When Brent Hadaway launched BKH2 Productions (asi/140655), it wasn’t part of some grand strategy.

After retiring from a 23-year career producing live events, he returned as a consultant to manage his former employer’s golf tournaments. Promotional products were simply part of the job, and he sourced them the way he always had – through someone else.

Then a conversation with his next-door neighbor changed everything. The neighbor, a top sales rep in the promotional products industry, looked at Brent’s garage filled with tournament merchandise and asked why he wasn’t running the promo side himself. Why not earn the margin and save his client money at the same time?

What started as merchandise for one client quickly grew through referrals. Before long, the promotional products side of the business outpaced the golf and live event work entirely.

“It’s turned out to be way more than what we expected,” Brent said.

Making It Legit

As Brent built the business, credibility mattered.

For him, that started with making it official, securing the proper tax documentation and registering the business. Once everything was in place, it felt real.

But beyond paperwork, he wanted the backing of a trusted industry partner.

He joined ASI® on the recommendation of someone he trusted. Having an ASI number and being able to tell customers he was part of a recognized industry association added another layer of confidence.

It wasn’t about collecting memberships. It was about having the right one.

Discovering ESP+

When Brent joined ASI, he also gained access to ESP+. Learning the industry took time, but the platform itself didn’t intimidate him for long.

On a scale from one to 10 for ease of use? “11,” he said. “If you can search on Amazon, you can search on ESP+.”

As he grew more comfortable, ESP+ became part of his daily rhythm, helping him quickly find products, compare options and present ideas with confidence. Instead of scrambling for answers, he could respond in real time.

And that confidence changed his sales conversations.

A Professional Presence

In the beginning, Brent used the previous ESP version for his merchandise website, but only as an online catalog link from his BKH2 Productions website. He didn’t promote it as a featured promo industry tool.

“It was kind of archaic … it just wasn’t impressive,” he admitted.

When he decided to fully embrace ESP+, that changed. His new ESP+ Website was built quickly, aligned with his branding and immediately elevated how his business looked to clients.

He also began using ESP+ Stores – custom, branded online shops created for specific clients – to support larger opportunities.

What started as a test quickly became a growth tool. When a company he had been pursuing for years submitted a quote request, momentum followed. Within days, multiple people from the organizationwere reaching out.

That engagement opened the door to broader conversations during a company rebrand, including new branded apparel across multiple divisions.

All it took was a professional online presence and a streamlined buying experience to change the conversation.

Real Results

With ESP+, his ESP+ Website and ESP+ Stores working together, Brent’s process became faster and more flexible.

He can present ideas the way each customer prefers, whether that’s a polished presentation or a direct link. He can respond quickly during calls, share options in real time and adjust on the fly. That speed reinforces the service standard he built the business on.

The impact has been tangible.

After years of trying to break into one organization, a single website quote request sparked multiple conversations within days. Orders followed. New departments got involved. A rebrand created even more opportunity.

And Brent sees even bigger growth ahead.

A major opportunity currently in discussion could require him to hire at least five fulltime employees to support the volume. Thanks to the systems he now has in place, he feels confident he can scale when the time comes.

“Anybody can use this tool,” he said.

From Humble Beginnings To A Grateful Foundation

What started as a side project in a garage is now a structured, professional business.

Brent didn’t plan to enter the promotional products industry. But with the right support and the right tools, what began as an unexpected opportunity turned into something sustainable.

For him, it was never about being the biggest. It was about being reliable.

And now, he has a business built to match that standard.

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Explore how ASI can help your business grow like BKH2 Productions.

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Behind every polished award or promotional piece is a partner clients count on to deliver.

For more than 35 years, Awards4U (asi/341537) has supported organizations across Florida with awards, recognition and promotional solutions for demanding institutional environments. Based in Tallahassee, the company works with some impressive clients, including Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee State College and multiple state agencies. Cassidy Parsons, Promotional Products Specialist, shared with us how leading this promo operation pushed Awards4U to find a faster, more reliable way to serve clients and how ESP+ became part of that solution.

THE CHALLENGE: SPINNING WHEELS

Before adopting ESP+, the team relied primarily on other industry tools for product research and presentations. This created ongoing challenges, including inaccurate pricing and discontinued products; outdated inventory data; time-consuming vendor verification; and unprofessional presentation layouts.

Too often, Cassidy was spending days on research and vendor outreach, often following up with clients to correct pricing or availability – conversations that undermined confidence and professionalism. As Cassidy put it, the team was “spinning its wheels,” spending more time verifying data than selling.

THE TURNING POINT: DISCOVERING ESP+

When Cassidy evaluated ESP+, several capabilities stood out right away:

• Live inventory with accurate, up-to-date pricing

• Advanced, intuitive product search

• A flexible, professional presentation tool

With a background in graphic design, Cassidy had previously created presentations manually to maintain quality. ESP+ allowed him to upload custom templates, reuse layouts and tailor presentations for each client, delivering polished, branded proposals in minutes instead of hours.

PUTTING ESP+ TO WORK EVERY DAY

Cassidy loved that ESP+ supported the entire promotional products journey:

• Searching and filtering products by event type or industry

• Highlighting trusted and preferred suppliers

• Creating branded, professional presentations quickly

• Uploading logos and generating accurate product mockups

• Accessing supplier contact details and order information all in one place

With everything centralized, Cassidy was spending far less time searching, verifying and following up – and far more time selling.

THE IMPACT: $750K IN GROWTH

The results were significant.

In 2022, promotional product sales were relatively flat at approximately $350,000. After fully adopting ESP+, the team experienced a dramatic shift:

• Tasks that once took an hour per order now take minutes.

• One person can process 4-5 orders in the time it previously took to complete one.

• Sales presentations delivered in minutes.

• Clients respond faster and place orders with greater confidence.

The result: approximately $750,000 in increased promotional sales.

SPEED AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Clients consistently respond positively to the speed and professionalism enabled by ESP+. Presentations arrive quickly, pricing is accurate and the overall experience feels seamless.

In a competitive and saturated market, this combination has helped Awards4U retain major accounts and outperform competitors who may offer lower prices but can’t match the responsiveness or reliability.

EXPANDING WITH ONLINE STORES & LANDING PAGES

As the business plans for continued growth, the next focus is leveraging ESP+ Stores and ESP+ Websites. Creating client-specific stores will allow frequent buyers to place orders directly – reducing manual steps and further improving turnaround time.

POSITIONED FOR THE FUTURE

For Cassidy, ESP+ became more than a tool. It became the foundation that allowed him to operate with confidence, consistency and momentum.

By bringing products, suppliers, pricing, inventory, presentations and communication into one platform, ESP+ changed how Awards4U works, sells and scales. What began as a need for efficiency evolved into a competitive advantage, helping the business respond faster, present more professionally and support long-term growth.

Explore how ASI® can help your business grow like Awards4U.

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If you’ve ever wrapped yourself in a cozy blanket after a long day or admired a beautifully crafted serving board displayed on a kitchen counter, you understand the kind of everyday comfort and thoughtfulness LLD Gifts (asi/65983) is built on.

We sat down with founder and CEO Lauren Lash and learned that LLD Gifts entered the gifting space with the idea that gifting should feel intentional.

LLD Gifts specializes in elevated, meaningful products. From personalized blankets with engraved patches to high-end charcuterie boards and curated gift kits, LLD provides the gifts that make a house a home. For years, the brand thrived in direct-to-consumer channels, building a loyal following and earning recognition as a top Etsy shop.

But about a year ago, Lash saw something more. She saw promo.

A Natural Step Into Promotional Products

LLD Gifts didn’t set out to enter promo. The opportunity came organically.

As the brand grew, companies began reaching out directly, asking for branded gifts in bulk. Law firms, real estate teams and corporate clients wanted more elevated gifts that felt meaningful, not mass produced.

That’s when Lash realized promo wasn’t a departure from LLD’s mission; it was a natural extension of it.

After less than a year in, promo now represents 10% of LLD Gifts’ total business – a significant milestone for a company new to the industry.

You Can’t Replace RealConversations

For Lash, success in promo quickly became about connection.

That belief was solidified through ASI’s hosted-buyer events, where meaningful one-on-one conversations replaced her feeling of rushed booth interactions. Instead of pitching products, Lash focused on listening, learning and building trust with each buyer.

The result? A tenfold return on investment from her first hosted-buyer event, driven by relationships that turned into repeat business and long-term partnerships. This opened the doors to ongoing collaboration.

LLD Gifts found its place in promo by helping distributors elevate the entire gifting experience.

Beyond branded products, LLD supports distributors with kitting, handwritten notes, premium packaging and blind drop-shipping directly to recipients. Whether it’s a small corporate thank-you or a large-scale healthcare shipment of 700 units, the focus remains the same: intentional gifting that feels human.

This approach allows distributors to deliver promo that stands out without added complexity.

Inspiration Found At Home

Product innovation at LLD Gifts often starts with everyday inspiration.

Lash regularly looks around her house at items she enjoys and asks how they could be improved for promo. This mindset combines lifestyle appeal with thoughtful branding, helping LLD continue to expand its promo offerings while staying true to its roots. This ensures their goal of translating real-life moments into meaningful branded experiences.

Growing With Confidence

Entering a new industry can feel overwhelming, and Lash is open about the learning curve that came with promo. But with ASI^® by her side, she was guaranteed consistent support, clear onboarding and the ability to grow at her own pace, making the transition manageable.

Looking ahead, Lash plans to continue investing in hosted-buyer events, expanding her visibility and deepening relationships across the promo community.

A Strong Start To An Even Stronger Future

In just one year, LLD Gifts has transformed promo into a meaningful growth channel, powered by relationships, thoughtful products and a clear sense of purpose.

With continued participation in ASI’s events, expanding buyer partnerships and a commitment to connection, LLD Gifts is just getting started.

Want this Success Story as a PDF? Click here to download.

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If you’ve ever worn a favorite college sweatshirt you refuse to part with or grabbed a hat at a destination golf course that somehow made its way into your everyday rotation, chances are you’ve already experienced L2 Brands (asi/75402), even if you didn’t know the name at the time.

We sat down with Marc Held, president of L2 Brands, to better understand how exactly L2 Brands found itself at the forefront of strong brand recognition, premium product quality and loyal fans across collegiate, golf and destination channels.

A Portfolio Built On People And Product

L2 Brands is headquartered in Hanover, Pennsylvania and is the result of thoughtful growth over the past decade. Through a series of acquisitions, the company brought together four distinct brands: League, Legacy, Ouray, and Locale, each with deep roots in lifestyle apparel and headwear.

What unites them all is a commitment to craftsmanship, decoration excellence and long-term wearability. As Marc explains, people often recognize the products immediately, even if they don’t realize they’re all part of the same family.

That brand equity created the perfect foundation for promo. But awareness alone isn’t enough.

The Promo Opportunity And The Missing Link

L2 Brands entered the promotional products space a few years ago through partnerships with wholesalers like S&S and Sportsman Cap. As demand grew, so did inbound interest from decorators and distributors asking for L2’s brands by name.

But there was a challenge.

Buyers knew the brands. They loved the products. They just didn’t always know where or how to buy them in promo. Enter ASI®.

Using Asi To Build Awareness The Right Way

One of L2 Brands’ primary goals was clear: support existing wholesale partners while also making it easier for promo buyers to understand the brand story, product breadth and purchasing paths.

ASI helped make that possible by:

• Providing ESP+ visibility so distributors could easily find L2 brands when searching
• Offering data and insights to guide proactive outreach
• Creating opportunities to meet distributors face-to-face at ASI Shows and hosted-buyer events
• Supporting campaign planning to build awareness without disrupting existing channels

Face-to-face Connections That Matter

ASI’s hosted-buyer events, including fASIlitate, stand out as particularly impactful for L2 Brands. These settings have allowed focused, meaningful conversations, giving suppliers like L2, dedicated time to tell their story, show their products and build real relationships.

Rather than hoping the right buyers stops by a booth, L2 can connect directly with decision-makers who are there to learn, evaluate and engage.

Favorite Products And Why They Matter

When asked about favorite products, the answer came easily and personally.

L2’s OFA and B9A hats are daily staples, offering comfort and versatility. On the apparel side, the 1991 Crew and Victory Falls Tri-Blend Tee stand out for their fabric, weight and fit.

Giving Back Where It Counts

L2 Brands’ commitment extends beyond product and profit. Seasonally, the company participates in local food drives, Coats of Friendship and Toys for Tots. Throughout the year, it supports organizations like Olivia’s House, a grief and loss center for children, and New Hope Ministries, a community
social service agency.

This sense of responsibility mirrors ASI’s own values, another reason the partnership feels like a natural fit.

After nearly 30 years in the industry, Marc doesn’t hesitate when asked what he’d say to other suppliers considering ASI. For L2 Brands, ASI provides the structure, reach and support needed to translate brand equity into promo success.

As L2 Brands looks ahead to expanded participation at ASI Show® Orlando, additional hosted-buyer events and deeper ESP+ engagement, one thing is clear: ASI plays a central role in helping the brand show up clearly, confidently and consistently.

Explore how ASI can help your business grow like L2 Brands.

Want this Success Story as a PDF? Click here to download.

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A Family Of Brands Built On Quality

Picnic Time’s story began more than 40 years ago with two friends, a deli and a dream. What started as a small Italian wine and cheese shop evolved into a thriving business when their holiday gift baskets became a running hit with customers. That success was the catalyst for shifting from retail to wholesale, laying the groundwork for the Picnic Time we know today.

The company now encompasses five distinct brands: Picnic Time, Oniva, Legacy, Toscana and Beach State. All rooted in a shared mission: to create products that bring people together.

For Director of Sales Brandon Vasquez, that mission defines every product decision Picnic Time makes. “We want to give something that lasts, something that’s still being talked about ten years later.” This philosophy and their commitment to promo, drives the company’s success across its family of brands, each designed to create moments that endure beyond the product itself.

Finding A Home In Promo

When Picnic Time discovered the promotional products industry in the early 2000s, it marked a pivotal turning point. After attending traditional gift shows for years, the team learned about ASI® and immediately saw an opportunity to expand their reach and connect with a new audience.

“We were doing gift shows, and someone told us about an ASI show. That’s how we learned about [ASI], and we knew we had to be a member.”

From their first ASI Show® to decades of ongoing membership, Picnic Time has leveraged ASI to strengthen its distributor relationships and visibility. “The biggest benefit of being an ASI member is the reach to distributors,” said Vasquez. “That’s what we’re here for; for ASI to bring us together and help people easily find our products through ESP®.”

Over the years, Picnic Time’s partnership with ASI has been integral to its growth. From ESP listings and paid searches to ASI Shows, the tools have helped them connect, learn and stand out in a competitive space.

The Importance Of Doing It Right

No matter how beautiful a product looks, Vasquez says success in promo comes down to service and integrity.

That lesson was reinforced by a story that has become part of Picnic Time’s legacy. Years ago, the company delivered 20,000 chairs, only to discover a small misprint in the logo. “We flew people out, hired 40 individuals, replaced all the chair backs and made it right,” said Vasquez. “The distributor reordered immediately and still works with us today.”

It was an expensive fix, but a priceless one for their reputation.

Partnering For Progress

As the company continues to grow, ASI remains a key partner in its success. Picnic Time uses ASI’s events, marketing tools and content to stay informed and connected to the industry.

For Vasquez, that ongoing education and visibility keep the brand strong. “Without ASI, we wouldn’t have the same reach or exposure,” he added. “It’s truly a partnership.”

The Road Ahead

The promotional products industry is evolving, and Picnic Time is evolving with it. For Vasquez, the most exciting change is how much more intentional the industry has become about authenticity and storytelling.

As consumers and distributors alike seek products with purpose, Picnic Time continues to lead with quality, values and connection – backed by the support of ASI.

With four decades of craftsmanship behind them and a commitment to excellence guiding every step, Picnic Time is proving that in promo, success isn’t about how much you make, it’s about how long it lasts.

Explore all the ways to grow your business like Picnic Time.

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Introduction

Head to Toe Headwear, Apparel & Accessories (asi/58842) has spent more than 30 years helping distributors outfit clients “from head to toe.” What began with a focus on caps and visors has evolved into a full-service apparel and accessories supplier recognized for quality, customization and exceptional service.

For Vice President John Solek, the company’s real growth in recent years has come not just from great products but from getting in the room with the right people. By consistently exhibiting at ASI® events, Head to Toe has expanded its network, built strong relationships and generated new business opportunities that continue long after the events end.

Building Through Events

Solek has attended nearly every ASI event available – and with each one, he sees firsthand how much exposure and access they provide. “You can’t replace the in-person experience,” he explains. “You’re not just another name in a catalog or email; you’re having real conversations that stick.”

At ASI Shows®, Head to Toe stands out with its expansive product line and a booth that invites distributors to explore their sourcing capabilities. Each show provides the chance to meet a high volume of qualified distributors face to face – all in one place – while keeping products and branding top of mind. Exhibiting regularly helps maintain visibility throughout the industry, turning every handshake and product demo into a new opportunity.

But it’s the 20-minute one-on-one meetings at ASI hosted-buyer events that make the deepest impact. “That dedicated time gives both sides a chance to connect in a meaningful way,” says Solek.

Relationships In Action

Through these events, Head to Toe has built lasting partnerships with distributors nationwide, including new clients who had never heard of them before walking into the Expo Hall. One standout success story began at a hosted-buyer event when a distributor attending ASI’s Power House meeting asked if Head to Toe could produce replica F1 driving gloves for a major racing event.

The project became a hit with fans and opened doors to additional programs. “That one conversation led to repeat business,” Solek recalls. “And it happened because of ASI’s format – we never would have met that distributor otherwise.”

Beyond new partnerships, Solek values the shared knowledge and camaraderie the events foster. “Everyone’s relaxed, talking shop and networking. The dinners and evening events help you connect on another level,” he says. “Those are the moments that build real loyalty.”

The Road Ahead

After three decades in business, Head to Toe continues to innovate and evolve – and ASI events remain central to its strategy. From the energy of the trade show Expo Hall to the targeted networking of hosted-buyer events, Solek says the return on investment speaks for itself.

“We’ve gone from being one of many to being top of mind with key distributors,” he says. “It’s all about showing up, being present and following up. That’s how you turn connections into customers.”

With ASI’s lineup of events expanding into 2026 and beyond, Head to Toe plans to be there, ready to meet new distributors, strengthen relationships and keep its brand visible in the most personal way possible.

Explore all the ways to grow your business like Head to Toe.

Want this Success Story as a PDF? Click here to download.

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Rush Service’s (asi/92433) journey into the promotional products industry started with a single product and a simple idea. They started off with wristband printing, a direct introduction into the promotional products industry. Once the first step was taken, the road to success was easy to follow. Not long after the company’s inception, they looked to expand. In-house, they were expanding from wristbands to drinkware. On the back end, they were expanding their opportunities and marketing with ASI®. With each new capability, Rush Service grew their product offerings and their reach.

Today, Rush Service is a dynamic supplier offering a wide range of printed promotional products. We sat down with Zac Means, director of sales, to discuss Rush Service’s growth and how it has been fueled not only by expanding their production capabilities, but also by leveraging ASI’s advertising tools to build visibility and brand awareness across the industry.

Leverage What You Have

Rush Service’s expansion into new product categories was strategic and deliberate. By building off familiar printing processes, they were able to scale quickly and efficiently. But growing their product line was only part of the equation, they also needed to make sure distributors could find them easily and efficiently.

That’s where ASI came in. Rush Service’s presence on ESP+ is extensive, and they’ve made a significant investment in visibility. “We probably do a pay-for-placement for about 60% of our active listings,” they explained. That kind of exposure has helped them stand out in a crowded marketplace.

More Knowledge, More Sales

Rush Service doesn’t just rely on product listings, they also use ASI’s EmailExpress e-blasts to stay top of mind, and even better, top of inboxes.

These regular touchpoints help keep their brand in front of distributors even if they’re not ready to buy right away. Making sure distributors are at least seeing and learning their name and products helps grease the buying wheels for later down the line. That kind of consistent exposure builds familiarity and trust over time, two of the industry’s most exclusive currencies.

Rush Service also understands the value of brand-focused advertising. By balancing product promotions with broader brand messaging, they’ve built a strong identity in the industry.

Exposure In All Ways

Exposure is the foundation of Rush Service’s strategy. Means noted that “without ASI, [Rush Service] would be walking away from 60% of their opportunity.”

That exposure Rush Service relies on extends beyond ASI’s marketing and ESP+ digital tools. Rush Service also sees the value of in-person events and industry content. “In-person events are important to us,” noting that they often attend most, if not all, of the ASI Shows® to give them a chance to connect directly with distributors and build relationships face-to-face.

They also make time to read ASI’s articles and newsletters. “We find that there are a lot of real-world experiences that we use and connections within the industry.” Staying informed helps Rush Service stay ahead, reinforcing their connection to the promo community no matter where their competition and customers are located.

The Road Ahead

Rush Service has come a long way from wristbands. With a growing product line, evolving printing capabilities and a strong partnership with ASI, they’re strategically positioned for continued success and growth. Their strategy is simple: stay visible, stay connected and keep growing.

Whether it’s through ESP+ listings, EmailExpress campaigns, in-person events or industry articles, Rush Service continues to build their brand and expand their reach. And with ASI’s tools and support, they’re ready for whatever comes next.

Explore all the ways to grow your business like Rush Service’s

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What started in a basement bedroom with a heat press and $300 to his name quickly grew into a full-fledged screen printing business, Rogue Lab (asi/170094), known for its bold designs and even bolder hustle. Lee built his brand from the ground up, pressing hats, printing shirts and eventually launching a YouTube channel that skyrocketed to become one of the biggest in the industry.

But like many screen printers, Lee hit a crossroads. Customers started asking for things he couldn’t make in house – lanyards, for example. Instead of turning them away, he saw an opportunity. “I was searching around for suppliers and realized I was wasting time trying to figure it out on my own,” he said. “Then I thought, maybe I should check out ASI®. The cost to join was low, so I figured I’d try it for a month.” That one month turned into a major win – he closed a $5,000 lanyard order almost immediately.

“That one order paid for years of my ASI membership,” Lee laughed. “It was crazy.”

PROMO SOURCING’S SECRET WEAPON: ESP+ SOFTWARE

With access to ESP+, ASI’s product sourcing software, Lee could instantly search for anything – literally anything. “From the most mundane to the craziest stuff imaginable, it pops up on ESP+,” he said. “And the best part? I can filter, compare and contact suppliers way faster than doing it manually.”

Even better, ESP+ helped streamline communication. Now, Lee uses ESP+ to quickly source promo products, quote jobs and keep customers happy – without slowing down his core screen printing operation.

“Through ESP+, it was 10 times easier to get what I needed.”

LETTING GO TO LEVEL UP: IT’S OKAY TO OUTSOURCE

Like many screen printers, Lee used to believe that if his shop didn’t make it, it wasn’t good enough. “I didn’t want to put anything out there that didn’t have my personal stamp of approval,” he admitted. But that mindset was holding him back. “I realized I was standing in my own way.”

He realized one important thing: He didn’t need to be an expert in everything. “There’s no time I’m ever going to learn how to print business cards,” Lee said. “So why not let someone who’s been doing it for 20 years handle it?” That’s where ASI came in. With access to a massive network of trusted vendors, Lee could confidently outsource the products he didn’t want to produce in house – without sacrificing quality or control.

Now, he focuses on what his team does best: screen printing, embroidery and laser engraving. Everything else? He hands it off to experts.

“You should be good at a few things and let other people handle the rest. It’s made us more efficient, more profitable and honestly, a lot happier.”

MORE THAN MERCH: BUILDING LOYALTY THROUGH PROMO

For Lee, adding promo products was about strengthening relationships. By becoming a one-stop shop, Lee made it easier for clients to stick with him instead of shopping around.

“We were already putting logos on things, so why not offer more of what our customers are already asking for?”

Lee and his team now ask every client a simple but powerful question: “What else do you put your logo on?” That one line opens the door to new conversations, ideas and revenue. “People don’t always know what they want until you put it in front of them,” he explained. “Promo helps us do that.” Whether it’s custom lanyards, engraved tumblers or even the occasional off-the-wall request, Lee uses promo to surprise and delight his customers – and keep them coming back for more.

FROM SCREEN PRINTER TO POWERHOUSE: ADVICE TO THE PRINT COMMUNITY

Lee Stuart’s journey from a basement heat press to a booming, multiservice print shop is proof that growth doesn’t always mean more machines – it means smarter moves. By embracing promo products and leveraging ASI’s tools, Lee didn’t just expand his offerings – he expanded his impact.

His advice to other printers? Don’t be afraid to outsource.

For Lee, promo isn’t just another revenue stream for Rogue Lab: It’s a way to serve clients better, build loyalty and stay competitive in a fast-moving industry. “If you can be the one-stop shop for your customers, they’ll keep coming back,” he said. “And with ASI, you’ve got everything you need to make that happen.”

“You don’t have to do it all yourself. Focus on what you’re great at and let trusted partners handle the rest. That’s how you scale without burning out.”

Explore the ASI membership benefits Lee talked about and more.

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The post How One Screen Printer Expanded His Print Empire appeared first on ASI.

Sockrates has grown immensely in the promo industry over the last decade. With immense determination and ASI’s targeted email tools, ad spots and expansive industry connections, Sockrates has strategically worked their way to the top of the industry. Samuel Moses, founder and CEO of Sockrates, found inspiration in an Italian men’s accessory store while visiting New York City. Moses became determined to bring high-quality and customizable socks to the market, starting with the traditional route: a brick-and-mortar store. When the store suffered from a flood due to neighboring construction, his sales were sidelined.

Moses refused to be beaten, so he took Sockrates digital with the help of his store manager, scaling his business. He saw the potential of custom branding but knew he needed the right tools and knowledge to build this new business – so Moses turned to ASI. He saw an opportunity to work with ASI and gain exposure to distributors all over North America. He knew it would be the start of something great and they haven’t turned back since. With the pivot to online only, customers now range from Fortune 500 companies to major markets worldwide. The sock industry is constantly pivoting and expanding and with Sockrates at the helm and ASI to support, this is just the beginning for success.

Highlighting What Makes You Stand Out

When Sockrates first entered the promotional industry, it was the result of wanting to pivot from directly working with endbuyers to a focus on manufacturing. Their socks are specially produced from a small factory in a small town outside Milan, Italy, once named the “city of socks.” This town is home to Sockrates’ one and only factory, making up 90% of the factory’s business, ensuring a lasting and consistent product and experience. With quality in the hands of experts, the 12-person Sockrates team was left with more time to focus on expanding in the promo industry

More Knowledge, More Sales

Staying at the top of the industry also means staying on top of the latest news, information, deadlines and updates. So, it’s no shock that Moses stays up to date with newsletters like ASI’s, PromoGram, and ASI’s LinkedIn Newsletter, The Way. Expanding knowledge about the industry and business has been at the forefront of Moses’ business plan starting with learning about Italian socks to looking for new ways to boost his internationally thriving business

The Road Ahead

Today, Sockrates is 100% promo products and 100% devoted to their customers: “The number-one goal for retaining our clients is to take care of them every step of the way. We ensure that we are always doing the heavy lifting so their experience is positive. If something goes wrong, which it can at times, we take ownership and make it right.” Revolutionizing a sector isn’t easy, and it’s certainly not done alone. Moses has leaned on his 12-person team and on his ASI Supplier Member Benefits. From his monthly calls with his personal ASI rep, to utilizing targeted email advertising, to staying well-read on the industry and more, Moses and the Sockrates team are ready for any and all sock requests.

Explore all the ways to grow your business like Sockrates

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