HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier, is rolling out a new campaign to turn distributors into influencers of one of its product lines.
The Massachusetts-based company has invited “creative, outgoing people” in the promo industry to apply to be an “Origaudio Original,” which means they’ll received customized products in exchange for sharing their experiences via some form of content, such as a blog post, social media post, video, etc.
Daniel Baker, integrated marketing director at HPG, served as the prototype. In April, he traveled to Antarctica to cheer on his wife, Jenny, who was completing her 15-year odyssey of running marathons on all seven continents.
Baker documented the adventure in a blog post and an Instagram video, highlighting his trusty Tenfour Power Bank and the personalized Signature Collection Luxe Flask that Jenny received after achieving her goal.
“We created Origaudio Originals to connect with people who truly live the lifestyle our brand represents – curious, creative and always chasing their version of original,” says Kristen Nijem, brand manager for Origaudio. “It’s about building real relationships with people who inspire us and others through the way they explore the world.
“Our hope is to grow a community that shares stories, sparks ideas and helps bring the Origaudio brand to life in the wild.”
Opening End Users’ Eyes
Kyla Powell-Emery, creative director at Idaho-based distributor Blue Phoenix Branding Powered by Proforma, made the initial shortlist.
With fewer than four years of experience in promo, Powell-Emery sees the program as a great opportunity not only to learn more about Origaudio, but also to help her clients better understand what makes the brand so unique.
Kyla Powell-Emery
Creative Director, Blue Phoenix Branding
“Many of my clients follow me on social media,” she says, “so being able to showcase the quality and creativity of the products we’re featuring is a fun and impactful way to open their eyes to what promotional products can really do.”
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Powell-Emery has so far received the Grillfriend Portable Charcoal Grill, Environ Wireless Speaker, Cornholio Desktop Cornhole and the Ignight Portable Fire Pit – all of which she recently brought along for a camping trip.
While jamming out to music on the speaker, her friends played a few rounds of cornhole. Meanwhile, Powell-Emery relied upon the Grillfriend because she has celiac disease, which causes problems in your digestive system when you eat gluten. As a result, eating in group settings (especially while camping) can be tricky due to the risk of cross-contamination.
Kristen Nijem
Brand Manager, Origaudio
“The Grillfriend gave me the ability to cook my own food separately and safely, which made a huge difference,” Powell-Emery says. “It reminded me that once a product reaches the end user, you never really know just how meaningful or impactful it might be to someone.”
- HPG expects to have the first batch of “Origaudio Originals” content to share in late June/early July.
The company is still accepting applications, which you can submit here.
