News, Nuggets, and What’s Worth Knowing

🧂 A Dash of Industry Insights

⛳ Golf Swag Is in Full Swing: Demand for golf-themed merch is surging this summer, with branded balls, towels, and tees leading the pack. Perfect for tournaments, pro shops, and corporate gifting, golf gear is a timeless way to tee up your brand. Read more here.

🧠7 Trends Reshaping HR in 2025: From skills-based hiring and AI-powered recruiting to a renewed focus on civility and financial wellness, SHRM outlines the key shifts redefining how companies engage, support, and retain talent this year. Read more here.

🧊Ice Baths are the New Coffee Break: Fast Company reports that more companies are installing cold plunges in office "recharge rooms," often with guided breathwork, aromatherapy, and group ice baths to help reduce stress and boost focus. Read more here.

🌱Branded Gardening Tools Are Blooming: From shears to watering cans, gardening gear is becoming a fresh, functional promo category that symbolizes care, sustainability, and hands-on brand engagement. Perfect for eco-conscious campaigns, community events, or spring/summer gifting. Read more here.

Behind the Scenes

💍 A Special Moment in Ecuador

This month, a big part of our team traveled to Ecuador, not for work, but to celebrate the wedding of our very own Belén and Pablo. Seeing them exchange vows was unforgettable.

Moments like this remind us that Brand Sauce isn’t just a company, it’s a team of real people who care deeply about one another. While we’re remote most of the time, spending time together in person, working, laughing, exploring, and breaking it down on the dance floor makes a lasting impact.

It’s not always easy to create culture from afar, but gatherings like this make it real. They strengthen our bonds, spark fresh ideas, and leave us even more inspired to serve our clients and partners with heart.

We’re growing not just as a business, but as a community. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Lights, Camera, Action

🎥 Ross's Video of the Week

What happens when your startup almost dies, not once, but twice?

In this episode of How to Build the Future, DoorDash CEO Tony Xu sits down with Y Combinator’s Garry Tan to unpack how DoorDash was born, what nearly killed it, and how customer obsession helped it become a category-defining company. From doing things that don’t scale to weathering investor rejections and price wars, it’s a raw, tactical look at what it really takes to build something that lasts.

👉 Watch the full video here.

Weekly Client Spotlight

⭐️ Client Spotlight: Nassau Pools & Spas

🏝️ Meet Nassau Pools & Spas

This week, we’re shining a light on a company that’s been making a splash for over 40 years.

Nassau Pools & Spas, founded in 1982, is a family-owned business that's built its reputation on craftsmanship, innovation, and full-service excellence. From custom in-ground pools and hot tubs to high-efficiency automation and energy-saving technology, they turn backyard dreams into reality.

Whether it’s designing a 3D custom poolscape, maintaining crystal-clear water year-round, or offering expert repairs and upgrades, the Nassau team brings deep expertise and unbeatable customer service to every project. And for DIY enthusiasts, their retail store is fully stocked with everything from water testing and pool chemicals to spa parts and accessories.

Our Collaboration

Nassau Pools & Spas partnered with us to create a custom-branded store designed to reflect their aquatic lifestyle and bring their brand to life.

Built by our design and dev team, their store is fully on-demand, no inventory, and no hassle. Whether they’re gifting loyal clients, rewarding employees, or simply expanding their brand presence, they now have a seamless way to do it all.

From embroidered towels and pool gear to beach bags and stylish apparel, every item is made to order and delivered directly to their doorstep. It’s a turnkey swag system that’s easy to manage, fun to shop, and perfectly aligned with their summer vibes.

🤝 Partner with Nassau Pools & Spas

If you’re in Minnesota and dreaming of turning your backyard into a personal oasis, Nassau Pools & Spas is the one to call. Feel free to email us at Ross@BrandSauce.io for an intro!

Weekly Giveaway

🎁 Light Up the Streets

Not all swag needs to be hats, shirts, mugs, and the usual suspects. Sometimes, the best way to light up your company culture is to actually light it up.

This week, we’re giving away a custom-engraved LED longboard, made from clear acrylic, fully tricked out with remote-controlled lights, and wheels that glow when they spin. You pick the branding, colors, trucks, and even the shape.

It’s fun. It’s unexpected. And it’s a reminder that swag doesn’t have to be boring, it can bring real joy, spark conversation, and make your brand unforgettable.

Retail value? Up to $325. This week’s price? Free.

Want in? Reply LONGBOARD and you’re in the draw.

Weekend Update

Around the Water Cooler With Ross AKA The P.O.D. Guy

A Father’s Day I'll Never Forget

Last week, our club hosted a little Father-Son pickleball event for Father’s Day. Madison sent me the details and asked if Bo might want to play with me. Bo’s only picked up a paddle a few times, he doesn’t know the rules or how to keep score, but he knows I play. He just hasn’t really seen me play before.

I asked him if he’d be up for it, and without hesitation, he said, “If you’re my partner, Dad, we’ll win.” Then he added, “But you have to try, because I don’t want to lose, and I don’t really know how to play.” I couldn’t help but smile. There was something so pure in that mix of confidence and vulnerability. His competitive spark is natural, and it’s always been there.

We ended up having a great time. It was a round-robin, so we didn’t stay together as partners or have a chance to win anything. But honestly, none of that mattered. What I’ll remember most is watching Bo out there, focused, engaged, and having fun. I was proud of how he played, but even more proud of how he carried himself. I always tell him the only things I truly care about are his effort and his attitude. On the court, he showed both.

It’s a dream of mine that someday we’ll enter a real father-son tournament together. Maybe he’ll catch the bug and want to play more. But even if he doesn’t, this day, this little moment of shared joy and connection, is something I’ll hold onto.

Cheers to the first of many, Bo-Man. You made my Father’s Day.