The Fable of The Fifth Hammer & Diversity There is an ancient fable we want to believe. According to the tale, Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, purportedly discovered the secret of harmony when he came across five blacksmiths hammering in a village. The five hammers were producing a wondrous collective sound. Yet, Pythagoras realized that only…
The Power of Volunteerism In our interview process, we ask a lot of questions intended to get down to the nitty gritty of who someone really is. If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children? What is something you’ve taught yourself lately? What are things that light you up? We are…
At Brand Fuel, we are questioning and addressing not only how we deal with local and global sustainability but also how our industry will deal with this in coming years; and what this means from our supply chain to our own company ethics, to our end-client needs and end-consumers expectations. In the same way that…
Marketing Your Online Store Merch Program Online merchandising for organizations is a growing trend. For retail and B2B. Unlikely companies are trying to hijack streetwear brands and become lifestyle brands by selling their logoed gear. You can buy Tesla shorts, Dunkin’ joggers, KFB crocs, McDonald’s chicken nugget pillows and a Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese Sweatsuit.…
Here are some of the things we learned along Pandemic Way. In business. In family (because nothing is more important). In Music (cause we love music!). In community (we love that too). BUSINESS Necessity is the mother of invention. New business models sprouting up like online tutoring and new job titles like “Virtual Events Manager”…
Reaching your WFH audience has never been more important. When Covid-19 blindsided the world (and the Branded Merchandise Industry), clients had to decide whether they wanted to try and stay in touch with their audience(s) during the uncertainty. But soon, as the pandemic stretched on, the question shifted from if to how. Thankfully, we were…
Have you noticed a new face staring at you, daring your organization to Be Brave on our NEW WEBSITE? She is Jenny Ramone, the younger, tougher sister of punk rock brothers, The Ramones. Well, she’s not really related to the band. She’s a fictitious construct. But Jenny does represent the spirit of The Ramones and…
In our newfangled internet age, anyone can get what they need with a search engine, a finger to click, and a credit card. Harder to experience is an intimate connection and a purchase with real heart. To discover a one-of-a-kind artisanal gift that stands out from the infinite scroll of commodities. With a craving for…
The promotional marketing industry has seen 3 defined eras. Era 1: From the time The Bill of Rights was ratified through ~1999. This was the golden age of printed catalogs with obvious pricing codes. There was a time when you had to search by microfiche to source foam stress relievers in the shape of an…
It started with the idea that giving is a gateway to great engagement. By marrying digital + physical marketing, what we call “PHYGITAL MARKETING,” and also by supporting nonprofits, PPAI – Promotional Products Association International recognized us with its highest honor – The Pyramid Award. And we are humbled. Here’s how this complex, but very rewarding,…
In our all-company meeting, there was consensus that Brand Fuel is an open, welcoming organization. And that we always try to do the right thing, especially when it is hard. Like most businesses, we can and should do better. We all agreed that we need to create a diversity program to attract top talent, create…
A year or so back, we realized that 8 of the 10 of us in the Virginia office lived in Virginia Beach….but our office was in Norfolk. Imagine the impact on our commutes, our nerves, and the environment if we could take our cars off the road and bank the extra time with family, exercising…