Jay Busselle

My story? I started creating graphics and screen printing in the early 1980's in Mr. Perry's graphics class at East High School. I figured out how to print “unofficial replica” t-shirts of my favorite skiing and skateboarding companies, as well as a few bands which will remain nameless. My graphics career was on fire as a cut-and-paste artist for a yellow page publishing company in college. After 3 years of college, I dropped out and started working for a screen printer. Eventually my parents started a family owned promotional advertising agency in Phoenix, AZ. It's been about 40 years since I printed my first t-shirt and I still enjoy hanging out with other promo peeps, apparel geeks and print freaks on the island of misfit toys! I’m currently pretending to be retired. In other words, I'm a branding consultant and only work on meaningful marketing projects with brands I really like. I’m a self-proclaimed CTO – Chief Taco Officer. ✌🧡🌮 During the pandemic I started a podcast called Tacos with Jay & Jeff. It was a huge hit! (If you don't love tacos I'm not sure we can hang out. Tacos are containers of greatness!) I’m often invited to speak and train on topics like marketing, the art of standing out and branding at promo & apparel industry trade shows. I’m most proud of my family. We have six kids, yes – 6! No double or triples, all of them are ours… yes, we know what was causing it and no, we’re not having anymore.

Year Started: 1992

Favorite Promotional Product: T-shirt

Most Overused Word: "RIGHT?!" When used at the end of almost every sentence.

Profession Before: Lost soul

First Promo Sold: T-shirt

Where Do You Live: Phoenix, AZ.

What is Your Role at PromoKitchen?: Vice-chair and education committee chair

Hobbies: Finding great tacos and listening to music or marketing podcasts while walking

Favorite Alt Word for “Promotional Product”: Branded Merch

Favorite Quote: “Different is better than better. Different doesn’t try to turn you into something else. Different allows you to highlight the singular traits you already have within you. You aren’t necessarily better than your competition. But you are already different.” Sally Hogshead