Drew Holmgren, CEO and President of PPAI, joined Branded Merch Network Co-FounderJeff 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 UltimateTailgate 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

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

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. They also discussed the ethical implications of sourcing, mentioning issues in China and Brazil. Original Favorites is another quality apparel line that may become one of your favorites!

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, emphasizing the need to start with a clear "why" for adopting sustainable practices. They highlighted the misconceptions around water-based inks and the benefits of print-on-demand. Marshall mentioned the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) certification and its comprehensive approach to sustainability. Enjoy these nuggets on this all-important topic.

#brandedmerch #brandedapparel #sustainableapparel #screenprinting #businessleadership

Uploaded on Sep 22, 2025