News from the network .

Visit the Strategic Supplier page for Benefit Details and Information

Insider Information

PromoEQP Strategic Partnership

Market focused Content from Strategic partner HPG.

Meditative Merch

Melissa Bettua, Director of Sales, HPG

If you have ever practiced yoga or any form of fitness with a coach or a guide– you may have been told to leave your worries on the mat, feeling better in return.

Well, my mat is so full of sweat and tears it could write a screenplay.

While I can metaphorically leave it all on the mat, it is one tangible part of the practice with a simple imprint to remind me of my focus. I recently began my journey to expanding my knowledge in the teachings of yin yoga. It’s slow and intentional, yet expansive and hydrating, opening the channels within your body to promote the flow of communication between your organs. It is as if nature has magically established a high-speed internet connection between you to your best-self, resulting in better communities, teams and environments!

What is the connection between merch + meditative yin?

They both tell stories without spoken words while cultivating a sense of reciprocity like yin & yang, give + take. Letting assumptions go, inviting peace and logic. The beat goes on. By taking an approach to creating swag that is ceremonious and in harmony, we open the channels of communication to our outer network while we let the imprint do the talking.

If you are catching the drift I’m very calmly telling you to stop saying too much with peace and love. For every action there is a reaction and to every yin – there is a yang that we can bring it into the promotional space:

If you fill your branded tote bag with non-perishable groceries for the local food bank, the feel-goodness it produces and the possibility that a volunteer at the food bank needs your services, can coexist.

A shared love of serving others in need and growing your business can happen in a natural and authentic way. It’s altruism with benefits.

Size down the logo –enhance the emotion. Giving backpacks like this one are the perfect match for keeping logos nonchalant using smaller imprint areas such as a zipper pull– while patches or plates to illustrate existential meaning.

You are capable of reminding the person in the airport security line behind you that the universe has their literal and metaphorical back – who knew zipper pulls worked on heartstrings, too!

One of my most coveted apparel pieces is a hoodie designed by a local artist with a silkscreen statement on the back that reads “Dear Person Behind Me, see the beauty in the rough waters that got you where you are today” – followed by a dash and signed by the artist

You can turn casual wear into a moment of empowerment for a complete stranger, through a simple phrase.

Friendship bracelets are still having a movement of their own. We’re stacking them, trading them and tossing them at concerts like confetti cannons. A wrist accessory can spur a conversation around how simple words connect us and instantly bond like-minds, even if a different path brough us to the same space.

Open the channels to new ways of communication – and maybe leave a few old ways of doing it on the mat behind.

Namaste

And, furthermore...

Upcoming Supplier Webinars

Wednesday, November 5th — 3M

Tuesday, November 11 — BoxUp

EDUCATION WEBINAR with Champro — November 18th

PCNA 2025 Holiday Idea Guide

PCNA Holiday Gifiting Video

And now for something new

Short Story, Big Picture:

Did You Say “THANK YOU?”

Burned into us since we were kids, and as we raise our own, good manners are just as important in business as they are in personal life. We have to remember to say, “Please and Thank you.” You have already done the hard work of asking, “Please, will you buy from me?” Now it’s time to say, “Thank you for buying from me.”

Today’s SHORT STORY is a piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the BIG PICTURE.

The action of “Thank you” can be done by a simple phone call or email. I have seen distributors go out of their way and travel long distances to deliver a thank you gift.

Here are three reasons why saying “Thank You” at the end of the year can lead to more business next year:

Strengthens Emotional Connection and Loyalty

A sincere thank you reminds customers they’re valued beyond their transactions. This emotional recognition builds loyalty, and loyal customers are more likely to reorder, refer others, and choose you over competitors. Gratitude makes them feel part of your story, not just your sales figures.

__

Creates a Natural Touchpoint for Engagement

Year-end messages give you a warm, non-sales way to reconnect. A thank you card, video, or small gift reopens communication and keeps your brand top-of-mind. This makes it much easier to start conversations about upcoming projects or new offerings when the new year begins.

__

Reinforces a Positive Brand Reputation

Thoughtful appreciation signals professionalism, stability, and care, all traits customers want to be associated with. People remember how you make them feel, and gratitude leaves a lasting impression that differentiates your business in a crowded marketplace

_____________________________

As you plan for the year ahead, don’t overlook the power of appreciation. Reach out, say thank you, and make your customers feel seen. It’s one of the simplest ways to turn this year’s success into next year’s momentum.

Believe me… You got this!

Brandon Pecharich, Mark8media

Click to learn more about UMA Pens

PEQP Monthly

PromoEQP Supplier and Partner Updates:

Suppliers and More…

New Supplier

Exclusive NEW Partner

PromoEQP EXCLUSIVE European Supplier Relationship

Company Details

Policy & Benefits

Policy: Discount on the Column
Benefits: North American Pricing inclusive of SET-UP / UPS FREIGHT (one destination) / ALL TARIFFS

Supplier Pricing Updates

PromoEQP SERVICE PARTNERS & RESOURCES

The 2025 New Supplier Update.

END of Monthly Update

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October 16, 2025

PromoEQP Mid-October 2025

by Jeremy Chacon

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Mid-October Updates

Border Grill Happy Hour with PromoEQP

Presenting Sponsor SanMar

2026 EXPO -

Getting to work in a “Relationship Industry” starts with building relationships.

The PromoEQP Happy Hour — Where the Expo Begins

The only way to build on the success of last year’s PromoEQP Mixer was to raise the stakes — and yes, provide the steaks.

Join us for a relaxed, PromoEQP-focused networking event bringing together distributors and invited supplier partners for an evening of connection, conversation, and good food just before the PPAI Expo kicks off.

Hosted by the PromoEQP team, this Happy Hour is your opportunity to:

Pick up your PromoEQP Expo Kit
Connect with industry friends and colleagues
Preview select supplier products
Get ready for an incredible week ahead

Kick off the Expo the right way — with great company, good energy, and the PromoEQP community.
READ MORE

Actual Promotional Products Professionals

PromoEQP's Facebook Group: 1124 Total Members

Ever have a random question? Can't find something that you know is out there?
Jump into the PromoEQP Facebook Group and talk with like-minded distributors and suppliers who know their stuff! It's kinda special here...

Let’s keep growing, learning, and Doing Better!

Join the PromoEQP Facebook Group page today!

Here are some examples of the amazing engagement this month:

Webinar Replay: RUPT

Always Updating the PromoEQP Member Info Page!

The PromoEQP now has more info on Strategic Suppliers

If you still need some help using the site, CLICK HERE!

It's time to TELL YOUR STORY! Wanna be on a podcast? Click Here!

Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

Ideas or Questions? Email us:
info@promoeqp.com

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September 30, 2025

PromoEQP October 2025 Update

by Jeremy Chacon

Announcement: EXPO 26

The plans for PPAI EXPO 2026 are already underway — and there is already an important dates to let you all in on.

October Discount Code: PROMOEQP-S3142

Monday, January 12th, 6 pm to 8 pm — PromoEQP at Border Grill

PromoEQP is building off the success from last year’s Mixer by booking out Border Grill!

This event will run at the end of Conference Day, the night before the floor opens on Tuesday, January 13th.

The design of this event is a social gathering for the Distributors of PromoEQP. Drinks and food (a lesson learned from from the Mixer) will be available. While we are not calling for an RSVP at this moment, we are saying that you will want to plan for this — and put it on your schedules now!

Why lead off Expo with a Social Event?… Obviously our industry operates best when it centers on its relationships. The problem is that we get together ignore what makes us all remarkable. Rather than connecting and engaging, we run events that make you sit and pay attention… That’s not what makes you successful OR what drives PromoEQP.

YOU are remarkable and successful because of YOU — and PromoEQP is simply seeking to be YOUR mirror. Therefore, we choose to engage! We choose to give ourselves the chance to learn more, connect better, speak freer, and actively listen… In essence, we are choosing to embrace what makes our Industry remarkable rather than ignoring it.

More information about this event and the PPAI Expo schedule will be coming out as we move to the end of the year. If you are curious, you can always reach out to me OR follow updates coming from Nadia Freitag on Facebook or LinkedIn.

PromoEQP’s goal to “Do Better” never stops… but it must stay vibrant and subtly tweak to address challenges. This is why PromoEQP will be focusing on doing what’s necessary to “Keep You Working”.

Keep doing what You do best… and keep demanding that PromoEQP gets better at supporting you. The industry needs it… Your client needs it… You deserve it!

Thanks again…

Jeremy Chacon

PromoEQP

312-392-1064

Visit the Strategic Supplier page for Benefit Details and Information

Insider Information

PromoEQP Strategic Partnership

Market focused Content from Strategic partner BAGMakers.

The Cost of Selling Price

Pete Gleason, VP of Sales, BAG MAKERS

I recently attended a large meeting where organizers made some unfortunate cost-cutting decisions that negatively affected the overall experience.

This was an exclusive, annual event people look forward to attending, and many guests were upset about the changes. An industry peer I spoke with summed up the situation perfectly when he reflected that event planners “made a pricing decision without realizing the cost.” The cost in this case? Some very unhappy attendees beginning to question whether to sponsor or attend in the future.

Over the years, you may have seen this sentiment illustrated in ads or memes featuring a broken sidewalk or crooked house captioned with “Sometimes the low bid is not the best option.”

What about the phrase “buy price, buy twice”? As consumers, we have all experienced something similar at one point or another, haven’t we?

As salespeople, we are driven to get the order. When focused on earning the order, do we sometimes make the pricing decision without realizing the true cost? Has that cost been an unhappy—or even worse, a lost—customer?

How do we prevent this from happening?

One simple strategy is to work diligently to create more value for us in the eyes of our customers. This value does not always have to be just a quality product. It might be:

Response time.
Making an alternative recommendation to a customer interested in a product we can’t comfortably stand behind.
Demonstrating a creative approach to solving a customer’s branding challenge.
Choose the right vendor.

Remember, your success is measured by the effectiveness of your partnering vendor… Truly partner with us and use us as a part of your team. Ask us for case histories, ideas, and best uses for our products. Prioritize working with vendors who respond in a timely manner, stand behind their product, and make it easy for you to do business with them.

Slowly but surely, you will find real value in those partnerships, and in doing so, you will have miraculously created more value for you in your customers’ eyes.

PromoEQP has done some of the hard work for you by assembling a diverse group of suppliers who want to tell you their story.

Let us show you the ways to create value…. even if the price is a little higher. Give it a try, ask us. You and your customers are worth it

—
Pete Gleason, MAS
Vice President of Sales, BAG MAKERS

And, furthermore...

Upcoming Wednesday Webinars

Wednesday, October 1st — Rupt

Wednesday, October 15th — PCNA

PCNA 2025 Holiday Idea Guide

PCNA Holiday Gifiting Video

And now for something new

Short Story, Big Picture:

Year Review – Audit Your Buyers

We are now in the 4th Quarter! I don’t mean to scare you, but rather excite you to action for a strong finish to 2025 and to plan for 2026. This is the time of year where we start to look back at what we did and audit our performance to make sure the next year is just as strong, if not better! We have all been through an audit in some shape or form; however, when was the last time you audited your buyers?

Today’s SHORT STORY is a piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the BIG PICTURE.

This process is exactly the kind of proactive thinking that separates order takers from true solution providers in the promo industry.

Here are three actionable audits a Promotional Products Distributor can do to better understand buyers’ needs and prepare for a stronger year ahead:

Review Past Orders for Patterns and Gaps
Look for repeat purchases:
- Which products or categories did your buyers consistently order?
- That shows their go-to comfort zone.

Identify gaps:
- Did they focus heavily on apparel but skip tech, drinkware, or sustainable products?
- Examine the purchasing signals that may indicate areas of interest for next year.
Spot seasonal trends:
- Did they order heavy in Q2 for summer events or spike in Q4 for gifting?
- Acquisition data supports identifying predictive patterns.
Evaluate Engagement vs. ROI Conversations
Go beyond the purchase order and ask what actually worked. Were there campaigns where products drove strong participation, retention, or new leads?

Compare quantity ordered vs. quantity used (leftovers can signal misalignment).
Use this insight to pitch higher-impact solutions (e.g., “Instead of 1,000 low-cost giveaways, try 500 premium items that align with your sustainability message.”).
Audit Buyer Habits & Preferences
Communication style: Did they respond faster to email, calls, or in-person meetings?
Buying cadence: Did they place last-minute rush orders or plan months in advance?
Budget behavior: Did they under-spend or max out budgets? Were they more price-sensitive this year than last?

_____________________________

Documenting these behaviors helps you meet them where they are—whether that’s building a planning calendar for proactive buyers or offering curated quick-ship options for reactive ones.

Put all this together in a simple Buyer Report Card (great idea, right? Click to download a FREE template). It positions you as a consultative partner and sets the stage for a more strategic conversation going into the new year.

Believe me… You got this!

Brandon Pecharich, Mark8media

PEQP Monthly

PromoEQP Supplier and Partner Updates:

Suppliers and More…

PromoEQP welcomes:
20 below

Pricing Policy:

Less than 25pcs = NEXT COLUMN PRICING

25pcs and more = END QUANTITY PRICING

PromoEQP SERVICE PARTNERS & RESOURCES

The 2025 New Supplier Update.

END of Monthly Update

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September 15, 2025

PromoEQP Mid-September 2025

by Jeremy Chacon

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Mid-September Updates

Strategic Supplier Content

In case you missed it...

From 3M -

The Power of Promo: Why This Work Matters More Than You Think

I didn’t grow up dreaming about a career in promotional products.
I didn’t study marketing.
And honestly, I didn’t even realize this industry was a thing—until I was knee-deep in it.
There was no five-year plan. No dream job pinned to a vision board.
Just a yes.
A yes to stability.
A yes to the steady 9-to-5 I desperately needed as a new mom.
READ MORE

From PCNA:
PCNA 2025 Holiday Idea Guide

PCNA Holiday Gifiting Video

MONTHLY UPDATE

Actual Promotional Products Professionals

PromoEQP's Facebook Group: 1087 Total Members

Ever have a random question? Can't find something that you know is out there?
Jump into the PromoEQP Facebook Group and talk with like-minded distributors and suppliers who know their stuff! It's kinda special here...

Let’s keep growing, learning, and Doing Better!

Join the PromoEQP Facebook Group page today!

Here are some examples of the amazing engagement this month:

PromoEQP Partner Webinar

Always Updating the PromoEQP Member Info Page!

The PromoEQP now has more info on Strategic Suppliers

If you still need some help using the site, CLICK HERE!

It's time to TELL YOUR STORY! Wanna be on a podcast? Click Here!

Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.

Ideas or Questions? Email us:
info@promoeqp.com

You are receiving this email because you are a member of PromoEQP.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
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August 30, 2025

PromoEQP September 2025 Update

by Jeremy Chacon

PromoEQP’s Commitment to Engagement.

September Discount Code: PROMOEQP-27126

There is always a lot of discussion about “Community” amongst Industry Programs and Associations… There, unfortunately, isn’t always an equal amount of discussion about “Participation”.

The essential idea surrounding “Community” is the Program or Association trying to convey that YOU aren’t alone — as long as you’re with them. My problem is that these same Programs or Associations seem to disappear from view at the exact moment a Distributor feels the most alone and vulnerable: The moment when something is going wrong with an order.

PromoEQP can not promise that we can fix every single order issue that you will run into… However, PromoEQP CAN promise to be the partner that is willing to actively participate and do everything in its power to YOUR benefit.

PromoEQP will engage as your partner… PromoEQP will participate in making the necessary calls… PromoEQP will never leave you alone when you are at your most vulnerable.

Remember… PromoEQP has NEVER taken a supplier rebate dollar. This means that we don’t look at your orders as our revenue gain — which means PromoEQP works for YOU, not the supplier.

We are now moving into the Industry’s peak season — all while facing uncertainty in the marketplace. Do not hesitate to involve PromoEQP in the event that an issue puts an order, or profitability, at risk. The sooner We can get engaged, the better the potential outcome.

Be nimble… Be effective… Be your best… Be assured that PromoEQP will never abandon You when you are most in need of our support.

Thanks again…

Jeremy Chacon

PromoEQP

312-392-1064

Visit the Strategic Supplier page for Benefit Details and Information

Insider Information

PromoEQP Strategic Partnership

Market focused Content from Strategic partner 3M.

The Power of Promo: Why This Work Matters More Than You Think

I didn’t grow up dreaming about a career in promotional products.
I didn’t study marketing.
And honestly, I didn’t even realize this industry was a thing—until I was knee-deep in it.

Catch up on past 3M blog content

There was no five-year plan. No dream job pinned to a vision board.
Just a yes.
A yes to stability.
A yes to the steady 9-to-5 I desperately needed as a new mom.

But that “just a job” became something else entirely.
It became something I choose.
It became something I care about.
It became something I believe in.

That unexpected yes?… Turned out to be the best decision I never planned.

Promo Is More Than Swag

Promotional products don’t sit quietly on the sidelines of a marketing plan.
They lead. They last. They perform.

And here’s why:

You can’t scroll past a Post-it® Note stuck to your monitor.
You can’t mute a lint pack pulled from your purse before a meeting.
You can’t ignore a highlighter marking what matters most.

You use it… You see it… You trust it… You keep it… You remember it.

That’s the kind of staying power brands are chasing—and promo delivers it in ways digital never can.

Promo Connects. Tangibly.

We’re not just selling items with logos.
We’re helping brands show up in real life.
Consistently. Memorably. Meaningfully.

Every branded item says:

We thought of you.
We value this connection.
You matter.

That’s not “just swag”, that is strategy with purpose.

Promo isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s thoughtful. Intentional. Sometimes a little chaotic (if you know, you know) — but always focused on impact.

A Lasting Impression

Promotional products aren’t a throwaway budget line.
They’re an opportunity — to literally put your brand in someone’s hands.
It’s marketing with shelf life. Brand awareness that lingers long after the campaign ends.

And the truth is:
People don’t toss their Post-it® Note pads.
They use them.
They share them.
They notice them.

That’s not a fluke. That’s the power of well-executed promo.

The Work We Do Matters

This industry moves fast.
It’s creative. It’s collaborative. The deadlines are real. The expectations are high.

And when someone hands us their brand and says,
“Make this memorable,”
they’re handing us a piece of their reputation.
We don’t take that lightly.

Grateful for the Unplanned Path

What started as just a job became something so much more.
Coworkers and clients became friends—and in many ways, family.

And somewhere along the way, this fast-paced, ever-evolving world of promo started to feel like home.

We collaborate. We celebrate. We care.
This industry challenges me, pushes me, and fills my days with purpose.
And I don’t take that for granted—not for a second.

So if you’re still thinking, “It’s just promo,” let us show you otherwise.

Because at 3M Promotional Markets, promo isn’t just what we do—
it’s what we believe in.

—
Molly Branson
Strategic Account Executive 3M

And, furthermore...

Upcoming Wednesday Webinars

Weds., September 3rd — BagMakers

Weds., September 17th — Gemline

PCNA 2025 Holiday Idea Guide

PCNA Holiday Gifiting Video

And now for something new

Short Story, Big Picture:

Don’t be a Pitch, Be the Solution

One of my favorite activities in kindergarten was “Show and Tell.” Boasting about what I had to show was great for me, but it left the class further disconnected from me. Why do we continue the same operation when we are trying to sell to a client? Are we trying to make a connection or just make the sale to please our bottom line?

Today’s Short Story is a piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the Big Picture.

We can evolve our sales processes to make our clients like us so much that we could show them anything and they would buy it. Let’s be someone they look forward to talking with, not someone they have to mentally prepare for, ya know?

Below are some ways we can achieve that:

Strategic Partner, Not the Vendor

A vendor provides a product. A partner helps you reach your goals. Clients remember vendors when they need a reorder; they keep partners around because they create business value beyond the sale. You can accomplish this by bringing fresh ideas, offer solutions even if they don’t directly benefit you, or by being proactive.

End Goal: The Client should see you as part of their team — not a line item in their budget.
Offerings Around Outcomes, Not Features

Too often, distributors lead with product features: “This is the color you were looking for,” or “Look, it has Bluetooth and it’s a water bottle.” But features don’t sell, outcomes do. Clients want to know what problem you’ll solve or what success you’ll create. Start with the “why”, quantify the benefit, and use stories or case studies.

Key Phrase Shift:
- From: “the product has…”
- To: “here’s the result you can expect…”
Long-Term Relationships, Not One-Off Orders

Most distributors focus on closing the sale, but client retention and lifetime value often matter more than the initial deal. When you focus on long-term success, you naturally build trust, repeat business, and referrals. Develop an SOP that adds: checking in regularly, creating value between transactions, celebrating milestones, and Asking for Feedback.

Focus: When clients feel like you’re invested in their success over time, they become loyal advocates for your business.

_____________________________

We, as promotional products professionals, are so much more than the products that we have access to.

Leave that suitcase at home, stop the “show up and throw up” tactic, and become a valued member of their brand.

Believe me… You got this!

Brandon Pecharich, Mark8media

Click HERE to visit COFFEE STREET website.

PEQP Monthly

PromoEQP Supplier and Partner Updates:

Suppliers and More…

Visit the NEW PrimeLine: www.primeline.com

PRICING UPDATE

Full EQP on YETI Products.
EQP-5% on ALL OTHER PRIME PRODUCTS.

** Check PromoEQP Distributor Login for Full Additional Benefits.

New Supplier Partner

Pricing Benefit:

Full Line 5% Discount on Wholesale.

See PEQP Distributor Login & SAGE for Details.

PromoEQP SERVICE PARTNERS & RESOURCES

The 2025 New Supplier Update.

END of Monthly Update

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July 31, 2025

PromoEQP August 2025 Update

by Jeremy Chacon

PromoEQP’s Commitment to Stability.

August Discount Code: PROMOEQP-M3195

As we enter the busiest buying season of the year, we are being confronted with a uniquely challenging combination — an uncertain marketplace paired with an increasingly volatile promo industry landscape.

Over the past year, we’ve seen major shifts in leadership across several well-established suppliers, service platforms, and even associations. In many cases, these shake-ups are being driven not by the needs of the traditional distributor but by competing interests: private equity firms seeking higher returns, or high-dollar distributor interests that are dissatisfied with how their priorities are being served.

PromoEQP remains unaffected by these forces.

We’ve never accepted private equity investment, and we’ve never built a model that favors certain distributors over others. This independence matters now more than ever. It is this same independence that allows us to stay focused on what’s most important: Supporting YOU with consistent access, transparency, and a solid foundation for YOU to build your own success upon.

No distractions.

No shifting priorities.

Just PromoEQP continuing to do what’s necessary to help you stay competitive, even in uncertain times.

Thanks again…

Jeremy Chacon

PromoEQP

312-392-1064

Visit the Strategic Supplier page for Benefit Details and Information

Insider Information

PromoEQP Strategic Partnership

Market focused Content from Strategic partner RUPT.

When Tragedy Strikes, We Show Up

Some stories are hard to tell. This is one of them.

See RUPT’s Call to Action Video

Over the past few days, catastrophic flooding has ripped through Kerr County, Texas. Families have lost their homes. Communities have been gutted. And the part that hit me the hardest: some parents sent their kids off to summer camp last week and never got to bring them home.

As a father of two daughters who are currently off at camp, I can’t even process what those families are going through. While my girls are laughing, making lanyards, and playing games, kids and families just a few hours away from our Rupt HQ are experiencing trauma no child should ever face.

It’s devastating. And it’s personal.

But if there’s one thing I know about the promo industry, it’s that we don’t sit on the sidelines. We rally. We move fast. We do what needs to be done.

In 2017, we showed what this industry is made of.

During Hurricane Harvey, while leading Origaudio, I helped coordinate an industry-wide donation drive. Suppliers, distributors, friends, and total strangers came together to ship critical supplies directly into Houston. It was one of the most powerful things I’ve been a part of in my career.

Now, as CEO of Rupt, we’re doing it again: this time for Kerr County.

What We’re Collecting:

Cleaning & Recovery Supplies

Bleach, heavy-duty trash bags, gloves, buckets, disinfectant wipes, etc.

Food & Water

Bottled water, non-perishables, baby formula, baby food, pet food

Emergency Supplies

Flashlights, batteries, tarps

Personal Care & Hygiene

Diapers, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene, toothpaste, toothbrushes

Clothing & Bedding

Socks, underwear, basic clothing for all ages, blankets, and towels

Tools & Equipment

Shovels, rakes, screwdrivers, saws (even wood chippers, if you’ve got one)

Where to Send Supplies:

Rupt HQ
800 Interchange Blvd
Suite 103
Austin, TX 78721
Label all boxes: “Kerr County Relief”

Not in Austin? We’ve made it easy.

To make it easy, we've made an Amazon Wishlist that ships items directly to our warehouse for distribution.

🛒 Click here to shop the wishlist .

Want to help or coordinate a larger donation?
Reach out directly: jason@rupt.com

To the Promo Industry: Let’s Do What We Do Best

We’re an industry built on creativity, resilience, and connection. This is one of those moments where we need to put all of that into action.

If you're a distributor, supplier, designer, client, partner, friend: we’re asking you to step up. Just like we did after Harvey. Just like we’ll do again the next time disaster strikes.

Kerr County needs us. And we’re not going to let them down.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for showing up.

—
Jason Lucash
CEO, Rupt

And, furthermore...

Upcoming Wednesday Webinars

Weds., Aug 6th — 3M

Weds., Aug 20th — SanMar

And now for something new

Short Story, Big Picture:

Origin Stories Sell

Being a marketing professional is more than just pushing products; it's about telling the right story. One of the most powerful stories you can tell is where something began. Whether it's the origin of your client's company or the backstory of the product you’re pitching, that narrative helps create an emotional connection that drives decision-making.

Origin stories humanize. They differentiate. They sell.

Today’s Short Story is a piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the Big Picture. You can use origin stories not only to build trust, but also to give products meaning and make your client feel something…not just see something.

Here’s how you can develop an origin story that resonates and converts:

Define it.

Choose your angle: the origin of the company or the origin of the product. Make sure it's meaningful, authentic, and can’t be easily duplicated by your competitors.

Align it.

Integrate the story into the marketing strategy. The story must be told consistently across websites, social media, packaging, and even in your pitch. Let the story do the emotional heavy lifting.

Prove it.

Support your origin story with facts. Whether it’s sourcing data, founder anecdotes, or sustainability proof points…credibility matters. Consumers are sharp, and trust is earned.

_____________________________

Origin stories aren't fluff…they are fuel. They make products relatable, build brand loyalty, and help you become more than a vendor.

They help you become part of their team.

Believe me… You got this!

Brandon Pecharich, Mark8media

PEQP Monthly

PromoEQP Supplier and Partner Updates:

Suppliers and More…

PRICING UPDATE

EQP-5%

BENEFITS:

- Monthly Special Promotions.

EXCLUSIONS:

- Marked Sales Items

PROMOEQP’s 2025 EQP CATALOG IS AVAILABLE.

Printed on-demand by SAGE. Call 800-925-7243 for details and requests.

PromoEQP SERVICE PARTNERS & RESOURCES

The 2025 New Supplier Update.

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July 29, 2025

PromoEQP July 2025 Update

by Jeremy Chacon

Examining PromoEQP’s Strategic Initiative.

For the record, I am thrilled with the engagement and excitement that has come with the Strategic Supplier Initiative!

In just the first month, we have seen more interest AND participation in the WEDNESDAY WEBINAR SERIES, increased benefits from a multitude of suppliers, and deeper strategic engagement from the Initiative Suppliers!... As I said, I’m kinda thrilled about this!

The major issue that I failed to address previously was to detail out WHO these new Strategic Suppliers are and WHAT they are offering within this new initiative… So let’s fix that now.

Meet the Strategic Suppliers

A whole new webpage has been created to detail these Strategic Partners and their offering. That page is available at www.promoeqp.com/news …Key things to know about the breakdown of the page:

Suppliers organized by BENEFIT OFFERINGS
- Suppliers offering Direct-to-Distributor Incentives are placed together… as are those who are expanding to include a single National Contact.
- Taking this step meant highlighting Distributor Benefits over perceived program preferences.

Brief descriptions of BENEFIT OFFERINGS
- The Offering Details will be housed within SAGE and the new PromoEQP Distributor Login Page.
The Page will be regularly updated with ALL Supplier Policy Enhancements
- Scrolling to the bottom of the page will bring you to a carousel of Suppliers who have made enhancements to their distributor benefits.

Finally, at the bottom of the Strategic Supplier page is a field to generate feedback from distributors. Please remember that the entire idea of this initiative is to be “DOING BETTER” by YOU. This will only be accomplished by hearing from you, seeing you at the Wednesday Webinars, expanding PromoEQP based on your feedback, and developing resources based on your challenges and ideas.

I have a vision of PromoEQP becoming the industry’s elite model of distributor resources… For that to be true, though, I depend on YOU to guide PromoEQP into what “elite” actually looks like.

Thanks again…

Jeremy Chacon

PromoEQP

312-392-1064

What is SHELTER TO SOLDIER

Insider Information

PromoEQP Strategic Partnership

Market focused Content from Strategic partner Logomark.

“Doing Better” isn’t only about sales.

Shelter to Soldier is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local rescues and shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST). The program also places emotional support animals (ESAs) with active-duty military, veterans, and first responders in need and deploys the Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassadors, a team of therapy dogs, to provide visits of love and comfort to local military personnel, veterans, and their families.

On average, 17 US veterans commit suicide every day (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

More than 500,000 servicemen and women are living with invisible wounds, from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder, and 320,000 are experiencing debilitating brain trauma (Wounded Warrior Project).

Every Day, approximately 1,800 dogs are euthanized nationwide (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Each year, America sees approximately 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide. Shelter to Soldier provides them a future with a purpose and a life that is fulfilled by their bond with a veteran in need.

Logomark has partnered with Shelter to Soldier to bring veterans together with trained rescue dogs, helping both recover and move forward. A lifesaving organization that rescues dogs from kill shelters and trains them to be service dogs for U.S. Veterans in need. Saving lives, two at a time!

Each service dog/veteran costs an average of $18,000 from adoption to graduation. This includes the adoption, housing, medical care, grooming, food, treats, training, training equipment, bedding, toys, testing, handling training, service dog equipment and documents, graduation, and materials for the veteran recipient and service dog pair. STS dogs are trained over 12-18 months to be highly obedient and handler-focused in all environments, to ignore distractions, and to mitigate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression through task-related work. We have helped rescue & train 10 dogs (including 2 ambassador dogs) with 3 more committed with our partnership so far.

A portion of all proceeds from the Perka®, WORK®, and iCOOL® collections is donated to Shelter to Soldier.

All Perka products come in a high-end retail box with a Shelter to Solder sticker as a reminder of the support your purchase provides. Work, and iCool Items come with a sticker or hand tag to show off as well.

AMAZING QUALITY, SELECTION, AND CAUSE!

Great quality & design.

Who doesn't love rescuing dogs and supporting U.S. veterans who fought for our country?

They sacrificed everything to protect our freedom, and it’s our turn to give back to them.

WIN-WIN all around!

Thanks so much for reading and for your support! We appreciate you!

Learn about our Logomark Cares Give Back Programs and get inspired to do your part to contribute to your community.

And, furthermore...

Upcoming Wednesday Webinars

Wednesday Webinar OTTO

Wednesday Webinar LOGOMARK

Wednesday Webinar PCNA

And now for something new

Short Story, Big Picture:

(NOT) An “OH $h!t” Industry

This isn’t “breaking news” to anyone with any experience in the industry. But, the hard truth is that promotional products are, very often, a last-minute thought for buyers.

Inevitably, once the whole event has been planned, someone will say,

“Oh $h!t! We didn’t get something to hand out!”

Now, with a limited budget and tight timeframe, our suppliers and distributors are tasked with creating top-of-the-line results that fall within budget requirements. Last-minute orders lead to RUSH ORDERS. Rush orders lead to increased cost, increased risk, and product variations due to inventory limitations.

Today’s Short Story is a piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the Big Picture.

Now that we know the event planning issue, how do we change our buyer’s perception of promo? If we don’t want to be compared to Amazon, we need to stop acting like it!

Here are three things to keep in mind when planning your communication with clients:

CRM (Automation) Setup

Know your buyer’s cycles and when their next year’s events are coming up…before they do! In most CRMs or Business management software, you can pull reports for purchases that happened last year and plan emails or calls with those clients a month or two in advance of this year’s event. Trust me on this one, your client will be genuinely excited to have this conversation with you!

Talk (ASK) about the Future

Actively Seeking Knowledge. That is what it means to ASK. When you are talking to your buyer, always be asking questions about what is coming next. Two things will happen; one, you will show the buyer that you are actively engaged in their business, two, you will now have enough time to plan and build an amazing event with product that means something, not a product that just fits in time.

Embrace the Inevitable

Procrastination and laziness are still going to happen. There will always be clients who, even after all the calls and reminder emails, will still wait until the last minute possible, so just be ready. Develop a group of suppliers that are reliable and have a wide range of products that can be produced in a short time frame. How you handle your client in their time of need will give them the confidence to hopefully give you more time for the next order.

_____________________________

Let’s take the steps to educate and inform our buyers on what they can do if they just give you 2 more weeks. They will appreciate the wider range of products that are available and will change their opinion of the promo industry to being more than just trinkets and giveaways.

Believe me… You got this!

Brandon Pecharich, Mark8media