In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby are back with a blend of wellness talk, favorite work tools, and one branded merch item that’s a hole-in-one.
This episode includes:
Real talk about work-life balance
The non-traditional products they swear by to boost their workday
A peek inside their morning routines
Product of the Week: The Magnetic Golf Towel from Gold Bond
A shoutout to the incredible work being done by Chili Baptist Community Church
Listen or watch the full episode here:
Let’s dig into the highlights.
Tips for Work-Life Balance: Grace, Boundaries, and Intention
The conversation around work-life balance is always a hot one—and this episode was no different. Jade and Kirby each offered a unique take:
Jade’s perspective: Balance starts with intention. Whether it’s time-blocking, setting boundaries, or saying no to protect your energy, being mindful of how you spend your time is critical. You can’t be everywhere at once—but you can choose where you want to be.
Kirby’s take: He pushed back on the idea of perfect balance. “There’s no such thing,” he said. “It’s about recognizing the season you’re in and giving yourself grace.” Some days work takes more. Some days family does. The trick is not trying to achieve a perfect 50/50, but being honest with yourself and being present where you are.
Bottom line? Balance isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice.
One Non-Traditional Product That Improves Their Work Life
We’re always fans of useful tools, and this week, Jade and Kirby each shared a non-traditional product that has improved their workdays in a big way.
Jade’s pick: A quality mouse and keyboard. It may sound simple, but having tools that feel good, reduce strain, and enhance productivity makes a big difference when you’re spending hours at your desk.
Kirby’s favorite: His microphone and webcam setup. As a content creator and host of multiple podcasts and video series, investing in the tools that improve video and audio quality has elevated his ability to connect—and keeps things running smoothly across platforms.
Lesson: Don’t underestimate the value of the “little things.” Sometimes the gear that doesn’t get talked about much has the biggest impact on your daily experience.
Morning Routines: How They Start the Day Right
When it comes to productivity, how you start your day often sets the tone. Jade and Kirby each walked through their morning routines—and they couldn’t be more different.
Kirby’s morning routine is structured and intentional, including:
Coffee (non-negotiable)
A morning run or workout
Meditation or mindfulness
Push-ups
Breakfast (often at the Coshocton Regional Medical Center cafeteria)
It’s not just about routine—it’s about creating momentum early in the day.
Jade’s mornings are more fluid, but she emphasized getting the body and brain moving—whether it’s journaling, taking a walk, or just having a slow moment before diving into work.
The common thread? Start with something that fills your cup—before the day starts pouring out of it.
Product of the Week: Magnetic Waffle Golf Towel from Gold Bond
This week’s Product of the Week is a favorite for golf fans and corporate event planners alike: the 28” x 12.5” Magnetic Waffle Golf Towel from Gold Bond.
The magnet built into the towel allows it to easily attach to golf carts or clubs—making it super practical on the course
The waffle texture is both absorbent and sharp-looking
It’s a great branding opportunity—especially for company tournaments, charity outings, or corporate gifts
If your audience includes golf lovers, business development pros, or team-building organizers, this towel is a memorable and useful choice.
Shoutout of the Week: Chili Baptist Community Church
This week’s shoutout goes to a group doing incredible work in Coshocton County—Chili Baptist Community Church.
Not only are they building a beautiful new facility to serve their congregation and the greater community—they’re doing it themselves. With the help of volunteers and faithful determination, this group is pouring time, effort, and heart into something truly special.
We applaud the dedication, craftsmanship, and servant leadership they’re showing—and can’t wait to see the finished result.
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was full of insight, energy, and ideas you can use—whether you’re leading a team, working from home, or just trying to figure out how to get going in the morning.
Here’s your quick recap:
Work-life balance is more about grace and intention than perfection
The “little” tools like a mouse or mic can transform your daily workflow
Morning routines don’t need to match—but they should be meaningful
The Maggy golf towel is a sleek and functional branded item for events
And we’re inspired by the dedication at Chili Baptist Community Church
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 a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby dive into the world of promo, branding, and marketing strategy—with a healthy dose of fun and practical tips along the way.
In this episode, they cover:
Their favorite social media platforms right now—and why
How to do a Company Merch Shop the right way
How something as simple as a custom pin can build brand momentum
A shoutout to Genesis Healthcare, who just received top recognition for their commitment to patient care
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Social Media Favorites: What’s Working Now
Social media is always shifting, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the platforms. This week, Jade and Kirby shared which channels are working best for them—and why.
Kirby’s picks:
LinkedIn for business. It’s professional, focused, and great for sharing ideas and building credibility in the B2B space.
TikTok for entertainment and inspiration. It’s where he scrolls when he wants quick creative ideas or just a laugh.
Jade’s pick:
Instagram is making a comeback in her world. With its visual storytelling and improving features for engagement, it’s once again a top platform for connection and content.
Takeaway: Choose the platforms that fit both your audience and your own energy. Then go all in on creating value there.
How to Build a Company Merch Shop That Works
Company merch shops are growing in popularity—but not all of them are created equal.
Kirby and Jade shared tips on what makes a great branded merch store for employees, clients, or partners:
Keep the options curated. Don’t overwhelm people with 500 items. Choose 10–15 on-brand, high-impact pieces.
Make it easy to order. User experience matters. A simple, intuitive interface goes a long way.
Tie it into the company culture. Let the shop support recruiting, retention, and internal celebrations.
Offer seasonal drops or limited releases to keep excitement and engagement high.
When done well, a company merch shop isn’t just about gear—it’s about amplifying culture and creating brand champions from within.
How a Custom Pin Can Spread Your Message
Sometimes it’s the small things that pack the biggest punch—and this week, Kirby and Jade spotlighted the power of custom pins.
They’re portable, collectible, and personal.
You can use them to celebrate milestones, raise awareness, recognize team members, or build community around a cause or idea.
Pins are easy to wear, share, and show off—making them perfect for both internal initiatives and public-facing campaigns.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-impact way to spread your message, a pin might be the perfect fit.
Product of the Week: 13 oz Barista Mug with Cork Bottom
This week’s featured product is a fan favorite—the 13 oz Barista Ceramic Mug with a Cork Bottom from our friends at Bel Promo.
Stylish two-tone design that looks great on any desk or kitchen counter
Cork bottom adds warmth, protects surfaces, and gives it a unique touch
Generous size without being bulky—perfect for coffee, tea, or even soup
This is a product that feels premium but remains accessible for giveaways, client gifts, or employee appreciation. And yes—it photographs beautifully for social, too.
Shoutout: Genesis Healthcare Earns Top Honors
We always love highlighting people and organizations doing great work, and this week we’re celebrating Genesis Healthcare for being awarded the highest overall star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
This recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of the Genesis team, and we’re proud to give them a well-earned shoutout on this week’s show.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing had a little bit of everything—social media insights, branded merch strategy, thoughtful recognition, and one very lovable mug.
Here’s your quick recap:
Use social media intentionally and go where you (and your audience) thrive
Build a company merch shop that reflects your culture and adds real value
Don’t overlook small but powerful tools like custom pins
Celebrate those doing great work—like Genesis Healthcare
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe, and if you want help leveling up your branded merch strategy or creating your own company merch shop, 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.
We’ve got a special edition of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast this week because…Jade is in Coshocton! That’s right. Jade made the trip from Colorado, and we recorded this episode in person at the Hasseman Marketing Office!
This week’s conversation ranged from branding tips to quarterly strategy, and even a little merch love. Here’s what we covered:
Rebranding is more than just designing a pretty new logo—it’s about building a visual and emotional identity that connects with your audience. Whether you’re rebranding your business or helping a client through the process, here are a few key takeaways we shared:
Include a One-Color Version: Your logo needs to be versatile. From embroidery to screen printing to social media icons, having a one-color version ensures your brand always shows up clean and strong.
Think About Platform Applications: Will your logo look good as a profile pic? Can it scale up to a banner or down to a pen? Consider all the places your brand might appear and design accordingly.
Create Brand Guidelines: This is one of the most overlooked but essential parts of a rebrand. A brand guide sets the tone for consistency across platforms—fonts, colors, logo usage, tone of voice, and more.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to update your branded merch! Rebranding is a great time to create a new merch collection that showcases your refreshed look.
Why We’re Loving 1-Piece Minimums
The promotional products world is shifting—and we love it. More and more suppliers are offering 1-piece minimums, and that’s opening up a world of possibilities.
Here’s why this trend matters:
More flexibility for smaller clients or internal company projects
Easier sampling and gifting without large order commitments
Great for personalization and test runs
We believe this shift will lead to more creative, thoughtful, and customized branding experiences, especially for companies that want to test ideas or give high-end gifts in smaller quantities. Want to see a few 1-piece options? Check out this shop.
Tactics to Make Q2 Your Best Yet
We’re officially into the second quarter of the year—and whether Q1 flew by or dragged on, now’s the time to get focused.
Here are a few strategies we discussed to help make Q2 count:
Revisit Your Annual Goals: What did you say you’d accomplish this year? Are you on track? If not, don’t beat yourself up—just reset.
Create New, Specific Q2 Goals: Sometimes yearly goals feel too big. Break them into quarterly targets and take it one quarter at a time.
Refocus Your Energy: Spring is a great time to clear the mental (and digital) clutter and lean into action.
This episode is your gentle nudge to take a deep breath, refocus, and get back on track with intention and energy.
Product of the Week: Fossa Ladies’ Skyline Soft Shell Half-Zip
Each week we highlight a piece of branded merch we love—and this one is both stylish and practical.
Not only is it a valuable service to the community, but it’s also a great example of giving first and adding value before asking for anything in return. Way to go, Community Bank!
Final Thoughts
This week’s episode had a little bit of everything—brand strategy, Q2 planning, merch trends, and local shoutouts. And recording together in Coshocton brought some extra energy to the table.
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new 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 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.
Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where we dive into branding, business, and the world of promotional products—all while keeping it fun. This week, Jade and Kirby tackled some hot topics, including:
🎙️ Podcasts that inspire us 👟 Nike’s partnership with Skims 🆚 Trendy vs. timeless branded merch 📢 Why fancy office gear actually matters 🚀 A shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative
Watch the latest episode here now!
Now, let’s break down the highlights.
Podcasts We Love & Why You Should Be Listening 🎧
Podcasts have become one of the best ways to grow personally and professionally. They can motivate, educate, and inspire—whether you’re on your morning run, driving to work, or just need a little lift.
Jade’s Podcast Picks: 📢 Mel Robbins – Known for her high-energy motivation and practical advice on mindset and success. 📢 Ed Mylett – A mix of business, leadership, and personal development, featuring some of the top names in entrepreneurship.
Kirby’s Podcast Picks: 🎯 Alex Hormozi – The Game – Straight-up, no-nonsense business advice from a multi-millionaire entrepreneur. 🎯 Jon Acuff – All It Takes Is a Goal – A deep dive into setting and achieving goals in a way that actually works.
💡 Why this matters: If you’re in business, marketing, or sales, podcasts are an easy (and free) way to keep learning and stay motivated.
What are your favorite podcasts? Drop them in the comments! 👇
Nike x Skims: A Smart Play or Just Hype? 👟
Nike recently announced a partnership with Skims, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, as a way to better connect with female athletes and consumers.
💬 Jade and Kirby’s take:
Nike’s strategy: They’re trying to tap into a younger, fashion-forward female demographic.
Skims’ role: Skims brings a strong brand identity and a built-in audience that trusts the brand.
Does it make sense? At the end of the day, Jade and Kirby agreed that it could make sense for Nike in the short term as they look to re-make their image in this area.
Final thoughts: The collaboration is bold, but we’ll have to wait and see if it translates into sales and long-term brand impact.
Branded Merch: Trendy vs. Timeless – Which One Wins?
When it comes to branded merch, should you go for trendy items or stick to timeless classics? The answer is it depends—on your audience and your campaign goals.
✅ Trendy items – Great for brands that want to feel fresh, modern, and relevant. But trends fade fast. ✅ Timeless classics – These are reliable, always in demand, and have staying power. But they can sometimes feel predictable.
💡 The takeaway? It’s all about the audience. If your merch is for a younger, trend-sensitive crowd, go for something trendy. If you’re creating corporate gifts or long-term brand builders, invest in high-quality, classic items that will be used and appreciated for years.
What’s your approach—trendy, classic, or a mix of both?
Dad Was Wrong: Fancy Office Equipment Edition 🖥️
In this episode, Jade called out Kirby in the latest “Dad Was Wrong” segment.
The topic? Fancy office equipment.
Kirby originally teased Jade when she wanted premium office gear, questioning whether it was really necessary. But now? Jade stands by her decision—because having the right setup makes her happier and more productive.
The lesson? Sometimes, investing in quality work tools isn’t just about luxury—it’s about creating an environment where you do your best work.
Shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative 🚀
This week’s shoutout goes to the Coshocton Collaborative, a new space for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators in Coshocton, Ohio.
🏢 What’s exciting? ✅ The sign just went up, and the project is getting close to completion! ✅ It’s going to be a game-changer for local businesses and anyone who needs a place to work, meet, or collaborate. ✅ We can’t wait to see how this space supports business growth in our community.
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Conversations
This week’s episode covered a wide range of topics, from personal growth to global branding moves, marketing strategy, and workspace productivity.
Key takeaways: 🚀 Keep learning – Podcasts are a free way to stay sharp and motivated. 🔥 Brand collaborations can be powerful – But only if they make sense. 🆚 Trendy vs. Timeless? It depends on your audience. 💡 Your workspace matters – Investing in your environment can boost productivity. 🏢 Big things are happening in Coshocton! – The Coshocton Collaborative is set to be a huge asset to local entrepreneurs.
What’s your take on Nike x Skims, trendy vs. classic merch, or workspace investments? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
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.
