Promo Perspectives by SAGE

Featuring: Jessica Del Rio, Director of Trade Shows & Events, and Halayne Noah, Trade Show Coordinator at SAGE Hosted by Nicole Cook Ever wonder what it actually takes to prepare for a trade show as massive as The PPAI Expo? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes with the SAGE team responsible for bringing it all to life. Jessica and Halayne share: ✔ When Expo planning really starts ✔...

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Ellen Tucker of PPAI for an inside look at the promotional products industry’s biggest event of the year: The PPAI Expo. Whether you're a first-time attendee or an industry veteran, this conversation is packed with insights on how to navigate the show, make the most of your time, and understand why Expo remains the heartbeat of the promo industry. Ellen share...

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, Senior Manager of Professional Development at PPAI, to explore the future of continuing education in the promotional products industry. Jessica shares her passion for learning and innovation—discussing how PPAI is modernizing education through modular learning, certifications, micro-credentials, and inter...

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Alok from PPAI to unpack the latest research and insights shaping the promotional products industry heading into 2026. They discuss key economic trends, growth opportunities, and the challenges suppliers and distributors can expect in the coming year — from inflation and tariffs to AI-driven efficiency and the rising demand for...

🍫 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook chats with David Miller of NC Custom about one of the sweetest segments in the promotional products industry, food promos! David shares how his family business evolved from a small chocolate manufacturer into one of the top suppliers in the industry, creating everything from custom-shaped mints to gourmet chocolates and branded gift sets....

🌍 In this episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole Cook sits down with David and Scott from PromoCares to talk about their inspiring Water4Good initiative. Learn how the promotional products industry is coming together to fund clean water towers around the world, impacting communities, schools, and supply chain regions where access to safe water is limited. From the origins of PromoCares to the ripp...

In this episode, we sit down with William Rubsamen, who runs marketing for a small business called Whirlix Design. William uses AI every day in his workflow, so we dive into: ✨ Our favorite AI tools 🚧 Common hurdles when getting started ⚖️ How to set responsible, ethical guidelines for using AI in your own business Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting, this conversation is pa...

🤖 What’s your gut feeling about AI? Is it the breakthrough that will take humanity to new heights? A powerful tool that works best with humans in control? A benevolent force (with great dental plans)? Or are you convinced Skynet is inevitable? Welcome to Promo Perspectives, a live podcast presented by SAGE. Each episode delivers tips, tricks, and insights designed to help promotional products sup...

On the final episode of our Band Merch Series, we're handing the mic over to the musicians themselves! Join us as we sit down with four different artists—Chris Jordan, Joshua Stone, Bradley Blackwell, and Myles Maestro—to get their real-world perspective on promotional products. You'll hear directly from your customers about what they want and need from their merch. They share honest stories about...

Turn up the volume and get ready to rock with this episode of Promo Perspectives! We’re continuing our series on band merch and bringing you a conversation with Angelica and Caleb from Merch Media. Angelica and Caleb are music lovers at heart, and they've turned that passion into a business that helps independent artists create awesome promotional products. You'll hear about their own love for mus...

On this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, we dive into the world of band merchandise from the distributor's point of view. We're joined by Adrian and Shadow from Seven Sins Printing and Embroidery, a company dedicated to helping artists translate their visual identity into profitable merch. Adrian and Shadow share their story of how they immersed themselves in the Texas music scene and th...

The live entertainment industry is booming, and promotional products distributors have a massive opportunity to profit from this growth. In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we take a deep dive into the $14 billion band merchandise industry.   Hosted by SAGE's Gabe Gotay, a musician himself, this podcast explores the history of band merch, from Elvis Presley's "I Love Elvis" buttons to the Grate...

In this episode, we continue our series on decoration methods, focusing on insights from the supplier decorator side. Our guest is Jenna Sackett, Brand Engagement Manager at Stahls. Jenna shares how Stahls' educates the industry on best practices for various heat transfer methods, from foundational techniques to cutting-edge innovations like UltraColor Max and specialty finishes. Discover how unde...

Join SAGE for an insightful episode of Promo Perspectives as we dive deep into the world of promotional product decoration! This episode offers a comprehensive look at popular techniques like embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, laser engraving, and embossing/debossing, breaking down their pros, cons, and best uses. Independent distributor Ryan Feigenblatt of The Boca Ratonian shares his in...

In this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, join us and special guest Jeremy Rossbach as we dive deep into the heart of marketing: passion and creativity. Jeremy, a seasoned tech professional who transitioned back to his marketing roots, shares his unique journey, from running data centers to becoming a passionate advocate for network observability and even a podcaster. Discover how Jeremy...

In this episode, we're joined by SAGE's Vice President of Marketing, Billie Forman, to dive into the world of marketing with a large team. This episode serves as a powerful counterpoint to our recent discussion on marketing with a small, limited team. Billie, with 18 years of experience at SAGE and a deep understanding of the promo industry, shares invaluable insights on: The advantages of a diver...

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we're joined by his friend William Rubsamen of Whirlix Design to discuss marketing strategies for small businesses with limited marketing teams. Many distributors in the promotional products industry operate with small teams, often with owners or their family members handling marketing efforts. This episode aims to provide practical tips, tricks, and insights...

On this episode of Promo Perspectives, we're joined by special guest Nicole Cook, SAGE's Senior Brand Marketing Manager, to dive deep into the world of brand marketing for the promotional products industry. Nicole breaks down what brand marketing truly is (hint: it's more than just a logo!) and shares actionable steps for distributors and suppliers to define their unique brand identity. Learn abou...

Are you a promotional products supplier or distributor looking to boost your online presence and grow your business? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, SAGE's Senior Marketing Coordinator, Gabe Gotay, dives deep into the essentials of building, executing, and growing a successful digital marketing strategy. Gabe breaks down the process into three key phases: Build: Learn how to set clear, meas...

In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Jenna Quaranta, a significant force in the industry who's made multiple appearances on the PPAI Online 18 over the years. Jenna shares her incredible journey, from her early days at AlphaBroder to her current role as Director of Sales and Training at HPG, where she coaches over 100 people a week through her own sales academy. Discover how her unique...

Ever wonder what goes into the high-quality video content that earned SAGE a spot on the prestigious 2025 PPAI Online 18 list? In this episode of the Promo Perspectives Podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on the process and workflow of video production with SAGE's talented producer, Lafonso Brown! Following up on our previous discussion about videography philosophies, Lafonso dives deep into t...

SAGE recently secured the #1 spot on the PPAI Online 18 for our outstanding social media performance, and a big reason for that success is our video content! In this episode, Lafonso shares his incredible journey into video production and dives into fundamental principles that will help promotional product suppliers and distributors create compelling visuals, even on a budget. In this episode, you...

On this episode, Anne-Marie Bolton, SAGE's Senior Social Media Coordinator, shares the secrets behind SAGE's #1 ranking in the PPAI Online 18, highlighting their successful content mix and engagement tactics. Learn about SAGE's four content pillars – Cultivation, Celebration, Education, and Innovation – and how they guide their award-winning social media presence.   This episode covers: Developing...

In this episode, the final installment of our series on fulfillment, we are joined by a special guest from the supplier side: Nick Marconi, Inside Sales Account Executive at S&S Activewear, now combined with AlphaBroder! Get an exclusive look into the massive operation behind one of the industry's largest apparel suppliers. Nick shares insights on how S&S and AlphaBroder operate as a "hous...

In this episode, hosts Gabe Gotay and Patrick Harvot continue their deep dive into fulfillment, joined by special guest Jack Meese, Sales Manager at Print One Inc. Discover how Jack revolutionized his fulfillment process by transitioning from cumbersome spreadsheets to efficient SAGE Stores. Tune in to learn about: The "aha!" moment: Why SAGE Stores were a no-brainer for Print One and their client...