In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman break down their favorite Super Bowl commercials, the weirdest ones, and the lessons small to mid-sized businesses can take away from the biggest advertising stage in the world. Let’s watch now!
Just like everyone you know…they did talk about commercials! They talk about the clever “Relax Your Tight Ends” prostate testing ad, Kirby’s love for the Dunkin’ commercial, and the brands that were boldly trolling their competitors. They also share why the Liquid I.V. singing toilet ad missed the mark for them. More importantly, they dig into what smaller brands can learn from the Super Bowl. What events can you dominate? What content can you create? And what would it look like if your company treated a local event like its own Super Bowl moment?
They even have some fun imagining what they would do if invited to participate in the Super Bowl experience.
The Product of the Week is a custom inverted umbrella from PopPromos. It is a practical, high-perceived-value item that is perfect as spring events and unpredictable weather approach. You can check it out here. Click to learn more.
Hit play, and let’s talk Better Merch and Better Marketing.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it. You can find us on YouTube,Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place.
And as always, we are here to help. If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We would love to help. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free.
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday—and this one came with a special introduction.
This episode, we welcomed our newest team member, Claire Bowman, to the table. Of course, Kirby immediately dubbed her “Ever Claire.” Because if you’re joining this crew, you have to have a sense of humor!
What better way to welcome someone to the culture of Marketing Joy than with a mystery drink and a new piece of branded drinkware? Watch now!
The Drink: Svedka Strawberry Lemon Flavored Vodka
This week’s mystery pour was Svedka Strawberry Lemon Flavored Vodka.
First impression? Strong.
Very strong.
But here’s the twist—while it packed a punch, the reviews were actually positive across the board.
Not something we’d typically drink straight.
Definitely something we could see becoming a staple in a mixed drink.
Sweet, fruity, and built for summer cocktails.
In other words: On its own? Intense. In a mixer? Dangerous in the best way.
And honestly, it made for a fun, lively episode—especially with Claire stepping into the Thirsty Thursday hot seat for the first time.
The Drinkware: “The Boss” – 26 oz RPET Water Bottle (Koozie Group)
This isn’t just another water bottle. The embossed imprint elevates it. It feels intentional. Clean. Professional. The kind of piece people keep on their desk, in their gym bag, or in their car.
And that’s the whole point of great branded merch—longevity.
Svedka Strawberry Lemon Vodka: Bold. Strong. Surprisingly solid—especially as a mixer.
The Boss 26 oz RPET Bottle: Clean design. Sustainable build. Premium imprint. A real winner.
And most importantly—welcome to the team, Claire. Or should we say… Ever Claire.
Another Thirsty Thursday in the books. Marketing should be fun—and this one definitely was. Cheers.
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
This time on the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman talk about the year of big bets and bigger budgets. Let’s watch now!
It is time for a brand new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this one is all about momentum, confidence, and bold marketing moves. In this episode, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman dive into the news that Hershey’s is increasing its marketing budget by 20 percent and shifting more focus toward influencer marketing and digital channels. They discuss what this signals for brands of all sizes and why leaning into visibility when others hesitate can be a powerful strategy.
The conversation then turns to the rising cost of Super Bowl advertising, which is also up by 20 percent. While many brands may see that as a barrier, Kirby explains why he still believes Super Bowl ads remain a bargain when viewed through the lens of reach, impact, and long-term brand equity. It sparks a broader discussion about where companies should invest their marketing dollars in 2026.
Jade and Kirby also introduce the idea of 2026 as “the Year of the Horse” and what that mindset represents for businesses. Energy, movement, confidence, and forward progress define the theme. After several years of uncertainty and adjustment, they argue that 2026 feels like a comeback year for brands that are ready to show up, take action, and reconnect with customers in meaningful ways.
This episode is fun, forward-looking, and filled with encouragement for marketers and business owners who want to ride the wave of opportunity instead of sitting on the sidelines. It is a conversation about spending wisely, thinking boldly, and believing that 2026 is back.
Hit play, and let’s talk Better Merch and Better Marketing!
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
It is time for a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman are fresh back from the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. Today we talk about things you can learn from “The Trade Show of Trade Shows!” Watch now!
In this episode, they break down the biggest lessons from the show and what clients and business owners can learn from the trends shaping the branded merchandise industry. In other words, this is what you can learn to make your next show even better.
The Rise of Activations
One of the biggest takeaways from the Expo was the rise of activations. What does that even mean? They dive in and explain. Jade and Kirby explain why interactive experiences were everywhere on the show floor and how brands can use activations to create stronger emotional connections through merch and marketing.
In addition, Jade and Kirby talk about creating the perfect merch…regardless of niche. This simple trick helps you nail your branded merch (and the rest of your marketing) every time!
The Product of the Week is the 24 Can Cooler Tote, a versatile and practical item that fits perfectly with event marketing, client gifting, and outdoor promotions. You can check it out here.
This episode is packed with practical insights from the PPAI Expo and is a great listen for anyone looking to create more intentional, effective branded merchandise programs.
Hit play, and let’s talk Better Merch and Better Marketing!
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
What do a scratch-and-sniff billboard, smarter branded merch, and packing for a huge industry event all have in common? In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby break it all down.
First, we dig into a bold (and surprisingly smart) out-of-home campaign from Subway, where a scratch-and-sniff billboard was used to stop attention, spark curiosity, and create a real connection. What can marketers and merch pros learn from sensory marketing like this — and when does it actually make sense?
Then, Jade introduces her brand-new Merch Pyramid, a simple but powerful way to think about branded merchandise that actually moves the needle: Utility (does it get used?) Aesthetic (does it look good?) Connection (does it make people feel something?)
Finally, we get practical as we talk through the branded merch items we’re packing for our upcoming trip to PPAI Expo in Las Vegas — why we chose them, how they fit the Merch Pyramid, and what we’re hoping they help us accomplish at the show. If you care about: Smarter branded merch, Creative marketing ideas that stand out Practical takeaways you can actually use …this episode is for you. Oh…and don’t forget our Product of the Week (which you can find here) that will help keep us charged on the trip!
Hit play, and let’s talk Better Merch and Better Marketing!
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
