News, Nuggets, and What’s Worth Knowing

🧂 A Dash of Industry Insights

🎓 National Intern Day: The benchmark for intern offer acceptance hovers around 75%, meaning most interns want to stay. But they only do if they feel seen and valued. With National Intern Day this Wednesday (July 24), you’ve got the perfect excuse to show appreciation and lock in tomorrow’s talent today. How are you making your interns feel like they belong?

🎉 Giveaway Winner Alert: Shout-out to Dana Knops for winning the custom LED sign by Rupt! Missed out last week? No sweat, we have another fresh giveaway below!

📧 Productivity Alert: The average employee checks email or Slack every 6 minutes, and 1 in 3 can’t go more than 3 minutes without checking in. That “quick ping” might be killing your team's best ideas. Read more here.

🚨 New tariffs are coming August 1st: with rates as high as 50% on goods from Canada, Vietnam, China, and more. If you’re planning merch orders, reach out now so we can help you source smart and stay ahead of rising costs.

👾 Fun fact: 74% of employers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage, and the most innovative. Want to win them over? Start with real communication, ethical leadership, and a culture that aligns with their values. Read more here.

Behind the Scenes of Brand Sauce

🇺🇸 Swag Spotlight: Made in the USA

Looking to boost culture with American-made gear that packs both pride and practicality? This month’s Hot Sauce drop is all about premium, customizable products made right here in the USA. Whether you’re recognizing employees, welcoming new hires, or upgrading your event giveaways, these picks deliver purpose with every piece.

Explore the full 15-product lineup, from recycled canvas totes to fanny packs that don’t suck. Each piece includes decoration and ships fast from the States. Download below:

👉 Want your own USA-made collection? Reply with “USA” and we’ll help you build a collection tailored to your brand, budget, and goals.

Lights, Camera, Action

🎥 Ross's Video of the Week

What if your morning routine is quietly wrecking your health? In this Diary of a CEO episode, Dr. Roger Seheult breaks down the science behind sunlight, dopamine, caffeine, and sleep including why just 2 minutes of morning sun can boost dopamine by 250%. It’s packed with longevity tips, biohacks, and surprising truths about how modern life may be draining your brain, energy, and immune system.

One of the best episodes I’ve listened to on health and wellness in a long time.

👉 Watch the full episode

Weekly Vendor Spotlight

 🤝 Meet Saints Classical Academy

Saints Classical Academy is a Christ-centered homeschool tutorial in Tennessee, committed to reviving education that shapes both the mind and soul. Rooted in the classical tradition and inspired by Charlotte Mason, they’re raising up a generation of curious, courageous, and Christ-loving students who delight in truth, beauty, and goodness.

From grammar to rhetoric, math to nature study, every subject at Saints is taught through a Biblical lens, emphasizing not just what to think, but how to think. Their model partners with parents, treats students as whole persons, and forms character, not just intellect. Its formation over information, always.

Our Collaboration

Saints Classical came to Brand Sauce looking for a way to extend their culture beyond the classroom and into homes, church halls, and the broader homeschool community.

Here’s what makes their store special:

• Thoughtfully curated gifts that reflect the school’s mission

• No inventory or bulk orders required

• Seamless experience for families, staff, and supporters

• Only pay when someone orders

Whether it’s for new student welcome gifts, parent appreciation, or fundraising efforts, Saints now has a beautiful, low-lift way to build community and embody their brand.

🙌 Want to Learn More?

Visit saintsclassical.com or email us at [email protected] for an intro to their amazing team. Trust us, they’re building something eternal.

Weekly Giveaway

🪴Giveaway Alert: Desk Plants

Not all swag has to be worn. Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the ones that grow and give back.

This week, we’re teaming up with Desk Plants, a sustainable promo company that's redefining what swag can be. Not only do their low-maintenance plants spark joy, they’re also actively doing good: just last week, their founder Lawrence Hanley helped deliver over 2,000 donated items to support disaster recovery efforts in Kerr County, TX. 🌱❤️

👉 Want to win a desk plant of your own? We’re giving away a few this week! Reply to this email with “PLANT ME” and you’ll be entered. The winners will be announced next week.

Weekend Update

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

I Hit Rock Bottom

They say if you write something down and share it publicly, it forces you to face it. So here I am, writing this in public: I have to change.

I’ve been to the hospital twice this year. There were other times I probably should’ve gone but didn’t. I convinced myself I could tough it out. That it would pass. That I was fine.

I’m not fine.

I have Gilbert’s syndrome. I don’t have a gallbladder. I’m dehydrated, stressed, and stretched thin running a company and raising four kids. And the truth is, I’ve ignored the warning signs for too long.

It’s taken me hitting rock bottom to finally admit: the way I’m living, especially how I’m eating, is hurting me. And if I don’t change now, I’m going to keep ending up in the hospital. Or worse.

I hate writing this. I hate needing help. I hate feeling like I’ve failed my body. But I’m doing this for a reason. I’m doing it for my kids. They need to see that change is possible, that owning your mistakes and facing your demons is strength, not weakness.

So I’m done playing games with my health.

• I’ll plan my meals.

• I’ll stop grabbing bites of the kids’ food just because it’s easy.

• I’ll eat smaller meals, drink more water, and listen to my body.

• I’ll put myself on the list, not last, not later. Now.

This won’t be easy. But this isn’t the hardest thing I’ve faced. Not even close.

To everyone who’s supported me, who’s checked in, who’s offered help, thank you. I see you. I need you.

Here’s to doing better. Not for a hashtag or a headline. Just for the people I love. And for me.

Change is coming. I mean it this time.

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