Shows
SanMar RadioUnraveling Today's Supply Chain Challenges with John JansonJohn Janson is the senior director of global logistics for SanMar. The last year and a half has definitely challenged and tested his team, along with the rest of us, to say the least. In this episode, John delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up supply chains all over the world, how SanMar is faring, and what we need to accomplish before we can be “back to normal.” THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE John breaks down how SanMar’s global supply chain worked prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. What causes produc...2021-08-1735 minSanMar RadioTrends that are Moving us Forward with Vicki OstromVicki Ostrom is SanMar’s futurist and trend editor - she reads the cultural and apparel tea leaves to help us stay in the know. In this episode, Vicki discusses some unexpected trends that have sprung out of the pandemic, muses over why retro styles make such a splash, and looks at how sustainability is factoring into the average customer’s purchasing decisions. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE How the pandemic has shaken up personal fashion. The reason Vicki believes retro trends are so popular. Vicki reveals her favorite trend at the moment. The t...2021-06-1524 minSanMar RadioHow WonderWink is Working Wonders with James ShimizuJames Shimizu is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Superior Group of Companies (SGC), whose WonderWink brand of scrubs is the latest to join the SanMar family. In this episode, James discusses how WonderWink’s fabric selection makes their products more appealing to consumers, looks at how the pandemic has affected the company, and looks into the non-medical professions that use scrubs. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE James gives Lisa, Tara and the listeners a crash course in what makes WonderWink products unique. What is WonderWink’s relationship with SanMar and how did thi...2021-05-2524 minSanMar RadioMaking a Climate Commitment with Emily GigotEmily Gigot is SanMar’s sustainability manager and is spearheading our company’s initiative in helping to reduce climate change. In this episode, Emily explains what it means to make a climate commitment, delves into SanMar’s own sustainability strategies, and discusses how small changes in our everyday lives can make a positive impact on our planet. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE What is SanMar’s climate commitment? Breaks down what the Paris Agreement hopes to accomplish. How SanMar sets its internal climate goals. The big and small ways that companies big and s...2021-04-2030 minSanMar RadioThe Evolution of TravisMathew with Ryan EllisRyan Ellis is the CEO of TravisMathew, a well-known lifestyle and golf brand that has recently joined SanMar’s family of brands. In this episode, Ryan delves into TravisMathew’s meticulous fabric-making process, discusses the positive changes that the past year of quarantine has brought about, and gives us a sneak peek of what’s next. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Ryan gives listeners a crash course in TravisMathew’s history. How TravisMathew tries to push golfwear beyond the golf course and clubhouse. Breaking down how TravisMathew researches and selects fabrics for its p...2021-03-2430 minSanMar RadioThe Impact and Importance of Diversity and InclusionNatalie Tenner and Rob Crowley are the chairs for SanMar’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, which works to foster an open-minded and equitable environment in the company’s workplaces. In this episode, Natalie and Rob discuss their role models, lay out their strategies for workplace education and conflict resolution, and suggest methods for making SanMar an even more welcoming place than it already is. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Natalie explains what got the ball rolling with creating SanMar’s council, and Rob specifies why this group is a council, not a commi...2021-02-2437 minSanMar RadioCelebrating 50 Years with Marty & Sharon LottThis year, SanMar is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and to kick things off, we talked with our founder, Marty Lott and his wife Sharon. Marty and Sharon started SanMar with $1 in the company’s checking account. From there they have worked together selling t-shirts at concerts, unloading boxes at warehouses and teaching their sons the ins and outs of the business. In this episode, Marty and Sharon reveal how SanMar started with a backpack created for college students, discuss the challenges of running a family business and share how being a family…and being a SanMar family…has be...2021-01-2736 minSanMar RadioDynamic Marketing in a Crisis with Shelley WilliamsShelley Williams is the Vice President of Marketing here at SanMar. This year has been a whirlwind for her as she is relatively new to the company and the industry in general, having joined up just a couple months before the pandemic hit. In this episode, Shelley discusses how the pandemic compelled SanMar to focus on building relationships, speculates on which advancements spurred on by quarantine will carry forward and emphasizes you should never forget it’s okay to ask for help. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE How the COVID-19 pandemic mad...2020-12-2233 minSanMar RadioChecking in with SanMar’s Sales Team, Part 2To get the low-down on what’s going on in our industry, Lisa and Tara spoke to some of SanMar’s channel managers across the country, including Rachelle Manning, Ken Snyder and Mark Bailey. In this episode, our guests discuss how the sporting goods industry has dealt with nearly every sport being canceled this year, they elaborate on how they’ve found ways to make virtual meetings work for them,and they explain why they’re feeling optimistic about the rest of Q4 of 2021. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Sporting Goods Channel M...2020-11-1041 minSanMar RadioChecking in with SanMar’s Sales Team, Part 1To get the low-down on what’s going on in our industry, Lisa and Tara spoke to some of SanMar’s territory managers across the country, including Matt Foley, Chris Smith, Ben Prasad and Alisha Proffit. In this episode, our guests discuss how Q4 looks around the country, which industries are doing well, and how customers have adapted to the current business climate. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Matt notices a shift away from PPE purchases. Why virtual meetings are here to stay. How Ben pulled off a parking lot tradeshow. What...2020-10-1624 minSanMar RadioMaking Sense of Virtual Tradeshows with John Lindgren and Cindy CrankJohn Lindgren and Cindy Crank are considered to be the driving forces behind SanMar’s tradeshows, which have undergone a significant virtual shift this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, John and Cindy discuss how the tradeshow industry is reacting and adapting to COVID-19, weigh the pros and cons of physical vs. virtual tradeshows and ponder the future of these events. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE What has the shift to virtual and remote work been like for John and Cindy? What’s it like to atten...2020-09-1724 minSanMar RadioDoing Good with Cotopaxi’s Davis SmithLisa and Tara had the opportunity to speak with Davis Smith, the founder and CEO of Cotopaxi, a company that makes innovative outdoor gear while also giving back to the global community. It’s also the newest addition to the SanMar family. In this episode, Davis reveals what goes into making Cotopaxi’s hip AND sustainable bags, discusses the company’s core values and talks about how a kid named Edgar shaped his desire to help the world. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Davis explains where Cotopaxi got its name and what wen...2020-08-2029 minSanMar RadioThe Allmade Impact with Ryan Moor and Mel LayLisa and Tara chatted with Ryan Moor and Mel Lay, two of the founders of Allmade Apparel, an impact-driven company that was founded by a group of screen printers wanting to create positive change in the industry and the world. Allmade is the newest addition to the SanMar family. In this episode, we discuss Allmade’s origin story, including a life-changing trip to Haiti, their commitment to helping people and the planet, and Ryan even gives listeners a few tips for decorating face masks. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Ryan and Mel...2020-06-1729 minSanMar RadioShifting from T-Shirts to Masks with Renton LeversedgeRenton Leversedge is the Chief Customer Officer at SanMar. He and his teams have played a pivotal role in quickly switching much of SanMar’s production from making t-shirts to face masks. In this episode, Renton breaks down how SanMar has completely reworked its production priorities, discusses how competitors have become collaborators and elaborates on the methods used to make face masks more attractive to the average customer. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Renton explains how SanMar became part of the pivotal, industrial force manufacturing face masks in this time of nee...2020-05-1227 minSanMar RadioAn Evolution of Sustainable Product with Kara JohnsonKara Johnson, a senior merchandiser at SanMar is responsible for building products, setting prices and collaborating with a myriad of teams to develop products. In this episode, Kara discusses how sustainability is now the status quo instead of just a trend, explains why she’s so excited about the District Re-Tee and daydreams about the perfect reserved parking spot. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Kara breaks down her responsibilities as senior merchandiser and which brands she works with. How SanMar is able to design and create products faster today and how that...2020-04-2423 minSanMar RadioDecoration and Your Business with Mark BaileyMark Bailey is SanMar’s Senior Manager of Channel Sales on the Decorator and Digital Solutions Team, and a 21-year veteran of the company. His team believes in not only providing customers with their desired products but also in forging meaningful connections. In this episode, Mark explains how his team keeps up with the latest trends, discusses the importance of customer input and dishes on a few decorative trends everyone would be wise to keep an eye on. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Mark describes his role in cre...2020-03-0320 minSanMar RadioSanMar Radio at PPAI with Brittany David and Danny RosinLisa Terry and SanMar’s social media writer Josh Storey continue with their interviews from the show floor at PPAI in Las Vegas! Their guests are Brittany David and Danny Rosin: Brittany is the vice president of sales with SnugZ USA and the chair of the board for PPAI; Danny is the president of Brand Fuel, a merchandising agency based in North Carolina. In this episode, Brittany discusses the importance of not just equality but inclusion in the promotional merchandise industry, and Danny delves into what companies can do to be equitable and give back....2020-02-1139 minSanMar RadioSanMar Radio at PPAI with Bobby Lehew & Kate PlummerIt’s a new year, which means it’s tradeshow season! At the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, Lisa Terry and SanMar’s social media writer Josh Storey spoke with industry experts Bobby Lehew and Kate Plummer. Bobby is the Chief Content Officer at Commonsku, a comprehensive sales and marketing tool. Kate is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at customized awards manufacturer Clearmount. In this episode, Bobby discusses the role of storytelling in business and dispels myths about the power of spontaneity, while Kate talks about her early start in business and explains how she...2020-01-2831 minSanMar RadioFlashback: John Lindgren, SanMar's Tradeshow ExpertThe year is almost over, which also means that tradeshow season is coming up fast! For the occasion, Lisa and Tara and revisiting their interview with this show’s very first guest, John Lindgren. He’s SanMar’s tradeshow expert and knows what it takes to have a successful presence at a tradeshow - he's been doing it for decades. In this episode, John discusses his time working at SanMar’s tradeshows, explains why no amount of technology can replace people, shares his stories of fire and floods, and gives helpful tips and tricks for a success...2019-12-1727 minSanMar RadioBest of SanMar Radio 2019It’s almost the end of the year and Lisa and Tara have decided to wrap up this first season of SanMar Radio. The podcast crew would like to thank everybody for listening and learning! For this very special season finale, we take a look back through 2019 and highlight some of our favorite moments with our friends and colleagues at SanMar. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE VP of Sales Dan Tushar reveals how customers can set themselves up for success. Susan Rye, director of strategic accounts, on...2019-12-0326 minSanMar RadioGetting to Know SanMar Radio Hosts Tara Wingo & Lisa TerryLisa and Tara are switching things up this week by turning the interviewer’s microphone on themselves, SanMar social media guru Josh Storey is asking the questions this time. In this episode, our usual hosts discuss the ins and outs of their daily jobs, explain how their work helps make SanMar U what it is, and reveal the key building blocks to recording a good podcast. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE How Lisa and Tara used their backgrounds in radio and film to fit right in at SanMa...2019-11-1825 minSanMar RadioCreating Custom Apparel with Ray HongRay Hong is a Custom Apparel Project Manager at SanMar, and is responsible for overseeing bespoke products from initial quote to final delivery. In this episode, Ray discusses what it’s like to help design and create unique products, reveals the right questions to ask customers who need help clarifying their ideas, and explains how to stand out in a fast-paced market. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE How Ray came to work with SanMar and join the custom orders program in its infancy. Which products can be cust...2019-11-0521 minSanMar RadioNavigating Brands and Trends and with Rhea AslinRhea Aslin is the senior brand director at SanMar, overseeing merchandising and design for several of our key brands. In this episode, Rhea explains how developing a brand is like telling a story, discusses what she does to stay on top of fashion trends and describes how the apparel market is having to evolve to meet customer expectations. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Rhea lays out her responsibilities as the company’s brand director and which brands she oversees. Which SanMar brand has been Rhea’s favor...2019-10-2218 minSanMar RadioWeathering Global Challenges with Pat NoonanPat Noonan is SanMar’s chief product officer. His teams oversee product design, manufacturing, sourcing, and quality assurance across the company. In this episode, Pat shares how his time in the Navy taught him how to keep things in perspective, how SanMar’s relationship-based approach to sourcing helps us weather global challenges and how our industry is changing lives for the better. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Pat discusses his time in the Navy — including his family sword — and how that experience helps him now at SanMar. H...2019-10-0833 minSanMar RadioBuilding a Successful Customer Service Team with Adam GouldAdam Gould is a senior manager of sales operations at SanMar, overseeing many of our company’s customer service interactions. In this episode, Adam reveals his tips for training an effective customer service team, discusses how technology helps employees who work remotely feel closer as a team, and explains how you can turn a challenging customer service experience into one that works in everyone’s favor. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Adam explains how his team works with the rest of SanMar and why working with all diff...2019-09-2423 minSanMar RadioUnderstanding the Behind-the-Scenes Business of Industrial Laundry with Barb HermanBarb Herman is SanMar’s director of channel sales, and for the majority of her career, she has focused on the “biggest little industry you’ve never heard of” — industrial laundry. In this episode, Barb explains what makes industrial uniforms durable yet stylish and discusses the important role that industrial laundry and uniforming services play as they work behind the scenes to support businesses that impact our everyday lives. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Barb explains how industrial laundry has been a part of her life since high school. If yo...2019-09-1026 minSanMar RadioMaking a Home Run in the Sporting Goods Market with Rachelle ManningRachelle Manning is SanMar’s sporting goods channel manager. She has been involved in sports and in the sporting goods market for most of her life and she works with her team to help customers strategize and grow their businesses. In this episode, Rachelle discusses how utilizing technology can drastically improve sales, how customers can keep up with what’s trending in the market and how knowing the difference between Tennessee Orange and Clemson Orange can be a real game changer. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Rachelle recollects her ea...2019-08-2720 minSanMar RadioTelling Today's Marketing Stories with Lee StromLee Strom is SanMar’s Vice President of Marketing, having spent most of the last two decades managing a wide variety of personalities, from analysts and project managers to digital marketers and creative staff. In this episode, Lee describes how SanMar’s approach to marketing, and SanMar itself, has changed during his many years with the company, debates the merits of a physical catalog in today’s day and age, and discusses his own future with SanMar. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE How Lee came to work for SanMar 1...2019-08-1330 minSanMar RadioSolving Today’s Logistics Challenges with John JansonJohn Janson is SanMar’s director of global logistics, overseeing a 20-person team responsible for coordinating orders across our warehouses and ensuring customers receive them as quickly as possible. In this episode, John reveals why he thinks he has one of the best jobs around, explains how SanMar is keeping up with newer next-day delivery expectations, and explores the effects of “Amazonization.” THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE What logistics entails and how John came to be so experienced at it. How John came to start meeting customers face-to-face and why h...2019-07-3023 minSanMar RadioFinding Sales Success and Solutions with Dan TusharDan Tushar, SanMar’s vice president of sales, is involved in every aspect of the sales process and works with our customers to optimize their success. In this episode, Dan shares why it’s so important to have a diverse customer base, what it means to be a leader and how helping your customer find solutions can often be your most successful sales strategy. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE How Dan is involved with every step of the sales process. What approach SanMar takes with its sales strategy. How th...2019-07-1626 minSanMar RadioDoing Good and Going Green in Apparel Manufacturing with Jorge ColindresJorge Colindres is the general manager for SanMar in the Americas — that is to say, North, South and Central America. He hails from Honduras and takes a special interest in SanMar’s apparel manufacturing operation there. In this episode, Jorge discusses how efficiency has played and continues to play a big role in his work, and explains how SanMar works with and supports the Honduran community. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE How a lottery brought Jorge and his wife to the United States and ultimately to SanMar. Jorge lays ou...2019-07-0225 minSanMar RadioSolving the Challenges of Today’s Evolving Apparel Market with Shelley RenningShelley Renning is SanMar’s Vice President of Brand Management whose position allows her to, in her own words, “play with clothes all day.” Shelley helps select which brands SanMar sources its products from. In this episode, Shelley discusses how she and her team work to identify and solve customers’ apparel challenges; she dives into how trends and fast fashion are changing the way people do business; and she explains why it’s so important to step out of your comfort zone and connect with others. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE ...2019-06-1829 minSanMar RadioWhat Makes a Distribution Center Tick with Jason HooksJason Hooks is the assistant manager of SanMar’s Preston distribution center located just outside of Seattle. A self-described “cheerleader,” he works with the center’s pickers and packers to ensure that customers receive exactly what they ordered on time. In this episode, Jason discusses the ups and downs of working out of a relatively small warehouse, explains how new technology has made order picking even more accurate, and recounts some of the distribution center’s furrier visitors. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE Jason lays out his responsibilities managing our...2019-06-0427 minSanMar RadioCreating Positive Customer Experiences with Bonnie WellsBonnie Wells is a credit manager at SanMar and has been with the company for 14 years. Her accounts receivable team works directly with customers to ensure that they have the best possible experience purchasing from SanMar. In this episode, Bonnie discusses why it so important to enjoy the work you do, how her team works to build customer relationships and how you can make even the most difficult customer conversations into positive experiences. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE What does Bonnie do as a credit manager and why do...2019-05-2125 minSanMar RadioAdopting New Technologies with Mike KnapickMike Knapick is SanMar’s Chief Information Officer. His team ensures that the technology at SanMar is working - for both customers and employees.In this episode, Mike shares the value of technology in our industry, how to prioritize tech that can help your company and why we should install those computer updates more often than we do. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE: How Mike and his team stay on top of SanMar’s technological prowess and compliance. Mike describes the serendipitous timing that brought him to work for SanMar...2019-05-0731 minSanMar RadioThe Business of Being Nice and Telling the Truth with Marty LottSince starting SanMar in 1971, Marty Lott has made kindness and honesty key to the company’s daily operations and wants to make it as much a family business as a corporate one.In this episode, Marty discusses how he founded SanMar, explains why being honest and being nice are woven into our company’s policies and where he thinks the industry is headed. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE: Debunking some myths about SanMar’s creation and how a college project and brewery got Marty on the path to founding SanMar...2019-04-2329 minSanMar RadioThe Value of Being a Disrupter with Susan RyeSusan Rye, Director of Regional Sales, learned the value of differentiating herself from the competition at an early age and it has served her well as she has worked to find solutions for customers. She shares her insights into the changing landscape of sales and what it means to be a disrupter in our industry. In this episode, Susan explains why it’s so important to pay attention to the little things that make a big difference for your customers, how you can help customers add value through creating experiences and how being a “disrupter” helps...2019-04-0927 minSanMar RadioKeeping Up with What’s New in Decoration with Jason MurphyJason Murphy is SanMar’s Strategic Manager of Affiliate Relations — though we like calling him our decoration expert. The Decorator Relations Team he’s part of works with the embroiderers, screen printers and other decorators to find solutions to challenges they may have in their shops. Want to know how dedicated he is to the art of decoration? He used to run a decoration shop out of his own garage! In this episode, Jason explains how his decoration expertise helps SanMar customers make the best possible purchases, emphasizes why attending tradeshows is crucial to keeping up with...2019-03-2632 minSanMar RadioTrend Analysis with Vicki OstromVicki Ostrom is SanMar’s futurist and trend analyst. Technical as that title might sound, what it really means is that she’s responsible for knowing what looks are in, out or about to make big waves in order to ensure that SanMar products are not merely functional but stylish as well. In this episode, Vicki discusses how she follows trends to keep SanMar and its customers on the leading edge of style and also explores the new arena of e-sports. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE: How Vicki a...2019-03-1225 minSanMar RadioThe Evolution of Training with Holly Rox and Brandon KerrProduct experts and corporate trainers Holly Rox and Brandon Kerr are on the air with SanMar Radio today to break down how exactly we ensure our staff knows the ins and outs of each of our products, as well as figure out what would be the best training for our customers. They’re an enthusiastic pair who recognize that good training needs to be engaging and enjoyable. In this episode, Holly and Brandon share how they work with both staff and customers to ensure that product training is concise, effective and fun. TH...2019-02-2631 minSanMar RadioJosh Storey, SanMar's Social Media GuruGiven the wide variety of social media platforms out there—Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and even Instagram—it can be difficult to figure out which sites you should prioritize, especially if you have a small team. Luckily Josh Storey, a social media writer at SanMar, knows the answer and is happy to dish out some tips on SanMar Radio. In this episode, Josh discusses the unconventional career path that brought him to SanMar, how smaller companies can take advantage of the platforms available to them, and why you should be careful posting on both professional and perso...2019-02-1229 minSanMar RadioEmily Gigot, SanMar’s Social Responsibility SpecialistEmily Gigot is SanMar’s social responsibility specialist. In her role, Emily works to ensure that SanMar leaves as small an environmental footprint as possible and that everybody along the company's supply chain can work comfortably and is treated well. In this episode, Emily dives into what corporate social responsibility is, why it’s important, and how SanMar operates ethically and sustainably. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE: How Emily’s social responsibility role at SanMar works and what her primary goals are. How her experiences in Thailand pushed Emily to take up a co...2019-01-2929 minSanMar RadioJohn Lindgren, SanMar's Tradeshow ExpertWelcome to SanMar Radio, where Tara Wingo and Lisa Terry talk to the experts and dig into the promotional products industry to find the answers and inspiration you need to grow your business. Their first guest is John Lindgren, SanMar’s tradeshow expert, knows what it takes to have a successful presence at a tradeshow - he's been doing it for decades. In this episode, John discusses his time working at SanMar’s tradeshows, explains why no amount of technology can replace people, shares his stories of fire and floods, and gives helpful tips and trick...2019-01-1426 minSanMar RadioTrailerFrom tips on tradeshows, to the keys to corporate social responsibility, to the best way to handle your social media accounts and more, hosts Lisa Terry and Tara Wingo have got you covered. They talk to the experts and dig into the promotional products industry to find the answers and inspiration you need to grow your business. SanMar Radio premiers in January. Subscribe today!2019-01-1001 min