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We invite you to join us for Coffee and Conversation with special guests.  These are casual conversations where we discuss a variety of topics. We don't know where the discussions will go.  

Grab a cup of coffee...or the beverage of your choice and enjoy!

Dale Denham
PPAI President and CEO

In this conversation over coffee, FreePromoTips publisher Jeff Solomon talks with Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) President and CEO Dale Denham.  A variety of topics are discussed, including changes in the industry Dale also shares a few things he is passionate about, and one of them may surprise you.

Jo-an Lantz,
Geiger

It was a pleasure to share coffee & conversation with Geiger President

Jo-an Lantz. We talked about her passion for fitness, their leadership in protecting the environment, and navigating through the pandemic.

Michele Bell, ASI

It was a pleasure to share Coffee & Conversation with the engaging Michele Bell, Vice President of Editorial, Education & Special Events from the Advertising Specialty Institute. We talked about several things, including having a good time at trade shows, the value of relationships, giving back, and the state of the industry.

 Rick Brenner. 
RFBrenner LLC

Rick Brenner is a past Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Board Member as well as past President and CEO of Prime. Over coffee, we talk about music and its connection to our lives. 

Mary Jo Tomasini

Competitive Edge

In this Coffee & Conversation video, past PPAI Board Chair and CEO of Competitive Edge, Mary Jo Tomasini shares her thoughts on working Paul Bellantone. 

Mark Graham

commonsku

It was a privilege to have coffee with Mark Graham from commonsku. We talked about Oscar, their CHO (Chief Happiness Officer), the current business environment, and what's happening with commonsku.  

 

Paul Bellantone
PPAI 

We invite you to join us for Coffee with Paul Bellantone, President, and CEO of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).  Paul and FreePromoTips Publisher Jeff Solomon cover a variety of topics, from running...slowly, and what his favorite running shoes are, too. 

 Todd Pottebaum, 
Quality Resource Group

It was a pleasure to share Coffee & Conversation with 2021 PPAI Board Chair Todd Pottebaum and President of Quality Resource Group, a member of the Reciprocity Road group of distributors. We discuss that along with the concept of Brand Good, how QRG dealt with the COVID season, the importance of family, and the challenges of being a Vikings fan.

Paul Bellantone and
Rick Greene from HALO

Jeff Solomon tracked down Paul Bellantone in California! Here he shares Coffee & Conversation with Paul and HALO Regional VP Rick Greene. The Distributor side of the business is all new to Paul, and he is learning.  We discuss how distributors need to approach today's challenging marketplace.

PPAI Interim President Bob McLean

In this Coffee & Conversation interview, FreePromoTips publisher Jeff Solomon talks with interim PPAI President and CEO Bob McLean, who has a few letters after his name, CPA, CAE, CEM.

 Tom Goos
Image Source

Past PPAI Board Chair from Image Source, Tom Goos, joins FreePromoTips publisher Jeff Solomon to talk about how the disciplines of fitness apply to business and much more. 

Wayne Greenberg
Swag Krewe - Geiger

It was a pleasure to share Coffee & Conversation with PPAI Hall of Famer Wayne Greenberg from Swag Krewe - Geiger.  We talk about their rebranding initiative, thought on what's happening in the industry, and the value of hard work.  "The harder you work, the luckier you get. Work hard and get lucky." 

Tim Andrews
ASI

In this video PPAI President and CEO, 

Paul Bellantone and FreePromoTips Publisher, Jeff Solomon cover a variety of topics, from running...slowly, to what he would want to do if things were "normal."

Kevin Walsh,
Showdown Displays

In this conversation with Kevin Walsh, President of Showdown Displays and PPAI Board member, we discuss ways Showdown has adapted to today’s current business environment. We also talk about supply chain issues, and thoughts for the future.

Norman Cohn,
ASI Chairman

Having a Coffee & Conversation with industry icon, Norman Cohn, Chairman of the Advertising Specialty Institute was an honor. Norman has some fascinating stories to share. Here Norman shares how he went from selling turkeys to advertising specialties, a story about the Holocaust that made Jeff cry, and more. 

Marc Simon
HALO Branded Solutions

In this Coffee & Conversation video, FreePromoTips publisher Jeff Solomon talks with HALO Branded Solutions CEO Marc Simon...

Brandon Mackay

SnugZ USA

It was a pleasure to share Coffee & Conversation with Brandon Mackay from SnugZ USA.  Get the inside scoop between marketing and sales battle over llamas at the PPAI Expo

Dave Regan

Vernon

It was a pleasure to share coffee and conversation with industry veteran Dave Regan from Vernon. He jokes that he parks his car in Harvard Yard (Cambridge, MA) and lives in Iowa.

 

We talk about his family, his dog, and how COVID-19 is impacting his life. 

Rod Brown

MadeToOrder

Rod Brown, past PPAI board member and leader of MadeToOrder, shares some personal thoughts on this season from his beautiful island home in Washington. Rod offers on-target suggestions on getting through this crazy season. What he does away from the office is an inspiration to me.  

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