Your brand has the center stage. Is your Marketing Strategy ready?
Your promotional business has earned the spotlight—now it's time to command it. Built for companies ready for their brand to take center stage in their next leading role.
Built for Promo. Scripted for
Growth-Minded Leaders Like You.
You’ve built something real—but what got you here might not get you where you want to go next. Marketing feels more difficult than ever, and the more you try to fix it, the more disconnected everything starts to feel.
That’s where The Promo CMO comes in. We help small promotional merchandising businesses step back, get clear, and build a marketing foundation that actually supports growth—not just activity.
Together, we’ll clarify your brand, align your team, and create systems that move your business forward—with less stress and more focus.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about making what you’re already doing work better—with a partner who understands the industry and knows how to help you find the way forward.
Growth doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters most.
It’s Not About Working Harder. It’s About Aligning Smarter.
When your brand, tools, and message aren’t aligned, even great marketing can underperform. Here are the signs that it’s time to realign:
Your brand feels lost in a crowded market
Marketing feels reactive—not strategic or focused
Campaigns and content look good, but don’t deliver results
Rising costs and pressure to strategically cut overhead
Social content and paid ads that don’t get traction
Feeling behind in AI and tech that could improve efficiency
Too many tools, not enough clarity or confidence in them
Referrals have slowed and momentum feels hard to regain
Struggling to find or retain qualified marketing talent
"It’s not about doing more—it’s about aligning your people, budget, and tech on what makes a REAL difference. That alignment starts with clarity of your brand and go-to-market strategy."
Clear Solutions. No Guesswork.
Growth That Scales.
The Promo CMO exists to help you stop spinning and start building—with strategy that solves your real business challenges.
Your brand should speak directly to your target audience
We help clarify your value, positioning, and voice so you stand out in a crowded market, attract the right buyers and solve your customer's problems.
Great content connects when it builds trust and scales with intention
We craft social and email strategies that reflect your brand—and resonate with the people you want to reach.
Technology should simplify and empower, not overwhelm
We streamline your platforms, automation, and implement AI tools so your team saves time, not loses it.
Marketing works better when there’s a plan rooted in what works
We help you document strategies, create content, and build campaigns that stay on track and on message. Not just chasing the newest trends.
When teams work together, customer experience wins
We build internal systems and processes that unite your team around shared customer experience goals, making marketing easier to execute while delivering better client outcomes.
Your lead engine shouldn't sputter when you need it most
We help you build systems that generate qualified leads and referrals from the people who already believe in your brand.
The right hires and the systems make your business agile, not bloated
We help identify where to bring in talent (or technology) to enable you to grow lean, smart, and with purpose.
Not an Agency. A Promo Partner You Can Trust.
Built for Small Business. Backed by Experience. Driven by Purpose.
For 20 years, I’ve helped small promotional businesses grow—with strategy, systems, and leadership that works for businesses like yours. I've been in your shoes: juggling too many roles, questioning where to invest, keeping up with technology and finding momentum in a crowded, fast-changing space.
I’ve worked across the industry—as a supplier, distributor, and decorator. I’ve led both marketing and creative teams, scaled a global department, and helped implement AI and tech to drive efficiency. I believe in the power of small business, in the value of great promo, and in the resourcefulness it takes to grow something meaningful.
The Promo CMO exists to help leaders like you bring clarity to your brand, structure to your marketing, and confidence to your next move without the need to hire full time.
RJ Hagel
The Promo CMO
"When it comes to driving marketing results through collaboration, creativity, and thinking a bit differently, RJ leads the pack. If I knew he occupied a seat at the table, he would play a critical role in designing, delivering, and implementing a solution that would result in success for all involved."
"I believe he is one of the most dynamic leaders I've ever worked with. His ability to balance strategic vision with day-to-day execution made a significant impact on both our team and the company as a whole."
"Working with RJ was always a great experience. He is one of those rare marketing minds who combines creativity, strategy, and execution seamlessly. His ability to craft and execute a vision helped reshape how we positioned ourselves, always keeping simplicity and customer value at the core."
"He has an amazing ability to understand the company vision and take ownership by prioritizing projects to execute on the growth initiatives which made our brand relevant. RJ owned our Digital transformation including the integration of our website, CRM, automation, social, search and ad spend."
Our 10 Guiding Principals
Integrity
Be genuine, honest and act with morale principals. Always follow-through.
Innovation
Staying curious, try new things, and always work toward improvement.
Community
Building relationships for the betterment of each other and the entire promotional community.
Curiosity
Always be listening, watching and learning.
Excellence
Do great work to support the greatness of others.
Transparency
Trust and honestly are at the core of our philosophy.
Leadership
Inspire action through grounded vision and purpose.
Collaboration
Support one another to do amazing work and build partnerships.
Resourcefulness
Solving problems efficiently through creative thinking.
Creativity
Building emotional connections to the brands we love the most.
"Smarter marketing doesn’t start with more tactics—it starts with alignment. The Promo CMO offers fractional marketing leadership and strategic support designed specifically for small businesses in the promotional products industry."
Each Situation is Unique.
Let's Start With What Works for You
Whether you're refining your brand, building a smarter funnel, or looking for ongoing marketing leadership, we offer flexible packages designed to meet you where you are—and help you grow from there.
Step 1:
Schedule a 1:1 Strategy Session
Start by completing a short intake survey to give us an idea about the current state of your business. We'll then hop on a call to explore your challenges, and goals. You bring the vision—we’ll bring the questions and get to the bottom of solving your needs.
Step 2:
Get Your FREE Marketing Roadmap
After our call, we’ll assess your current positioning, audience alignment, and marketing systems. You’ll receive a personalized roadmap with clear next steps—some you can tackle internally, and others we can handle for you. No commitments or obligations, just real advice designed to help you scale.
Step 3:
Grow with Confidence
Whether you move forward with fractional CMO guidance or project-based execution, you’ll have a strategic partner helping you scale—on your terms, and without the guesswork.
Brand Refresh
A brand refresh helps to define a business's specific purpose, who their targeting and their value proposition.
Brand positioning and messaging framework
Website copy consultation or structure outline
Visual identity evaluation and brand toolkit guidance
Ideal customer and audience alignment
Delivered as a strategy doc + 1:1 walkthrough session
A Brand Refresh is a great place to start and will typically run for 3-4 Months.
Lead Machine
The lead machine helps teams with low lead volume, disconnected tools, or inconsistent marketing
Funnel structure and automation setup
Email and lifecycle campaign strategy
CRM review and implementation recommendation
Promotional campaign and content planning
Optional: Light AI tools/ workflow integrations
Lead Machine campaigns typically last 3-5 Months, depending on what your access to data and technology.
Promo Growth Accelerator
Our Promo Growth Accelerator programs are best for businesses ready to scale, delegate, and lead with clarity
Ongoing strategy, planning, and marketing oversight
Quarterly roadmap development and execution support
Campaign leadership + sales/marketing alignment
AI, marketing technology, and workflow optimization
Founder/team coaching and vendor management
Our Growth Accelerator programs can start with as little as 6 months and can vary on its length based on your goals.
We'll Get You to Where You Want to Go
While we focus on building great strategy, we'll also help you develop the resources, teams and platforms regardless of what your needs are. If we can't do it, we won't leave you empty handed. We'll work with our network to find the right needs for your business and budget.
Marketing Strategy for the Promotional Industry
Fractional CMO & Strategic Marketing
Part-time marketing leadership without the full-time cost.
• Fractional CMO guidance and long-term planning
• Brand positioning and messaging development
• Go-to-market strategy for new products/services
• Campaign and channel planning
• Marketing audits and optimization
• Coaching for founders and internal teams
• Vendor & Partnerships, hiring, and team support
Lead Generation & Sales Enablement
Build marketing systems that create demand and support sales.
• Funnel strategy and automation
• Email campaigns and lifecycle marketing
• CRM setup and optimization
• Sales enablement: decks, sell sheets, catalogs
• Personal brand positioning for leadership/sales
• Customer journey mapping and conversion analysis
• Promo campaign strategy and execution
Brand & Creative Development
Clarify your message. Align your look. Build a brand that resonates.\
• Brand identity and story consultation
• Brand guidelines and toolkits
• Website messaging and layout planning
• Catalog and lookbook strategy
• Campaign themes and creative briefs
Marketing Technology & Automation
Simplify your tools. Systemize what works. Scale with confidence.
• Martech stack reviews and setup
• Email, social, SMS, and CRM platform guidance
• AI tool integration for lean teams
• Project management workflows
• Dashboard and performance reporting setup
Promo Industry-Specific Support
Solutions tailored to the realities of the promo world.
• Supplier startup and brand launch strategy
• Distributor engagement and sales alignment
• Product launch and promotional storytelling
• Trade show and event marketing planning
Still Have a Few Questions?
1. What kinds of businesses do you work with?
We work with small, growth-focused organizations in the promotional products industry—typically suppliers, distributors, or service providers. Many don’t have a full marketing department, just one or two people juggling email, social, sales tools, or website updates. If you're ready for strategic support that brings structure and scale, we’re a great fit.
2. Do I need to have a marketing team to work with you?
Not at all. Some clients are solo founders wearing every hat, others have a junior marketer or designer supporting the basics. We can step in to lead strategy, support and upskill your team, or help you build the systems and processes to grow with confidence.
3. Do you offer one-time projects, or only long-term support?
We offer both. You can start with a focused project like a brand refresh or funnel redesign, or choose an ongoing engagement for fractional CMO leadership. We also offer structured packages to give you clarity on cost, scope, and expected outcomes—without locking you into an agency retainer model.
4. What will I get from the free strategy session?
You’ll walk away with valuable insights you can implement—whether we work together or not. After our call, we’ll send you a personalized, AI-enhanced roadmap outlining what’s working, what’s missing, and a set of action steps tailored to your goals.
5. Are you a marketing agency?
No. The Promo CMO provides strategic marketing leadership, not a menu of pre-packaged services or ad campaigns. We’re not here to sell content or manage your social media—we’re here to help you build a brand, streamline your systems, and grow with clarity and purpose.
6. How do I know if this is the right time to bring in outside support?
If you’re spinning your wheels, making reactive decisions, or struggling to scale beyond referrals, it’s probably time. The right support can bring structure, focus, and direction—so you can stop guessing and start growing with intention.
Let's Stay in Touch
We're creating contact weekly. Drop us your email and find us on social to start seeing what we are all about.
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