Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

About Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

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.

Publisher

Promotional Products Association International

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Feb 2025

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   S3E5: The Future Belongs To The Curious

   The finale brings the season’s lessons together around one defining attribute: curiosity. As technology, AI, sustainability, compliance, client expectations and other aspects of branded merchandise continue to evolve, today’s expertise cannot guarantee tomorrow’s relevance. Drawing again on Drew Holmgreen and introducing Jessica Gibbons-Rauch’s perspective on how modern professionals learn, the episode argues for accessible, structured and continuous development rather than waiting for large blocks of time or learning everything through trial and error. It ultimately turns the entire season into a personal challenge: identify what you want to be known for, recognize the gaps between where you are and where you want to go, find the people and resources that can help, and create an intentional plan for continued development. The season closes on its clearest message: the future belongs not to professionals who have finished learning, but to those who remain curious enough to keep growing.

2. 

   6 Oct 2026

   S3E4: Your Career Is Bigger Than Your Job

   Episode 4 expands career development beyond skills and job performance to explore the role of relationships, visibility and industry involvement. Featuring Karie Cowden and Ellen Tucker, the episode shows how professional communities, education events, volunteering and meaningful networking expose people to ideas, mentors and opportunities they may never encounter inside their own companies. Rather than treating networking as self-promotion or collecting contacts, the episode presents it as the gradual process of becoming known for your judgment, contribution and reliability. By showing up, contributing and building trust, professionals build reputations that can create opportunities far beyond their current job description, demonstrating that a career is ultimately shaped by both the work you do and the community you build around it.

3. 

   6 Oct 2026

   S3E3: What The Best Leaders Never Stop Doing

   Getting ahead isn’t a single achievement, and Episode 3 examines what allows growth to continue after someone has already established expertise and credibility. Through Amy DeLong’s work developing talent at Delegate CX and Mary Jo Tomasini’s approach to professional development at Competitive Edge, the episode makes the case that great leaders turn learning into a habit and eventually into culture. Curiosity, mentorship, certifications, conferences and continuing education help professionals stay sharp as technology, client expectations and industry standards change, while strong leaders create environments where those same habits spread to others. The episode’s central idea is that leadership isn’t the point at which learning ends. The ability to keep learning, and help others learn, is precisely what allows leadership to endure.

4. 

   6 Oct 2026

   S3E2: Becoming More Valuable

   Episode 2 shifts the conversation from working harder to becoming more valuable. It argues that while effort and dependability can build an early career, advancement eventually requires expertise, judgment and the ability to solve increasingly complex problems. Charles Duggan and Amy Rabideau illustrate two paths toward that deeper value, showing how intentional education, certifications, technology, industry involvement and continually filling knowledge gaps can transform someone from a reliable executor into a trusted advisor. Ultimately, the episode reframes professional development as a competitive strategy: the goal isn’t merely to accumulate knowledge or credentials, but to develop expertise that produces better decisions, stronger client relationships and greater credibility.

5. 

   6 Oct 2026

   S3E1: The People Who Move Up

   The opening episode tackles the fundamental question behind the season: why do some professionals continually earn greater responsibility and opportunity while others remain where they started? Through the perspectives of Drew Holmgreen and Kate Alavez, the episode shows that advancement is less about luck or being completely ready and more about taking ownership of your development. Lifelong learning, mentorship, credentials, initiative and the willingness to do the unseen work all compound over time, preparing people to step through opportunities when they appear. The takeaway is simple: employers, managers and industry organizations can provide resources and pathways, but ultimately professionals have to choose to invest in their own growth.

6. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Season 3 Trailer

   Season 3 of Voice & Force explores what separates the people who simply work in branded merchandise from those who continually grow within it. Starting from the reality that many careers in this industry begin unexpectedly, the season asks what successful professionals do differently once they arrive. Across five episodes, hosts Josh and Stacy examine ownership, expertise, learning habits, relationships and curiosity, arguing that meaningful career growth is intentional rather than accidental. PPAI Advance provides the practical framework behind that idea, giving professionals opportunities to build knowledge, pursue TAS, CAS and MAS certifications, and turn ambition into a clearer path forward.

7. 

   6 Oct 2025

   S2E7. Make The PPAI Expo Work For You

   Hosts Josh and Stacy discuss how attending The PPAI Expo provides invaluable ideas, relationships, and momentum, offering practical tips for budgeting, planning, and staying healthy, also featuring insights from Ashley Van Der Stuyf, Brian Swift, Drew Holmgreen, Jade Crider, Kate Nash, and Vera Minot.

8. 

   6 Oct 2025

   S2E6. A History Still Being Written

   WAYNE GREENBERG, KEVIN WALSH, and MARK HANRATTY discuss the evolution of The PPAI Expo, from its origins to its current status in Las Vegas, highlighting its impact on the promotional products industry; this is an interview episode.

9. 

   6 Oct 2025

   S2E5. The Education Advantage

   Hosts Josh and Stacy discuss The PPAI Expo Conference, highlighting how education, strategy, and community create higher ROI for attendees, featuring interviews with Vera Minot, Jade Crider, Kate Nash, and Drew Holmgreen.

10. 

    6 Oct 2025

    S2E4. The Business Advantage

    Hosts Josh and Stacy reveal how attending The PPAI Expo provides a competitive business advantage through product testing, innovation discovery, and supplier connections in this interview episode featuring Natalie O’Leary, Mark Hanratty, and Wayne Greenberg.

11. 

    6 Oct 2025

    S2E3. The People You Need To Meet

    Josh and Stacy explore the value of relationships at The PPAI Expo, highlighting how face-to-face interactions lead to collaboration and business growth, featuring insights from Vera Minot, Kate Nash, Kevin Walsh, Jade Crider, and Brian Swift in this interview episode.

12. 

    6 Oct 2025

    S2E2. The Industry’s Biggest Stage

    Hosts Josh and Stacy explore the PPAI Expo with Nadav Raviv, Ashley Van Der Stuyf, and Drew Holmgreen, revealing why it acts as the promotional product industry's central hub and sets the tone for the year in this interview episode.

13. 

    6 Oct 2025

    S2E1. Season Two Introduction

    Hosts Josh Ellis and Stacy Rogers introduce season two of Voice & Force, previewing the six-part narrative podcast that explores themes tied to The PPAI Expo.

14. 

    14 Feb 2025

    5. Leading PPAI 100: 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. Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100 🔗 PPAI North American Leadership Conference (NALC) 🔗 PPAI Media Hub for Industry Insights Connect with Our Guests: Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn Dawn Olds, Former Interim President and CEO of PPAI on LinkedIn Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI Director of Sustainability & Responsibility on LinkedIn Subscribe & Share 📌 Stay ahead of the curve! Follow Voice & Force for ongoing conversations about industry growth, leadership, and success strategies. 🎧 Loved this series? Share it with a colleague, rate us, and subscribe to ensure you never miss future insights. 📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your next step toward industry leadership? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s talk! 🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

15. 

    14 Feb 2025

    4. Leading PPAI 100: 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 business. Success 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. Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100 🔗 Register for NALC Connect with Our Guest: Jeremy Lott, Chief Executive Officer of SanMar on LinkedIn Subscribe & Share 📌 Never miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for exclusive insights on business leadership, sustainable growth, and industry trends. 🎧 Found this episode valuable? Share it with a colleague or leave a review—it helps other industry leaders find this content! 📢 Join the Conversation: How is your company investing in long-term success? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s discuss! 🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

16. 

    14 Feb 2025

    3. Leading PPAI 100: 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. Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100 🔗 Register for NALC 🔗 Greatest Companies to Work For 2024 Connect with Our Guests: Alok Bhat, PPAI Market Economist, Research & Public Affairs LinkedIn Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn Danny Rosin, President & Co-Owner of BrandFuel on LinkedIn Amanda Clay, President of Walker-Clay on LinkedIn Subscribe & Share 📌 Never miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for exclusive insights on business strategy, leadership, and innovation in the promotional products industry. 🎧 Found this valuable? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help other industry professionals find the podcast. 📢 Let’s Talk! What does success look like in your company? Are you focusing on innovation, sustainability, or employee growth to stay ahead? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s talk! 🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

17. 

    14 Feb 2025

    2. Leading PPAI 100: 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. Resources & Mentions: Learn More About the PPAI 100 Charles River Apparel Sustainability in Promo: PPAI’s Approach Register for NALC Connect with Our Guests: Jeison Ortega, Chief Technology Officer at Charles River Apparel on LinkedIn Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability & Responsibility on LinkedIn Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, Professional Development Lead on LinkedIn Subscribe & Share 📌 Don’t miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for deep dives into the trends shaping the future of promotional products. 🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help more industry leaders find this podcast. 📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your company doing to embrace digital transformation, sustainability, or professional development? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn. 🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

18. 

    14 Feb 2025

    1. Leading PPAI 100: 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. Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100 🔗 Register for NALC 🔗 Subscribe to Newslink Connect with our Guests Dawn Olds, Former Board Chair & Interim President of PPAI on LinkedIn Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn Danny Rosin, President & Co-Owner of BrandFuel on LinkedIn Subscribe & Share 📌 Don’t miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for deep dives into the people and strategies shaping the future of promotional products. 🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help more industry leaders find this podcast. 📢 Join the Conversation: What do you think defines true success in the promotional products industry? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s discuss! 🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

19. 

    13 Feb 2025

    0. Leading PPAI 100: Introduction

    Welcome to Voice & Force, A Podcast by PPAI. In this intro episode to our first season, Leading PPAI 100, PPAI Media's Josh Ellis and Colet Williams explain the goals of the limited series and what you'll get out of listening. It's been more than three years since PPAI released a podcast, and we're glad to be back, helping you along as we push toward the Association's mission: Be the voice and force to advance the promotional marketplace for the benefit of our community. Subscribe & Share 📌 Don’t miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for deep dives into the trends shaping the future of promotional products. 🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help more industry leaders find this podcast. 📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your company doing to embrace digital transformation, sustainability, or professional development? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn. 🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

Who has been a guest on Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ashley Van Der Stuyf
• Brian Swift
• Drew Holmgreen
• Jade Crider
• Kate Nash

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51