Bill Petrie - Writer, Speaker, Entrepreneur

09/04/2026

Coming in hot as we head into Labor Day weekend, you know it's time for Ep. 86 of the Between 2 Brands ! In this week's Opening Shot, I share what led to my appointment to the PPAI Board as well as the people honored to represent. Afterward, I am joined by the President and CEO of ASI, Ashish Mittal, to talk about his transition to the promotional products industry, how he sees technology shaping our collective branded merchandise future, hosting The Counselor Awards, and even his favorite piece of branded merchandise. I have a feeling you’ll really enjoy the conversation and getting to know Ashish.

BIG thanks to our pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you're ready to be the partner your clients want – one that delivers unique, custom, and bespoke branded merch designed exclusively for them – reach out to Russ and his team at [email protected].

BIG thanks to our pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you're ready to be the partner your clients want – one that delivers unique, custom, and bespoke branded merch designed exclusively for them – reach out to Russ and his team at [email protected] i...

09/02/2026

In all my years of speaking, I’ve learned that the best lessons don't come from standing on a stage. They come from sitting in the audience, asking better questions, and paying closer attention to the world around us. In this week's , I share why I’m intentionally stepping away from the industry speaking circuit for a year, and why I believe that it will ultimately make me a better speaker.

Before we have something worth saying, we have to live something worth experiencing. After I delivered my presentation at PPAI Expo in Las Vegas earlier this year, I made a private decision that will likely surprise more than a few people. For the first time in many years, I won't be speaking at mos...

08/28/2026

It’s Friday and time for Ep. 85 of the Between 2 Brands ! In the Opening Shot, I reflect on a very tough week as I share some thoughts on the passing of both Rob Watson and Dolly Parton – and the one thing that truly binds them together. After that, I welcome retired industry legend, Mark Shinn. In a wide-ranging discussion, we talk about his past life running a multi-line firm, what retirement looks like, the meaning of volunteerism, why donating to PPEF matters, and even a bit of Washington Huskies and Texas A&M Football talk!

HUGE Thanks to our friends over at BEL Promo for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re looking for the lowest minimums, deepest inventory, 5-star and A+ service – you know you can BEL Promo that!

HUGE Thanks to our friends over at BEL Promo for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re looking for the lowest minimums, deepest inventory, 5-star and A+ service – you know you can BEL Promo that!It’s Friday and time for Ep. 85 of the Between 2 Brands with your host, Bill Petrie....

08/26/2026

Sometimes growth doesn't come from finding better answers as much as it comes from asking better questions. In this week's , I reflect on a lesson inspired by the band Rush and why I’m trying to ask myself one question more often: What if I'm wrong?

Sometimes the greatest growth begins with a simple question: "What if I'm wrong?"or years, I appreciated the band Rush far more than I actually enjoyed them. That probably sounds strange coming from someone who loves music as much as I do, but it's true. I respected the band's incredible musicianshi...

08/21/2026

We are firmly in the dog days of summer, but it’s Friday and that means it’s time for an oven-fresh episode of the Between 2 Brands . To get Ep. 84 rolling, I talk about the potential renaming of PPAI and share my candid thoughts about what it might mean for the industry – in other words, it’s another “Billatorial.” Afterwards, I am joined by the Vice President of Sales of StickerYou, Rich Corvalan. We take a deep dive into the importance of relationships in a technology-driven era, the value of a support system when facing a health crisis, and even a look into the future of the industry using a branded crystal ball.

This episode of Between Two Brands has been brought to you by the good people at CoasterStone – home of the original absorbent stone coaster. With that combination of stone-cold quality, striking decoration, low cost-per-impression, retail packaging, and unmatched value, David Glenn and his team at CoasterStone are ready to help you make a ROCK-SOLID impression with your clients. Email them at [email protected] today!

This episode of Between Two Brands has been brought to you by the good people at CoasterStone – home of the original absorbent stone coaster. With that combination of stone-cold quality, striking decoration, low cost-per-impression, retail packaging, and unmatched value, David Glenn and his team a...

08/19/2026

When finalizing a Promocations event, I heard this phrase from one of our attendees: “No response is my response.” While the words stuck with me, what it revealed about assumptions, communication, and the hidden work we unknowingly create for others hit even harder. In my latest , I reflect on why silence often shifts the communication responsibility to someone else.

The burden of uncertainty usually falls on someone else.Most days, I have difficulty remembering where I left my keys or, even worse, what I was going to do when I walk into the kitchen. I suppose that's simply part of aging, that slight forgetfulness. However, every once in a while, someone says so...

08/14/2026

Heck yes, it’s time for Ep. 83 of the Between 2 Brands ! In today’s “opening shot,” I share my experience at the ASI Counselor Awards in Chicago and the importance of recognizing the individuals and companies that were honored. After that, I’m joined by the fabulous Maria Corpuz, founder and owner of Bel Merch. During a fascinating conversation we discussed how her background in slinging tour merch helped shape her views on the industry, the inspiration behind her company name, why distributors should be scheduling activations now, and even a deep discussion on the greatness that is Arrested Development. Trust me, this is one episode you do not want to miss!

HUGE thanks to our pals over at SHEPENCO for sponsoring this fine broadcast. For 90 years – and four generations of family ownership – they have defined stability by caring about the success of their distributor partners. Head over to shepenco.com to start your next project today!

HUGE thanks to our pals over at SHEPENCO for sponsoring this fine broadcast. For 90 years – and four generations of family ownership – they have defined stability by caring about the success of their distributor partners. Head over to shepenco.com to start your next project today!Heck yes, it’...

08/12/2026

Every so often, you come across a sentence that refuses to leave your brain. For me, it was “the more we pause, the more we progress.” In this week’s , I reflect on slowing down just long enough to think, listen, and notice what I’ve been too busy to see.

Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs happen when we stop chasing them.Sometimes, a phrase or sentence just sticks with you. It doesn't matter where you heard it or who wrote it. It settles in your mind and tends to resurface when you least expect it. That's exactly what happened to me with a line f...

08/07/2026

You know it’s time for Ep. 82 of the Between 2 Brands ! In this week’s Opening Shot, I bring back a highly anticipated edition of “industry quick hits,” including two folks partnering to do some wonderful things for earthquake victims in Venezuela. Then I am joined by the owner of CoasterStone | Buttons Galore, Mr. David Glenn. During our conversation we talk about trends in branded merchandise, a framework for evaluating acquisitions, and being intentional about creating opportunities for people with differing abilities. It’s an honest, candid conversation and one I know you’ll enjoy.

BIG thanks to our pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re ready to be the partner your clients want – one that delivers unique, custom, and bespoke branded merch designed exclusively for them – reach out to Russ and his team at [email protected].

BIG thanks to our pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you’re ready to be the partner your clients want – one that delivers unique, custom, and bespoke branded merch designed exclusively for them – reach out to Russ and his team at [email protected] kn...

08/05/2026

For years, I believed the best way to succeed was to tell people what they wanted to hear. In this week's , I share the career-changing lesson that taught me the most important sale I’ll ever make is the one I made to myself.