Bobby Lehew - PromoKitchen

PK #41 – A Conversation with Best-Selling Author, Daniel Pink

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

On May 8th, we recorded a very special episode of the PK podcast with best selling author Daniel Pink. In this episode, we discussed Dan’s new book To Sell is Human and the relevance of his research on the promotional products industry. Other topics include the shifting paradigm for sales commission compensation, the myth that extroverts make the best salespeople,…

When the Peripheral Opponent is You

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

(Cross-posted from bobbylehew.com, with apologies to Steven Pressfield). As an avid book collector, I’ve amassed more than my share of unread books. It’s a possessive obsession, an incurable malady. Of the piles and piles of books I’ve purchased through the years, none seem to retain their unread status longer than the books that fall into the two categories of ‘self-help’…

PK #40 – Paul Kiewiet

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

Paul Kiewiet, coach, trainer, highly respected industry mentor and current Executive Director of MiPPA joins us to discuss his success journey in our profession plus share his critical thinking on how to develop a more “need creation” versus a “need fulfillment” model of business, how to charge for services, how to get in front of the sale to command higher…

PK #39: Jonathan Isaacson, Gemline

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

Jonathan Isaacson, President of the Gem Group and one of the most respected voices in the industry joins us to discuss the state of the industry, the challenge and opportunity of bringing new products to market, inventory practices, the future of the distributor/supplier relationship, domestic vs imports, brand stewardship and more. The PK Podcast is a bimonthly conversation featuring guest…

PK #38: Joseph Scott

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

Joseph Scott, Vice President of Scott and Associates join us to discuss the new direction his company has taken, transitioning from a pure promotional products distributorship to a marketing and design agency. In this episode, Joe talks about his decision to change his business and how he approaches clients and new business opportunities with his agency model, plus tips on…

PK #37: Heidi Thorne, Thorne Communications

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

Heidi Thorne of Thorne Commnunications and Promo With Purpose Today joins us on the PromoKitchen Podcast to discuss the hybrid model of her agency minded distributorship. Heidi is the author of SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business as well as several other books related to business communications and promotional purchasing (you can visit Heidi’s…

PK #36: Trevor Gnesin

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

Trevor Gnesin, CEO of industry supplier LogoMark and President of retail watch company Jorg Gray, joins us on our 36th episode of the PK Podcast. A man familiar with risk, Trevor discusses how the industry evolved into the giant it is today and what we can do to help ensure the success of our profession for the future. Optimist, realist…

PK #35: Mark Graham, commonsku

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Bobby Lehew

For a year, I’ve hounded Mark Graham for an interview, he frequently demurred, citing a possible “conflict of interest”. But, as with all the chefs in the PromoKitchen, Mark is involved in a successful business and if he were not involved in PromoKitchen, he would most certainly find himself interviewed on the program as a guest, particularly since he has…

PK #31 – Dave Regan, Vernon Company

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Bobby Lehew

Dave Regan with the Vernon Company joins us in this episode to discuss how a one-hundred and ten year old brand is navigating, surviving and thriving in a business climate filled with radical change. Dave’s leadership and experience puts him in an excellent position to advise us on what it takes to make it in this industry, tune in for…

PK #30 – SwervePoint’s Jamie Mair

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Bobby Lehew

Jamie Mair with SwervePoint joins us in this episode to discuss the very difficult work of developing a unique, successful distributorship in an age of commoditization. Leading by example, Jamie helps us understand our part in our clients’ worlds and helps us appreciate the distinction promotional branding makes in our markets. Jamie’s advice for new and experienced distributors is richly…