If you’ve worked in promotional products for a while, you know the usual promises: great quality, quick turnaround, good prices, and top-notch service. But how can you tell which companies actually deliver on those claims?

That’s why we spoke with the team at Soardist. Many distributors know the name, but not everyone knows what they do or what makes them different. After talking with Mike Empey, Director of Marketing, it’s clear that Soardist focuses on doing a few things very well, rather than trying to do everything.

A Partner Focused on Sublimation

Since entering the promotional products industry in 2016, Soardist has specialized in large-format sublimation printing for distributors. Their product offering spans two primary categories:

• Display products, including tents, flags, table covers, backdrops, and other event signage.
• Custom apparel and wearables, from athletic jerseys and corporate apparel to bags and other cut-and-sewn products.

Instead of offering thousands of different products, Soardist has chosen to keep its catalog focused.

Built for Speed

For distributors, turnaround time can make or break a project.

One thing that sets Soardist apart is speed. After artwork is approved, many display products ship in 24 to 48 hours, and apparel usually takes three to five business days. This makes them a great partner for tight deadlines or last-minute events.

Just as importantly, they don’t require minimum order quantities.

Whether you need just one sample, a small run, or a big order, Soardist is ready to help. This flexibility is useful when you’re pitching new business or working with clients who have specific needs.

Why Their Tents Stand Out

Ask the Soardist team what they’re best known for, and the answer comes quickly: tents.

In the interview, Mike explained that they don’t offer different quality levels or basic entry options. Instead, they have one premium tent package that includes features distributors usually pay extra for with other suppliers.

Some of those features include:

• Heavy-duty construction
• 600D polyester canopy material
• Lifetime hardware warranty
• Free rolling bag
• Interior Velcro for adding accessories later
• Larger front valance for increased branding space
• Quality control on every tent before shipment

The team also stressed that their pricing is clear. Instead of showing a low starting price and adding extra fees later, they offer straightforward pricing with premium features included.

Apparel Is Becoming a Bigger Part of the Business

While display products remain Soardist’s foundation, apparel has become one of the company’s fastest-growing categories.

Since starting its apparel division in 2020, the company has added athletic wear, corporate clothing, casual styles, cycling jerseys, SPF-protective gear, and other performance products. The team says they only launch new items once they meet their quality standards, even if it takes more time.

This careful approach shows their overall philosophy: focus on quality instead of just adding more products.

More Than a Supplier—A Sales Resource

Products are only part of the equation.

One thing Soardist kept highlighting in our conversation was their support for distributors.

Each distributor gets a dedicated account representative, so you don’t have to deal with different departments or unfamiliar contacts. The goal is to give you direct communication with someone who knows your account and projects.

The company also provides in-person and online product training for distributor sales teams. This includes introducing new products, explaining how things are made, sharing samples, and helping salespeople learn how to present display products and apparel. Soardist sees education as a key part of their partnership.

Looking ahead, the company is also developing additional distributor resources, including:

• End-user-safe flyers
• Brandable catalogs
• Product setup guides
• Educational videos

These materials are designed to help distributors present and support Soardist products more easily with their clients.

A Company Growing Without Losing Its Culture

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation wasn’t about products at all. It was about people.

Mike described how the company has grown quickly but still tries to stay as responsive as a small business. They talked about investing in new equipment, expanding what they can do, and growing their team, while keeping close teamwork across sales, customer service, production, logistics, and account management.

This approach also shapes how they work with customers. Instead of adding extra steps, they want distributors to know exactly who to contact when they need help.

For distributors, this means getting answers faster, having more consistent communication, and working with a supplier that feels like part of their own team.

Key Takeaways

If you’ve heard of Soardist but aren’t sure what they do, here’s a quick summary.

They are a trade-only supplier that specializes in large-format sublimation, premium display products, and a growing apparel line. They focus on fast production, no minimum orders, clear pricing, and dedicated account management, while keeping their product range focused instead of trying to make everything.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner for tents, event displays, or custom apparel, Soardist is a supplier you should consider.

As Mike said in our interview, all it takes is a phone call to get started. No messenger pigeon needed.

For more information on Soardist, visit their website at www.soardistusa.com.