PPAI Media

Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

Named after our mission to be the voice and force to advance the promotional products marketplace, PPAI's new audio offering was created to help level up your business.

 

Season 2 is now available! Find each episode below and via Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

NEW RELEASE: SEASON 2

Your Place @ The PPAI Expo

Listen as we go inside The PPAI Expo – the promotional products industry’s most important event – to uncover what makes it the ultimate destination for connection, innovation and inspiration.

Through candid conversations with industry leaders and storytelling from longtime attendees, hosts Josh Ellis and Stacy Rogers explore how professionals prepare, network and grow in Las Vegas every January. Each episode dives into the strategies, best practices and success stories to help you achieve the greatest ROI on the trip – and shows why there’s no substitute for being there in person.

EXPLORE THE EPISODES

E1: Season 2 Introduction E2: The Industry’s Biggest Stage | Sponsored by Outdoor Cap E3: The People You Need To Meet | Sponsored by MOQ1 E4: The Business Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1 E5: The Education Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1 E6: A History Still Being Written | Sponsored By MOQ1 E7: Make The PPAI Expo Work For You | Sponsored By Outdoor Cap
E1: Season 2 Introduction
Hosted by PPAI Media’s Josh Ellis and Stacy Rogers, Voice & Force Season 2 is a six-part narrative podcast that delivers everything you need to know about the promotional products industry’s biggest week.
 
Each episode explores a different theme tied to The PPAI Expo – from trends and challenges to the energy of gathering in person – weaving together expert voices, firsthand insights and a warm, conversational style.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, Season 2 will inspire you, inform you and get you ready for the premier promotional products event of the year.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
E2: The Industry’s Biggest Stage | Sponsored by Outdoor Cap

Why is The PPAI Expo the heartbeat of the promotional products industry? In this opening episode of Voice & Force: Season 2, Josh and Stacy take you inside the industry’s grandest stage — the place where relationships deepen, products inspire, and the year’s biggest momentum begins.

 

Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.

 

This episode is brought to you by Outdoor Cap. At Outdoor Cap, headwear is what they do. For 48 years, they’ve helped distributors offer custom caps that check every box: on-trend styles, reliable inventory, and decoration that gets it right. Whether it’s for events or everyday use, they make it easy to deliver caps your clients love – and they make reordering easy. Try ordering your next cap through Compass, their new online ordering experience, and see the difference. Explore more at promo.outdoorcap.com. Outdoor Cap: The Headwear Experts.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
E3: The People You Need To Meet | Sponsored by MOQ1
What’s the real ROI of The PPAI Expo? The people. Hear how face-to-face moments turn into long-term collaboration, career opportunities and real business growth.
 
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
 
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, the instant digital sales platform built for the promotional products industry. Unlike traditional solutions, MOQ1 lets distributors and decorators launch client-ready product catalogs and online shops in seconds, backed by world-class on-demand fulfillment. Orders are fulfilled using industry-leading technology like DIGISOFT® and ship in only 1-2 days. No inventory. No fees. No minimums. Just faster results, happier clients, and more sales. With turnkey Holiday Shops and Mix & Max Wholesale™, you can capture seasonal demand and unlock bulk discounts starting at 10 units. Trusted by thousands of professionals, MOQ1 is completely free to use – get started at MOQ1.com.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
E4: The Business Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1
How do top pros spot the next big thing before it hits everyone’s inbox? They find it at The PPAI Expo. In this episode, you’ll hear how being first to know translates into speed to market, smarter pitches and real revenue.
 
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
 
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, the instant digital sales platform that helps distributors and decorators work faster and sell smarter. In seconds, you can launch client-ready catalogs and online shops without the costs or delays of traditional solutions. Orders are automatically fulfilled on demand with industry-leading technology like DIGISOFT® and ship in only 1-2 days. No inventory. No fees. No minimums. From seasonal Holiday Shops to everyday programs, MOQ1 removes the hassle so you can focus on growth and clients. Already trusted by thousands across the industry, it’s completely free to use. Launch faster, sell smarter, and say yes to more opportunities today at MOQ1.com
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
E5: The Education Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1
Want a better week at The PPAI Expo? Start it a day early. This episode dives into The PPAI Expo Conference – the one-day accelerator that happens on Monday before the show floor opens. 
 
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
 
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, whose Holiday Shops are your ticket to turning holiday demand into effortless new revenue. With MOQ1, you can launch powerful, turnkey Holiday Shops in seconds, giving clients a simple, modern way to let employees or customers choose their own branded gifts. No kitting. No inventory. No minimums. Every item is produced on-demand with fast, 1-2 day turnaround times. For clients, it’s a stress-free personalized gifting program they’ll love. For you, it’s real incremental revenue without the hassle and runaround. MOQ1 is completely free to use and is already trusted by thousands of promo professionals. Launch unlimited Holiday Shops today at MOQ1.com.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
E6: A History Still Being Written | Sponsored By MOQ1
How did a modest product showcase become the industry’s can’t-miss week in Las Vegas? Explore the business reasons behind the shift, the role Expo plays in funding PPAI’s broader mission, and why Vegas still amplifies energy, discovery and connection like nowhere else.
 
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.
 
This podcast episode is brought to you by MOQ1, whose Mix & Max Wholesale™ feature is changing the way distributors handle bulk orders. Mix any products and any designs in a single order – with discounts starting at just 10 units and delivery in days. Give your clients the exact product mix they want, without arbitrary minimums, wasted inventory or unnecessary delays. Mix & Max is flexible, express wholesale built for the way your clients actually buy. And best of all, MOQ1 is completely free to use. Join thousands of promo professionals already growing with MOQ1 by creating your free account today at MOQ1.com.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
E7: Make The PPAI Expo Work For You | Sponsored By Outdoor Cap

Thinking you can’t get away in January? This one’s for you. In the Season 2 finale, you’ll get practical, field-tested tips for doing Vegas on a budget, building a smart plan and staying healthy and focused so you come home sharper and ready to win.

 

Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.

 

This episode is brought to you by Outdoor Cap. At Outdoor Cap, headwear is what they do. For 48 years, they’ve helped distributors offer custom caps that check every box: on-trend styles, reliable inventory, and decoration that gets it right. Whether it’s for events or everyday use, they make it easy to deliver caps your clients love – and they make reordering easy. Try ordering your next cap through Compass, their new online ordering experience, and see the difference. Explore more at promo.outdoorcap.com. Outdoor Cap: The Headwear Experts.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

DON'T MISS: SEASON 1

Leading PPAI 100

Through compelling interviews, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes stories, we explore the trends, innovations and leadership strategies shaping the future of the branded merch industry.

 

Our debut limited series, Leading PPAI 100, spotlights companies setting the standard in business excellence, sustainability, innovation and more. Whether you’re an industry veteran or an emerging entrepreneur, this podcast delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to stay ahead of the competition and make the most of PPAI 100 data

EXPLORE THE EPISODES

EPISODE 1: The Origin Story EPISODE 2: Staying Primed for Success EPISODE 3: From Numbers to Impact | Sponsored by SRG EPISODE 4: The Blueprint for Sustained Success EPISODE 5: Adapting to Win
EPISODE 1: The Origin Story

The PPAI 100 isn’t just another industry ranking – it’s a roadmap for success. In this first episode of Voice & Force Season 1, we take you behind the scenes of how the PPAI 100 came to life, the criteria that sets it apart, and why it’s reshaping the promotional products industry.

 

From the initial vision to the strategic evolution driven by PPAI’s staff leadership, discover how this list goes beyond revenue and sales growth to highlight innovation, responsibility, workforce development and more.

 

Whether you’re a distributor, supplier, or service provider in the promotional products industry, this episode provides insights into what truly defines success today and how you can position your company for long-term growth.

 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

  • Why the PPAI 100 was created – Addressing the industry’s need for a credible, data-driven ranking of leadership beyond just revenue.
  • The impact of innovation & responsibility – How sustainability, employee engagement, and digital transformation now define industry leadership.
  • How businesses are leveraging PPAI 100 – From marketing strategies to client trust, companies are using their rankings as proof of excellence.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
EPISODE 2: Staying Primed for Success

What does it take to be one of the top-performing companies in the promotional products industry? The PPAI 100 isn’t just a ranking, it’s a blueprint for success. In this episode, we break down three of the key factors that define industry leaders:

  • Digital Transformation – How the most innovative companies leverage AI, automation, and e-commerce to streamline operations and stay competitive.
  • Sustainability – Why being eco-conscious is also a smart business strategy, cutting costs and future-proofing businesses.
  • Professional Development – How investing in employee growth and certification programs leads to stronger, more resilient companies.

 

We’re joined by top industry voices who are leading the way in each of these areas, providing insights and actionable strategies that any company big or small can implement today.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:
  • Digital transformation is a journey, not a destination. Jeison Ortega explains why ongoing innovation is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in the digital age.
  • Sustainability isn’t just good ethics it’s good business. Elizabeth Wimbush shares how waste reduction, supply chain transparency, and eco-friendly practices drive profitability.
  • Investing in people leads to stronger companies. Jessica Gibbons-Rauch discusses why employee certification, training, and professional development are key to the long-term success of any company.
  • Small steps lead to big changes. Even if you’re not a PPAI 100 company yet, starting with small, strategic improvements can make a massive impact.

Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or service provider in the promotional products industry, the strategies outlined in this episode will help you stay competitive, improve operations, and future-proof your business.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
EPISODE 3: From Numbers to Impact | Sponsored by SRG

What separates the leading PPAI 100 companies from the rest?

 

It’s not just revenue, it’s a commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsibility. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how the rankings are determined, the key factors that define success, and how companies can improve their score.

 

This podcast episode was brought to you by SRG. The St. Regis Group is leveling up, and they’ve got a fresh new look to match. Introducing SRG, a modern name for a modern era.

 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

  • How the PPAI 100 formula works – Revenue plays a factor, but so do sustainability, professional development, innovation, and more.
  • What companies can do to improve their ranking – Self-assessment, learning from leaders, and focusing on holistic business success.
  • How financial discipline impacts success – Danny Rosin shares how tightening up credit cycles and financial transparency improved BrandFuel’s standing (and maybe not in the way that you would think)!
  • The importance of culture and employee engagement – Amanda Clay explains how Walker-Clay’s focus on transparency and trust has made them a standout employer in the industry for over a decade.
  • Why being on the PPAI 100 is more than an award – How companies use their ranking to build credibility, attract top talent, and set industry benchmarks.

 

Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or service provider, this episode offers a playbook for business growth, industry credibility, and long-term success.

 

Learn how the leading companies in promotional products are adapting to AI, sustainability, and workforce development and how you can too.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
EPISODE 4: The Blueprint for Sustained Success

What does it take to not only reach the top but stay there? Few companies in the promotional products industry have mastered long-term, sustainable growth like SanMar, the industry leading supplier that has consistently ranked #1 on the PPAI 100.

 

In this episode, Jeremy Lott, President & CEO of SanMar, shares the secrets behind SanMar’s success, from customer-first strategies to employee-driven leadership.

 

But this conversation isn’t just about SanMar—it’s about you and your businessSuccess leaves breadcrumbs, and we’re here to follow the trail.

 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

  • Success Takes Time – SanMar didn’t dominate the industry overnight. Jeremy shares why steady, strategic growth is key to lasting success.
  • Values Over Transactions – The best companies don’t just focus on revenue; they build trust, invest in people, and create value for their customers.
  • The Power of Reinvestment – How SanMar’s strategy of continuously reinvesting in the business instead of chasing short-term wins has strengthened its standing in the industry.
  • Listening to Customers is a Competitive Advantage – Learn how SanMar’s “Know Your Customer” program keeps it ahead of industry changes.
  • Sustainable Growth vs. Fast Growth – Companies that focus on strategy, corporate responsibility, and leadership development will thrive long-term.

 

Whether you’re a distributor, supplier, or business owner, these insights will help you build a sustainable company that doesn’t just grow fast, but grows right.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
EPISODE 5: Adapting to Win

As we wrap up this limited series, one thing is clear: the promotional products industry is evolving fast.

 

Success today isn’t just about revenue, it’s about adaptability, leadership, sustainability, and innovation.

 

In the final episode of Leading PPAI 100, we explore how the promotional products industry is evolving and what it takes to stay ahead:

  • Redefining Success – Financial growth alone isn’t enough. Businesses must adapt to changing expectations to remain competitive.
  • Creating a Resilient Business – Long-term strategy and adaptability are key to navigating today’s fast-changing landscape.
  • The Impact of Purpose-Driven Leadership – Industry leaders are setting new standards in corporate responsibility, employee engagement, and brand influence.
  • Beyond the PPAI 100 – The real value of the ranking lies not in recognition but in the roadmap it provides for continuous growth and improvement.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:
  • How PPAI 100 isn’t just a ranking but a roadmap for industry leadership.
  •  Why companies that invest in sustainability and corporate responsibility are securing their future, not just earning goodwill.
  • Benchmarking helps businesses measure where they stand and where they need to go next.
  • Building relationships and engaging with the PPAI community is a strategic advantage for long-term success.

Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or business services leader, these insights will help you future-proof your company, embrace industry changes, and position yourself as a leader in promo.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

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