Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

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.

Episodes

February 13, 2025 3 mins

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...

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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 ...

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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-c...

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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 matc...

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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 conversa...

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February 14, 2025 14 mins

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 mus...
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October 7, 2025 2 mins

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 y...

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October 7, 2025 20 mins

S2:E2: The Industry’s Biggest Stage | Sponsored by Outdoor Cap

Why is The PPAI Expo the heartbeat of the promotional products industry?

From the moment you walk through the doors, The PPAI Expo feels different. Sixteen thousand professionals. Over a million square feet of innovation and ideas. A show floor alive with energy, conversations, and possibilities. In this opening episode of Voice & Force: Season 2, Josh and Stacy t...

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October 7, 2025 24 mins

S2:E3: The People You Need To Meet | Sponsored By MOQ1 What’s the real ROI of The PPAI Expo? The people.

In this episode of Voice & Force: Season 2, Josh and Stacy show how relationships are the Expo’s superpower – from spontaneous aisle chats to executive-level conversations in the booth to late-night mixers where partnerships take shape. You’ll hear how face-to-face moments turn into long-term collaboration, career opportu...

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October 7, 2025 23 mins

S2: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, Josh and Stacy show how discovery at the Expo isn’t just exciting – it’s a competitive edge. From tactile product testing to first-look innovations and breakout suppliers, you’ll hear how being first to know translates into speed to market, smarter pitches, and...

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October 7, 2025 19 mins

S2: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. Josh and Stacy unpack how a full slate of keynotes, breakouts and real-time conversations turns good intentions into an actionable plan for the week ahead. You’ll hear why education, strategy and...

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October 7, 2025 21 mins

S2: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?

This episode traces The PPAI Expo’s journey – from early Chicago roots and decades in Dallas to its modern home at Mandalay Bay Convention Center – and why that move transformed the show into promo’s grand stage. Josh and Stacy explore the business reasons behind the shift, the role Expo p...

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October 7, 2025 17 mins

S2: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, Josh and Stacy tackle the common objections – cost, time, and “I’ll just hit my regional” – and show why The PPAI Expo pays you back in ideas, relationships and momentum that last all year. You’ll get practical, field-tested tips for doing Vegas on a budget, building a smart plan, a...

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