Episode 342: Exploring Asia with Dave and Mark (Factory Tours, Hong Kong Gift Fair, and PromoCares)

What does the promo industry look like from the inside out? We mean: All the way to the source, from manufacturing in Asia to delivered product to clients.
In this episode of the skucast, we’re getting a peek behind the scenes as we take a promo tour through Asia with Dave Shultz, commonsku’s VP of Supplier Partnerships and and Mark Graham, commonsku’s President and Chief Brand officer!
The two industry veterans partnered with PromoCares and Hit Promotional Products to journey to Asia which included:
- Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair: For two industry veterans, experiencing this grand event for the first time was akin to being kids in a candy store. The visit set the stage for robust discussions around issues such as tariffs and the ever-evolving supply chain dynamics.
- Into the Heart of Production: Dave and Mark also took their exploration a step further by visiting factories in both Hong Kong and Vietnam. One factory, in particular, caught their attention due to its sustainable operations—transforming discarded plastic into nonwoven tote bags. This visit opened a window to the sheer scale and sophistication of Asian manufacturing and provided hope for sustainable practices within the industry.
- PromoCares + Water for Good = A Splash of Humanity: Their journey also extended beyond factories to impactful efforts through PromoCares with Planet Water Foundation’s “Water for Good” initiative. Hosted by HIT Promotional Products, Dave and Mark participated in the construction of a water tower at a school outside Hanoi. This on-ground work highlighted the importance of giving back and investing in communities that are crucial to the supply chain.
Biggest take-away? A supply chain lesson in resilience and opportunity. Despite challenges like tariffs and supply chain disruptions, there is optimism and adaptability. Dave and Mark's Asian tour reinforced their conviction that the industry constantly turns challenges into opportunities, particularly as suppliers navigate shifting global dynamics and distributors look to educate their clients about the solidity of the supply chain.
Tune into our peek behind the scenes in Asia!