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 “Why It Matters.”

Tim also highlights the ASI internship program, which has helped launch more than 2,000 careers, and shares lessons on technology, diversity, client engagement, and navigating the evolving promo landscape. It’s a thoughtful look back, a focus on what’s ahead, and timeless advice for the next generation of industry leaders.

#asi #advertisingspecialtyinstitute #brandedmerchnetwork #businessleadership

Uploaded on Nov 24, 2025

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 Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle, on sustainability and circularity. They emphasized the importance of sustainability in business, noting the upcoming PPAI Expo in January and the shift towards waste-free events. Elizabeth mentioned next year's Summit in Denver and the availability of summit sessions for certification credits. They also discussed the impact of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) laws on packaging and the need for better product design. Jeff encouraged distributors to embrace sustainability that will drive quality business.

Follow content from PPAI on sustainability: https://www.ppai.org/sustainability/

Access PPAI education here:

https://www.ppai.org/ppai-advance/

Learn more about Project Drawdown:

https://drawdown.org/

Learn more about TerraCycle:

https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/

#whyitmatters #sustainabilty #circularity #recycling #dotherightthing

Uploaded on Nov 21, 2025

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 effective selling tool. Rob spotlighted Goldstar's "made better" collection and the digital product passport feature, which provides transparency into the bag's origin and materials. The game is changing. Discover how quality suppliers and distributors are working together to generate quality business in this short video.

Learn more about Goldstar here: https://www.simplygoldstar.com/na/

#brandedmerch sustainablemerch #sales #sustainabilty #digitalpassport #madebetter #simplybetter

Uploaded on Oct 21, 2025