Why It Matters

Alex Eaves, the Founder and owner of STAY VOCAL, has been successfully helping people combat the worldwide waste problem for over two decades by connecting them with reuse solutions. In 2008, Eaves won a national "Best Small Business Idea" Award when he switched the brand to an entirely reuse apparel brand. That same year, Eaves began leading a passionate reuse lifestyle. In 2014, Eaves...

In this “Why It Matters” conversation, Jeff Solomon and Crissy Manwaring discuss the importance of creating meaningful branded merchandise over logo slapping. Crissy, Senior VP of Strategy and Business Development at Robertson Marketing, emphasizes the need for sustainable, high-quality products that last and align with a brand's values. She highlights the significance of brand artifacts, such...

Drew Holmgren, CEO and President of PPAI, joined Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon for their annual conversation at the PPAI Expo. They discussed the success of the recent PPAI Expo and highlighted the contributions of key staff members. They noted what made the PPAI Ultimate Tailgate Party at Allegiant Stadium special. Drew emphasized the importance of networking and professional deve...

In another engaging  "Why It Matters"  conversation,  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon  and  Cassie Green, Content Director for Apparelist , discuss the importance of sustainability in the apparel industry. Cassie highlights Apparelists role in supporting apparel decorators through educational content and the annual PRINTING United Expo, which had record-breaking attendance...

In this "Why It Matters" conversation, Ben Pawsey, VP of Marketing at HPG, and Branded Merch Network Co-Founder, Jeff Solomon, MAS, discussed his journey into sustainability, inspired by a book at age 15. HPG is a business leader bringing several beloved companies under one umbrella into the industry.  Their sustainability focus has enabled them to achieve  EcoVadis Certification  Platinum status....

Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon sits down with Tim Andrews, President & CEO of ASI , for a candid conversation about his remarkable 23-year run leading the organization. As Tim prepares for retirement in March 2026, he reflects on transforming ASI from a traditional print business into a tech-forward, sustainability-minded powerhouse — including support for initiatives like BMN’s...

In this  "Why It Matters"  update conversation,  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS , and  Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability and Responsibility at PPAI , discussed emerging trends and key takeaways from the recent PPAI Responsibility Summit.  Elizabeth shared highlights from keynotes presented by Dr.  Jonathan Foley, Executive Director  of  Project Drawdown , and  Tom...

In this quick conversation,  Branded Merch Network  co-founder,  Jeff Solomon , talks with  Rob Baumgardner,  National Accounts Manager for  Goldstar , about the power of collaboration to drive sales. Rob talks about a project he did with a large distributor using one of their new sustainable sling backpacks that discriminating buyers love. 👉 The discussion addresses how sustainability is an effe...

In this  "Why It Matters"  conversation,  David Boger  and  Lexi Mikkelsen  shared the  Original Favorites  brand story. They discussed sustainability practices, emphasizing their use of high-quality Supima cotton and their decision against recycled cotton due to quality concerns. Dave highlighted their  GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards)  certification and the importance of product longevity...

n this follow-up conversation from the  Branded Merch Network Sustainable Merch Summit , we continue to share more insights on  "Why It Matters"  to produce clean products. Here,  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon  talks with  Summit panelist Marshall Atkinson  from  Atkinson Consulting LLC  and  Shirt Lab . They discuss the importance of sustainability in the printing industry, emphas...

When sustainability drives sales, the numbers speak for themselves. During the live  Sustainable Merch Summit , a panel discussion proved that purpose and profit can coexist. 👉  “It’s probably close to $1.5 million in new business over the last couple of years from clients that sought us out because of our focus on sustainability,”  shared  Robert Fiveash of  Brand Fuel . 👉 And  Joseph Sommer of...

The  Why It Matters LIVE: Sustainable Merch Summit  brought together 400+ industry pros from promo, print, and apparel to spotlight how sustainability drives both positive impact and profitable growth. In this wrap-up video, hosts  Jay Busselle  and  Jeff Solomon  are joined by  Theresa Hegel (ASI)  and  Cassie Green (Apparelist/Printing United Alliance)  to reflect on key takeaways from the summi...

WHY IT MATTERS SUSTAINABLE MERCH SUMMIT FOLLOW-UP VIDEO SERIES:  We continue to go a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the  Branded Merch Network  Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit , hosted by  ASI ,  Apparelist , and  T he 2 Regular Guys .  In this conversation,  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder ,  Jeff Solomon , talks with  Julie Schneiderman ,  Founder  and  CEO  of  EcoStiks . The dis...

In this Why it Matters conversation,  Joel Freet, CEO  of  Cutter & Buck , and  Jeff Solomon, Co-Founder  of the  Branded Merch Network , discuss what's at the core of this successful brand. Joel highlighted the company's commitment to high-quality, long-lasting sportswear since 1989, emphasizing their use of post-consumer recycled polyester. He noted the significant reduction in air freight,...

WHY IT MATTERS SUSTAINABLE MERCH SUMMIT FOLLOW-UP VIDEO SERIES:  We continue to go a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the  Branded Merch Network Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit , hosted by  ASI ,  Apparelist , and  The 2 Regular Guys .  In this conversation,  Jeff Solomon  talks with  Milissa Gibson ,  Director of Sales  for  Lane Seven Apparel . Milissa was on a panel moderated by Jay...

Following up on the  "Why It Matters" Sustainable Merch Summit,   Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon  and  Michele Dando  from  Facilisgroup  took a deeper dive into the importance of transparency in the branded merch industry. Michele was on the  "Why Transparency Matters"  panel facilitated by  Theresa Hegel  from  ASI .  Jeff and Michelle emphasized the need for distributors to under...

Drew Holmgreen ,  Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) President and CEO , and  Kara Keister  from  Social Good Promotions  join  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS , to discuss the  L.E.A.D. (Legislative Education and Action Day)  trip to Washington D.C. Learn Why It Matters that PPAI and a group of passionate colleagues in the promo products industry are investin...

We are excited to delve a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the Branded Merch Network Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit, hosted by ASI, Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys.  Here, Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone, shared his company's journey toward sustainability, emphasizing its importance for businesses of all sizes and the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. He discu...

Join  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS , and  econscious Director Kriya Stevens, MBA , for an insightful discussion on the critical role of sustainability in the apparel industry. This engaging conversation explores: • econscious journey: Founded in 2006, pioneering organic and sustainable products • The growing demand for eco-friendly branded merchandise • The power of sustainab...

In this  "Why It Matters"  conversation,  George Morgan ,  Director of Marketing at HIRSCH , discussed the company's evolution of doing good things with  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon ,  MAS . Working with great companies that do great things and offer quality products is a win for distributors and their end-user clients.  HIRSCH  recently achieved a platinum certific...

James Guan ,  CEO  of  Acehigh , engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with  Branded Merch Network   Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS,  covering sustainability in business practices, product design, and corporate gifting. James shared his company's sustainability story, focusing on thoughtful design and packaging. Jeff emphasized the value of doing business with companies that consciously try to...

Theresa Hegel ,  Executive Editor for Special Projects and Sustainability  at  ASI,  discussed the importance of sustainability in the promotional products industry. She highlighted "Promo for the Planet," a resource for industry updates on sustainability. Hegel emphasized the growing demand from clients for socially responsible and eco-friendly products, citing ASI Research, where 88% of end buye...

Alok Bhat ,  Market Economist  and  Senior Research Manager  for  PPAI , joined  Global Brand Ambassador Rod Brown  and  Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS,  for a quick overview of "Why it Matters" to those watching this that a group of our passionate colleagues is investing in a business trip to Washington DC.  Alok, Rod, and Jeff discussed the significance of the  Legi...

Gerald Pinkley ,  VP of Compliance at Cap America , discusses the company's commitment to sustainability and compliance.  Cap America delivers clean products that benefit its company position and distributor clients.  He emphasizes the importance of staying updated with regulations, particularly in the EU and the US, to remain relevant to customers. They are working on an EcoVadis assessment and O...

Laura Smith ,  Head of Sustainability  at  Storm Creek , discusses the company's commitment to using recycled polyester for apparel and their choice to become a  bluesign systems partner . bluesign assesses the entire supply chain for environmental impact, including carbon emissions, water usage, and chemical safety. Nira Maya  and  Simone Ross  from bluesign joined Laura for this conversation. Ni...