Promo Perspectives by SAGE

Are catalogs still relevant in the promotional products industry—or have they been replaced by digital tools?
In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Anne-Marie sits down with John Griffin, Senior Supplier Account Advisor at SAGE, to discuss how catalogs have evolved from printed books to dynamic digital experiences.
John shares why catalogs aren't dead—they've simply adapted to changing buyer behaviors and technology. From personalized digital catalogs and industry-specific presentations to AI-powered customization, this conversation explores how distributors can use catalogs more strategically to inspire clients and generate more sales.
Whether you're a distributor, supplier, or marketing professional, you'll walk away with practical insights into creating product presentations that are more relevant, engaging, and effective.
In this episode:
Are printed catalogs still effective?
Why digital catalogs are becoming the industry standard
How curated catalogs improve the customer experience
The benefits of SAGE Catalog Studio
How AI is shaping the future of product presentations
Why both print and digital still have a place in today's sales process
Subscribe for more conversations about marketing, promotional products, and industry trends from Promo Perspectives.
This episode is brought to you by Safety Made

What does it really take to build a responsible, resilient promotional products business?
In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook is joined by Liz Wimbush (PPAI), Laura Smith (Storm Creek), and Lenny Pollock (Zagwear) to discuss the upcoming PPAI Responsibility Summit and why it has become one of the industry's most valuable educational and networking events.
From sustainability and product safety to regulatory compliance, supply chain transparency, and responsible sourcing, the panel explores the biggest challenges facing the promotional products industry today—and why staying informed has never been more important.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What the PPAI Responsibility Summit is and who should attend
Why sustainability, compliance, and product responsibility matter more than ever
How changing regulations are impacting suppliers, distributors, and brands
The importance of transparency, risk management, and avoiding greenwashing
Why networking at the Responsibility Summit is just as valuable as the educational sessions
A preview of this year's conference topics, including AI, packaging EPR, PAS, product safety, and global regulatory trends
Whether you're a supplier, distributor, or service provider, this conversation offers practical insight into how responsible business practices are shaping the future of the promotional products industry.
To learn more about the PPAI Responsibility Summit or register for the event, visit PPAI.org.
This episode is brought to you by Safety Made.

Are company stores worth it? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Chris Jordan, Distributor Sales Account Advisor at SAGE, to explore how company stores are helping distributors win more business, strengthen customer relationships, and simplify branded merchandise programs.
From employee apparel and onboarding to pop-up stores, incentive programs, and franchise brand consistency, Chris shares real-world examples of how distributors are using company stores to solve customer problems—not just sell products.
You'll also learn:
What a company store is (and who should have one)
Why pop-up stores are growing in popularity
Creative ways distributors are using stores to win new business
How stores improve brand consistency across locations
Why company stores increase customer retention
Tips for identifying store opportunities with your clients
Best practices for launching a successful SAGE Store
Whether you're new to company stores or looking for fresh ideas to grow your business, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work.
💬 Have questions about SAGE Stores? Reach out to your SAGE Account Advisor to learn how a company store can help your customers—and your business.
This episode is brought to you by Safety Made.

What does Gen Z actually want from promotional products?
In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Anne Marie sits down with fellow Gen Z team member Emily Pritchard to discuss what makes branded merchandise worth keeping—and what ends up in the trash. From quality and usefulness to sustainability and memorable brand experiences, they share an honest Gen Z perspective on what today's consumers value most.
You'll also hear their thoughts on why subtle branding beats constant advertising, the products they reach for every day, and a rapid-fire "Keep or Toss" challenge featuring some of the most common promotional products in the industry.
Whether you're a distributor, supplier, marketer, or brand looking to connect with younger audiences, this conversation offers practical insights into creating promotional products that people actually want to use.
In this episode:
What Gen Z values most in promotional products
Why quality and usefulness matter more than ever
The role sustainability plays in purchasing decisions
How thoughtful experiences create lasting brand impressions
Favorite promotional products—and the ones they'd leave behind
Advice for distributors marketing to Gen Z
Subscribe for more conversations about trends, products, and strategies shaping the promotional products industry.
This episode is brought to you by Safety Made

How do custom journals become powerful brand experiences?
In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Don Manchester from JournalBooks, a division of PCNA, to explore the world of custom journal sourcing and how distributors can create memorable branded experiences for their clients.
Don shares insights into JournalBooks' 50+ years of U.S.-based manufacturing, the sourcing process behind custom notebooks and journals, and how distributors can move beyond simply placing a logo on a product to creating something truly meaningful.
Topics include:
📓 What makes JournalBooks different from traditional notebook suppliers
📓 How sourcing works from a supplier perspective
📓 Creating custom journals for onboarding, events, and premium gifting
📓 Custom inserts, packaging, QR codes, and other creative enhancements
📓 The benefits of collaborating with suppliers during the sourcing process
📓 How distributors can become more valuable to their clients through custom solutions
📓 What information helps suppliers create the best recommendations
Whether you're new to promotional products or looking for fresh ideas to elevate your next project, this episode offers practical insights into creating branded experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Subscribe for more Promo Perspectives episodes featuring industry experts, marketing strategies, and promotional product insights.
This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks.
#PromoPerspectives #JournalBooks #PCNA #PromotionalProducts #BrandedMerchandise #CustomJournals #Marketing #BrandExperience #PromotionalMarketing #SupplierSpotlight

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet, and with the 2026 tournament coming to North America, the promotional products industry has a unique opportunity to get involved.
In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with SAGE Supplier Sales Representative and soccer enthusiast Cody Smith to discuss how the World Cup impacts promotional products, branded merchandise, advertising, and marketing campaigns.
They explore:
⚽ Why the World Cup is the world's largest sporting event
⚽ The economic impact of hosting the 2026 tournament
⚽ Memorable World Cup advertising campaigns from brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's
⚽ Creative ways distributors can capitalize on World Cup excitement
⚽ Fan engagement, watch parties, national pride, and branded merchandise opportunities
⚽ Cody's predictions and hopes for Team USA
Whether you're a distributor, supplier, marketer, or soccer fan, this episode offers valuable insights into how one of the world's biggest events creates opportunities for branding and promotional products.
Subscribe for more Promo Perspectives episodes featuring industry trends, marketing insights, and promotional product strategies.
This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks
#PromoPerspectives #WorldCup2026 #PromotionalProducts #BrandedMerchandise #Marketing #PromotionalMarketing #FIFAWorldCup #SoccerMarketing #Branding #SAGE

Why do some promotional products become cultural phenomena while others are quickly forgotten?
In this solo episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole explores the surprising ways branded merchandise creates connection, community, and lasting emotional impact. Drawing from our LinkedIn article, "Five Swag Stories You May Not Have Heard About," she breaks down real-world examples of promotional products that went beyond the logo to become symbols of belonging, identity, and brand loyalty.
From viral tote bags and event merchandise to unexpected product success stories, this episode highlights what distributors, marketers, and brands can learn about creating promo that people genuinely want to use, wear, and talk about.
Key topics include:
• Why certain swag goes viral
• The role of community and belonging in promotional products
• Unexpected merch success stories
• How distributors can elevate their role beyond product sourcing
• Why emotion matters more than the item itself
Read the full LinkedIn article:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-swag-stories-you-may-have-heard-sage-quick-technologies-bj6ic
Subscribe for more insights into promotional products, branding, marketing strategy, and industry trends.
This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks
#PromoPerspectives #PromotionalProducts #BrandedMerchandise #Swag #MarketingStrategy #Branding #PromotionalMarketing #BrandLoyalty #CommunityBuilding

Discover how SAGE’s Information Services team helps distributors solve impossible product searches, verify suppliers, and navigate the promotional products industry with real human support.
In this episode of Promo Perspectives, Nicole sits down with Kassondra and Alan from SAGE’s Information Services team to talk about live product research, supplier verification, unusual customer requests, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the promotional products industry running smoothly.
From chicken nugget scented candles to propane-scented business cards and even pig-shaped propane tanks, this conversation highlights how SAGE goes beyond simple search tools to help distributors find exactly what they need.
You’ll also learn:
• How SAGE Live Research Assistance works
• Why real human support still matters
• How SAGE verifies distributors and suppliers
• Tips for improving product searches inside SAGE
• The importance of maintaining integrity in the promo industry
Whether you're a distributor, supplier, or just curious about how product sourcing works in promo, this episode offers valuable insight into the people and systems powering the industry.
Subscribe for more Promo Perspectives episodes featuring industry insights, supplier spotlights, product trends, and promotional product strategies.
This episode is brought to you by JournalBooks
#PromotionalProducts #SAGE #PromoPerspectives #ProductResearch #PromoIndustry #SupplierVerification #BrandedMerchandise #PromotionalMarketing

What makes a website truly effective in 2026? In this episode of Promo Perspectives, host Nicole Cook sits down with Patty McGowan and Brittany Davis from the SAGE web team to discuss what separates an average website from a winning one in the promotional products industry.
From mobile responsiveness and personalization to custom forms, branding, and customer experience, this conversation is packed with practical advice for distributors and suppliers looking to improve their online presence and generate better results from their websites.
They discuss:
Why having a strong website matters more than ever
Common mistakes distributors make with their sites
How personalization impacts customer engagement
The importance of mobile-friendly design
Ways to optimize navigation and user experience
New SAGE website customization features
How custom forms and company store tools streamline workflows
Simple website updates you can make today
Tips for improving credibility and visibility online
Whether you’re building a new site or refreshing an existing one, this episode offers actionable strategies to help your website better support your business goals.
This episode is brought to you by Tranter Graphics, INC.
#PromoPerspectives #SAGE #WebsiteDesign #PromotionalProducts #Ecommerce #DigitalMarketing #PromoIndustry #WebDesign #SmallBusinessMarketing

Get a fast-paced look at the latest trends, products, and innovations shaping the promotional products industry. From low-minimum custom food service products and ultra-fast large format displays to AI-powered presentation tools, premium apparel, branded footwear, sustainable gifting, and cutting-edge promo tech, this session is packed with ideas distributors can bring directly to clients.
Featured highlights include:
USA-made food & beverage service wear
No-flip badge technology
Experiential promo trends
Promo calendar stats & strategies
48-hour large format displays and tents
Self-deploying InstaStand displays
Sustainable sailcloth corporate gifts
Seed ball eco-promotions
Simplified presentation workflows
Retail-inspired custom apparel
Premium trucker caps & embroidery
Custom-branded Nike, New Balance & Jordan footwear
AI-powered product sourcing tools
Whether you're looking for faster turnaround times, unique promo ideas, or smarter sales tools, this video covers practical strategies and standout products that can help elevate your next campaign.
This episode is brought to you by Tranter Graphics, INC
#PromoProducts #PromotionalProducts #Branding #CorporateGifting #TradeShow #ApparelDecoration #CustomMerch #MarketingIdeas #PromoIndustry