At Tactive, PCNA stands proudly as one of our trusted suppliers, delivering apparel and accessories that embody top-tier quality, affordability, sustainability, and punctuality. Eager to stay ahead of the curve? Our dedicated sales rep, Bridget Kress, spills the beans on all things PCNA. Get ready for some insider tips on upcoming trends – and what brands you need in your closet!
Bridget Kress
Field Sales Manager
I have been working with PCNA for the last four years as a Field Sales Manager covering all of IN and KY. I am fortunate that I am able to represent all of PCNA’s lines of business – Leeds, Trimark, Bullet, and custom Journalbooks.
Within my territory, I am able to work closely with my accounts on strategic initiatives to help drive sales with key end users. We have been able to build partnerships with our distributors by offering sales analysis and category spend data to help facilitate sales opportunities and action items.
Several days a week, I am out in the field attending a variety of meetings – presenting products to distributor’s sales teams, discussing sales through business reviews, AE 1:1 strategic meeting to uncover account opportunities, presenting to end-users with an account representative, and participating in end user shows. Every week is unique and different based on travel schedule and corporate initiatives, sales data analysis, program implementations, creating generation deck ideas for proactive sales activities, and attending product and brand trends presentations.
Brand trend presentations and product training is part of our learning and development which allows us to stay up to date with the latest trends in the marketplace. What are companies looking for, what brands have seen an uptick on social media, and most importantly the impact of sustainability. PCNA is the leading the change with social and environmental responsibilities by creating our ProudPath platform.
What is your favorite thing about working in the promotional products industry?
The promotional products industry is exciting to see how a simple product can be transformed into a powerful message or unique branding experience for a company to share. One imprinted drinkware item makes 1,400 lasting impressions – that is exciting and one of the best returns on investment for a company. Promotional products can make the difference for a new hire just starting their new job – a personalized jacket, notebook, or backpack says, “Welcome to the team”. Knowing I can help make a difference in an experience for someone or a company is an awesome feeling! Or products with an important logo that represents a personal connection such as a university creates community and pride for someone’s lasting memories. So many fulfilling examples of why the promotional products industry is exciting and continues to grow!
What promo and apparel trends are you excited about?
How could we not be more excited about the 40oz Tumbler trend! PCNA has recently partnered with Stanley: #StanleyTumbler has had over 10 Millions views on social media this has been an excited trend to experience. Not only is the 40oz tumbler the latest drinkware craze today, but for over 100 years the Stanley Brand has continued to fuse invention and originality through products that promote sustainability, hydration, and the enhancement of life outdoors.
The hottest selling Stanley items today
- 18/8 Recycled stainless steel; naturally BPA-free
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- FlowState™ 3-position lid with rotating cover for versatility: no splash straw quencher, open drink spout, or fully covered & close
- Silicone-sealed cover reduces spills
- Reusable straw included
- 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- Leakproof flip straw
- Easy-to-carry handle
- Built for Life™ lifetime warranty
- 12 HRS COLD / 2 DAYS ICED
Sustainable Options from PCNA
Looking ahead, I am really excited about more sustainable options from our retail partners – tentree and Stanley! tentree offers apparel and hard goods such as blankets with superior quality utilizing recycled polyester, TENCEL made from responsibly sourced wood pulp, and Fairtrade organic cotton. They pride themselves on offering on trend styles with comfort and planting ten trees for every single item sold.
Ten trees are planted to regenerate ecosystems, capture carbon and provide jobs in communities around the world. Year to date, tentree has planted 105M trees with a goal to plant 1 Billion trees by 2030. So excited to be on this journey with them representing their stylish products and doing good for those around us.
Check out the new Men’s Cloud Shell Puffer Jacket and the Women’s Cloud Shell Puffer Jacket along with the tentree Organic Cotton Ocean Breeze Throw. Lastly, our top-selling tentree space dye full zip hoodie is available in both men’s and women’s, and the fabric is soft and warm perfect for the Fall and Winter!
The need for sustainable options gets increasing more prominent as companies establish social and environmental initiatives. At PCNA we have increased our sustainable product offering across all price points and partnered with brands such as tentree, Klean Kanteen, and Camelbak to name a few. PCNA donates 1% of sales from all Proudpath products to one of four non-profit partners, each of whom is working to protect or restore nature. To date, we have donated $940k – OneTreePlanted and 40,842 trees planted through Veritree. PCNA is using more abundant natural resources such as bamboo, one of our most popular tech items is the Plank power bank Plank Wireless Power Bank, the Bamboo fiber lunch box with the option to laser the bamboo lid – Bamboo Fiber Lunch Box, and several totes utilizing pre-consumer recycled cotton – Repose 10oz Recycled Cotton Boat Tote is one of my personal favorites!
Thanks for sharing, Bridget!
Don’t forget to check out our favorite new & noteworthy items from PCNA by following us (@heytactive) on all your favorite social media platforms. Like something you see? Let us help you bring your next project to (real) life with PCNA! Give us a ring and one of our team members will help you get started today.