24hr Production: A Brand Marketing Podcast

This year, 2026, we proudly celebrate CREATIVE's 50th anniversary. To honour this milestone, Melissa and Gary are bringing together two senior Promotional Marketing Consultants, Lisa and Monica, to share compelling stories about their journey at CREATIVE. **This episode is dedicated to the founder of CREATIVE, Peter Kmech Sr., who, through his relentless effort, transformed his humble beginnings i...

Promotional merchandising is frequently seen as one of the least environmentally friendly forms of marketing. But is this belief truly justified, or is it merely rooted in the idea that tangible products can be discarded and end up in landfills? Melissa and Gary are revisiting the topic of sustainability with data-driven studies to challenge this assumption. They will also explore the impact of th...

Melissa and Gary sought the creativity of AI to generate a list of excuses for running promotional marketing projects each month in 2026. They compared these ideas with their own, identifying the differences and similarities. With unique and unusual dates revealed that could ignite exciting promotions, this episode is not to be missed! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November and December are among the busiest and most strategic months in the promotional products (brand merchandising) industry. During this time, several unique seasonal trends, deadlines, and opportunities arise that purchasers should pay close attention to. Melissa and Gary explain what typically occurs during these months and how it influences product selection decisions and the logistical fl...

Fall is upon us, and it’s the perfect moment to dive into the exciting world of promotional merchandise trends as we gear up for the holiday gifting season! In this episode, Melissa and Gary are joined by Matt, an experienced multi-line representative. Together, they explore the vital role that multi-line representatives play in the promotional products industry, expertly bridging the gap between...

In today’s world, a wealth of information is at our fingertips, empowering buyers to conduct their own research, explore a vast array of products online, and complete purchases with the aid of AI assistance. The question remains: will this trend continue? Melissa and Gary welcomed Lisa, CREATIVE's Senior Promotional Marketing Consultant, to explore the roles and benefits of partnering with a consu...

Your website is the heartbeat of your business, serving as the gateway to your brand story that potential customers can explore around the clock! So, have you ever wondered if your business website is truly thriving? Does it clearly convey what you stand for and what you offer? Join Melissa and Gary as they welcome Cale, a CREATIVE web developer, for a discussion about the world of website creatio...

It’s hard to believe that three months have passed since their last conversation about the important trade policies between Canada and the United States. In this episode, Melissa and Gary share their experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of current trade policies, the challenging purchasing climate, the pressures of inflation, and the evolving business landscape. We hope their th...

The rapid evolution of technology presents a challenge in keeping up with the latest trends and innovations. In the promotional product industry, the ability to adapt is crucial for achieving market success. In a recent discussion, Melissa and Gary highlighted the shifting interests in various tech promotional products over time, moving from USB memory drives to more advanced solutions like NFC te...

There are two principal types of brands within an organization: the corporate brand and the employer brand. The marketing department is primarily tasked with managing corporate branding through outward communication. However, it is equally essential for this department to collaborate with the human resources department in developing and nurturing the employer brand. In this episode, Melissa and Ga...

We find ourselves in the midst of a trade war between Canada and the United States, and its implications are undeniable. Gary and Melissa explore how tariff policies affect Canada’s purchasing landscape and consider the impact on the promotional product industry in Canada. They also discuss the relevance and feasibility of the Made-in-Canada and Product of Canada movements to see if it makes sense...

There are numerous ways a corporation can uphold brand consistency, retain talented employees, and inspire best practices. One powerful approach is to implement promotional programs within the organization. Melissa and Gary welcomed Rob, CREATIVE's Program Director, to share insights on the transformative potential of a corporate online promotional program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

Wow, what a year it’s been! We’re excited to bring you the final episode of 2024! Join Melissa and Gary as they reflect on all the highs and lows from the past year, sharing what they’ve learned along the way. They’re also looking ahead and chatting about what fun things are in store for 2025. You won’t want to miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, and advancements are being made globally to reinforce this reality. As marketers, we have a choice: We can fear AI or fully embrace its potential. Melissa, Gary, and Laurel are convening to explore how AI is shaping their marketing strategies and tactics, and there's no doubt it will play a crucial role in the future of their work. Hosted on Acast. See...

The promotional product industry is filled with diverse decoration methods that inspire creativity. Melissa and Gary are sharing their knowledge on traditional techniques like embroidery, screen printing, and transfer while also showcasing cutting-edge methods such as Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF). Their stories reveal the remarkable evolution of decoration and the endless possi...

Gary and Melissa exchange stories about various topics related to the promotional products industry. They discuss key terms such as sampling, setup charge, Pantone colour, overruns, and underruns, which evoke a range of emotions and experiences for both of them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Promotional products have often been wrongly criticized for their lack of environmental friendliness. However, this is far from the truth. In this episode, Melissa and Gary discuss sustainability and the promotional product industry's commitment to an eco-friendly future through sustainable products and manufacturing processes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creating a SWAG box is gaining immense popularity nowadays. In this episode, Melissa and Gary lay out the essential steps to creating a promotional SWAG box. It involves much more than just placing products in an attractive box. They discuss the consideration of strategy and theme, mock-up and design, ordering process, quality control and storage, as well as fulfillment and shipping. These factors...

The dynamic trio of Melissa, Gary, and Laurel are back with part 2 of their discussion, and this time they're diving into the world of Paid Social Media Advertising. They'll be unravelling the ins and outs of social paid ads, revealing how to choose the perfect one, uncovering the costs involved, and unveiling the key metrics to keep an eye on. They are sharing their real-life experiences and insi...

Melissa and Gary have finally decided to dive into the world of digital marketing. They've invited Laural to join them in a lively discussion about social media and how businesses can use these platforms to build strong customer relationships. They're also sharing stories from both the user's and the account manager's perspectives while talking about some of the assumptions and pitfalls when using...

Gary and Melissa had a special guest, Jordan, join them for a fun and friendly chat about finding the right clients. They shared stories and discussed the essential characteristics and attributes they look for when working with clients. They even compared this process to dating and marriage! You'll love listening to their episode and discovering what they consider the most important criteria for b...

In this episode, Gary and Melissa share their knowledge and insights gained from their experience and interactions with their supplier partners. They will dive deep into various aspects of the promotional supply chain, such as inventory warehousing, trends, supplier and manufacturer dynamics, customization production, and global and local logistics. Rest assured, you're in for an exciting and info...

Gary and Melissa provide an overview of the promotional product industry by identifying the key players: distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers. Furthermore, they draw upon their experiences to highlight the essential elements of a typical promotional project and highlight some of the challenges that distributors confront on a daily basis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

Join Gary and Melissa in this episode as they discuss the promotional products industry and their journey into their current positions. They will define what promotional products are and discuss the relevance of this industry while highlighting how it changes over time. Tune in to learn more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.