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.
This week’s Thirsty Thursday episode brought all the flavor, fun, and a few mixed reviews as Jade, Briar, and Kirby gathered once again to test out a mystery drink from an impressive piece of branded drinkware. As always, the laughs were plentiful, the reviews were honest, and the drinkware stole the show.
Let’s break it all down.
The Star of the Show: Rhine 2-in-1 Vacuum Eco-Friendly Bottle
This week’s featured drinkware is the Rhine 2-in-1 Vacuum Eco-Friendly Bottle from PCNA. With a 30 oz capacity and a design that’s both stylish and functional, this piece immediately impressed the whole crew.
What sets this bottle apart is its clever two-in-one design. It functions as both a bottle and a cup, giving users two ways to enjoy their beverage of choice. That flexibility makes it perfect for outdoor adventures, tailgates, work commutes, and just about any other setting where hydration or indulgence is key.
We loved the sturdy build, the clean design, and the eco-friendly credentials. Whether you’re sipping water, your favorite sports drink, or something a little more festive like we do on Thirsty Thursday, the Rhine delivers a quality experience. All three of us agreed—it’s a win.
The drink of the day was the Chocolate Cherry Bomb Imperial Stout. The name alone had us curious—was it going to be sweet and rich, or heavy and overpowering?
Turns out, it depends who you ask.
Jade was quick to deliver a thumbs down. The blend of chocolate and cherry didn’t quite hit the mark for her palate, and the heavier stout profile wasn’t her favorite.
Briar, the diplomat of the crew, went with a “meh.” Not terrible, not terrific—just a middle-of-the-road experience.
Kirby, on the other hand, was all in. He gave the stout a thumbs up, appreciating the bold flavor combo and the depth that the imperial style brings. He’s always had a soft spot for creative brews, and this one fit the bill.
It just goes to show, even among friends, taste is a personal thing.
The Real Winner: Branded Drinkware That Works
Even though the drink brought out a range of opinions, one thing was unanimous—the drinkware was a home run. This is why we love doing Thirsty Thursday. It’s not just about the drink; it’s about showcasing promotional products in real life, in fun and unexpected ways.
We’ve featured all kinds of drinkware on Thirsty Thursday—from flasks to mugs to tumblers and more. If you’ve got an event coming up, are planning customer gifts, or just want to stock your team with cool gear, check out the full Thirsty Thursday drinkware shop here.
Every piece in the shop has been field-tested by the Thirsty Thursday crew, which means it’s been held, used, filled, sipped from, and reviewed—live, on camera. That kind of product experience gives you confidence when you’re looking for something special to represent your brand.
Final Thoughts
This week’s episode had everything we love about Thirsty Thursday. A drink that sparked strong reactions, a piece of branded drinkware that impressed everyone, and a good time had by all.
Whether you’re here for the product reviews, the laughter, or the occasional side-eye over a stout, we’re glad you’re along for the ride.
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 episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back to cover a lot of ground — from building stronger morning routines to building better websites. As always, the conversation is filled with real-world marketing insight, a few laughs, and plenty of practical takeaways you can use right away.
Watch the full episode below and join us for the conversation.
Updating Morning Routines
The episode kicks off with some personal updates as both Jade and Kirby reflect on how their morning routines are shifting.
Jade shares that she’ll be moving to Georgia soon, which means she’ll officially be operating on Eastern Standard Time — the same as Kirby. The change may seem small, but it impacts how her days will start and how she wants to structure her workday more intentionally.
Kirby, on the other hand, talks about how he’s recently delegated a few of his morning tasks to his team. While that delegation helps free up time, it also creates space he wants to fill intentionally. Rather than waste that extra time scrolling or being reactive, he’s thinking about ways to invest that energy into personal development, creativity, or deeper planning work.
Both agree: your morning routine sets the tone for your day. And if you’re not adjusting it as your life and business change, you’re likely leaving opportunity on the table.
Improving Your Website: Your Digital Real Estate
From there, the conversation shifts into one of the most important assets every brand owns — their website. Or as Kirby calls it, your “digital real estate.”
Jade doesn’t hold back when she shares some of her website pet peeves. Things like broken links, outdated info, confusing navigation, or a lack of clear calls to action drive her crazy. In today’s world, your website is often your first impression and a bad experience can cost you business before you even know it.
Kirby adds one of the biggest mistakes he sees: websites that aren’t clear. Within seconds, a visitor should be able to easily understand what you do, who you serve, and how you can help them. Confusion kills conversions. If your visitor has to scroll or search to figure out what your business actually does, you’ve already lost them.
Beyond clarity, Kirby also discusses how a website should serve its audience. That means adding tools, resources, and content that actually help people solve problems, answer questions, or take the next step with your company.
A few simple ways to upgrade your website include:
Make it clear what you do within seconds of landing on your homepage
Ensure your contact info is easy to find
Add lead magnets or free resources
Create FAQ or knowledge base sections
Use video to introduce your brand and team
Keep your site updated regularly with fresh content
The theme here is simple: treat your website like a living, breathing asset, and it becomes one of your most valuable business tools.
Why Welcome Kits Matter
The third segment dives into a topic both Jade and Kirby love: welcome kits for new employees.
When someone joins your team, the onboarding experience is one of the first signals they get about your company culture. A great welcome kit helps them feel like part of the team right away — before they even step through the door on day one.
Kirby shares that the best companies start building culture and excitement even before an employee’s first official day. Sending a branded welcome kit to their home helps new hires feel valued and creates instant buy-in.
Welcome kits don’t have to be elaborate. A few well-selected branded items, a personal note from leadership, and useful tools for their new role go a long way. Plus, it helps build internal brand pride and creates consistency across the organization.
Product of the Week: Year-At-A-Glance Calendar
This week’s featured product is simple but powerful: a Year-At-A-Glance Calendar.
While it might not be the flashiest piece of branded merch, it delivers something marketers always want — staying visible all year long. When a customer hangs your calendar in their office or workspace, your logo is seen every single day. That’s long-term brand reinforcement you can’t get from a quick social post or one-time mailer.
Shout Out of the Week: The Downtown Ice Cream Parlor
This week’s shout-out goes to The Downtown Ice Cream Parlor in Newark, Ohio. The shop has built a great reputation for doing the simple things right. They serve up delicious ice cream in a warm, friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. From classic flavors to the local charm of the store itself, The Downtown Ice Cream Parlor has created exactly what a great small business should be — consistent, inviting, and customer-focused.
Sometimes the best marketing is simply delivering a great product and experience, every single time.
Final Thoughts
This episode is packed with takeaways that apply whether you’re marketing a business, leading a team, or simply trying to build better habits.
A few quick reminders from the conversation:
Review and update your morning routine regularly
Make your website clear, simple, and truly helpful
Use welcome kits to create stronger culture and first impressions
Simple branded products like calendars can deliver year-round visibility
Great customer experience is still the most powerful form of marketing
Be sure to watch the full episode above for the full discussion, and stay tuned for the next edition of Better Merch…Better Marketing.
If you need help with branded merch, welcome kits, or creative ways to grow your brand, we’re always 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.
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.
Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby discuss strategies for building a strong brand and using marketing to grow—even when times are uncertain.
This week, they cover:
Tips for marketing during uncertain times and how businesses can use this period to strengthen their brand
When and why a company should create a merch collection
How to leverage merch and social media during a product launch
A product they are both obsessed with—custom shoes
A special shoutout to McWane Ductile for their incredible contributions to the community
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Marketing in Uncertain Times
Uncertain times impact everyone, including employees, customers, and the overall market. Many businesses react by pulling back, cutting budgets, and waiting for things to improve. But the companies that continue to invest in their marketing during these periods are the ones that come out ahead.
Here are three areas businesses should focus on when times are uncertain:
Take Care of Your Employees – Just like businesses, employees feel uncertain too. Providing a strong company culture, recognition, and support can help keep them engaged and motivated. A strong internal team leads to better customer experiences, which ultimately strengthens the brand.
Focus on Your Current Customer Base – While finding new customers is important, it’s even more critical to take care of the ones you already have. Make sure they feel appreciated through great customer service, personal outreach, and even small branded gifts that let them know they are valued. Retaining customers is far more cost-effective than constantly chasing new ones.
Double Down on Social Media and Content – Uncertain times can make some businesses hesitant to invest in marketing, but this is actually the time to grow market share. With fewer competitors actively marketing, there’s an opportunity to stand out. Creating valuable content, staying engaged on social media, and consistently communicating with your audience can help solidify your brand as an industry leader.
The key takeaway is not to panic and cut back. Instead, use this time to strengthen relationships, expand your reach, and build loyalty.
When Should Your Company Create a Merch Collection?
A merch collection isn’t just a collection of promotional products—it’s a branding strategy that can help create a sense of identity for employees, customers, and fans of the brand.
It makes sense to launch a merch collection when:
Celebrating a major milestone such as a company anniversary, rebrand, or expansion
Building team culture through employee appreciation or incentive programs
Running a community or charity campaign where proceeds from branded merch support a cause
Supporting a product launch by offering exclusive branded items alongside a new release
A well-executed merch collection can create buzz, strengthen relationships, and generate brand loyalty both internally and externally.
How to Leverage Merch and Social Media for a Product Launch
Branded merchandise and social media are a powerful combination for generating excitement around a product launch.
Here’s how they work together:
Before launch, use social media to build anticipation by offering sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and giveaways featuring limited-edition merch
On launch day, drive engagement with interactive posts, live videos, and exclusive promotions that include branded merchandise
After launch, encourage customers to share their experiences with the product and branded merch on social media to increase visibility and credibility
Branded merchandise isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a tool to create engagement, excitement, and lasting brand awareness around a new product.
A Product We Are Obsessed With: Custom Shoes
Jade and Kirby both recently got custom shoes, and they are officially a new favorite branded merch item. Not only are they cool and comfortable, but they also have a one-piece minimum, making them accessible for companies of all sizes.
Custom shoes offer a unique way to showcase branding in a way that people actually want to wear. They’re a conversation starter, a personal branding tool, and a high-end piece of swag that stands out.
If you’re looking for a fresh and creative way to promote a brand, custom shoes might be the perfect fit.
Shoutout to McWane Ductile
This week’s shoutout goes to McWane Ductile, a company that is making a major impact in the local community.
They have:
Donated $500,000 to make the McWane River Walk a reality
Become the leading donor to the local United Way
Implemented the Total Wellness Plan for their employees to promote health and well-being
McWane Ductile is an example of a business that goes beyond just operations—it actively invests in the people and community around them. Their commitment to giving back is something worth recognizing.
Final Thoughts
This episode covered a mix of business strategies, marketing insights, and some exciting branded merch ideas.
Key takeaways:
Taking care of employees and customers should be a top priority during uncertain times
A merch collection can strengthen company culture, customer loyalty, and brand awareness
Social media and branded merch work together to create excitement around product launches
Custom shoes are a unique and eye-catching piece of branded merchandise
McWane Ductile is setting the standard for corporate community involvement
What are your thoughts on marketing during uncertain times? Have you ever launched a merch collection or used custom shoes for branding? Let’s talk about it.
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.
