🎉 Important Announcement: Same Great Content, New Name!

Welcome to what was formerly known as "Happy Office Hours"—now The Print-on-Demand Newsletter! This evolution marks an exciting new chapter while staying true to our roots in creating exceptional company cultures.

Why the change? After attending the first-ever Print-on-Demand conference in Arizona, we recognized the powerful intersection between POD solutions and thriving company cultures. As our CEO, Ross Greenstein (affectionately dubbed "The POD Guy" by industry peers) shared with attendees, branded merchandise and customized workplace solutions have become essential tools for building team cohesion and expressing company values.

What does this mean for you? Our newsletter will continue delivering the same weekly wisdom that 2,500+ industry leaders from the world's most innovative companies rely on. You'll still receive valuable tips to make your office happier and your company culture the envy of your industry—now enhanced with insights on how Print-on-Demand solutions can strengthen your organizational identity.

What is Print-on-Demand? It's a process where branded products—from company swag to office decor—are created only after they're ordered, eliminating waste and inventory costs while allowing for personalization that reflects your unique culture.

We're excited to continue serving as your trusted resource for both workplace excellence and innovative ways to express your company's personality through customized products.

Curious about implementing POD solutions in your organization? Simply reply with "POD" or click here to schedule a quick 15-minute chat with our team.

A Dash of Industry Insights

Industry Headlines, Insights, Data, & Events

📉 Stock Market Correction: Wall Street has tumbled 10% below its record high, marking its first 'correction' since 2023. The significant downturn reflects growing investor anxiety amid intensifying global trade tensions and economic uncertainties. Market analysts are closely monitoring these developments as businesses prepare for potential ripple effects.

👩 Women's History Month: March has transformed workplaces nationwide with powerful conversations about gender equity and women's achievements, particularly around International Women's Day on March 8. Organizations are using this month to launch new initiatives addressing the persistent gender pay gap, highlighted by Equal Pay Day on March 25. These observances are catalyzing meaningful policy reviews and leadership development programs aimed at creating more inclusive workplace cultures. How are you celebrating Women’s History Month?

⚖️ New Retirement Auto-Enrollment Rule Takes Effect: HR departments are racing to implement systems for the SECURE 2.0 Act's mandatory 401(k) auto-enrollment requirement. The law requires businesses with 10+ employees to automatically enroll eligible workers into new retirement plans with at least 3% contribution and annual increases, though employees retain the right to opt-out. This significant shift in retirement policy aims to boost savings rates across the workforce.

🎪 South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025: The influential tech, music, and culture festival has once again drawn thousands of innovators and creatives to Austin. Whether you attended virtually or in person, we'd love to hear about your most valuable takeaways from this year's experience. Share your SXSW insights with us to potentially be featured in our next newsletter issue.

🎨 Newsletter Rebrand: We're thrilled to announce our evolution from "Happy Office Hours" to "The Print-on-Demand Newsletter." This rebrand reflects our commitment to becoming your go-to resource for all things Print-on-Demand, providing deeper industry insights and practical guidance.

Words of Wisdom

The Game-Changing Mindset: Dan Sullivan’s “Who Not How”

Meet Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan is the founder and president of Strategic Coach®, the leading entrepreneurial coaching program in the world. For over 40 years, he's helped more than 20,000 entrepreneurs achieve greater success, freedom, and happiness in both their business and personal lives. His groundbreaking concepts and tools have influenced countless business leaders to exponentially increase their results while simplifying their lives.

5 Big Ideas from "Who Not How"

1. The Freedom Multiplier: Find the right "Who" instead of figuring out "How" yourself. This multiplies your freedom to focus on what you do best, creating exponential rather than incremental results.

2. The Four Freedoms: Sullivan outlines Freedom of Time, Money, Relationship, and Purpose. Each builds upon the previous one. Finding the right "Whos" helps achieve all four.

3. Procrastination as Wisdom: When you procrastinate, it's often a signal you're not the right person for the task. Instead of forcing yourself to figure out "how," find a "Who" who excels at it.

4. Results vs. Methods: Focus on what you want (results), not how to get there (methods). Find someone who already knows how to achieve it, bypassing the learning curve entirely.

5. Unique Ability® Teamwork: Build teams around each person's Unique Ability® - their combination of skill, passion, and potential. This creates greater value and satisfaction than connections based on convenience.

The Impact

The "Who Not How" philosophy extends beyond business strategy—it's a fundamental shift in approaching challenges in all areas of life. By identifying the right people for the right tasks, organizations discover untapped potential as team members focus on their strengths.

Consider how this mindset might transform your approach to challenges. Where might finding the right "who" create better results with less friction than struggling to figure out "how"? This simple shift could unlock your team's next level of performance and satisfaction.

The HR Corner

The Impact of Employee Birthday Recognition Programs

Birthday recognition transforms an annual milestone into a powerful culture-building moment, creating personal connections that last all year long. Here's why it matters:

• Personal milestones create deeper emotional connections to your organization, fostering a sense of belonging beyond the professional relationship

• Individual recognition reinforces each employee's unique value within the team, acknowledging their personhood beyond their job description

• Consistent celebration builds a culture of appreciation that spreads to other interactions, creating a positive workplace environment

• Automated recognition ensures no one feels forgotten, eliminating the disappointment that comes when important personal moments are overlooked

• Choice in gifts shows trust and respect for individual preferences, demonstrating that you understand employees’ have diverse tastes and interests

The Data:

• Employees expect a company to spend roughly $60 on their birthday gift.

• 67% report they would prefer their birthday moments to be done through private acknowledgment such as a personal message, card, or gift, versus a company-wide announcement or celebration.

• Job search activities jump 12% before employees’ birthdays. By celebrating employees’ birthdays, it can reduce employee turnover.

• A personal message from direct managers had 3x more engagement than generic team announcements.

👉 Want exclusive access to the Brand Sauce Birthday Recognition Playbook? Respond to this email with “Birthday” and we’ll get you set up with $250 in free store credits to sample products for your POD company store.

Weekly Spotlight

Supplier Spotlight: MWW ON Demand

Meet MWW On Demand: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

This week, we're excited to spotlight MWW On Demand, an exceptional partner that embodies American manufacturing excellence. Founded in 1932 as Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, this family-owned company has evolved from humble beginnings in the mountains of western North Carolina to become one of the most advanced print-on-demand operations in the world.

What makes MWW truly unique is their remarkable ability to handle the entire manufacturing process under one roof - from a single thread to finished product to distribution. With over 1 million square feet of manufacturing and distribution space, they represent a rare breed of fully integrated American manufacturers that combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

Now in its third generation of family ownership, MWW On Demand has maintained their commitment to quality while revolutionizing the print-on-demand industry through continuous innovation and investment in advanced technologies.

Behind the Scenes: Our CTO's Tour of North Carolina Facilities

Last week, our CTO Jason had the opportunity to tour MWW On Demand's impressive facilities in North Carolina. Big-shout out to Richard Nadel for making this happen! What Jason discovered was nothing short of remarkable.

The scale of their operation is incredible, according to Jason. Their Hendersonville facility houses over 65 looms alongside the most advanced printing technologies he's seen. But what truly stands out is how they've maintained their craftsmanship roots while embracing automation and efficiency.

During his tour, Jason witnessed their end-to-end capabilities firsthand - from their thread facility in Spindale to their cutting-edge direct-to-fabric printing operations to their massive automated distribution center. The company's ability to turn around custom orders in just 5 days while maintaining exceptional quality speaks volumes.

Their seamless process allows them to ship up to 75,000 units daily without compromising on quality or personalization.

🔦 Product Spotlight

MWW On Demand offers more than 70 customizable product categories that can transform your branded merchandise strategy: Apparel, accessories, home decor, wall art, and our favorite - pet accessories. You can view their entire product catalog here.

What sets MWW apart is their zero-inventory model that eliminates minimum order quantities. This allows you to offer premium, American-made products to your clients without the risks typically associated with traditional manufacturing.

🤝 Partner with MWW

Looking to enhance your merchandise offerings with sustainable, domestically produced items? We're excited to help you leverage MWW On Demand's exceptional capabilities for your next project. Contact your Brand Sauce representative to learn how these premium products can elevate your brand experience.

🎉 Weekly Giveaway

Email us "Pet Bed" and we are going to pick one lucky winner to receive a free pet bed with your company logo on it.

Weekend Update

Around the Water Cooler With Ross aka The P.O.D. Guy

To All the Stepparents Reading This…

Being a stepparent isn’t easy—I know that firsthand. If you’re one, you probably do too. We share the same emotions, the same challenges, and sometimes, the same awkward moments. And if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here. Finding other stepparents who truly understand can be tough, but we need each other.

Last week, Kinsley had STEAM Day at school—a day when all the dads get to come in and participate. Her dad travels three weeks out of every month, so more often than not, I’m the “dad” in her daily life. I love Kinsley and her sister, Ryleigh, deeply. But stepping into this role isn’t always straightforward.

If you’re a stepparent, you’ve probably had this moment a million times: You introduce yourself, and someone says, “Oh, you’re Kinsley’s dad! My son talks about her all the time,” or “We love Kinsley—your daughter is amazing!” And right there, in that split second, you have a choice: Do you just go with it, or do you correct them and make things... well, awkward?

For me, it’s even trickier. I’ve had this same conversation at least 100 times in the past three years, but here’s the thing—I’m not officially Kinsley’s stepdad yet. Madison and I aren’t married. So in the beginning, the explanation was even more complicated: “I’m not Kinsley’s dad, I’m her mom’s boyfriend.” Talk about uncomfortable introductions.

Then there’s the little things, like at the park when all the kids yell “Dad” or “Daddy,” and my girls just call me “Rossy.” I know some adults do a double-take. I don’t exactly look like a babysitter.

But honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing. I love being in their lives—whether as a stepdad or, for now, as “Mom’s boyfriend.”

If you’re a stepparent, I’d love to hear from you. Reply to this email, and let’s share these moments together—the awkward, the hilarious, and the heartwarming.

And if you’re not a stepparent? Just know that when you meet one, those first few years can feel like uncharted waters. A little understanding goes a long way.

© 2025 On Demand Global, LLC, DBA Brand Sauce