When PromoKitchen chefs and Brand Fuel business partners Robert Fiveash and Danny Rosin were casually talking about how they used to approach the promotional products market using the tools available in the industry 15 years ago, their list grew. And as that list got longer, in most cases, they were delightfully surprised at the improvements that had taken place in the industry in such a short period of time. Like moving from a standard of 10 days for production to just 1! And then they began to laugh. A lot. Like when they recalled using microfiche to source products. Or pale pink "While You Were Out" pads to get messages to employees. It makes you wonder, what will be obsolete (and likely made fun of) 15 years from NOW?

Bob Dylan said it best:

Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is Rapidly agin'. Please get out of the new one If you can't lend your hand For the times they are a-changin'.

So, let us know what big changes you recall from when you started in the industry and let us know, what did we miss?

(Download a larger pdf of the below graphic here: Then/Now Promo Industry Reflection)

By Robert Fiveash and Danny Rosin, Graphics by Tee Hamilton