What does it really mean to make apparel more responsibly? In this episode of Why It Matters, Jeff Solomon talks with Eric Henry, President & CEO of TS Designs, about the power of knowing where our products come from—and why transparency matters.Eric shares TS Designs’ “dirt to shirt” approach, the importance of domestic apparel production, sustainable printing processes, and the challenges facing cotton farmers today. They also discuss how sustainability and transparency can create real opportunities for distributors looking to differentiate their businesses.Because sustainability isn’t about being perfect. It’s about staying curious, asking better questions, and making better choices.#WhyItMatters #Sustainability #SustainableApparel #TSDesigns

People don't remember promotional products because they were inexpensive. They remember them because they were useful.The most sustainable product is often the one people choose to keep.In this episode of Why It Matters, Jeff Solomon sits down with Lane Hokanson, Global Senior Marketing Manager at Goldstar, to uncover why sustainability isn't just about recycled materials. It's about creating products that deliver lasting value for customers, stronger results for brands, and experiences people remember.Together they explore:Why distributors should sell effectiveness instead of priceWhy quality products create stronger brand impressionsHow certifications build trust through proof, not marketing claimsWhy sustainability works best when it's built into smarter merchandiseHow small choices can create meaningful long-term impactOne idea stood out throughout the conversation:Better products create better experiences. They're better for brands, better for customers, and better for business.About Why It MattersWhy It Matters is a Branded Merch Network series exploring the people, ideas, and decisions shaping a better future for promotional products, print, and branded merchandise.This conversation was recorded in July, 2026. Some episodes were originally recorded as part of the Why It Matters library and are now being released on YouTube to make these insights more accessible to the industry.If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more thoughtful discussions on sustainability, innovation, and building a stronger branded merch community.#WhyItMatters #BrandedMerch #PromotionalProducts #Sustainability #BrandStrategy #BusinessLeadership #Goldstar

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 became a certified Master Reuser by the Reuse Institute. He's also the director of two award winning documentaries: REUSE! Because You Can't Recycle The Planet. (2015) and The Box Truck Film: Building A Reuseful Home (2022).

Learn more here: https://stayvocal.com/

Uploaded on Mar 5, 2026

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 as durable drinkware, which can endure and positively represent a company for decades. Jeff and Crissy also touch on global sustainability trends, evolving industry standards, and the potential for international collaboration to drive positive change in promotional products.

Learn more about Robertson Marketing here: https://robertsonmarketing.com/

#whyitmatters #brandedmerchnetwork #brandedmerch #sustainabilty #sustainablemerch #businessleadership

Uploaded on Feb 12, 2026

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 development. He reflected on his first year, noting the industry's community-driven nature and the strategic planning for the next five years. He also discussed PPAI's focus on sustainability, citing a forthcoming carbon footprint study, and its international strategy to unify the branded merchandise industry globally.

Learn more about PPAI here: https://www.ppai.org/

#brandedmerchnetwork #ppai #ppaiexpo #promotionalproducts #brandedmerch #businessleadership #sustainability #internationalbusiness

Uploaded on Jan 20, 2026

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 despite economic challenges.

They discussed the need for better purchasing decisions, reducing textile waste, and addressing the impact of fast fashion. Jeff presses Cassie to put a spotlight on two companies that she feels are doing something special. The companies Cassie calls out are Stanley/Stella and Living Ink for their exceptional sustainable practices.

Jeff shares his enthusiasm for quality products that recipients will appreciate and keep. That defines sustainability. Jeff and Cassie discussed the impact of well-executed virtual events that effectively offer insights that drive quality business. They also discuss the importance of live events and the positive changes in the industry driven by consumer demand and legislation. Enjoy the conversation!

Take advantage of Apparelist content: https://www.apparelist.com/

Learn more about PRINTING United Alliance: https://www.printing.org/

Learn more about Allmade here: https://stanleystella.com/en-us

Learn more about Stanley/Stella here: https://stanleystella.com/en-us

Learn more about Living Ink here: https://www.livingink.co/

#whyitmatters #brandedmerch #brandedmerchnetwork #brandedapparel #sustainabilty #sustainablemerch

Uploaded on Dec 9, 2025

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. Pawsey emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, likening every purchase to a vote for a sustainable future. Why does it matter? Quality, sustainable products drive good business. Enjoy the conversation!

Learn more here about HPG: https://hpgbrands.com/

Learn more about "Sustainability as a Service" here: https://hpgbrands.com/esg/

#whyitmatters #brandedmerch #dotherightthing #businessleadership #EcoVadis

Uploaded on Dec 5, 2025

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