By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

📣 Surprise fact about me: I was a full-on, pom-poms-in-hand, high-kick, sideline-shouting cheerleader in high school. Bigger surprise? I never really stopped.

These days, the uniform’s different (a lot more black denim, a lot less glitter), but the hype energy is still going strong—just redirected into something way more useful: branded merchandise that actually makes people feel something.

Modern-Day Cheerleading = Powerful Branded Swag

At Go To Market, I get to be the loudest supporter in the room—but now, I’m cheering on things like:

🎉 Product launches that deserve more than a logo slapped on a mug
🎧 Podcast debuts that should be celebrated with something memorable
🏖️ Team offsites that call for better swag than another forgettable tote

Because great custom swag doesn’t just show up—it shows off. It creates moments. It builds connection. It makes people feel like part of something bigger.

Why Swag Is the New Spirit Wear

Just like spirit wear united the student body back in the day, the best branded merch does the same for today’s communities, teams, and brands. It’s more than a logo. It’s an identity.

The right swag can:

• Turn heads at conferences or events
• Spark conversations and build social buzz
• Deepen loyalty by making recipients feel seen and included
• Offer daily use value and a reason to rep your brand proudly

Whether it’s sustainably made hoodies, minimalist notebooks, or print-on-demand collections—intentional branded merchandise becomes a tangible expression of everything your company stands for.

From Pom-Poms to Premium Swag

So yeah, I’m still a cheerleader. But now, I cheer through curated merch drops, themed swag boxes, and thoughtful brand moments. The pom-poms got replaced with sustainably sourced cotton, sleek packaging, and a relentless mission to make swag that sparks joy—not clutter.

Happy weekend from me (and Charlie 🐶)!
Got any good plans ahead? And more importantly…
What’s your version of modern-day spirit wear?