News, Nuggets, and What’s Worth Knowing

🧂 A Dash of Industry Insights

📈 Swag Means Business: The corporate gifting market is on fire, now valued at $839B and projected to hit $1.15T by 2028. Yes, trillion. Read more here.

👕 Fun Fact: 75% of people are more likely to buy from a brand that gave them a promo item vs. a brand they know just as well that didn’t. Sometimes, a great hoodie is the strategy.

💬 Quote of the Week: “Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first” - Simon Sinek

🎉 Giveaway Winner Alert: Shoutout to Jessica Morris! She took home last week’s prize, a custom Vineyard Vines Collegiate Shep Shirt. Missed out? Don’t worry. There’s another fresh giveaway below 👀

🚀 The Brand Sauce Origin Story: We get this question a lot, “So, how’d Brand Sauce actually start?” Here’s the quick version. No fluff. Just the real story.

Lights, Camera, Action

🎥 Ross's Video of the Week

Just watched a spicy debate between Scott Galloway and Rory Sutherland on Uncensored CMO. A few standout topics:

1. How wealth distribution affects different socioeconomic classes

2. Why some of the best brands barely advertise

3. Whether brand still matters in the algorithm era

Galloway says utility wins. Sutherland argues for emotional trust. I think there’s truth in both…curious what you think.

Podcast Coming Soon

💙 The HR Corner

What Makes People Actually Love Their Jobs?

Ever met someone who really loves what they do? No Sunday Scaries, no counting down the clock?

We’re launching a bite-sized podcast to unpack why. Real stories. Real people. Real insight into what makes work feel… worth it.

🎙 We want your input:

• Is it purpose?

• A great manager?

• Growth opportunities?

• Clear boundaries and balance?

• All of the above?

Ways to get involved:

1️⃣ Know someone who lights up when talking about their work? Nominate them.
2️⃣ Is that you? Tell us your story.
3️⃣ Got a hot take on what separates “just a job” from a fulfilling career? Hit reply.

Let’s flip the script on burnout culture.

Weekly Client Spotlight

PDS Optical

This week, we’re giving a special shoutout to our longtime partners at PDS Optical.

They’ve built an incredible company swag store and holiday gifting store with us, but what we love most is how they serve those who served.

🤝 Meet PDS

PDS Optical is on a mission to deliver exceptional vision care to Veterans—pairing top-tier eyewear with a deep-rooted commitment to service.

🇺🇸 The Impact

Guided by the values of Pride, Dignity, and Service, they go far beyond eyewear. PDS partners with programs like Honor Flight to sponsor meaningful trips for Veterans to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. creating unforgettable moments to honor those who’ve served.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire PDS Optical team. We're proud to work alongside you and grateful for the impact you continue to make.

🤝 Partner with PDS

Interested in learning more about PDS Optical? We'd be happy to make an introduction, reach out to [email protected]

🚀 Join the PDS Team

Ready to work for a company that puts Veterans first and leads with purpose? Explore job opportunities here.

Weekly Giveaway

🎁 Win a $50 Brand Sauce Shopping Spree!

This week’s prize is brought to you by our newest eco friendly collection. We’re giving away a gift card to purchase anything from our company store.

❗️To enter: Just reply to this email and tell us your favorite clothing brand by Friday, May 23. That’s it.

Weekend Update

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

A Special Day at the Jogathon

Yesterday, Bo and Maxine participated in their school’s annual jogathon, an event that’s become more than just a fundraiser. For the past few years, the students have dedicated their efforts to supporting Honor Flight, an incredible organization that honors our nation’s Veterans.

Each year, about 20 Veterans attend the event to cheer on the kids and share their stories. It’s a powerful experience for the students to hear firsthand accounts of service and sacrifice and to connect with those who shaped our history.

This year, two of the Veterans who came were Andre, age 100, and Walt, age 101. Both took time to speak with the children, encouraging them and reminding them that they are the future of America. Walt even told Maxine she could grow up to be President of the United States.

I’m incredibly grateful to the school for creating this opportunity for students to meet these heroes and learn about the wars they served in. It's moments like these that leave a lasting impression.

If you’d like to learn more about the inspiring work Honor Flight does, click here.

One final note—it's pretty amazing to see both my kids’ school and one of our Brand Sauce clients, PDS Optical, supporting the same incredible organization. Proud to be part of a community that values honor, service, and connection.

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