Padlon

• Delivering AWS and Azure Security solutions.
• Built team for designing and implementing secure infrastructures, security controls, and policies for data security risk management.
• Designed and marketed Cyber Assure 360 product delivering GRC solutions for the middle market.
• Conducted network, server, and workstation audits to assess client network and server architecture security.
• Assessed Salesforce vulnerability and conducted penetration tests to ensure data protection.

President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO, Business Development, Advisory, Compliance)

Cyber Secure Ventures

Senior Advisor and Operating Partner

Eilat Partners

• Led investment committee in making informed decisions, aligning with Eilat Partners' objectives.
• Actively monitored portfolio companies, driving growth, innovation, and profitability.
• Secured capital commitments from investors, ensuring financial support for Eilat Partners' activities.

Managing Partner & Co-Founder

Glilot Capital Partners

* Support the seed and early stage funding of Glilot Partners.
* Work with leadership and advise on growth potential for the fund.
* Assist with identifying partnerships for the portfolio.
* Provide expertise in cyber security market trends.

Venture Advisor

ECPI University

Provide instruction for students in Network Security, Cloud Computing, and Virtualization

Adjunct Faculty

Truist

Cloud Security Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive cloud security strategy aligned with the Truist's objectives, focusing on the secure adoption of cloud technologies and services.
	Cyber Defense Architecture: Ensure Cloud platforms are included in Truist's advanced cyber defense solutions, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, security incident and event management (SIEM), and threat intelligence platforms.

SVP, Cloud Security, Cyber Defense

SVP, Head of Cloud Operations

GVP, Head of Cloud Security Management

Group Vice President, Head of Cloud Security Advisory

Eve Air Mobility

Present analysis related to real cases of the current market where an OEM is competing with its potential customers 
Developed and proposed three alternative business models, considering a partnership between EVE and an actual Fleet Operator, or alternative operating models and associated multi-year revenue models
Provide a market analysis and conclusion about risks, SWOT, advantages and disadvantages for entry into the UAM market.

Market Entry/Business Model Consultant

Perfect Commerce

100M provider of SaaS procurement and sourcing software to government and Fortune 100 clients.

Recruited by CEO and CTO to lead global integration after acquisition of French company Hubwoo that doubled company portfolio, and to support Hubwoo return to profitability after 4 consecutive years of losses. Integration included legacy IT systems, product portfolios, data centers, and support processes.

Managed team of 50 including PMO, European, US, and APAC directors, and database managers. Directed service delivery for SaaS Fortune 100 clients, including Microsoft, ING, and Grainger; managed and enhanced customer service standards, security audits, performance trends, software development process, and service delivery.
•	Merged IT departments of Perfect Commerce and acquisitions Hubwoo and Conex, cutting operational costs by 50% in 12 months, and improving global business support, product development, and service delivery.
•	Led Project Management team with 5 Agile Scrum Masters each leading multiple development teams, increasing development speed, and reducing quality problems and deployment-related errors.
•	Supported profitable acquisition and integration, leading to Perfect Commerce purchase by ProActis for $132.5M in 2017.

Global Vice President/CISO (M&A, Consolidation, Integration, SaaS, Security, Compliance)

University of Maryland University College

Adjunct Assistant Professor for Cyber Security

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Division of L-3 Communications; leading provider of cybersecurity, intelligence, and enterprise IT solutions. 

Promoted to lead national technology development after initial recruitment as senior IT architect. Directed team of 100 across information security, service desk, high-performance computing, and network operations functions, with $100M+ budget.
•	Managed all IT operations for headquarters and regional offices; won award for completing projects on time and within budget.
•	Network Services Support Manager and Senior Architect for USNRC 24/7 Network Operations Center and consolidated testing facility in support of USNRC network and infrastructure systems. Managed Citrix remote desktop farm supporting 1800 remote users.

Chief Technology Officer (cybersecurity, intelligence, enterprise solutions, federal government)

As a senior IT and cybersecurity executive, I have built a career specializing in tier 1 consulting opportunities, particularly in compliance auditing, regulatory risk management, and cybersecurity operations and governance. Recognizing the need to enhance my strategic and management impact, I proactively obtained my MBA from Georgetown University to complement my deep technical expertise with business acumen, allowing me to develop scalable, “as-a-service” models that position compliance as a continuous strategic function rather than a one-time obligation.

With deep expertise spanning AI, process automation, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), data analytics, and data lake architectures, I help organizations navigate complex regulatory environments while leveraging emerging technologies to enhance cybersecurity resilience and digital transformation initiatives. My decades-long client relationships are a testament to the quantitative and qualitative value I provide—helping businesses meet compliance requirements, fortify their security posture, and drive operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

As a thought leader and deep subject-matter expert, I have advised boards, C-suite executives, and private equity firms, translating cybersecurity risk into business-driven strategies that fuel sustainable growth. In addition to my executive leadership, I have taught at two universities, a role that has sharpened my ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights—a skill equally valuable in consulting, where education, trust, and strategic guidance are critical to long-term success. By fostering strategic partnerships, optimizing sales processes, and championing cutting-edge security strategies, I enable organizations to scale securely, maintain regulatory integrity, and drive business value in an evolving cyber threat landscape.

I hold an MBA from Georgetown University, an MS in Information Technology, and a spectrum of esteemed certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, Associate C|CISO and PMP. I am also a speaker, board member, and venture advisor, passionately fostering innovation and collaborative initiatives within the IT and security landscape.

Jon Sargent, MBA

🤝 I'm Jada, specializing in custom promotional apparel and products for Houston corporations, driving brand visibility and engagement through tailored solutions.
 
With over a decade at Sysco, I earned multiple awards as a District Sales Manager and served as Director of Category Management. I led a team managing $𝟮𝟮𝟰𝗠 𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 and oversaw 𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿k, including the six largest national food brokerages.

Now, as a mompreneur, I combine my corporate acumen with a passion for creativity, offering bespoke solutions that meet the unique needs of my corporate clients.

👉 We specialize in custom-designed apparel, embroidery, brand design, and promotional products, all tailored to help Houston corporations stand out in today's competitive market. 

My commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensures that our clients receive high-quality products and exceptional service, every time.

👫In addition to my startup, I'm a dedicated cheer mom, sports mom, and dog mama to two lovely doggies. 

Balancing these roles has taught me the importance of organization, perseverance, and dedication—qualities I bring to every client project. 

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗜 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗬𝗢𝗨

I work with companies in the 𝗢𝗶𝗹, 𝗚𝗮𝘀, 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 sectors to enhance their brands through premium promotional apparel and products. 

We understand the demanding environments and specific branding needs of these industries. 

Whether it's outfitting your team with durable, branded workwear or creating memorable promotional items for industry events, my solutions help reinforce your brand's strength and professionalism.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗗𝗢 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨

My journey from corporate sales to mompreneurship has been driven by a desire to combine professional expertise with personal passion. 

We believe in the power of strong branding to make a lasting impact.

Our team is dedicated to helping your business stand out with high-quality, custom solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Join me in transforming your brand vision into reality with 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 that truly make an impact. 

Your success is our priority, and we're committed to exceeding your expectations with every project.

Together, we can create a brand experience that not only captures attention but also builds lasting connections.

📩 Contact us today to discover how our custom promotional products and apparel solutions can enhance your brand.

Jada Powell

#redmonday

Same people, same speeches, same awkward conversations that never lead anywhere.

This Thursday, change things up.

redM Join The Movement Networking and Information Session isn’t your average Houston meetup.

Thursday, December 4th, 2025 • 5:30 pm 
The Puttery

Why should you attend?

RedM isn’t just about business growth, it’s about making a difference. Meet leaders across Oil & Gas, Energy and Construction, and other sectors who care about building something bigger, for both their companies and our city.

Part of our mission is raising awareness about human trafficking right here in Houston. When you show up to connect and learn, you’re also joining a community that stands behind this cause.

You’ll meet people who understand what it takes to build real partnerships and use their platforms for good. Whether you’re looking for fresh perspectives on branding, local connections, or ways to create positive impact, you’ll find it here.

Come for the genuine opportunities and a chance to do some real good along the way.

If you’re ready for networking with purpose, don’t miss it. Link to register is in the comments.

JSESSIONID

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li_at

redM Join The Movement

Enhancing Brand Visibility for Houston's Oil & Gas, Energy, and Construction Sectors with Premium Branded Workwear | Achieving Measurable Results | Ex-Sysco Corporate Now Entrepreneur | OGGN BD & Podcast Host

𝙏𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚. How did we get here so fast? Happy Birthday to my Grayson ❤️

Today my oldest turns 12, and I won’t lie, I’m a complete mess over it.

Sixth grade felt like a distant dream when he was starting kindergarten. Now here we are, walking those middle school halls, trying to figure out lockers, schedules, and new friends. It’s a wild transition, for both of us.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁. New school, bigger changes, and a dozen candles on the cake. It’s not just another birthday. It marks a real turning point. He’s more independent every day, testing boundaries, showing flashes of who he’s becoming.

I keep replaying all the moments that led us here. 
The first day of school jitters. 
The bedtime stories that slowly faded into him reading on his own. 

Football games, scraped knees, and questions about the world that caught me off guard. 

𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙄’𝙙 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣.

Now he’s got his own opinions, playlists, and inside jokes I’m not always in on. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 67 𝘦𝘯𝘥⁉️

He’s asking harder questions, challenging me to see things from a new angle. 

Watching him grow up so fast is bittersweet. 

I’m excited for him, proud of him, but every milestone tugs at my heart.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by how quickly your kids are growing up, you’re not alone.

How did you handle these years? 
Did you hold on tighter or start to let go?

I’d love to hear your best advice for surviving the middle school era and navigating your own emotions as a parent.

Why does logic barely moves the needle in a boardroom?

We’ve all done it. Spend hours building a killer deck: charts, bulletproof stats, case studies stacked a mile high. You walk in ready to annihilate objections. You present the numbers, the proof, the so-called “𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺-𝗱𝘂𝗻𝗸.”

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻... 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀.

Here’s the hard truth: facts alone rarely close the deal. Most decisions? They’re not driven by spreadsheets. They’re driven by gut.

People don’t want to be sold another bullet point. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.

I was in a pitch last year for a major energy client. Big players at the table. I came armed with ROI stats, industry benchmarks, a step-by-step case study from a similar project. But the energy in the room was flat. 𝗡𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸.

So, I dropped the deck and told a story instead. How another client in their shoes botched a workwear rollout, what it really cost them, and how we bailed them out. No sugarcoating, just the messy truth. Suddenly, the whole mood shifted. 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯. 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵.

That’s when deals start to move. When you stop pitching and start relating.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀? They aren’t shiny. They’re raw. They show where things went sideways, what it actually took to fix the mess, and why most “one-size-fits-all” solutions never really fit.


So next time you’re prepping for a big meeting, ask yourself:

Are you just stacking up logic, hoping to win the pitch with facts? 𝘖𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭, 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?

Because in the end, people trust people. They buy from the folks who get their world, not just the ones with the cleanest PowerPoint.

Want to stand out? 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁. Start with a story that actually fits their shoes.

How often do you see logic win the room? Or is it always the story that sticks?

📸Snapped with some of the best storytellers I know Regina M. Venessa Homewood and Adrian Leal

I build complete LinkedIn brands for high performers | Done-for-you in 14 days | Send ‘14’ if you want your Linkedin built fast |

Empowering Houston SMBs and Startups with Custom Promotional Products that Drive Engagement & Growth | Former Marketing Communications Director Turned Mompreneur | Dedicated to Community Impact |

PCBA Manufacturing SME providing Texas Ingenuity + European Innovation to the USA Market

I was digging through an old box last weekend and found photos from my very first real job out of college, Front and Back of House Manager at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen 

I started snapping away. My husband looked at me strangely. 

I told him, "Oh, this will make a great LinkedIn post."

He gave me that look half amused, half confused. "A LinkedIn post, huh?"

And honestly, I had to laugh at myself. 

Because now, just about any random moment or throwback turns into "content."

Spilled sauce on myself during a shift? Suddenly, that’s a post about resilience. 

Figuring out how to schedule breaks for a team of 20 on a Friday night? 

That’s resource management and people skills. 

The time I dropped a tray in front of the regional manager?? That’s a lesson in humility (or maybe just gravity).

I can't help it. The "LinkedIn brain" is always switched on.

These moments actually matter. They’re real. Most people aren’t living highlight-reel lives every single day. 

Sometimes, your best leadership lesson comes from a kitchen mishap, not a corporate boardroom.

So now, when I catch myself turning old memories (even the embarrassing ones) into business content, I just roll with it. 

It’s a way to connect, share the stuff that really happened, and maybe give someone a laugh who needed it.

If you’ve ever seen a minor life event and thought, "This could be a great post," you’re not alone.

To everyone else in "LinkedIn mode," keep sharing the small stuff. 
That’s where the best stories start.

Does anyone else do this, or is it just me?

Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen

𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣? ✨

It’s rarely by accident.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭, 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴.

Here are a few creative ways companies are making a real impact:

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺. 

Matching, high-quality branded workwear isn’t just about looking sharp. It instantly signals unity, professionalism, and attention to detail. 

When your team walks the show floor, they become living billboards. 

Choose bold colors, strong logos, and gear that fits the environment your industry works in, whether it’s rugged jackets for construction or moisture-wicking polos for energy teams.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗴. 

People have enough keychains and cheap pens. 

What about branded gear that’s actually useful? 

Insulated tumblers, high-visibility hats, or tool kits that fit the work your audience does every day. When attendees pick up something they’ll use long after the event, your brand stays top of mind.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. 

Can you set up live embroidery or heat-pressing so attendees walk away with something custom? Small, hands-on moments like this create curiosity and conversation. It turns a typical booth drop-in into a brand experience.

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴. 

Tie your branded items to your company’s mission or a community initiative. Maybe every branded shirt given away equals a donation to a Houston-based charity. When people feel a connection to your story, your brand becomes more than just a logo.

Finally, train your team to be approachable and authentic. 

𝘕𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. The right gear gives them confidence, but it’s still the person-to-person interaction that opens doors.

Trade shows are crowded and noisy, but with smart, creative strategies, your brand doesn’t have to be lost in the mix.

What’s one creative tactic you’ve seen work wonders at trade shows? Or, if you’re planning your next event, what’s the biggest challenge you’re facing?

📽️ Client Hou.Sec.Con 's Incredible event in 2025!!

⛳𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻? 

At redM Join The Movement we believe it's about more than just business. Sometimes, it's about stepping up for something bigger than ourselves.

Again, this year we’re teaming up with Redeemed Ministries for an event close to our hearts: Golf for Good, happening April 6, 2026, at The Woodlands Country Club

Redeemed Ministries is on the front lines, supporting survivors and offering real hope to those who need it most. Every dollar we raise, every sponsorship, every volunteer, it all helps them rebuild lives and restore dignity.

Here’s why this matters. When our community comes together, we create more than just a charity event. We create a ripple effect. Support goes directly to housing, mentoring, and vital resources that make lasting change possible.

𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵. 

You can sponsor a hole, bring your team, or volunteer behind the scenes. Every role counts.

Corporate teams, business leaders, and friends let’s put our influence to work for a cause that matters.

Ready to swing for something bigger than the scorecard? Reach out if you want to sponsor, volunteer, or field a team. Let’s make a real difference together.

𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚.

The Woodlands Country Club

Hot Take! 

If your team only wears your branded apparel at work, you’re missing a huge opportunity. 🎯

I see this play out every weekend at my son’s football games.

There’s this one dad on the sidelines, never in a wrinkled tee or generic fan gear. He’s always in a sharp performance polo. Looks comfortable, fits perfectly, holds up under the Texas sun, and you can see the quality from a distance. The clincher? That unmistakable SLB logo on the sleeve.

He could throw on anything for Saturday morning. He chooses the SLB polo. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙧.

Most companies see uniforms as just another checkbox: order shirts, slap on a logo, hand them out. Box ticked. But when your people only wear your apparel when they have to on a job site, at an event, in the office....you’re missing out on real brand exposure.

Here’s the difference:

Apparel people are proud to wear becomes a marketing machine you can’t buy. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤. And it’s more believable than any ad campaign.

Think about it. Your employees aren’t just workers; they’re part of your story. If they put on your gear for a family BBQ, a grocery run, or their kid’s soccer game, that’s a win. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙮-𝙞𝙣.

But you don’t get there with scratchy polos, stiff jackets, and ill-fitting caps. You get there by investing in quality. If it’s good enough for the weekend, it’s good enough for work.

That’s how you create walking billboards: 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱.

Here’s a simple test: if you gave your team branded gear this year, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥, 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴? If the answer is “almost never,” it’s time to rethink.

Stop seeing apparel as a uniform. See it as a brand builder. Make it something people actually want to wear.

Next time you hand out new gear, ask yourself: would I want to wear this on my day off?

If you wouldn’t, neither will your team.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮? Start by creating apparel your people love.

That’s when your brand leaves the office and shows up everywhere else.

Boardroom titles don’t mean much when you’re starting over in a new city.

When I moved from Florida to Texas, leaving the field for a role a Sysco’s corporate headquarters, I thought my years of client facing experience would make things easy. 

I showed up in Houston with a resume full of wins, but almost no real connections here. 

The network that opened doors for me back in Florida just didn’t exist in Texas. It was humbling and, honestly, a little uncomfortable.

I realized if I wanted a seat at the table, I’d have to earn it from scratch.

So, I started from square one. 

I went to every industry breakfast I could find, even when I didn’t know anyone. 

I walked trade show floors until my feet hurt, striking up conversations, asking questions, and listening. 

I made real calls instead of hiding behind emails and LinkedIn messages. Some conversations went nowhere, but a few opened up into something more.

Slowly, I began to understand how business gets done in Houston. 

Relationships get built face-to-face. People want to see you show up more than once. 

There’s a real value placed on follow-through and authenticity here.

One meeting led to another, and then another. The “Houston handshake” is a real thing, when people trust you, they’ll go out of their way to make introductions and share opportunities. 

I learned the power of persistence, humility, and staying open to new ways of doing things.

This experience taught me something I carry into my business every single day: You can’t build anything meaningful from behind a desk. 

You’ve got to get out there, meet people where they are, and be willing to start over if that’s what it takes.

The relationships I built in those early months form the foundation of my business today. It wasn’t instant, and it wasn’t always easy, but it was absolutely worth it.

If you’re thinking about making a leap, whether it’s a new industry, a new city, or launching something on your own don’t be afraid to start small. 

Titles come and go, but the way you connect with people is what truly lasts.

Go build those roots. Be visible. Show up, even when you feel like a stranger. 

The best opportunities come to those who aren’t afraid to rebuild, one handshake at a time.

📸The BEST team at Sysco Gulf Coast, circa 2018

How do some companies in oil and gas, energy and construction just seem to have a presence wherever they go? 

It’s not magic, and it’s not luck. ☘️

It’s smart branding, all the way down to their workwear.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻: leaders treating branded apparel as a checkbox, another item on the procurement list. They pick a color, add a logo, and call it a day. But that’s not how you build visibility. That’s not how you build pride.

Your workwear is really your frontline billboard. It tells your story before anyone even shakes your hand. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦?

I always start by asking clients: what are your team’s daily challenges? Are conditions tough, unpredictable, or demanding? If your crew is out there in the elements, your gear needs to work just as hard as they do. That means fabric choices, fit, safety features, and durability all matter and branded details pull it together. 🧵

But go even further. A well-designed uniform can do more than look sharp. It can drive engagement, boost morale, and even help with retention. When employees feel like they’re part of something bigger, they act like it. That’s where a thoughtful approach pays off.

Don’t settle for “just a shirt with a logo.” Ask yourself:

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀?
𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀?
𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆?
𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

Branded workwear isn’t just about looking good. It’s about owning your reputation, every day, on every job site.

If your team’s gear could talk, what would you want it to say?

Are you putting off ordering branded workwear or promo products because you think it will be a hassle?

You’re not alone.

Most people think the process is complicated.
Endless options. Too many steps. Not enough guidance.

Honestly, ordering custom apparel or branded swag for your team shouldn’t feel like a chore.

Here’s how it looks when you work with us:

Step 1: Reach out: call, email, or just shoot me a message here. 
Step 2: We talk about what you actually need (no forms, no guessing). 
Step 3: I bring ideas, real samples, mockups, whatever helps you see the vision. 
Step 4: Once you’re happy, we nail down the details and lock in the order. 
Step 5: My team makes it happen, quick turnaround, clear updates, no surprises.

That’s it.

No hoops to jump through.
No jargon.
No “waiting for someone to get back to you.”

Just easy, hands-on help from a team that really gets what Houston businesses need.

If you’ve got a project in mind, big or small let’s make it happen.

What usually holds you back from ordering custom gear?

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙇 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨?

Let me tell you a quick story. Last week, my daughter was training for cheer with two college athletes. Lots of one-on-one time with them, perfecting her flying. 

She left those sessions with a renewed confidence in her abilities and plenty of skills to work on. Money and time well spent.

The difference a true professional make is tough to measure until you experience it. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀. They know how to spot the tiniest errors and celebrate the small wins that keep motivation alive.

And it’s not just about coaching cheer. In business, I see this time and again. Sometimes companies try to save a few bucks by working with amateurs or trying to handle branded workwear and promos in-house. The result? Missed branding opportunities, inconsistent messaging, and more time spent fixing problems than actually building your brand.

In the end, cutting corners costs way more than just money. It costs time, energy, confidence, and sometimes your reputation.

𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵. 

Has anyone else learned this lesson the hard way? I’d love to hear your story.

What’s the best part of my job? 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦.

𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙣.

There’s just something about watching a brand come to life. Every time a Houston company steps onto a job site or walks into an event with new custom workwear, I see the confidence. The energy shifts. 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁.

I get to work with all kinds of teams, from oil and gas crews who need tough gear, to energy companies ready to upgrade their look, to builders who want to show their pride. It’s never just about the apparel. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳.

When I sit down with a new client, my first question is never “What color do you want?” It’s, “𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂?” Because getting that right is how you help a brand stick in someone’s mind.

I’ve seen it over and over, great branding can change everything. The right shirt or jacket can spark conversations, open doors, and make teams feel proud to wear their logo.

Every project is different, but my goal never changes: 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚. Sometimes it’s about finding the perfect design. Sometimes it’s making a tough deadline happen for an important event. Sometimes it’s just about listening and offering honest advice.

The best feeling? Seeing a client’s face when they hold their new gear for the first time. You can tell it matters. For a lot of people, it’s more than just clothing. It’s their company’s name, their hard work, and their reputation, right there for everyone to see.

That’s what keeps me coming back every day. Helping clients succeed, watching their brands grow, and knowing I played a part in that journey. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.

Nobody wants to hear this, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴.

It’s not glamorous.
It’s not trending anywhere.
And nobody’s giving you a trophy for it.

Most leaders I meet are waiting on some “aha” moment.
As if inspiration or permission is required before progress starts.

The reality?
Every respected brand you know started with silent effort.
No likes.
No recognition.
Just showing up, doing the dull work, and 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠.

I see a lot of people in our space obsessed with finding the magic shortcut.
Glossy pitch decks.
Dream marketing playbooks.
Fancy brand colors, vision boards, buzzword salads.

It all looks great on paper.
But it’s mostly noise.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴?
They come from relentless, quiet repetition.
Grinding out the basics when nobody’s paying attention.
Sticking to the plan even when the “plan” feels like nonsense.

My last year wasn’t a highlight reel.
No dramatic pivots.
No viral trick.
𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.
Every day, I taught, documented, stretched my comfort zone, especially when nothing seemed to click.
There were lots of WTFs and tears.

Revenue grew.
Our team leveled up.
Opportunities multiplied.

None of that happened overnight.
𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙩.
And a stubborn refusal to stay silent just because my work wasn’t lighting up someone else’s feed.

Skill grows slow.
Progress feels invisible.
Whether you’re building a business or moving up one rung at a time, it’s always the same rule.

𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘱, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴.

Want the secret?
There isn’t one.
No company reinvented itself by quitting after two months.

All the people you respect?
They did thousands of quiet reps before you noticed.

So if you’re waiting for applause before you get to work, stop.
The world’s too busy to beg you to show up.

If you’re not willing to do the work in silence, someone else will.

𝗪𝗵𝗼’𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆?
Let’s hear your story.

Some mornings start with spilled coffee. ☕

Others start with lost keys, a school project emergency, or Houston traffic that just won't quit.

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀.

But when my team shows up, there's a noticeable shift. 

All that real life stuff doesn't disappear, but we know how to set it aside and focus on what matters: 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨.

We don't pretend to have perfect work-life balance here. ⚖️

We're parents, spouses, neighbors, and friends first THEN brand builders, problem solvers, and idea people. 

𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳. 

Someone's always dealing with a sick kid, a broken AC, or a last-minute school play.

And still, we find ways to get things done for our clients. 

We deliver premium branded workwear and promotional products on tight timelines. 

We find creative solutions when the supply chain gets tricky. 

We step up for each other and for our partners in Oil & Gas, Energy, Construction and beyond.

𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙨, 𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩. ⚽🚲⚾🏀

Sometimes it means swapping shifts or covering for each other on the fly. 

Sometimes it means bringing a kid into the office for an hour or handling client calls from the carpool lane.

𝗪𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. 

We keep priorities clear, communicate openly, and always make sure our clients' brands shine, even when our own days feel upside down.

Real life doesn’t pause for business. Business doesn’t pause for real life. 𝘞𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.

That’s what makes us who we are. That’s what keeps clients coming back.

How does your team find room for both life and work?

I. Don't. Wanna. 

Happy Monday, friends. Just know I am thinking of you and sending positive vibes for getting back into the swing of things after a long holiday week.

This morning, I was scheduled to lead our workout group at 5:00am. 

Alarm goes off at 4am. ⏰

𝗜 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗻𝗼𝗼𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆. 

Second alarm goes off. ⏰

𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁. 

Third alarm. ⏰

𝘿𝙤 𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙚. 

I got up, I went and I am SOOOO glad that I did. 

I can find a dozen reasons to procrastinate or say, "I’ll start strong tomorrow." 

But I’ve learned something about that voice in my head, it gets louder the longer I wait.

Momentum doesn’t just show up. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙩. One small action at a time.

So, what do I do? 

I pick the lowest-hanging fruit. 

The task I can knock out in ten minutes, just to break the inertia. 

Maybe it’s shooting off a quick email or checking on an order status. 

Doesn’t matter what it is, the point is to just move.

Once you take that tiny step, something shifts. The resistance starts to fade. The fog lifts a little. And suddenly, the rest of that to-do list looks a bit more manageable.

I see this all the time in my work with clients, too. Teams put off ordering new workwear or updating their promo materials after a holiday, telling themselves it can wait. 

But the companies that push through and take action early are always ahead. Their teams are ready, their brand is front and center, and they get results because they didn’t let that post-holiday drag slow them down.

It’s not about finding motivation. It’s about doing the thing, especially when you don’t want to.

If you’re waiting to feel ready, you’ll be waiting a long time.

So, push yourself. Take that first step, even if it’s small.

You won’t be sorry.

In fact, you’ll probably thank yourself by the end of the day.

Sales isn’t just about transactions. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁.

When I made the move from corporate sales to branded merchandise for industrial sectors, I figured the basics would stay the same. Build relationships, explain products, close deals. But the change t𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵.

In Oil & Gas, Energy and Construction, there’s zero room for error. A custom work shirt or branded vest isn’t just a logo, it’s a signal of safety, pride, and company culture. For many teams, it’s the uniform they wear into 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, day in and day out.

Here’s what corporate sales taught me about earning trust with these clients:

Listen before you pitch. Every company has a unique pain point. Are they struggling with team engagement? Is safety compliance a concern? Too often, salespeople focus on features. I make it a point to ask questions and truly understand what’s at stake.

Follow up with 𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱. Some vendors disappear after the sale. In industrial sectors, projects are complex and spread out over time. I check in, even when there’s no immediate order, just to see how things are going. That small gesture stands out and builds real relationships.

Own every promise. One late shipment or printing error can throw off a whole project. Saying “we’ll fix it” isn’t enough, you have to do it, a𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵. My time in corporate sales taught me that reputation is built (and lost) in these moments.

Show the bigger picture. Branded workwear isn’t just about looking sharp, it’s about helping teams take pride, feel safer, and represent their company well. I help clients connect the dots between uniforms, morale, and brand identity. When they see the impact, it’s more than a purchase, it’s a partnership.

At the end of the day, clients in industrial sectors don’t want another vendor, they want someone 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧.

That’s how you build trust that lasts, and why results follow.

Client gifting: the clock is ticking. 🕰️

Today is your last call to order gifts that actually arrive on time, without paying extra for rush.

Most companies wait until the last minute to handle holiday gifting, and I get it. September barely ended, your team is slammed, and the budget conversation is still on the horizon. If you want a gift that’s actually going to land on your client’s desk (not in a shipping warehouse limbo) and you want it to make a real impression, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀.

There’s a big difference between checking the box on client gifts and actually using this opportunity to drive business.

𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺:

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. The best projects start with a realistic budget, set early. This doesn’t just keep you on track, it shortens the timeline. You’re not wasting cycles hunting down options that won’t make sense, and you get straight to short-listing gifts that have real impact.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗴. Premium drinkware, tech accessories, outerwear that gets used all year, these are the gifts that don’t just say “thanks,” but show your client you actually paid attention. If it ends up in a drawer, your gift failed. Practicality, quality, and thoughtful branding are your ticket to lasting visibility.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲. Ever tried managing 50 individual shipping addresses the week before the holidays? That’s a recipe for mistakes. The best programs handle all logistics up front and keep it painless for you and your clients.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵. The difference? Planning now means you can use embroidery, custom packaging, and creative touches, not just stickers slapped on generic products.

Every year, I see companies scramble in December, only to settle for the “easy” (read: forgettable) gift because their first or second choices were out of stock, backordered, or forced into expensive rush production. The result? A wasted budget, a missed opportunity, and a gift that’s forgotten by January.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙬. If you want to actually use your budget to drive client loyalty, keep your brand top-of-mind, and make your team look like heroes, this is the moment to act.

Here’s how I can help:
1. I’ll walk you through options that fit your brand, your goals, and your budget.
2. I’ll show you what’s actually available, no endless browsing, no guesswork.
3. I’ll handle the logistics, so you don’t have to chase shipping or juggle spreadsheets.
4. And I’ll be honest about timelines, so there are no surprises.

Send me a message today, and I’ll help you get moving, before the window closes and the rush begins.

𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙩.

I never guessed my path would take me from executive boardrooms to muddy drilling rigs, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺.

In corporate sales, everything felt predictable. 

There were clear procedures, established hierarchies, and big-picture strategies. 

But when I stepped into the world of custom workwear for Oil & Gas, Energy and Construction, I quickly realized this environment plays by its own rules.

Here are some of the biggest lessons I learned by trading a suit for steel-toe boots:

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁, 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱.

In the boardroom, impressive slides and business cases won attention. 

On a job site, no one cares about yesterday's numbers. 

What matters is showing up, asking the right questions, and understanding real daily challenges. 

𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨.

Second, urgency isn’t just a buzzword.

When a client in the field needs new safety gear or branded uniforms, they're not looking for long meetings....they need answers, fast. 

𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺. 

I had to leave behind the slow approval chains I was used to and learn to make decisions quickly, often with imperfect information.

Third, relationships are personal and go deep.

In corporate settings, relationships are often formal and transactional. In industrial sectors, it's about trust and dependability. 

Clients remember if you follow through and help them meet a tight deadline. 

They appreciate a vendor who knows their team’s names, remembers past orders, and brings creative ideas to improve their branding.

Fourth, adaptability wins every time.

𝗡𝗼 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲. 

One day I'm problem-solving for a pipeline team, the next I’m consulting on merchandise for a corporate event. 

I learned to listen more, adjust quickly, and always bring a solution-oriented mindset.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲.

It’s one thing to talk about brand building in a meeting. 

It’s another to see crews wearing your company’s gear, looking sharp and feeling proud. 

There’s a different kind of satisfaction when your work directly supports teams who keep vital industries running.

Stepping away from corporate comfort wasn’t easy, but it taught me more about business, people, and resilience than any boardroom ever did.

If you’re considering making your own leap, from the office to the field, or from corporate to entrepreneur know this: 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆. 

But it might be the most rewarding move you ever make.

Would you take the first step?

💵𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗶𝗹 & 𝗚𝗮𝘀.

There’s a lot of talk about pay and benefits, but something often overlooked is the role branded merchandise now plays in attracting and retaining great people.

It starts before someone ever signs on. 

When a candidate visits your site or office, what do they see? 

If teams are equipped with sharp, high-quality branded workwear, it sends a message: 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄. 

It instantly signals professionalism, safety, and pride. For recruits weighing multiple offers, that first impression can tip the scales.

Branded gear also transforms onboarding. 𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳. 

When new hires receive custom apparel or safety gear on day one tailored to the job, built for the field, they feel welcomed and included. It’s a simple gesture that says, you’re part of the team, you matter here.

But the real impact shows over time. 

Teams that look and feel unified tend to perform better and stick around longer. 

Regularly updating your branded gear keeps energy high and reinforces company culture. 

Limited edition jackets for hitting safety milestones, custom vests for special projects, or even branded lunches for employee families, these touches help employees feel recognized and appreciated.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿-𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹. 

When your people wear branded gear off-site at the store, in their neighborhood, or posting to social media, it boosts your reputation as an employer. 

It shows you invest in your workforce. That kind of word-of-mouth pays off, especially in industries where everyone talks and referrals matter.

Quality, comfort, and thoughtful design go further than a logo slapped on a T-shirt. 

The best companies match their gear to the real work being done, weather-resistant jackets for field teams, moisture-wicking shirts for hot climates, or branded safety kits. 

When your gear actually helps your crew do their jobs better, it builds loyalty and trust.

In today’s tight labor market, small details turn into big advantages. 

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 

It’s a smart investment in recruiting, retaining, and empowering people, the backbone of every successful project.

How is your company using branded gear to attract or keep top talent?

"Sales cures all." Mark Cuban said it, and he’s spot on.

Struggling with cash flow? 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀.
No budget for marketing? 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴.
Wish you could hire faster? 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁, 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀.

People overcomplicate this every day. They chase perfect logos and fancy tools, but if you can sell, everything else gets easier. If you can’t, nothing else matters.

Most of what I have, my network, my business, even some of the best relationships in my life comes from learning to sell. I don’t mean the pushy, used-car pitch. I’m talking about 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, asking the right questions, and actually caring about the other side.

When I started in corporate, I wasn’t the loudest in the room. But I was curious. That curiosity is what let me close deals with refinery leaders and construction teams who’ve seen every trick in the book. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆. That’s why sincerity matters more than slick talk.

If you want to build something real in Oil & Gas, Energy, or Construction, get comfortable with sales. The rest flows from there.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜’𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵:

1. Write a sales pitch for something you actually care about. People can tell if you’re faking passion, and they’ll tune out fast.
2. Get comfortable with awkward silences. Most people rush to fill them. Resist. Silence puts pressure where it belongs, on the other person’s decision, not your nerves.
4. Study body language. In big industrial deals, no one says everything out loud. Learn to read the room.
4. Practice really listening. I mean, actually hear people out. Their objections aren’t rejections they’re clues about what matters.
5. Just start. Overthinking kills more deals than rejection ever will. Most folks talk themselves out of a sale before they even begin.

And it’s not just about the big wins. I’ve seen small touches like remembering someone’s favorite cap style or remembering a safety concern. Make the difference between a one-off order and a ten-year client.

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆. It’s the skill that turns a cold introduction into a warm relationship and a single transaction into a long-term partnership.

Nobody is born a great closer. Great salespeople are built by doing the hard things over and over until it becomes second nature.

If you want to build your career, your business, or even just your options, start with sales. Everything else gets easier once you master that.

W𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻?

📸My mini me Junior Salesman

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The Battle

Jon Sargent, MBA

Jada Powell

Followers

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Performance ScoreJada Powell's LinkedIn Performance

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taplio

The Battle

Jon Sargent, MBA

Jada Powell

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Jada Powell's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreJada Powell's LinkedIn Performance