PODCAST · business
Why It Matters
by The Show for People Who Give a Damn About Better Merch.
Why It Matters is a Branded Merch Network original built on one belief: better merch starts with sustainable thinking. We dive into why it matters for suppliers to create better products, distributors to offer responsibly sourced solutions, and end users to choose merch that reflects their brand values. Through real conversations with leaders in promo, apparel, and print, we spotlight the voices reshaping the industry with purpose. Tune in and be part of what’s next.#MakeMerchBetter
Episodes
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Why Transparency Matters: Inside the Future of Domestic Apparel with Eric Henry
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…
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Better Products. Better Business.
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…
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Why It Matters with Alex Eaves, STAY VOCAL
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...
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Why It Matters with Crissy Manwaring, Robertson Marketing
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...
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Drew Holmgreen on the 2026 Expo, Collaboration, Sustainability , International Business and More...
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...
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Why It Matters with Cassie Green, Apparelist
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...
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Why It Matters with Ben Pawsey, HPG
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...
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A Conversation with Tim Andrews, President and CEO of ASI
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…
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Why It Matters with Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI
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…
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Why It Matters with Rob Baumgardner, Goldstar
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...
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Why It Matters with Original Favorites
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...
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Why It Matters with Marshall Atkinson, Atkinson Consulting & Shirt Lab
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…
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Why It Matters LIVE: Sales Panel - Can Purpose & Profit Coexist?
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…
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Why It Matters LIVE: Inside the Sustainable Merch Revolution
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...
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Why It Matters LIVE, Follow Up with Julie Schneiderman
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…
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Why It Matters with Joel Freet, Cutter & Buck
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…
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Why It Matters with Milissa Gibson, Lane Seven
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...
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Why It Matters with Michele Dando, Facilisgroup
Following up on the "Why It Matters" Sustainable Merch Summit, Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon and Michele Dando from Facilisgroup took a deeper dive into the importance of transparency in the branded merch industry. Michele was on the "Why Transparency Matters" panel facilitated by...
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What's Happening in Washington D. C. and Why it Matters?
Drew Holmgreen, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) President and CEO, and Kara Keister from Social Good Promotions join Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, to discuss the L.E.A.D. (Legislative Education and Action Day) trip to Washington D.C. Learn Why It…
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Why It Matters LIVE, Follow Up with Joseph Sommer
We are excited to delve 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. Here, Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone, shared his company's journey toward sustainability, emphasizing...
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Why It Matters with Kriya Stevens, MBA – Director, econscious
Join Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, and econscious Director Kriya Stevens, MBA, for an insightful discussion on the critical role of sustainability in the apparel industry. This engaging conversation explores: • econscious journey: Founded in 2006, pioneering organic and...
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Why It Matters with George Morgan, HIRSCH
In this "Why It Matters" conversation, George Morgan, Director of Marketing at HIRSCH, discussed the company's evolution of doing good things with Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS. Working with great companies that do great things and offer quality products is a win for...
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Why it Matters with James Guan from Acehigh
James Guan, CEO of Acehigh, engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, covering sustainability in business practices, product design, and corporate gifting. James shared his company's sustainability story, focusing on thoughtful design and...
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Why it Matters with Theresa Hegel, ASI
Theresa Hegel, Executive Editor for Special Projects and Sustainability at ASI, discussed the importance of sustainability in the promotional products industry. She highlighted "Promo for the Planet," a resource for industry updates on sustainability. Hegel emphasized the growing demand from...
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Why it Matters for PPAI to Facilitate Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.)
Alok Bhat, Market Economist and Senior Research Manager for PPAI, joined Global Brand Ambassador Rod Brown and Branded Merch Network Co-Founder Jeff Solomon, MAS, for a quick overview of "Why it Matters" to those watching this that a group of our passionate colleagues is investing in a business...
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Why It Matters with Gerald Pinkley, Cap America
Gerald Pinkley, VP of Compliance at Cap America, discusses the company's commitment to sustainability and compliance. Cap America delivers clean products that benefit its company position and distributor clients. He emphasizes the importance of staying updated with regulations, particularly in…
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Why it Matters for Storm Creek to be a bluesign Systems Partner
Laura Smith, Head of Sustainability at Storm Creek, discusses the company's commitment to using recycled polyester for apparel and their choice to become a bluesign systems partner. bluesign assesses the entire supply chain for environmental impact, including carbon emissions, water usage, and...
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Why It Matters with Kate Alavez, PromoShop
In this Why It Matters conversation, Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Kate Alavez, President of PromoShop, about leadership and doing the right thing. PromoShop has been a family-owned, minority-owned business since 1998. Jeff and Kate discuss the company's commitment to...
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An Amazing Brand Story Discovered! - Why It Matters with Ian Rosenberger from Day Owl
Saved from being donated! An awesome product was saved from being donated. In this Why It Matters conversation, Branded Merch Network Contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Ian Rosenberger, Founder and CEO of Day Owl, a company doing brilliant things with an innovative product line. Jeff and Ian...
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Why It Matters with Natalie Sheffey & Tommy Levin, HIT Promotional Products
Here are some things you may not know about one of the industry's largest suppliers. In this "Why It Matters" conversation, Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Natalie Sheffey, Director of Sustainability, and Tommy Levin, Director of Sales at Hit Promotional Products. From a...
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Why it Matters with Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI
In this informative "Why It Matters" conversation, Branded Merch Network Contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability and Responsibility PPAI. Elizabeth talks about being at a crossroads and future-proofing our industry. Articles about brand fill and swag-free...
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Why It Matters with Ryan Moor, Allmade Apparel
In this engaging "Why It Matters" conversation, Ryan Moor, a founder of Allmade Apparel, talks with Branded Merch Contributor Jeff Solomon about real-world experiences that impacted his life and business. It started with the death of a screen printer due to the long-term impact of chemicals used…
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Why It Matters with Jo-an Lantz, Geiger
In this riveting "Why It Matters" conversation, we talk with industry icon Jo-an Lantz, the President and CEO of Geiger. We discuss the importance of understanding why it matters to do the right thing, which includes respecting people, society, and the planet. Good business is about profitability...
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Why It Matters with Denise Taschereau, Fairware
Our industry is becoming more mindful of the impact the branded merch industry is having. Denise Taschereau, CEO and co-founder of Fairware Promotional Products is one of the leaders in this movement. In 2009 Fairware was the first B Corp Certified company in our industry. Fairware is part of...
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Why It Matters with Kate Nash, Raining Rose
Raining Rose is a community-driven company that strives to be a responsible business neighbor as part of their business positioning. Kate Nash, Director of Sales, shares thoughts on Why It Matters to focus on initiatives that positively impact business and community. They consider the longer-term...
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Why It Matters with Bart Simpson, Flywheel
Bart Simpson, the President of Flywheel in Tenessee, talks with Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon, MAS, about Why It Matters to do things right. Their focus is not just about selling products; they want to make an impact. As members of Reciprocity Road, they are connected with...
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Why It Matters LIVE, All Star Panel from the SAAC Expo
The Why It Matters Live panel, recorded at the Specialty Advertising Association (SAAC) Expo on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, in Anaheim, California, centered around People, Planet, and Prosperity. Jeff Solomon, MAS, and Jay Busselle from the Branded Merch Network led a thought-provoking...
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Why It Matters with Rob Watson, Vantage Apparel
Vantage Apparel has been creating quality products for almost 50 years. In this Why It Matters video, Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage, talks with Branded Merch Network Contributor Jeff Solomon about how making things better is in their DNA. This also extends to the decoration that Vantage offers. The...
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Why It Matters with Robert Fiveash, Brand Fuel
Many of us are passionate about product sourcing, but we often find ourselves frustrated by the challenges of driving change. In this 'Why It Matters' conversation, Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon explores this vital topic with Robert Fiveash, President and Co-Owner of Brand Fuel.…
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Why It Matters with Kathy Cheng, Redwood Classics
"We've realized in society and our business world that we need to operate in a world of we versus just about me." This riveting conversation on "Why It Matters" with Kathy Cheng, President of Redwood Classic Apparel, is filled with thought-provoking nuggets. Kathy's family story, company history,...
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Why It Matters with Heidi Urban, Gordon Sinclair
Some companies have doing the right thing in their DNA. Gordon Sinclair is one of them. It was a pleasure to connect with their Director of Sales, Heidi Urban, who has a passion for sustainability causes. In this Why It Matters conversation, we discuss the evolution of better-made products. There...
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Why It Matters with Alex Paschal, Warwick
Discover Why It Matters with some intriguing insights about Warwick Publishing from Alex Paschal, a fifth-generation family member now leading this well-established, beloved company. With a rich history and a strong reputation, Warwick is a go-to source for many. Alex has a background in chemical...
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Why It Matters with Heather Smartt, Goldstar
Heather Smartt, formally the Global Director of Product Development and Sustainability, now Global Head of Goldstar, discusses the global steps Goldstar takes to create better, responsibly sourced products. This is crucial because it's what discerning buyers are demanding. It's not just good...
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Why It Matters with Ben Grossman, SwagCycle
Upcycling and recycling made easy! SwagCycle is an innovative company that saw a need and developed a simple process for repurposing and recycling products. Ben Grossman shares why it matters to have this process in place to keep products out of landfills and create a more sustainable environment...
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Why It Matters with Daniel Rufenacht, bluesign
In this on-location conversation from the California coast, Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of bluesign, shares how throwing stones at a window as a child opened the door to his experience with chemicals. The lesson his dad taught him directed his life's course. This beautiful location is appropriate…
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Why It Matters with Hillary Morris, Taco 'Bout Pins
Hillary Morris, Chief Excitement Officer, Pin Guru, Mom of the Year, and Excellent Wife Award Winner at Taco 'Bout Pins, shares a blast of energy taco 'bouting Why It Matters to do things differently and do good stuff. "Slapping a logo on a product is old and outdated. We need to think outside…
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Why It Matters with Sterling Wilson, Pop! Promos
It's a Team effort! In this conversation with Sterling Wilson, the President of Pop! Promos shares his passion for why it matters to do things right and how that impacts his business on many levels. Much of their excellent work is driven by their Team's desire to make a difference. Sterling…
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Brianna Mazze from St Regis Group on Why It Matters
Brianna Mazze, EP, the VP of Compliance and Sustainability for St Regis, offers her thoughts on why it matters to St Regis and why it should matter to distributors to sell responsibly sourced products. It's a new day, and end-user buyers are asking for better products. Brianna shares a personal...
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Why It Matters with Dan Edge, Peerless
Enjoy this thought-provoking, honest conversation on Why It Matters with Peerless President Dan Edge. Get Dan's take on RPET and why it may not be as good for the environment as we think. We discuss takeaway points from PPAI's Product Responsibility Summit and offer insights on selling better...
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Why It Matters with Doug Jackson, Storm Creek Apparel
Doug Jackson, the President and "Product Visionary" of Storm Creek Apparel, shares "Why IT Matters" to create a quality, sustainable product and the steps they take to make it happen. Learn more about Storm Creek here: https://www.stormcreek.com/ #sustainability #sustainableapparel #brandedmerch...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Why It Matters is a Branded Merch Network original built on one belief: better merch starts with sustainable thinking. We dive into why it matters for suppliers to create better products, distributors to offer responsibly sourced solutions, and end users to choose merch that reflects their brand values. Through real conversations with leaders in promo, apparel, and print, we spotlight the voices reshaping the industry with purpose. Tune in and be part of what’s next.#MakeMerchBetter
HOSTED BY
The Show for People Who Give a Damn About Better Merch.
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How many episodes does Why It Matters have?
Why It Matters currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Why It Matters about?
Why It Matters is a Branded Merch Network original built on one belief: better merch starts with sustainable thinking. We dive into why it matters for suppliers to create better products, distributors to offer responsibly sourced solutions, and end users to choose merch that reflects their brand...
How often does Why It Matters release new episodes?
Why It Matters has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Why It Matters on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Why It Matters?
Why It Matters is created and hosted by The Show for People Who Give a Damn About Better Merch..
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