This week on Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back with another lively conversation that ranges from nostalgic mascots to how to support remote workers—and of course, some fun branded merch to sweeten the deal.
In this episode, they cover:
Their favorite brand mascots (with some fun surprises)
A shoutout to Gentlebrook for their investment in Coshocton County
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Mascot Madness: Who’s Winning Our Hearts
Kirby and Jade kick things off by discussing something we don’t talk about enough in marketing—mascots.
Jade’s pick: The Duolingo Owl, who has gone viral on social media for its sassy, slightly unhinged behavior. Whether it’s dancing on TikTok or sending guilt-laden reminders to complete your lesson, this owl has become an unlikely fan favorite.
Kirby’s favorite: The one and only Energizer Bunny. Still going strong after all these years, this iconic pink battery-powered mascot represents brand consistency and staying power.
They share a few other honorable mentions too—but you’ll have to tune in to hear the full lineup. Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of nostalgia, clever marketing, and pure mascot chaos.
Advice We Don’t Always Agree With
Next up, the duo takes on a classic topic with a twist: bad advice that sounds good.
One that’s especially common? “Follow your passion.”
Sure, it sounds great on paper, but Kirby and Jade both caution against taking this advice too literally. Sometimes, your passion doesn’t make a sustainable business—or doesn’t pay the bills right away. A better strategy? Follow your skills. Develop your passion into something practical.
Jade also confesses her hesitation with the advice to “just trust your gut.” While intuition can be valuable, she explains why she sometimes needs data, reflection, and a second opinion before making big decisions. The conversation turns funny, relatable, and refreshingly honest.
Supporting Work-From-Home Teams the Right Way
As more businesses embrace remote and hybrid work, the conversation naturally shifts to how we support our WFH team members.
Jade’s take: Having a great home office setup is key. Comfortable, functional, and personalized space helps improve both productivity and mindset. She recommends investing in tools that make daily work easier and more enjoyable.
Kirby’s focus: Communication is everything. Without the casual interactions of an office environment, leaders need to be more intentional about how (and how often) they check in. Clear expectations, regular updates, and genuine connection go a long way.
If you’re leading a remote team or part of one, this segment offers some great reminders that go beyond tech tools—and get to the heart of culture and connection.
Product of the Week: Sweeter Cards with Gummy Bears
This week’s featured product brings a literal sweetness to the episode—Sweeter Cards with Gummy Bears from Maple Ridge Farms.
It’s delicious and delightful—who doesn’t love a treat paired with a thoughtful message?
The packaging makes it feel like a gift, not just another promo item
Great for employee appreciation, client gifting, or “just because” outreach
This is branded merch that adds joy and flavor, and it’s something people will actually enjoy (and remember).
Shoutout of the Week: Gentlebrook’s Big Move in Coshocton County
We always love celebrating organizations doing good—and this week’s shoutout goes to Gentlebrook, who is investing in a brand new facility in Coshocton County.
Gentlebrook is known for providing supportive services to individuals with developmental disabilities and seniors, and their investment in the community is both inspiring and impactful.
We’re proud to spotlight organizations like Gentlebrook that are building stronger communities and making a lasting difference.
Final Thoughts
From iconic mascots to the realities of remote work, this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing had laughs, lessons, and gummy bears—what more could you want?
Quick recap:
Mascots matter—when done right, they become brand icons
Not all advice is created equal—question everything (even the stuff that sounds nice)
Supporting your remote team goes beyond Zoom—it’s about intentional culture
And we love seeing organizations like Gentlebrook investing in the future
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing. 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.
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday, the series where we take a mystery drink, pair it with a piece of branded drinkware, and give our honest (and usually entertaining) reviews.
This week’s episode, titled “Dehydrating Hydration,” features the full squad: Jade Crider, Kirby Hasseman, and Briar Swigert. And while our drink may have left us scratching our heads, the drinkware was a total win.
Let’s break it down.
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: Buddy 24oz Recycled Shaker Bottle from PCNA
We always say Thirsty Thursday is really about the branded merch—and this week’s drinkware did not disappoint.
We tried out the Buddy 24oz Recycled Shaker Bottle from our friends at PCNA.
Sustainable: Made from recycled materials, it’s a win for your brand and the planet.
Large capacity: 24oz gives you plenty of hydration throughout the day.
Built-in mixing ball: Whether you’re mixing water, supplements, or mystery drinks, this bottle gets the job done.
Clean design: It’s sleek, functional, and has a nice imprint area for branding.
Secure lid and flip top: No mess, no fuss—just smart construction that works.
This is the kind of branded merch that employees, clients, and event attendees actually want to keep—and use.
The verdict? All three of us gave it a big thumbs up.
The Drink: Light Strike Lemon Lime
So about that drink…
This week’s mystery beverage was Lemon Lime from Light Strike—a hydration drink that’s supposed to give you a boost without sugar, caffeine, or carbonation.
We had high hopes going in, but the reactions were… let’s just say mixed.
Here’s the breakdown:
Kirby was intrigued by the flavor at first but wasn’t sure it delivered on the hydration hype.
Jade was immediately suspicious—and the first sip confirmed her doubts.
Briar was the most optimistic, but even he had a few moments of hesitation.
Overall, it felt like one of those drinks that talks a big game on the label—but doesn’t exactly win hearts at the table.
We get what they were going for, but this one might be more of a “try it and decide for yourself” situation. If you’re into lemon-lime hydration drinks with a strong kick, it might be up your alley. Otherwise… maybe not.
Why This Episode Is Classic Thirsty Thursday
This episode checked all the boxes:
One great drinkware piece
One questionable mystery drink
Plenty of laughs and strong opinions along the way
It’s a great reminder that branded merch has the power to elevate any experience—even when the beverage inside is… confusing. The Buddy Shaker Bottle handled it all with ease, and we could definitely see it becoming a go-to giveaway for fitness studios, health programs, or wellness initiatives.
Final Verdict
Drinkware: The Buddy Shaker Bottle from PCNA – Certified Thirsty Thursday Approved
Drink: Light Strike Lemon Lime – Mixed reviews, but worth a taste if you’re feeling adventurous
Vibes: 10/10 – Anytime we get Jade, Kirby, and Briar together, the energy is high and the laughs are plenty
Thirsty Thursday continues to be where great branded merch meets honest opinions and a little chaos.
And if you’ve got a drink or a drinkware product you think we should feature, let us know. We’re always up for the next sip—even when it leaves us dehydrated. And if you want to learn more or order, head to our Thirsty Thursday shop here.
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.
On this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade dig into a mix of marketing insights, branded merch talk, and a few surprising media takes—from The Wolf of Wall Street landing on Disney+ to one very noisy pen.
This episode includes:
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of TikTok Marketing
Trade Show Tips to help brands show up and stand out
1. TikTok Marketing: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
First up, we waded into the ever-controversial waters of TikTok marketing. Like most platforms, TikTok can be a powerful tool—or a cautionary tale—depending on how it’s used.
The Ugly: We kick off with a story of influencer marketing gone seriously wrong. It’s a reminder that when brands hand over messaging to creators without clear boundaries or understanding, the results can backfire—big time.
The Bad: Poppi, a better-for-you soda brand, sent out mini vending machines to influencers as part of a campaign. Some users criticized the campaign as wasteful or out-of-touch. Kirby called it “fake outrage,” arguing that the brand earned awareness and engagement—which is, after all, the goal.
The Good: Then there’s the success story of an author whose book sales exploded after a single, authentic TikTok video took off. No gimmicks. No huge spend. Just a compelling story shared with the right audience.
Key takeaway: TikTok can amplify your message, but strategy, authenticity, and understanding the platform culture are essential.
2. Trade Show Tips That Actually Work
Trade shows are back—and if you’re going to invest time and money to show up, you’d better make it count. Jade and Kirby shared real-world tips that can help your booth rise above the sea of sameness.
Have a Theme: Make it memorable. A cohesive, creative theme ties your merch, booth, and messaging together.
Train Your Team: A great booth setup means nothing if your team isn’t energized, aligned, and trained to engage.
Pre-Event Communication: Don’t just show up—give first. Reach out before the show to offer value, create interest, and invite attendees to stop by.
Whether it’s a regional expo or a national trade show, the brands that prepare before the event are the ones that win during it.
3. Disney+ Gets Gritty: A Brand Shift?
Yes, it’s true—The Wolf of Wall Street is now streaming on Disney+. So, what does this mean for brand identity?
Kirby and Jade talked about the change in Disney+ since it merged with Hulu. The main thought of course is, you can’t let Disney+ be your child’s babysitter. But Kirby’s overall take is on knowing your audience. If you don’t create content that is tailored for your perfect customer, then it might feel like the Wolf of Wall Street doing sales training on your child!
4. Product of the Week: The Crinkle Pen from HPG
This week’s featured merch item? The wonderfully tactile and slightly addictive Crinkle Pen from HPG.
Why we love it:
It’s fun to fidget with (without being distracting).
The grip is unique and memorable.
It’s a conversation starter—great for trade shows, events, and desk drops.
Bottom line: It’s not your average pen, and that’s the point.
5. Shoutout of the Week: Coshocton Regional Medical Center
We always love highlighting great work—and this week’s shoutout goes to Coshocton Regional Medical Center for receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award.
Their commitment to care and excellence makes a real impact in our community, and this recognition is well-deserved. Hats off to the entire team.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was a fun mix of insights, hot takes, and useful tools. Whether you’re navigating TikTok, planning for your next trade show, or just hunting for the next great piece of merch, there’s something in here for you.
Until next time, keep showing up, keep growing, and keep creating Better Merch…and 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 talk all things branded merch, marketing, and the latest trends in the promo world.
This week, it’s Merch Madness—a fun and competitive episode where we put branded merch head-to-head in a tournament-style showdown to determine the ultimate winner. But that’s not all. We also cover:
Unpopular opinions that might ruffle some feathers
How to create branded merch that stands out in the social media era
This week’s featured product: the Lean2 Magnetic Wallet
A special shoutout to the Coshocton Board of DD luncheon and the amazing award winners
Who won Merch Madness? You’ll have to watch or listen to find out!
Now, let’s break it all down.
Unpopular Opinions: Things That Might Get Us in Trouble
We kicked things off with some hot takes that might not sit well with everyone, but hey—they’re our opinions, and we stand by them!
Jade’s Unpopular Opinion: Just because you’re an A student doesn’t mean you’re the smartest person in the room. School rewards a certain type of intelligence, but real-world success is about more than just grades.
Kirby’s Unpopular Opinion: YETI tumblers are overrated in branded merch. There are plenty of high-quality, functional alternatives that provide the same (if not better) results, often at a better price point. Don’t just default to the brand name—explore other great options!
Do you agree or disagree with these? Let us know!
Merch Madness: The Branded Merch Showdown
In honor of March Madness, Jade created a bracket-style tournament featuring a mix of popular and underrated branded merch items.
Koozies vs. Tote Bags – Which one is more useful? More impactful?
Chisel Pencils vs. Lip Balm – Does function win over practicality?
Hand Sanitizer vs. Wireless Chargers – Which one is the must-have in today’s world?
The debates were heated, hilarious, and surprisingly difficult at times. Some of our picks might shock you.
Who took home the championship title? Watch the episode to find out!
How to Create Branded Merch That Stands Out in the Social Media Era
Branded merch isn’t just about slapping a logo on something and calling it a day—especially in a world where social media plays such a huge role in brand engagement.
Here are some tips on how to create merch people actually want to wear, use, and share:
Prioritize Great Design – The best branded merch doesn’t look like promo—it looks like something you’d buy in a store. Invest in good design, color choices, and aesthetic appeal.
Design for Your Real Audience – Think about who will actually be using the product. What do they love? What will make them want to show it off?
Make It Limited or Exclusive – People love limited-edition drops. Whether it’s for an event, a milestone, or a campaign, exclusive merch feels special.
Encourage Social Sharing – If your merch looks great, people will post about it. Create something photo-worthy and consider including hashtags or QR codes to drive engagement.
Want to create branded merch that people love? These tips will help.
Featured Product of the Week: Lean2 Magnetic Wallet
This week, we’re spotlighting a sleek, practical piece of branded merch that we both love—the Lean2 Magnetic Wallet. Check it out here
What makes it great?
MagSafe-compatible – Perfect for iPhone users who love a minimalist, no-bulk wallet option.
Holds essentials – Cards, ID, and cash stay secure while staying lightweight and convenient.
Premium feel – High-quality material makes it a great executive gift or giveaway.
We’re big fans of functional, everyday branded merch—and this one delivers.
Shoutout: Coshocton Board of DD Luncheon & Local Award Winners
This week’s shoutout goes to the Coshocton Board of DD for putting together an incredible area luncheon.
Not only was it a great event, but it also celebrated some incredible individuals and organizations making a difference. It’s always inspiring to see people recognized for their hard work and contributions to the community.
A huge congratulations to all the award winners—thank you for what you do!
Final Thoughts: A Fun Episode with Big Takeaways
This week’s episode was a mix of fun, debates, and valuable marketing insights.
Here’s what we covered:
Unpopular opinions that challenge conventional thinking
Merch Madness—a battle of branded merch items
How to create merch that stands out in today’s digital world
A product we’re loving: the Lean2 Magnetic Wallet
A shoutout to an amazing local event celebrating community leaders
Which branded merch item would YOU have picked as the winner of Merch Madness? Let us know!
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.
