It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday with Jade Crider (your Branding Bestie), Briar Swigert from Simple Signs & Print, and Kirby Hasseman! If you’ve been following along, you know the rules by now: we take a piece of branded drinkware, pour in a mystery drink, and give you our honest—and usually hilarious—reactions.
This week’s episode brought great drinkware, a surprising beverage, and a lot of fruity flavor guesses.
The Drinkware: Grande 16oz Recycled Tumbler
This week, we featured the Grande 16oz Recycled Tumbler from our friends at PCNA.
This tumbler is the perfect combination of style, function, and value. Made from recycled materials, it’s an eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. With its sleek design, comfortable feel, and excellent price point, it’s the kind of drinkware that’s ideal for giveaways, employee appreciation gifts, or even stocking your breakroom.
We especially loved:
The sustainable, recycled construction
The comfortable 16oz size—perfect for coffee, water, or a mystery drink!
The value: this is a budget-friendly product that still feels premium
When you’re looking for a practical piece of branded merch that people will use every day, this one checks all the boxes.
The Mystery Drink: Cider Boys Melon Mojito
Now, onto the fun part. The drink inside the tumbler was the Cider Boys Melon Mojito.
When we first took a sip, the initial reactions were mostly positive. It’s light, refreshing, and fruity with just the right amount of sweetness. But the real entertainment started when we began guessing the flavors.
Briar and Jade started throwing out so many fruit guesses that Kirby finally joked, “This must be a health drink!” From melon to citrus to mint, the conversation turned into a full-on fruit salad of speculation.
When the big reveal came—Cider Boys Melon Mojito—we all had to laugh. It made sense. The subtle blend of melon and mint gave it a unique profile that felt tropical, fun, and perfect for summer.
And the verdict? A solid thumbs up from all three of us.
Why We Love Doing This
Beyond the laughs and taste tests, Thirsty Thursday is about something bigger: showing how branded drinkware can make an impact. When you hand someone a product like the Grande 16oz Recycled Tumbler, you’re not just giving them a cup—you’re giving them a piece of your brand that they’ll see and use over and over again.
This tumbler is a perfect example of what we love about great merch:
It’s practical and has a purpose
It’s affordable but doesn’t feel “cheap”
It’s an eco-friendly option that aligns with modern values
Pair that with a fun episode featuring a tasty drink, and you’ve got a recipe for another classic Thirsty Thursday.
Want to Get This Tumbler for Your Brand?
If you want your customers or team members to enjoy a branded product they’ll actually use, the Grande 16oz Recycled Tumbler is a fantastic option. With its eco-friendly appeal and everyday practicality, it’s the kind of item that turns a one-time giveaway into long-term brand impressions.
A mystery drink that kept us guessing (and laughing)
Another reason to love branded merchandise that’s both useful and fun
The Grande 16oz Recycled Tumbler got a big thumbs up from the crew, and the Cider Boys Melon Mojito was a hit too. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, make sure you do—you’ll see all the fruity flavor guesses and plenty of laughs.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Thirsty Thursday, where we’ll bring more drinkware, more mystery drinks, and more fun. Until then, grab your tumbler, pour yourself a drink, and keep delivering marketing joy!
And as always, 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!
COSHOCTON, OH – July 25, 2025 — Hasseman Marketing is proud to announce that Jade Crider, affectionately known as our “Branding Bestie,” has officially earned her Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) designation from PPAI, the promotional product industry’s leading professional association.
The CAS designation is the second level in PPAI’s respected four-tier certification program. It represents a significant commitment to professional development in the branded merchandise space. Candidates must first complete the Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) certification, followed by a series of required courses and 42 elective CEUs designed to deepen their expertise across marketing, product safety, business ethics, and industry-specific knowledge.
“Getting my CAS was about more than just checking a box,” said Jade. “I’m passionate about helping brands stand out with thoughtful, effective merchandise. This certification was an investment in making sure I’m equipped with the tools and knowledge to bring real strategy and value to our clients.”
At Hasseman Marketing, ongoing education is not just encouraged—it’s embedded in our culture. We believe that the best way to serve our customers is by staying ahead of the curve, learning continuously, and investing in our team’s growth.
“Jade’s achievement underscores what makes her such a valuable part of our team,” said Kirby Hasseman, CEO of Hasseman Marketing. “She brings energy, creativity, and now, even more industry expertise to every client interaction. We’re incredibly proud of her for putting in the work and earning this recognition.”
The CAS designation isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about credibility. It reflects Jade’s deep commitment to becoming one of the top branded merchandise professionals in the industry, and it reinforces Hasseman Marketing’s dedication to raising the bar for excellence.
To learn more about Hasseman Marketing and how our team helps businesses grow through smart branded merchandise and marketing strategy, visit www.HassemanMarketing.com.
When most people think about branded merchandise, they picture giveaways at trade shows or customer appreciation gifts. But some of the most powerful marketing doesn’t happen externally—it starts inside your own organization.
Today, let’s flip the script. We’re not talking about giving merch to your customers. We’re talking about using merch internally to build something even more valuable: your company culture.
Your First Audience is Your Team
Here’s the truth: if your employees don’t believe in your brand, your customers won’t either. Culture is not a buzzword. It’s the emotional glue that keeps your team aligned, motivated, and moving in the same direction.
That’s why internal branding matters. It helps your team feel connected to something bigger than themselves. And branded merch can play a surprisingly powerful role in that.
In a world of remote work, hybrid offices, and constant change, building a sense of unity isn’t optional—it’s essential. Branded merchandise can be the physical thread that ties your people together, no matter where they are.
How Branded Merch Builds Culture
Let’s break down a few ways internal merch can make an impact:
It Creates a Sense of Team
When your team wears the same logo, there’s a shift. It says, “I’m part of this.” Matching apparel, custom gear, or desk drops aren’t just swag—they’re signals. They foster identity, pride, and camaraderie.
Think about sports teams. Uniforms matter. Your company is no different.
It Reinforces Your Values
Merch is a powerful tool to bring your mission and values to life—visually and tangibly. Are you an eco-conscious brand? Give out high-quality, reusable drinkware made from recycled materials. Is innovation your thing? Deliver sleek, smart tech products that reflect that mindset.
Every item becomes a storytelling device. When done well, it communicates who you are without saying a word.
It Recognizes and Rewards
Merch is a fantastic way to say “I see you.” Whether it’s for work anniversaries, birthdays, performance milestones, or just a surprise thank-you—thoughtful gifts boost morale and make your people feel appreciated.
And here’s the secret: when people feel seen, they’re more likely to stick around and bring their best selves to work.
It Creates Excitement During Key Moments
First days, big meetings, new product launches, culture initiatives—all of these are opportunities to rally your team. A well-timed merch drop turns routine events into memorable experiences.
You’re not just handing out stuff. You’re marking the moment.
What Kind of Internal Merch Works?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some tried-and-true ideas:
Onboarding Kits: Make that first day feel like a warm welcome.
Employee Appreciation Gifts: Thoughtful, useful, and on-brand.
Seasonal Drops: Holiday gifts, summer gear, or winter wellness kits.
Sales Incentives: Reward performance with items they’ll be proud to use.
Team Uniforms: Polished apparel for events, client meetings, or just day-to-day branding.
Remote Work Kits: Branded mugs, notebooks, or ring lights for your WFH warriors.
Tips to Do It Right
If you want your internal branding to land well, here are a few quick pointers:
Let your team vote on items or designs—it builds anticipation and ownership.
Make it wearable or useful. No one wants another junk drawer item.
Invest in quality. A cheap hoodie doesn’t feel like a gift. A premium piece makes people feel valued.
Presentation matters. Package it with care and intention. This isn’t a handout—it’s a culture-builder.
Your Call to Action
Here’s your challenge: Take a hard look at your internal brand. Is it alive and well inside your company—or only visible to the outside world?
If you want a high-performing team, start by helping them feel like they belong. And you don’t need to launch a massive program. Start small. Create one drop. Celebrate one moment. Build from there.
Because when your people believe in your brand, they don’t just work for you—they advocate for you.
Final Thought: Your internal culture drives your external results. Merch can help make that culture visible, tangible, and unforgettable.
And as always, 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!
We’re back with another fun-filled and refreshingly ridiculous episode of Thirsty Thursday! This week, Jade Crider (your Branding Bestie), Briar Swigert from Simple Signs & Print, and Kirby Hasseman take on another mystery drink—served in a sleek new piece of branded drinkware that we’re excited to talk about.
The Drinkware: Quenching in Style
This week, we raised our glasses (literally) to the 40 oz Quencher Collection from our friends at Glass America. You can check it out here: 40 oz Quencher Collection
Let’s just say… we were impressed.
This thing is sturdy. It’s the kind of cup that makes a statement on your desk, in your car, or at your next event. It’s insulated, stylish, and keeps your drink cold—plus it comes with a reusable straw that always works. That’s where the title of this episode comes in: How Often Do Straws Work? (You’ll have to watch the video to fully appreciate that inside joke.)
In terms of branding, the Quencher is a strong choice. With its large imprint area and trendy design, it’s the kind of merch your customers will actually use—and say thank you for. Whether you’re creating a premium gift or elevating your event swag, this is a piece that adds real value. Again…learn more or order for your next event here.
The Mystery Drink: St Julian Grape Punch
This week’s mystery drink was the St Julian Grape Punch, and let us tell you… it packs a punch.
With a rich, bold grape flavor and an impressive 20% alcohol content, this is one of those “sneaks up on you” beverages. It tastes like nostalgia in a glass—think grown-up grape juice with a serious kick. And the entire crew was in agreement: this one’s a hit.
Jade, Briar, and Kirby all gave this drink a solid thumbs-up. Just a heads-up… this is not a “sip all day” kind of drink unless you want your Thursday to turn into a very early Friday. Respect the punch!
Bonus Clip Alert
Make sure to stick around to the very end of this week’s episode—there’s a bonus clip that gives you a behind-the-scenes laugh you won’t want to miss. We always try to bring you the real, unscripted fun of marketing, branded merch, and of course—taste-testing new concoctions. This week delivers on all fronts.
Why It Matters (Yes, Even This)
At first glance, Thirsty Thursday might just seem like a silly, lighthearted video series—and it is. But at its core, it’s about testing branded merch in real-life situations. We’re not just reading product descriptions or flipping through catalogs. We’re holding it, using it, and yes… drinking from it.
That gives us (and you) valuable insight into what’s actually going to make an impact for your customers. Because when it comes to branded merchandise, practicality meets personality. And when you can create something memorable and useful, you win.
Want to Explore More Drinkware?
If you’re enjoying the drinkware featured on Thirsty Thursday, we’ve got a full collection of favorites waiting for you in our Thirsty Thursday shop. You can browse the full lineup here:
Whether you’re building kits, creating gifts, or just want to make sure your brand ends up on someone’s desk instead of in the trash—drinkware is always a great place to start.
Final Thoughts
This week’s Thirsty Thursday had it all: a show-stopping piece of drinkware, a deliciously deceptive beverage, and plenty of laughs to go around. As always, thanks for coming along for the ride. We hope it inspires you to think differently about the power of branded merch—and have a little fun in the process.
Stay tuned for next week’s episode and remember: Marketing should be fun. And maybe a little boozy too.
Let us know what drinkware (or mystery drink!) you want us to try next. Cheers!
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.
Every once in a while, you hear a quote that doesn’t just inspire—it sticks. It hits you at the right moment, delivers a spark of clarity, and becomes a principle you carry with you.
In this week’s Delivering Marketing Joy 1 on 1, I wanted to share a few of those moments with you—seven life lessons from some of the most powerful thought leaders I’ve studied. These lessons have helped me in business, in life, and in personal development. I hope they do the same for you.
Here are seven powerful lessons—and what they might mean for you:
1. Life Doesn’t Happen To You. It Happens For You.
— Tony Robbins
This simple shift in perspective is massive. When life feels overwhelming, unfair, or just plain hard, it’s easy to slip into victim mode. But what if it’s all happening for you?
Challenges become teachers. Setbacks become setups. That shift doesn’t make life easier—but it makes it more empowering.
Takeaway: Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” instead of “Why is this happening to me?”
2. Just Do One More.
— Ed Mylett
This is a mindset of champions. One more rep. One more call. One more step.
When you’re tired, unmotivated, or ready to quit—“one more” separates average from excellence. Over time, that one more compounds into something powerful.
Takeaway: When you want to stop, do just one more. You’ll be surprised how far it takes you.
3. Get to Minute 11.
— Jon Acuff
This one hits home for creators and entrepreneurs. The first 10 minutes of doing anything are usually uncomfortable. You’re distracted, your brain resists, and you feel stuck. But if you can push past that threshold—you get into flow.
Jon calls it “getting to minute 11.” It’s the sweet spot where the work starts to feel rewarding.
Takeaway: Stop waiting for the perfect mood. Just start. The magic happens on the other side of resistance.
4. When It Gets Easy…Go Hard.
— Alex Hormozi
Most people let up when things get easy. The deal’s signed, the project’s launched, the schedule lightens up… so we coast.
But if you go hard when things are easy, you gain momentum while everyone else is relaxing. That’s where real growth happens.
Takeaway: Don’t waste easy seasons. Use them to accelerate.
5. Stop Waiting for Motivation to Take Action.
— Mel Robbins
We think we need to feel like doing something in order to do it. But it’s the other way around—action creates motivation.
Waiting for the spark? You might be waiting forever. But if you start moving, your brain follows.
Takeaway: Don’t wait for motivation. Start—and let the motivation catch up.
6. Focus on Your Circle of Influence, Not Your Circle of Concern.
— Stephen Covey
There’s a lot to worry about in the world. Most of it… you can’t control. But if you focus your energy on the things you can influence—your habits, your attitude, your effort—you’ll be more effective and less stressed.
Takeaway: Filter your focus. Influence what you can, and let go of what you can’t.
7. When You Find Yourself With the Majority…Pause and Reflect.
— Mark Twain
Going with the crowd is easy. But some of the best decisions come from questioning the obvious path.
This isn’t about being a contrarian for the sake of it—it’s about being intentional. Following the crowd without thinking rarely leads to greatness.
Takeaway: Don’t just assume the crowd is right. Take a breath. Make sure the direction actually aligns with your values.
Final Thoughts
These seven lessons aren’t just motivational quotes—they’re guideposts. They’ve been reminders during hard seasons, mantras during long days, and strategies when I’ve needed clarity or courage.
In a world full of noise, these are the kind of thoughts worth listening to.
If one of these ideas resonates with you, write it down. Put it on a sticky note. Tape it to your mirror. And if it helps? Pass it on.
As always, thank you for watching, listening, and being part of this journey. You can catch more DMJ 1 on 1 episodes on the blog—and I’d love to hear what life lessons have stuck with you.
Until next time—keep learning, keep showing up, and keep delivering marketing joy.
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’s Thirsty Thursday episode brought us the perfect blend of Southern charm and practical design. With the full crew—Jade, Briar, and Kirby—back in action, the mood was light, the banter was strong, and the reviews were unusually unanimous. That’s right: all thumbs up this time around. Let’s talk about what made this week’s sip session a success.
The Mug: 12 oz Stackable Ceramic Mug from BelPromo
First up, the drinkware. This week we featured the 12 oz Stackable Ceramic Mug from BelPromo, and it was a winner from the moment we unboxed it.
This mug is the perfect mix of classic and convenient. The ceramic build gives it that satisfying weight and smooth texture you want in a coffee mug, while the stackable design makes it ideal for small office kitchens, home cabinets, and anyone trying to save space. Whether you’re sipping on something warm during your morning routine or using it as a conversation starter in the break room, this mug is ready for action.
With a nice surface for decoration, it’s also a great piece for branded merch. If you’re planning a staff appreciation gift, launching a new campaign, or just want your logo in more hands (literally), this mug checks a lot of boxes.
Now for the surprise hit of the episode—the drink. This week we tested Sweet Carolina Sweet Tea Vodka, and let’s just say we were skeptical going in. Sweet tea and vodka? It could go either way.
But it didn’t take long to win us over.
Sweet Carolina somehow hits the sweet spot (pun intended) between flavor and balance. It’s smooth and lightly sweet without being syrupy, and the tea flavor is genuine—not artificial or overpowering. You could definitely see this becoming a summer go-to, especially when mixed with lemonade, soda water, or even just poured over ice.
All three of us gave it the coveted thumbs up, which doesn’t happen often. That’s how you know this one’s worth trying for yourself.
One of the reasons we love Thirsty Thursday is that it gives us a chance to showcase promotional products in real life. We’re not just talking about mugs and tumblers—we’re using them, washing them, comparing them, and seeing how they feel in hand. It’s the best way to find out which pieces are worth putting your logo on.
This week’s ceramic mug was a great reminder that sometimes the simplest products are the most effective. Stackable mugs like this are easy to store, easy to ship, and always useful. When you combine that practicality with strong decoration and quality feel, you’ve got a piece of merch that people won’t toss in the back of a cabinet.
And when it comes to building brand recognition, that’s exactly what you want.
Stock Your Shelf with the Thirsty Thursday Shop
If you’ve been following along with us, you know the Thirsty Thursday crew takes drinkware seriously. We’ve tested everything from flasks to tumblers, shot glasses to mugs—and we’ve built a collection of our favorite branded drinkware in one convenient spot.
If you’re looking for a fun giveaway, a premium client gift, or something fresh for your internal swag closet, check out the full Thirsty Thursday drinkware shop here:
Each item in the shop has been tested by real people drinking real drinks—sometimes the good, sometimes the questionable—and you’ll find honest reviews and ideas for how each piece might fit your brand.
Final Pour
This week’s episode was a reminder of why we love doing this show. A great drinkware piece, a surprisingly enjoyable drink, and a few laughs along the way.
Whether you’re here for the product ideas, the drink reviews, or the camaraderie, we’re glad you’ve joined us. Be sure to catch the episode above, and if you’re ready to find branded merch that people will actually use, we’d love 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.
