We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cat Gagliardo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cat, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Today, consumers are more picky about the swag they wear & use. There will always be a time and a place for the trinket giveaways, but branded merchandise is no longer just about slapping a logo on a product; it’s about creating an experience, a statement, a connection. It’s taking a simple t-shirt and making it so cool or useful that it becomes “the” shirt.

Here’s where Corporate America might be missing the mark: they’re treating promotional products as commodities rather than the powerful marketing tools they truly are. It’s not just about throwing money at random items and hoping for the best. It’s about strategic selection, creative branding, and impeccable execution.

Then there’s also the cool-factor. People want swag that’s not only useful but also trendy and aligned with their lifestyle. Co-branding with established retail brands adds value and appeal, elevating the perceived value of the product.

But here’s the thing, success in working with the promotional products realm isn’t guaranteed by simply placing an order. It requires working with partners who have relationships with reputable suppliers, understand and preemptively think about all of the logistics, possess a creative eye for design, and are committed to overseeing every detail of your order. Without these essential elements, companies are just setting themselves up for disappointment.

The promotional products industry is about much more than just handing out freebies. It’s about creating memorable experiences, fostering brand loyalty, and driving tangible results for your business.

Cat, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been Brand Marketing for over 15 years! I have a diverse background and started my career in TV retail, launching celebrity fashion brands with The Home Shopping Network (HSN). I have worked in the promotional products industry for over 8 years on both the supplier and distributor side and have first-hand experience working with some of the top manufacturers in the world. I have traveled all over the world and have visited many factories overseas. Along with my creative product development skills and vast knowledge of supply chain & logistics, I bring innovative solutions to every project. I am dedicated to delivering exceptional results and helping clients make a lasting impact with their promotional campaigns.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals is what my business thrives on! I treat my clients the very best that I can, in hopes they will share my name with their network.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

When I first started my distributorship, I was approached by HSN (the home shopping network) to manufacture a replica Mary Poppins umbrella for their 2018 capsule collection, in support of the new Mary Poppins movie. The request was a total of 31,000 umbrellas with designs inspired by a movie I had never seen, without any samples. The product was Disney licensed and would be sold on live TV for 24 hours straight.

The project was about 2 years in the making and the result was amazing! I was able to create a replica Mary Poppins parrot head umbrella handle and use that on a variety of styles and designs sold live on HSN in December 2018. The umbrellas were beautiful – each canopy carefully designed with inspiration from the movie: the classic red with black polka dots, cherry blossoms, carnival stripes & colored panels all inspired by the assets provided by the studio.

The project garnered a lot of press & social media influencers were thrilled to show off their samples. I was part of some of the live shows, selling this product to millions watching. The result? A sellout of 31,000 umbrellas in less than 24 hours. It was and still is, the highlight of my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brandedbycat.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branded_by_cat
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandedbycat
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catgagliardo/

Image Credits
Product Shots: Forest Heart Photography HSN Umbrellas: HSN Headshots: Roohi Photography