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:
It’s sleek, modern, and actually useful
It connects to an app for easy location tracking
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.
Welcome to another DMJ 1 on 1—where we take a focused look at one important topic in marketing, branding, and personal growth. Today, Kirby dives into a common trap that businesses and personal brands fall into: relying solely on social media for marketing.
Let’s be clear up front: We believe in social media. It’s an incredibly powerful tool, and if you’re using it to genuinely provide value to your audience—especially through a “give first” mindset—you’re already ahead of the game.
But that’s where the warning comes in. Because using social media is not the same as building a complete marketing strategy. And when social becomes your only channel, you expose your brand to several major vulnerabilities.
Watch the full 1 on 1 episode here:
Here’s a breakdown of why you need more than just a Facebook post to move your business forward:
You Get a False Sense of Completion
“I posted it on Facebook.” Sound familiar?
It’s something we hear from business owners all the time. They believe that because they posted their big announcement, event, or promotion to social, they’ve “checked the box” on marketing.
But here’s the truth: posting once to one platform is barely the beginning.
In today’s crowded feeds, most of your audience won’t see your content the first time around. And even if they do, they might not take action unless they’re nudged again. If you’re only using social and only posting once, you’re not finished—you’re just getting started.
Algorithms Don’t Work in Your Favor
Social media platforms are businesses, and their top priority is keeping users engaged on their site—not ensuring your business reaches 100% of your audience.
Most platforms only show your content to a small percentage of your followers. Even on your best day, that killer post might only reach 10–20% of your audience organically.
That means if you’re not boosting posts or running ads—and even if you are—you’re still missing a massive portion of the people who actually want to hear from you.
You Don’t Own the Audience
This is one of the biggest risks of relying solely on social media: you don’t control the platform.
If Instagram changes its algorithm, if Facebook reduces brand page visibility, or if TikTok goes the way of MySpace, your entire audience can vanish overnight.
That’s why smart marketers use social to build owned media—email lists, websites, blogs, podcasts, and text communities that you control. When you own the relationship, you can reach your audience anytime, not just when the algorithm allows.
Not Everyone Is on Your Platform
You might love Facebook. But your next big client might be on LinkedIn. You may crush it on Instagram—but your referral partner might be an email reader. And let’s not forget the people who choose to be off social media entirely.
If social is your only strategy, you’re missing entire audience segments, even if they want to hear from you.
By diversifying where and how you show up, you increase the odds of meeting people where they are—not just where you are most comfortable.
Social Media Should Be… Social
This might be the biggest philosophical point of the episode: Social media isn’t just a billboard—it’s a community.
If every post is a sales pitch, your audience tunes out. People follow brands and creators because they add value, spark conversation, or create moments of connection.
Use your platform to:
Start conversations
Highlight others
Share behind-the-scenes stories
Ask questions
Celebrate wins (yours and your audience’s)
Marketing Joy happens when you create content people appreciate, not just scroll past.
So What Should You Do Instead?
Again—we’re not saying “don’t use social media.” We’re saying: use it intentionally. Use it as a gateway to something deeper.
Here’s how to diversify:
Use social to drive people to your email list
Share content that leads to your blog or website
Offer downloadable resources to build your owned audience
Repurpose your videos into articles, emails, and podcast episodes
Show up consistently across multiple channels
When you do this, you create a resilient brand—one that grows whether Facebook boosts your post or not.
Final Thoughts
Social media is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal—but it’s just one tool. The most effective marketers are the ones who use it strategically—to serve, to connect, and to grow their own platform, not just build someone else’s.
So keep posting. Keep sharing value. But don’t stop there. Build a system that’s bigger than the scroll.
And remember: you don’t need to be everywhere. But you do need to own something.
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.
On this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby dive into everything from AI-fueled PR disasters to generational purchasing preferences—with a few laughs, a sharp product of the week, and a well-deserved shoutout to a local summer destination.
This episode covers:
The Duolingo AI controversy and how brands can embrace tech without losing trust
The power of branded merch for events—and why it gets us excited
The buying behaviors of Gen Z vs. Gen X (and where we all fall on the merch spectrum)
A shoutout to The Boathouse Tavern & Canoe Livery—your next summer adventure stop
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
The Duolingo AI Controversy: When Tech Outpaces Trust
If you haven’t seen it, Duolingo recently came under fire for reportedly replacing human voice actors with AI-generated voices—without telling anyone. The response? Not great.
Jade’s take: This was a clear miss in audience understanding. Duolingo’s brand is fun, human, and quirky. So replacing real voices with AI—especially without warning—felt like a betrayal to many longtime users.
Kirby’s perspective: The real issue wasn’t the tech—it was the rollout. If Duolingo had been more transparent, tested the change, or even positioned it as a beta feature, the backlash could’ve been avoided. As Kirby put it, “Use AI in advance—and then announce it!”
At the end of the day, both agreed: we love AI, but brands have to be thoughtful about how and when they implement it—especially when it changes something core to the user experience.
Branded Merch for Events: Why It Matters
As Hasseman Marketing gears up for their big customer event in September (you can register here), Kirby and Jade talked about how branded merch sets the tone for events.
It’s not just swag—it’s expectation-setting. It creates a vibe, builds anticipation, and adds value to the attendee experience before they even walk through the door.
From high-quality apparel to drinkware, totes, and even desk items, well-executed branded merch becomes:
This part of the episode was both fun and insightful. Jade posed the question to Kirby: how does Gen X (his generation) compare to Gen Z (hers) when it comes to buying?
Some key takeaways:
Gen Z tends to value aesthetic, uniqueness, and social responsibility. They want things that look great and stand for something.
Gen X leans into function, durability, and value. Kirby admitted he’s likely to find something he likes—and buy multiples.
There’s no “right” way to shop, but understanding these patterns helps marketers and merch pros design campaigns and products that resonate across age groups.
Product of the Week: LeftRight Scissors from Alexander
This week’s featured product was unexpectedly awesome: the Left/Right Scissors from Alexander.
Why we love them:
Designed for left- or right-handed users
Sturdy, sleek, and surprisingly fun to give away
An underrated office essential—because everyone needs scissors and no one ever buys them for themselves
The magnetic case makes sure these awesome scissors never get lost
It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this?” branded items that gets daily use and makes your logo stick around longer than a flyer ever could. Click here to learn more and buy now!
Shoutout of the Week: The Boathouse Tavern & Canoe Livery
This week’s shoutout goes to the Boathouse Tavern and Canoe Livery, a hidden gem for anyone looking to soak up summer in Coshocton County.
Whether you’re looking for kayaking, tubing, or a good meal and drinks on the river, this place delivers on all fronts.
Supporting local businesses like the Boathouse doesn’t just make for a great day—it keeps the local economy and culture thriving. We’re proud to give them some well-earned love.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was packed with takeaways for marketers, brand builders, and event planners alike.
Here’s your quick recap:
AI is powerful—but rollout and communication matter more than the tech itself
Branded merch sets the tone and delivers lasting impact at events
Understanding generational buying patterns helps you create more relevant marketing
Scissors are cool—when they’re branded and built for everyone
And summer in Coshocton just got better with the Boathouse on your weekend list
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.
We’re back with another Thirsty Thursday—where the drinks are mysterious, the reactions are honest, and the branded merch is always the main event. This time, Jade, Briar, and Kirby team up to put both a new beverage (that has double the juice) and a fresh piece of drinkware to the test.
So, what’s on tap?
The drinkware: The sleek and sustainable Duo 26oz Recycled Aluminum Bottle from PCNA
The drink: Juice Jolt from Southern Tier Brewing—a fruit-forward double IPA with a lot of personality (maybe too much?)
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: Duo 26oz Recycled Aluminum Bottle from PCNA
First up, let’s talk about what we were drinking from—and this one got high marks across the board.
Sustainable design: Made from recycled aluminum, this bottle is a win for both branding and the environment.
Generous capacity: At 26 oz, it’s big enough to keep you hydrated throughout the workday or a solid outdoor adventure.
Twist-on lid with carry handle: Easy to transport, secure, and leak-resistant.
Modern finish: The matte finish and minimalist design give it a retail-inspired look—perfect for employee gifts, wellness programs, or event swag.
Jade, Kirby, and Briar all agreed—this is a strong option for brands that want to combine function, eco-consciousness, and style. Whether you’re trying to eliminate single-use bottles or just want your logo traveling around town, this bottle delivers.
The Drink: Juice Jolt from Southern Tier Brewing
Now, the drink.
This week’s mystery beverage was Juice Jolt, a high-octane double IPA with bold citrus flavor from Southern Tier Brewing.
The reaction? Let’s just say… it was mixed at best.
The description on the can made some big promises—intense citrus notes, balanced bitterness, and a powerful punch—but our team felt it landed more in the “meh” zone than “wow.”
What we said:
Kirby described it as a drink that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.
Jade felt like it had some fruitiness, but not enough to be refreshing.
Briar just wasn’t sold—especially after the first few sips.
Bottom line: We were excited going in, but Juice Jolt didn’t quite jolt us into a new level of beverage bliss. If you’re a big fan of bold IPAs, you might still enjoy it, but this one won’t be making our top-shelf list.
Merch First, Drinks Second
As always, Thirsty Thursday isn’t just about the drink—it’s about testing branded drinkware in the wild and having some fun while we do it.
The Duo bottle shined as the kind of promotional product that blends eco-friendly values with everyday usefulness. When your merch becomes a part of someone’s daily routine, you’ve done something right.
And even though the drink didn’t win us over this time, the bottle absolutely did.
Want More Thirsty Thursday Favorites?
We’ve been taste-testing and merch-reviewing for a while now, and we’ve curated a shop filled with Thirsty Thursday-approved drinkware—including bottles, tumblers, mugs, and more.
Whether you’re looking for ideas for your next client gift, event giveaway, or employee welcome kit, our team can help you find the perfect piece to make your brand unforgettable (and appreciated).
Final Sip
Every Thirsty Thursday brings a surprise—sometimes in the form of a new favorite drink, and other times in the unexpected success of a promo product we can’t stop raving about.
This week?
The drink fell a bit flat.
But the Duo 26oz Recycled Aluminum Bottle from PCNA? Total winner.
Thanks for joining us for another round of Thirsty Thursday. If you’ve got a drink you think we should try—or a piece of branded drinkware you want us to test—send it our way!
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.
