Episodes

  • A Promotional Distributor Look at the Canada-U.S. Tariffs

    A Promotional Distributor Look at the Canada-U.S. Tariffs
    Feb 24 2025

    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 for the industry to adopt that model.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    25 mins
  • An Intro to Online Programs

    An Intro to Online Programs
    Jan 24 2025
    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 for more information.
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    33 mins
  • What A Year (2024 Edition)

    What A Year (2024 Edition)
    Dec 24 2024
    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.
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    21 mins
  • What’s Next? Artificial Intelligence

    What’s Next? Artificial Intelligence
    Nov 24 2024
    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 acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    27 mins
  • What’s Next? Decoration

    What’s Next? Decoration
    Oct 24 2024
    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 possibilities for growth within the industry.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    33 mins
  • Gather Around for Story Time.

    Gather Around for Story Time.
    Sep 24 2024
    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.
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    40 mins
  • What’s Next? Sustainability.

    What’s Next? Sustainability.
    Aug 24 2024
    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.
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    39 mins
  • How Does a SWAG Box Work?

    How Does a SWAG Box Work?
    Jul 25 2024
    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 must be thoroughly addressed for a successful SWAG box creation.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    34 mins