In this conversation, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon sits down with Tim Andrews, President and CEO of ASI, to discuss Tim's remarkable 23-year journey at ASI. As he prepares for retirement in March 2026, Tim shares insights on transforming ASI from a traditional print business into a tech-driven one focused on supporting sustainability efforts, including the Branded Merch Network's "Why It Matters" content component. 

Tim emphasizes the impact of the ASI internship program, which has shaped the careers of over 2,000 interns. The conversation also delves into the importance of embracing technology, diversity, and client engagement, while addressing the challenges and opportunities in the promotional products industry. Join us to hear Tim's reflections on his career, future plans, and invaluable advice for the next generation.

#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 

When sustainability drives sales, the numbers speak for themselves. During the live Sustainable Merch Summit, a panel discussion proved that purpose and profit can coexist.

👉 “It’s probably close to $1.5 million in new business over the last couple of years from clients that sought us out because of our focus on sustainability,” shared Robert Fiveash of Brand Fuel.

👉 And Joseph Sommer of Whitestone revealed, “A client who stopped working with us because we were not EcoVadis-certified came back with a quote for 1.3 million units.”

👉 Milissa Gibson from Lane Seven and Julie Schneiderman from EcoStiks were also contributing to the idea that sustainability isn't just good for the planet -- it's a serious sales advantage.



The takeaway? Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a serious sales advantage!

Uploaded on Sep 13, 2025

The Why It Matters LIVE: Sustainable Merch Summit brought together 400+ industry pros from promo, print, and apparel to spotlight how sustainability drives both positive impact and profitable growth. In this wrap-up video, hosts Jay Busselle and Jeff Solomon are joined by Theresa Hegel (ASI) and Cassie Green (Apparelist/Printing United Alliance) to reflect on key takeaways from the summit. They dive into lessons on transparency, certifications, and how values-driven brands are winning new business. Watch this inspiring recap and see why sustainability isn’t just good for the planet — it’s smart business.

WHY IT MATTERS SUSTAINABLE MERCH SUMMIT FOLLOW-UP VIDEO SERIES: We continue to go a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the Branded Merch Network Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit, hosted by ASI, Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys. 

In this conversation, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder, Jeff Solomon, talks with Julie Schneiderman, Founder and CEO of EcoStiks. The discussion pulled a few more nuggets from the Summit. Julie shared a bit about EcoStik's role in providing sustainable branding solutions and the importance of environmental consciousness in the branded merch industry.

Learn more about EcoStiks here: https://www.ecostiks.com/

We want to acknowledge the supporters of our efforts to advance the "Why It Matters" movement: Goldstar, Allmade, and Stahls. More good stuff is coming! 

#WhyItMatters #BrandedMerch #SustainableMerch #DoTheRightThing #BusinessLeadership #MakeItBetter #MakeMerchBetter #SMS2025

Uploaded on Aug 25, 2025

In this Why it Matters conversation, Joel Freet, CEO of Cutter & Buck, and Jeff Solomon, Co-Founder of the Branded Merch Network, discuss what's at the core of this successful brand. Joel highlighted the company's commitment to high-quality, long-lasting sportswear since 1989, emphasizing their use of post-consumer recycled polyester. He noted the significant reduction in air freight, which has improved their environmental impact. The point was made that sustainability matters for three reasons: customers and governments are demanding it, and it creates a better world. Cutter & Buck makes it easy with transparent tracking of recycled materials on their website. Customers appreciate this transparency. 

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

#brandedmerch #brandedapparel #sustainableapparel #sustainablity #dotherightthing #businessleadership

Uploaded on Aug 23, 2025 

WHY IT MATTERS SUSTAINABLE MERCH SUMMIT FOLLOW-UP VIDEO SERIES: We continue to go a bit deeper with some of our presenters at the Branded Merch Network Inaugural Sustainable Merch Summit, hosted by ASI, Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys. 

In this conversation, Jeff Solomon talks with Milissa Gibson, Director of Sales for Lane Seven Apparel. Milissa was on a panel moderated by Jay Busselle, entitled "Sustainability Sells. It's Good for the Planet and GREAT for Business."

The discussion centered on the increasing importance of sustainability in the apparel industry, with a focus on how younger generations are driving demand for eco-friendly products. Companies like Lane Seven are adopting sustainable practices as a core part of their business strategy. They discussed reducing waste, improving manufacturing processes, and understanding customer needs while navigating the challenges of meeting demands between the European and American markets. 

The discussion concluded with insights about the broader business implications of sustainability, including its impact on profitability. Sustainability does sell. Yes, it's good for the planet and GREAT for business. 

Learn more about Lane Seven here: https://lanesevenapparel.com/

We want to acknowledge the supporters of our efforts to advance the "Why It Matters" movement: Goldstar, Allmade, and Stahls. More good stuff is coming! 

#WhyItMatters #BrandedMerch #SustainableMerch #DoTheRightThing #BusinessLeadership #MakeItBetter #SMS2025

Uploaded on Jul 9, 2025