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

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 Theresa Hegel from ASI.

Jeff and Michelle emphasized the need for distributors to understand their value beyond just selling merchandise. They highlighted the role of suppliers in driving sustainability efforts and the opportunity for distributors to differentiate themselves by choosing responsible suppliers. Michele stressed the importance of building relationships with suppliers and being proactive in incorporating sustainability into business practices, as it may become a requirement in the future.

"The small movement we nurture today will become the industry standard tomorrow. Let’s keep disrupting, asking questions, and telling stories of progress. Remember, not long ago, sustainability was just a trend — now it’s a core part of our industry’s future.” MIchele Dando

We also want to acknowledge the supporters of our efforts to advance the "Why It Matters" movement: Goldstar, Allmade, and Stahls—special thanks to our media partners ASI, Apparelist, and The 2 Regular Guys.

More good stuff is coming!

Learn more about Facilisgroup here: https://facilisgroup.com/

#WhyItMatters #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchNetwork #SustainableMerch #DoTheRightThing #BusinessLeadership #SMS2025

Uploaded on Jul 7, 2025

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 Matters that PPAI and a group of passionate colleagues in the promo products industry are investing in this annual trip. The conversation focused on emphasizing our role in advocacy and increasing visibility on Capitol Hill. Drew and Karie shared their experiences discussing key issues, such as tariffs and the "Swag Act," while highlighting the impact of diverse voices and personal stories in advocacy efforts. The work being done by PPAI and engaged businesses is positively impacting our industry. Enjoy the conversation.

Learn more at: https://www.ppai.org/

#brandedmerch #promotionalproducts #PPAILEAD #PPAI