Kings of Swag with Jeremy Parker

James Armijo, CEO of Taivo, joins Jeremy Parker to talk about his unlikely path into the promotional products industry — and what he's learned about building, acquiring, and integrating software businesses along the way.James joined Inktavo as CEO in 2022 without a background in promotional products. Instead, he brought years of experience building software for highly specific customer groups, from small businesses to doctor's offices and childcare centers. That experience became the foundation for his approach to Taivo: learn the industry, listen to customers, and build technology around the problems they actually need solved.James walks Jeremy through the evolution from Printavo and Inksoft to Inktavo, and ultimately the merger with OrderMyGear that created Taivo. He explains how he thinks about M&A through his “three-legged stool” of customers, employees, and investors — and why a deal needs to make sense for all three.They also get into one of the hardest parts of scaling a company: people. James shares a leadership mistake that taught him the importance of recognizing when someone may no longer be the right fit for a role, and why making that decision sooner can ultimately be more humane for everyone involved.Plus, James explains how Taivo approaches technology adoption, why software should improve existing workflows rather than simply digitize them, and why being willing to fail is an essential part of building a company that can keep adapting.In this episode:• James's journey from SaaS investing to becoming a CEO• Entering the promotional products industry as an outsider• The evolution from Printavo and Inksoft to Inktavo and Tevo• Integrating different companies, cultures, and teams• The three-legged stool of customers, employees, and investors• How James evaluates acquisitions and mergers• Getting customers to actually adopt new technology• AI, automation, and reducing friction in business workflows• A major leadership failure and the lesson it taught him• Why successful companies have to keep adapting

How do you go from losing everything in a South African factory riot to building a $60M promotional products empire in the United States?Peter Hirsch, Founder and Chairman of Hirsch, joins Jeremy Parker to share one of the most incredible "second act" stories in the industry. At age 45, Peter moved his family to Houston, TX, starting as a warehouse laborer before launching a gift business out of his kitchen. Today, Hirsch is a Top 20 supplier and the premier destination for retail brands like JBL and BrüMate in the promo space.In this episode, Peter pulls back the curtain on the "JBL Pivot" that redefined their product offering and explains the democratic leadership style that earned them "Best Place to Work" honors. We also dive into the transition of leadership to his son, Paul, and why Peter believes that philanthropy—specifically through their work with Patriot Coolers and Homes For Our Troops—is the true heartbeat of a successful company.Key Takeaways:Resilience: Navigating the transition from South African manufacturing to the US market.Focus: Moving from a "garage-based" general importer to a specialized retail brand powerhouse.Succession: The honest dynamics of a father-son handoff during a global crisis.Culture: Implementing "Kaizen" (continuous improvement) to keep staff engaged and innovative.Whether you're an entrepreneur facing a major pivot or a leader looking to build a legacy of giving, Peter’s journey offers a masterclass in grit and gratitude.#promotionalproducts #entrepreneurship #leadership #familybusiness #HirschGift #swag

How do you turn a business card into a global lifestyle brand? Richard Moross, Founder and CEO of MOO, joins Jeremy Parker to share the story of one of the most successful pivots in design history.Long before MOO was a household name for premium stationery, it was a struggling social card startup called "Pleasure Cards." In this episode, Richard pulls back the curtain on the early failures, the viral partnerships with Flickr and Facebook, and the philosophy of "design-led growth" that turned MOO into a $150M+ powerhouse.Richard and Jeremy discuss:The transition from a "failed" social networking idea to a premium B2B brand.Navigating the "Existential Shock" of COVID-19 and how they managed a 80% drop in revenue.MOO's expansion into a "Capsule Wardrobe" of premium swag, including their award-winning notebooks and water bottles.Why "Human Connection" is the most valuable currency in the age of AI.Whether you are a designer, a tech founder, or a promo industry professional, Richard’s insights on maintaining brand integrity while scaling globally are essential listening.#promotionalproducts #branding #entrepreneurship #leadership #MOO #designinnovation

How do you transition from leading an $11 billion division at Staples to running one of the most innovative suppliers in the promo world?Neil Ringel, CEO of PCNA, joins Jeremy Parker to discuss the evolution of a $650M+ industry giant. In this episode, Neil pulls back the curtain on the aggressive acquisition strategy that landed PCNA exclusive partnerships with brands like Stanley and Owala. He also breaks down the technical "heart surgery" of re-platforming a massive company, the power of Print-on-Demand, and how PCNA is using AI to eliminate friction for distributors.Neil’s "say it like it is" leadership style is a refreshing look at how to manage scale while staying nimble enough to lead the market in technology and culture.Key Takeaways:The Staples Playbook: Lessons from a 23-year career building category killers.The Retail Pivot: How PCNA moved from traditional supply to a retail-brand-driven model.Scaling POD: Why acquiring T-Shirt & Sons and Spoke changed the way PCNA thinks about production.Radical Transparency: Why owning system failures is key to maintaining customer loyalty.AI Integration: How the new BrandBook tool is automating the sales process for distributors.#promotionalproducts #leadership #PCNA #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #swag #marketinginnovation

Heather Smartt, Global Head of Goldstar, joins Jeremy Parker to pull back the curtain on what it takes to lead one of the most influential suppliers in the promotional products industry. With over 20 years of experience—including a pivotal 11-year stint across Shanghai and Amsterdam—Heather brings a truly global perspective to the show.In this episode, Heather shares the "let go to grow" philosophy that transformed her leadership style and explains why Goldstar is betting big on sustainability and radical transparency. We explore the complexities of global acquisitions, the difference in design sensibilities between continents, and how she uses AI to streamline complex supply chain data.If you’ve ever wondered how a global firm rebrands itself in seven months while maintaining a multi-national footprint, Heather’s roadmap is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:Resilience through Relocation: Lessons from a decade spent living in the world's manufacturing hubs.Sustainability vs. Greenwashing: How digital passports and third-party testing are changing the "swag" narrative.The Operational Backbone: Why matching your brand's visual identity to its product portfolio is essential for growth.Modern Leadership: How to foster a culture of collaboration across different time zones and departments.#promotionalproducts #leadership #sustainability #globalbusiness #womeninleadership