Shows
Between 2 Brands PodcastEp. 164 - commonsku Crossover EventIt’s crossover time on Ep. 164 of the Promo UPFront #podcast! That’s right, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew from commonsku join regular hosts Kirby Hasseman and Bill Petrie to discuss the value of the new position of Director of Sustainability and Responsibility at PPAI, take a deep dive into the power of merchandise to identify beliefs – and whether distributors have a moral obligation regarding what is imprinted on products, examine the interesting ASI statistic of growing sales for large online distributors while there is a decline at smaller, boutique operations, debate whether malls are back with a rise in sales...2023-08-2541 min
skucastEpisode 244: 3 Trends Radically Reshaping the Promotional Products IndustryThere are undercurrents happening in the industry that start as small ripples but eventually become waves that bring a sea change of disruption to the business: that’s what this episode is about.
Each quarter, we’ll bring you highlights and insights from guests featured on our podcast, our events, and our articles, that reveal an undercurrent of an idea that has the potential to completely reshape our industry and radically change your business.
Join Bobby Lehew and Mark Graham as they talk through the underlying shifts happening right beneath us!2022-10-2035 min
Branding MattersHow to Launch a Branded Podcast with Bobby LehewSend us a textMy guest today is Bobby Lehew the Chief Content Officer at commonsku.As an industry leader, Bobby has won multiple PPAI - Promotional Products Association International awards. And, as a former distributor, he ranked three times on Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing private companies in the U.S. Bobby has also appeared on Dale Denham’s #Online18 - a list of the promo industry’s most Influential Social Media Voices.Bobby also co-hosts a podcast with Mark Graham called skucast - the #1 podcast for entrepreneurs in the print and promotio...2022-07-2946 min
skucastEpisode 210: How to Make the Most Out of skucon 2022!As most of you know, we made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person event at skucon. In this short episode, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew unpack a number of things including the highlights you can expect from the event, how to make the most out of skucon, and much more!2022-01-1332 min
skucastEpisode 184: A New RenaissanceIn this skucast, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew explore what’s changed in how we work, live, and sell, and more importantly, they chat about how we need to be cognizant of taking the positive gains and purposefully using them in our business moving forward.
Join them as they chat about ushering in a new kind of Renaissance!2021-05-1343 min
PromoKitchen PodcastPromoKitchen OG Podcast: Vol 1 Mark Graham and Bobby LehewRevolutionaries. Renegades. Dreamers. Leaders.
This is a new podcast series where you get to go back in time and revisit the stories of some brave and somewhat geeky rebels who were keenly searching for a new path forward in the promotional products market. Welcome to the "PromoKitchen OG Podcast Series." Are you curious about these founding PK chefs and renegades? Don't you want to know why they started PromoKitchen and what they were trying to accomplish? In the spirit of vision and to help you trailblaze a new path forward - take some time and listen to these dreamers!2020-10-1549 min
skucastEpisode 150: How to Create an Amazing Virtual Event for Your CustomersJoin Kate Masewich, commonsku’s Marketing Director, Bobby Lehew, commonsku's Chief Content Officer, and Mark Graham, commonsku’s President, and Chief Brand Officer, on today's episode of #skucast as they share with you the joys and challenges of building the best virtual experience possible!2020-06-0547 minskucastEpisode 149: The Art of Innovation Through Tough TimesToday, Mark Graham, commonsku’s President and Chief brand officer, and Bobby Lehew, commonsku’s Chief Content Officer explore the choice to innovate, even during hard times.2020-05-2131 min
The Duct Tape Marketing PodcastCreating Promotional Products That Make an ImpactMark Graham and Bobby Lehew of commonsku, a company that creates software for the promotional products industry, are today's guests on the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast. Promotional products are sometimes brushed aside as frivolous, but Graham and Lehew contend that when products are designed with intent and creativity, they can add tremendous value for a brand. Tune in to learn more about the power of a great promotional product and to hear stories of some great products in action.2020-04-0125 min
skucastEpisode 139: Greatest Hits from 4 Years!To celebrate our fourth anniversary, in today’s episode, Mark Graham, commonsku’s President, and Chief Branding Officer and Bobby Lehew, commonsku's Chief Content Officer, each selects their four favorite episodes and play highlights from each guest.2020-03-1242 min
skucastEpisode 134: The Decade Ahead with Tim Andrews (ASI) and Paul Bellantone (PPAI)In today's episode of #skucast, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew sit down with Tim Andrews of ASI and Paul Bellantone of PPAI to talk about the topics that have the potential to make the biggest impact on our industry, from consolidation to sustainability, diversity, and much more.2020-01-3026 min
skucastEpisode 129: Content Marketing Works: Why Aren’t You Using It?In today’s episode of skucast, Bobby Lehew (commonsku’s Chief Content Officer) and Mark Graham (commonsku’s Chief Technology Officer) sit down with our special guest and friend Bill Petrie, President of PromoCorner, to discuss the importance of content marketing.2019-11-2149 min
skucastEpisode 123: So, You Want to Amp Your Marketing? Here’s How.In today’s episode of #skucast, Bobby Lehew is joined by Mark Graham, commonsku’s Chief Platform Officer, to answer a question from a distributor about how to go about hiring for marketing and launching a marketing strategy.2019-09-1243 min
skucastEpisode 119: How to Scale with IntimacyIn today’s episode, we’re tackling the topic of how to scale with intimacy. Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew are joined by Kate Masewich, commonsku’s Marketing Director. You’ve experienced Kate’s work through every touch-point of our brand and our events, her opinion on this topic is a direct result of working tirelessly to build emotional connections with customers.2019-08-1643 min
skucastEpisode 117: The 5 C’s of CreativityIn today's episode of #skucast, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew grapple with tactical ideas on how to be more creative (and not just artistically), we explore the subject of creativity from creative sourcing to creative design.2019-08-0239 min
skucastEpisode 109: Introducing Shops - Easy as Presentations!In over 108 episodes, we have rarely -almost never- talked about new features that we develop, preferring instead, to put our guests and our friends first. We hope you can indulge us this one time as we introduce an exciting development we are proud to announce: shops! In this episode, Mark Graham, commonsku’s Chief Platform Officer, and Bobby Lehew, commonsku’s Chief Content Officer, introduce shops.2019-05-1529 min
skucastEpisode 100: The Customer of Tomorrow, the Distributor of Tomorrow: A Celebration ForwardJoin Bobby Lehew, Mark Graham, commonsku's chief platform officer, and Catherine Graham, commonsku's CEO, as we celebrate the 100th episode of the skucast in classic commonsku style: by looking forward.
Buckle up and straight ahead skummunity, it's front-windshield-view-only and we're not slowing down!2019-02-2835 min
skucastEpisode 97: NOW is the Time for Growth! Creating a Stronger Sales Focus in a Good EconomyIn this episode, Mark Graham (commonsku's co-founder and chief platform officer) and Bobby Lehew (commonsku's chief content officer) share why a good economy can blind us to bigger opportunities, why sales-focused training needs to shift and why it is imperative, and much more!2019-01-3130 min
skucastEpisode 94: A Conversation with Elizabeth Segran of Fast CompanyWe invited Elizabeth Segran, staff writer for Fast Company and whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, The New Republic, Salon and more, to chat about her recent article on conference swag. Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew chat with Elizabeth about what motivated her to write the article, the impact of fast fashion on sustainability and its counterpart in promotional products, the need for transparency along the supply chain, and more.2018-12-1037 min
skucastEpisode 91: Memo Kahan with PromoShop on Culture, Community and Enjoying the RideIn this episode, Bobby Lehew sits down with Mark Graham, commonsku's co-founder and chief platform officer, as we chat with Memo Kahan about the highs and lows of his business journey and his thoughts on how the recession refined and focused their value proposition, what it takes to succeed in sales and the advice Memo would give to his past self or young entrepreneurs.2018-11-1551 min
skucastEpisode 90: Responding to Fast Company's "Cheap Swag" ArticleIn today's episode, Bobby Lehew, the chief content officer at commonsku, Mark Graham, commonsku’s co-founder and chief platform officer, and Winston Lo, president of Creative Boulevard, explore this article and the potential ramifications but moreover, the opportunity this moment presents for many in the business.2018-11-0727 min
skucastEpisode 81: Engagement Vs E-CommerceIn this episode, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew continue the conversation about why e-commerce hasn't consumed the industry and yet how it has affected B2B buying habits. Join them for a discussion on the challenges why customers choose e-commerce over a traditional distributor's selling process, engaging the customer to resolve real business objectives and much more!2018-08-3037 min
skucastEpisode 75: Winning at Art and Commerce with Pierre Martichoux, Chameleon LikeMark Graham and Bobby Lehew had the privilege of visiting with Pierre Martichoux, Founder and CEO of Chameleon Like, and his team in their Gilroy, CA factory headquarters just 20 miles south of Silicon Valley. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation on how to blend art and commerce into a thriving enterprise that keeps you young-at-heart!2018-07-1043 min
skucastEpisode 68: Live from the Ace Hotel: skucamp, New Orleans!Mark Graham (commonsku's Chief Platform Officer) and Bobby Lehew (commonsku's Chief Content Officer) talk about what’s in store for attendees at skucamp this year and we paint a picture of what the experience will be like, live from the Ace Hotel New Orleans.2018-05-1524 min
skucastEpisode 67: The Future of B2B E-CommerceIn this episode, commonsku's Chief Platform Officer, Mark Graham, and Chief Content Officer, Bobby Lehew, explore what the future of B2B e-commerce could look like. They share their failures at trying to build their own e-commerce solutions and walk through what the buyer’s experience could be if we simply challenged our conventional views of e-commerce and re-imagined the buyer’s journey.2018-05-0142 min
skucastEpisode 66: The Rise of the Progressive DistributorsIn today’s episode, commonsku’s Chief Platform Officer, Mark Graham and Chief Content Officer Bobby Lehew sit down and discuss a shift that has happened in the marketplace over the past ten or fifteen years: the rise of the progressive distributor.2018-04-2536 min
skucastEpisode 65: How to Grow a Colossally Successful Business with Mike MichalowiczBy his 35th birthday, Mike Michalowicz had founded and sold two multi-million dollar companies. In this episode, Mike talks with Bobby Lehew and Mark Graham about How to Grow a Colossally Successful Business by planting the right seeds, weeding out the losers, and nurturing the winners.2018-04-1743 min
skucastEpisode 53: Podcasting for Lean-Forward EngagementMark Graham, Chief Platform Officer, and Bobby Lehew, Chief Content Officer, sit down to discuss business podcasting, the why's as well as the how-to's.2018-01-0250 min
skucastEpisode 39: skucon Is Back and It's Bigger and Bolder Than Ever!skucon, the conference for entrepreneurs, mavericks, and both young and young-at-heart professionals, is back, and it's at an all-new venue with a stellar lineup of some of the brightest and best in the business. In this episode, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew provide a quick overview of topics and highlight some of the speakers who are taking the stage.2017-08-2515 min
skucastEpisode 26: the skucamp experience live from The AceIn this episode, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew travel to California for a site visit of the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs to give you a taste of the skucamp experience.2017-03-2430 min
skucastEpisode 25: The Emerging Creative ClassIn this episode Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew continue their look into the future of the industry and discuss the trends that are shaping this movement, highlighting just a few of the key players who are becoming dominant forces in the race to emerge as winners of the new creative class.2017-03-1742 min
skucastEpisode 24: Supplier Rebates, Terms, and Price NegotiationsThis episode was sparked by a controversial article published in The Counselor magazine entitled, "The Big Squeeze: Are Promo Distributors Putting Too Much Demand on Suppliers?" Samantha Kates, commonsku's Vice President of Sales, joins Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew as they wade into the controversy to discuss supplier rebates, price negotiations, and more!2017-03-0843 min
skucastEpisode 22: Company Stores, Friend or Foe?In today’s episode, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew discuss the potential pitfalls and opportunities with the company store model.2017-02-2143 min
skucastEpisode 21: Tiny Tasks for Ginormous Sales GainIn today’s episode, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew share Tiny Tasks for Ginormous Sales Gain.2017-02-0638 min
PromoKitchen PodcastPromoKitchen Podcast #1 – Welcome to PromoKitchenWelcome to the very first episode of the PromoKitchen podcast. In this episode Mark, Bobby and Jonathan discuss the newly launched PromoKitchen website, its purpose and place in the industry and how you can get involved.
The PK Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew featuring guest suppliers, distributors and service providers discussing opportunities, challenges and insights into the promotional products business. The purpose of the podcast is to to bring the conversation we are already having at shows and restaurants to a public forum where we can all listen and learn. As a continued...2015-10-2819 min
PromoKitchen PodcastPromoKitchen Podcast #6 – Paul Bellantone | PPAIIn this episode, Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew sit down with Paul Bellantone at the recent PPAI Expo and discuss:
The growing optimism in the industry, PPAI’s role in providing legislative oversight for the industry, the impact of social media on an organization like PPAI, the new PPAI certification designations (TAS, CAS, MAS and MAS+). the effectiveness of shows and the future of trade shows2015-10-2816 min
PromoKitchenPK Podcast #81 – Mike Stopforth, Cerebra – South Africa Mark Graham recently stumbled across a great blog post written by the owner of a South African ad agency. His name was Mike Stopforth. He loved the post so much that he tracked him down in Johannesburg for an interview. Mike is the CEO of Cerebra, an ad agency based on South Africa and [...]
The post PK Podcast #81 – Mike Stopforth, Cerebra – South Africa appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-05-1342 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #80 Part 2 of 2 – Norman Cohn, ASIIn this episode of the PromoKitchen Podcast, Chefs Mark Graham and Dale Denham bring you up to the present as we speak to Norman Cohn, Chairman of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) about how both ASI and the industry look in 2015. In June 2012, the Wall Street Journal described Norman as the “Sultan of Swag.” It [...]
The post PK Podcast #80 Part 2 of 2 – Norman Cohn, ASI appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-04-2921 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #80 – Part 1 of 2 – Norman Cohn, ASI In this episode of the PromoKitchen Podcast, Chefs Mark Graham and Dale Denham speak with one of the most influential and dynamic people in our industry, Norman Cohn. Norman is the Chairman of the Advertising Specialty Institute, most commonly known as ASI. In June 2012, [...]
The post PK Podcast #80 – Part 1 of 2 – Norman Cohn, ASI appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-04-2230 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #79 – Scott McKainIn today’s episode, PromoKitchen chefs Mark Graham and Dale Denham are going to take a deep dive into what it takes to deliver “ultimate customer experiences”. In today’s competitive landscape, customer experience is often the key differentiator that separates one company from the next. We know this to be especially true in the promotional products [...]
The post PK Podcast #79 – Scott McKain appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-04-1535 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #78 – Jim Martin, Kolder | Numo MfgIn this episode of the PromoKitchen Podcast, PK Chefs Mark Graham of CommonSku and Robert Fiveash of Brand Fuel Promotions chat with Jim Martin of Kolder Incorporated. Kolder is the parent company of industry icon Numo Manufacturing. Jim talks to us about what it takes to create a much loved supplier brand, how to compete [...]
The post PK Podcast #78 – Jim Martin, Kolder | Numo Mfg appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-04-0839 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #77 – A Conversation with Seth Godin The PromoKitchen Podcast was honored to once again welcome Seth Godin as our guest. During this podcast Seth spoke to us about his new book, “What to do When it’s Your Turn”, avoiding the race to the bottom, the importance of community [...]
The post PK Podcast #77 – A Conversation with Seth Godin appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-03-3055 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #76 – Kevin Maloney, ZVerseIn today’s episode, Chefs Mark Graham of CommonSku and Danny Rosin of Brand Fuel, are going to explore the new and exciting world of 3D Printing. 3D technology has been getting a lot of play in the media these days, but many of us in the promotional products industry are waiting for 3D tech to [...]
The post PK Podcast #76 – Kevin Maloney, ZVerse appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-03-2641 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #75 – Aaron DraplinEvery February a team of marketing and design geeks descend upon Raleigh for the annual High Five Conference. At this year’s event, no one was geekier than today’s guest. This someone dazzled the High Five audience with stories about how he became a one man graphic design branding machine and how local advertising campaigns were [...]
The post PK Podcast #75 – Aaron Draplin appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-03-1758 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast – PPAI Expo w/ Marty Lott & Jo-an LantzDuring the PPAI Expo, PromoKitchen recorded a special podcast. This podcast features two of the most successful leaders in the industry, SanMar’s Marty Lott and Geiger’s Jo-an Lantz, MAS. PromoKitchen Chefs Mark Graham and Bobby Lehew sat down with Marty and Jo-an and entered into conversation about more than just profits and progress. The discussion [...]
The post PK Podcast – PPAI Expo w/ Marty Lott & Jo-an Lantz appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-03-1054 minPromoKitchenPK Podcast #74 – Seth BarnettIn today’s episode we are going to look at the aging state of the promotional products industry as it pertains to our workforce. While age translates into experience and stability, we also need to position our industry as attractive to the younger generations. Other industries like media, advertising, and technology are great examples of sectors [...]
The post PK Podcast #74 – Seth Barnett appeared first on PromoKitchen.2015-02-2642 min