkenheimer, who shared his incredible journey from bank robber to sales leader.
Yep, you read that right. Luke’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and growth, and his insights on overcoming challenges to find success are truly inspiring. If you need a reminder that it’s never too late to change your path, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Thirsty Thursday: The Hangover Cure from Las Vegas
Thirsty Thursday is back! This time, we recorded from the PPAI Expo show floor in Las Vegas—and let’s just say, the theme was fitting.
In this episode, we put The Hangover Cure to the test in a mystery drink challenge. Did it actually work? Were our taste buds forever ruined? You’ll have to watch and find out!
Better Merch…Better Marketing: Super Bowl Ads & Branded Apparel
To close out the week, Jade and Kirby dropped a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where they tackled:
🏈 The best (and worst) Super Bowl ads – Who nailed it, and who made us say, “WTF?”
👕 Why branded apparel shouldn’t be boring – And how to create apparel that people actually want to wear.
🔥 Branded merch trends – What businesses should be paying attention to right now.
If you’re in marketing, branding, or just love good (and bad) advertising, this one’s for you!
That’s everything from this week at Hasseman Marketing! From marketing insights to productivity hacks, mystery drinks, and an inspiring redemption story, it was a week full of valuable content.
Now, we’d love to hear from YOU! Which piece of content stood out the most? Drop us a comment or reply—we always love getting your feedback.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or just want to brainstorm big ideas, we’re here for you. Let’s make something great together! 🚀
Until next week, keep climbing! ⛰️
– The Hasseman Marketing Team
At Hasseman Marketing, we are all about fun…and doing marketing BETTER. If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! 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.
