In the latest episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider (your Branding Bestie) and Kirby Hasseman dive into a mix of branding controversies, design debates, marketing lessons, and even sequels. As always, the conversation blends fun with practical insights that any business can take to heart.
Cracker Barrel’s Rebrand Controversy
The big headline this week? Cracker Barrel’s new rebrand.
Jade and Kirby unpacked the controversy surrounding the restaurant chain’s refreshed identity. Their takeaways were simple but powerful:
Know your audience. If your customer base is resistant to change, even small updates can spark backlash.
Know your brand. Cracker Barrel has always leaned into its old-fashioned, nostalgic vibe. Moving too far away from that core risks alienating loyal fans.
Weather the storm. If you do decide to rebrand, understand that initial pushback is normal. Success requires staying the course long enough for the change to settle in.
But Kirby threw in an interesting theory: what if the “controversy” itself was part of the plan? After all, few brands get this much free publicity in 2025. Whether intentional or not, people are talking about Cracker Barrel—and that in itself may be a win.
Form vs. Function
Next, Kirby and Jade debated an age-old design question: what matters more—form or function?
Kirby asked Jade if she tends to prioritize aesthetics over utility (and wondered if preferences differ by gender or generation). Jade pushed back, arguing that it really depends on context. Sometimes form drives emotional connection, while other times function is non-negotiable.
The real question: what’s more important to you? Let us know in the comments—because this is one that sparks different answers for everyone.
Sequels, Season 2s, and Planning for Success
From branding debates, the duo shifted into pop culture with a discussion on sequels and second seasons of popular shows.
Jade admitted she doesn’t love many sequels (especially Happy Gilmore 2)—most of them feel rushed or unnecessary. Kirby pointed out that part of the problem is planning. Many creative teams don’t expect their first project to succeed, so they don’t think ahead to what a follow-up would look like.
That’s not just a Hollywood problem—it’s a marketing lesson, too. Too often, organizations don’t plan for success. They roll out a campaign or product with no roadmap for what happens if it works. The key takeaway: always plan for the next step, because momentum is only valuable if you’re ready to use it.
Product of the Week: Custom Appointment Calendars
This week’s featured product is one of the most foundational tools in branded marketing: the Custom Appointment Calendar.
Unlike generic giveaways, these calendars put your brand story front and center in your customer’s home or office for an entire year. With full customization, you can create a piece that reflects your mission, highlights your products or services, and keeps your message visible every single day.
It’s hard to beat the staying power of something that literally hangs in your client’s line of sight all year long. Want to learn more or get your project started now? Head here.
Shout-Out: Coshocton County Commissioners
The episode wrapped with a well-deserved shout-out to the Coshocton County Commissioners.
Their leadership has been instrumental in securing grant dollars and advancing major projects in the county. Thanks to their work, Coshocton is seeing real change and development that benefits the entire community. It’s another reminder that local leadership matters—and when done well, it can transform a region.
Final Thoughts
From national rebrands to local leadership, this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing covers a wide spectrum of lessons:
Know your audience and brand identity before making big changes.
Balance form and function in your design decisions.
Plan for success—whether it’s a show, a campaign, or your next business move.
Don’t overlook foundational marketing pieces like custom calendars.
And never forget to celebrate the leaders and organizations driving impact in your community.
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!
On the latest episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade cover a little bit of everything—from marketing brilliance and intentional branding to downright strange Gen Z TikTok trends. This week’s conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and a few ideas you might just be able to steal for your own business.
Taylor Swift’s Strategic Brilliance
The episode kicked off with Taylor Swift’s latest headline-making move—announcing her new album on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce. Jade pointed out the sheer intentionality in Swift’s marketing. Nothing she does is accidental, and this was yet another masterclass in audience targeting and platform choice.
Kirby agreed and took the discussion further, highlighting the importance and power of building your own audience. Swift can make a splash anywhere because she’s spent years cultivating a loyal fanbase. Whether you’re a music icon or a small business owner, the takeaway is the same—focus on your audience, connect with them consistently, and they’ll follow you anywhere.
Big Brands, Big Ideas
From music megastars, the conversation shifted to some impressive campaigns from big brands. Kirby brought up McDonald’s recent rollout of their chicken strips—a campaign that leaned heavily into nano-influencers. Instead of chasing massive celebrity endorsements, they partnered with local foodies to create authentic, relatable reviews. The result? Other influencers picked up on the trend, and social media was buzzing.
The lesson here for small businesses: you don’t need a huge budget to make an impact. Find the people in your community who already have influence in your niche and collaborate with them in fun, creative ways.
Jade chimed in with another example—Mattel’s successful rebranding of Barbie through the blockbuster Barbie movie. It was a perfect case of modernizing a legacy brand for a new audience while staying true to its core identity.
Brain-Rot Marketing for Gen Z
Not all marketing trends get a thumbs up from our hosts. Jade shared a phenomenon she’s been seeing on TikTok—what she calls “brain-rot marketing.” Brands like Pine-Sol and Nutter Butter are creating bizarre, random videos designed to grab attention and go viral with younger audiences.
While Jade found it fascinating and worth noting, Kirby wasn’t convinced. He admitted that he didn’t “get” it and worried that, while it might rack up views, it might not actually convert into long-term brand loyalty.
Product of the Week: Glass Jar Candle from Numo
This week’s Product of the Week comes from Numo—a beautiful Glass Jar Candle with Lid and direct print decoration. You can check it out here.
It’s a perfect example of branded merch that people actually use and enjoy. Candles work across industries, are universally appealing, and can be customized to reflect your brand’s personality and scent preferences.
Shout Out: Local Festivals in Coshocton County
The episode wrapped up with a nod to some exciting local happenings—the Coshocton Dog Fest and the Roscoe Village Food Truck Festival happening this weekend. Both events bring the community together, support local vendors, and give people a reason to get out and explore.
Final Thoughts
From Swift’s calculated moves to McDonald’s nano-influencer magic, this episode proves that great marketing can come from anywhere—and not all of it will make sense to everyone. The key is knowing your audience, meeting them where they are, and being intentional about every move you make.
Whether you’re running a small local business or managing a global brand, there’s something in this episode for you. Tune in, take notes, and maybe even light a candle while you listen.
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! After wrapping up Season 1, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman are kicking off Season 2 of Better Merch…Better Marketing with fresh stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way. From big life changes to bold PR moves, this episode is full of practical takeaways (and a really cool product you’ll want to see).
Here’s what we covered in this week’s episode:
Big Changes in July
July brought big shifts for both Jade and Kirby.
Jade made a major move, relocating from Colorado to Georgia. In the episode, she shares what it’s been like to transition both personally and professionally, including the adjustments she’s making in a brand-new environment.
Kirby, on the other hand, spent the month “out of the office.” He didn’t completely disconnect from work but intentionally pulled back from his usual pace. He shares what worked (recharging and finding clarity) and what didn’t (because, let’s be honest, unplugging from a busy schedule isn’t always smooth).
The lesson? Sometimes you need to step back—or shake things up—to see your business (and your life) from a fresh perspective.
A Brilliant PR Move from Astronomer
We couldn’t resist talking about the story that took social media by storm: Astronomer’s CEO and HR director unexpectedly going viral after being caught on the “kiss cam” at a Coldplay concert. Instead of ignoring it, the company leaned in with humor and creativity—bringing in Gwyneth Paltrow as their temporary spokesperson to address the attention.
And it worked.
Both Jade and Kirby agreed: this was PR done right. It was smart, funny, and most importantly, human. It’s a great reminder that not every “crisis” is a crisis. Sometimes, if you embrace the moment with authenticity, it can turn into a win.
Instagram is Becoming a Search Platform
Jade led a fascinating discussion on Instagram’s shift toward becoming more of a search platform—and what that means for marketers.
Instead of just pretty pictures and short captions, users are now treating Instagram like a mini search engine. That means captions, keywords, and descriptions matter more than ever.
Some of the key tips we discussed:
Write captions with searchable terms that match what your audience is looking for.
Consider the questions people are asking and use your posts to answer them.
Don’t just post for aesthetics—think about discoverability.
If you’re using Instagram for business, it’s time to optimize not just for likes but for searchability.
Product of the Week: EZ Breezy Neck Fan
When it’s hot outside, you don’t just want to cool off—you need to. That’s why our Product of the Week is the EZ Breezy Neck Fan from HPG.
This hands-free fan is rechargeable, lightweight, and perfect for events, outdoor work, or simply surviving summer. It’s also a fantastic branded merch option because it’s useful, fun, and attention-grabbing—the kind of thing people will thank you for.
Shout Out of the Week: Coshocton Economic Development Win
Finally, we ended the episode with a huge shout out to the Coshocton Port Authority, Ohio SE, the Ohio Department of Development, and everyone involved in securing a $58.7 million grant for the old AEP site in Coshocton County.
This funding will help build out the infrastructure to make the site ready for future economic development projects—an incredible step forward for the local community.
This is a huge win for Coshocton County, and it’s a great example of what happens when local leaders, state agencies, and development organizations work together.
Final Thoughts
Season 2 is off to a strong start. From personal growth to smart PR strategies, from Instagram’s evolution to innovative branded products, this episode is packed with value—and plenty of reasons to get excited about what’s next.
Be sure to watch the full episode above, and if you haven’t subscribed yet, now’s the time. Season 2 is going to be even bigger, better, and more insightful.
And if you’re battling the summer heat? Get yourself an EZ Breezy Neck Fan. Trust us.
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!
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.
