Spotlight On Stran
Meet the Stranimals
Stran is growing! This year we’ve welcomed some incredible new talent to the team, and we couldn’t be more excited about the fresh perspectives, passions, and personalities they’re bringing with them.
Want to get to know some of our newer teammates a little better?
Click the + below to meet them! 👇
Meet Dave
Dave Andrews joined the Stranimal Squad in April 2025, bringing with him years of industry experience working with well-known suppliers.
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Go-to fuel: A simple cup of Maxwell House with Hood Light Cream, always in a thermos to keep it hot.
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Favorite merch: Hard to choose just one!
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Everyday staple: the Best Buddy Tools® Beam Rechargeable Pocket COB Light (perfect for nightly dog walks).
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Creative favorites: fully customizable Tekweld booklets and pocket packs like lint sheets or Post-it Notes with full-color graphics.
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Dream swag: an Instax Mini Camera, Polaroid, or even a WiFi digital photo frame — thoughtful gifts that last.
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Why Stran: “Definitely the people.” After years of knowing the team, Dave says it feels like a place that truly gets it — always on trend and passionate about branding.
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Outside of work: Making music (piano + singing), riding his tractor like a giant Tonka toy, or out on his pontoon with friends, music, and a drink in hand.
Meet Jay
Jay McMahon joined the crew in January 2025 and hit the ground running at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, where he met up with the rest of our sales team.
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Go-to fuel: Coffee (hot or iced — depending on the day).
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Favorite merch: The Riddell Replica Football Helmets we recently produced for a client.
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Why Stran: Drawn by Stran’s strong reputation — but ultimately, it was the people who sealed the deal.
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Outside of work: Usually close by in Dorchester or up in the Merrimack Valley visiting family.
Product Picks:
Swag With Staying Power
This month’s product picks go beyond surprise-and-delight. They deliver real, lasting value for your audience, and long-term awareness for your brand.
On one side, you’ve got Deskplants: living gifts and recognition pieces that brighten workspaces and deliver sustainable, long-term value. On the other, a premium heavyweight hoodie made from organic cotton that’s so well made, it becomes a wardrobe staple from day one.
With two very different vibes, these items have one shared takeaway: the right swag builds a bond between your audience and your brand that sticks.
Click the + to see this month’s product picks! 👇
🌱 Deskplants
Plants are proven mood boosters and productivity enhancers, which makes them a perfect fit for branded merch. From low-maintenance desk succulents to custom moss-based awards and nameplates, Deskplants combine sustainability with style. They’re gifts that last, grow, and remind people of your brand every day.
👕 Original Favorites – Mineral Heavyweight Organic Hoodie
Not all hoodies are created equal. This heavyweight hoodie from Original Favorites is made from 500 gsm organic cotton French terry, giving it a structured, ultra-soft feel that’s built to last. Produced in a Fair Trade, windmill-powered, GOTS-certified facility, it’s the definition of premium apparel. With timeless style and durable quality, it’s the kind of piece people reach for day after day.
Industry News
LinkedIn Loves Swag
This summer, we launched our first influencer initiative with LinkedIn creators Christina Le and Ademola Adelakun. Their content highlighted the fun side of swag, but it also opened the floodgates for conversation about its impact.
The feedback confirmed what we’ve always known from experience; swag is a chance to show off your brand. And whether it's done well or planned poorly, people notice.
Want to see what people had to say? Click the + to find out! 👇
We knew Christina and Ademola would deliver high-quality content. What surprised us was the wave of feedback their posts generated.
Professionals from across industries weighed in with candid thoughts on how branded merch shapes experiences, strengthens brands, and sometimes misses the mark.
When Swag Works
- “I LOOOOOOOOVE SWAG. If I could just live in social media merch, I totally would. It's my favorite way to look professional and in the know without actually having to get dressed.” - Kate Meyers Emery
- “Intentional gift giving is where it’s at. The audience needs to feel like they’re part of your story… the shirts with a quip that made me chuckle are the ones I still wear to this day.” - Imelda Wistey
Swag as a Brand Statement
- “Proof that even the tiniest touchpoint can carry the whole brand.” - Stephanie Postles
- “If you’re going to do it, do it right… I love when our clients curate their swag — it makes a massive difference!” - Kieran DiEmidio
- “When done right, swag is more than just stuff. It’s a physical embodiment of the brand.” - James Colistra
When It Falls Flat
- “Most swag screams ‘we had leftover budget’ instead of ‘we thought about your experience.’” - Gregg Clunis
- "This...articulated how I feel every time I get swag. I’ve received paperweights before and I think I would have enjoyed probably literally anything else more 😅" - Amanda Jane Lee
Together, these insights reinforce our belief that swag isn’t just about giving stuff away; it’s about creating interactive experience that speak for your brand.
From The Blog
Is Your Swag Doing Its Job?
At its best, swag is a tool that inspires action. The right merch builds connection, sparks engagement, and creates impressions that last long after a campaign ends. But how do you know if your swag is doing its job?
Our latest blog breaks it down: from usefulness and quality to brand alignment, uniqueness, and presentation, we’re sharing the markers of merchandise that actually works.
If your swag isn’t checking these boxes, it’s a missed opportunity to make your brand unforgettable.
Check out the blog to learn more. 👇
