Behind The Print: The Sok-It Story
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind The Print, I chat with Kristal Narkiewicz, Customer Experience Manager at Sok-It. What started as a solution to iced coffee puddles has grown into a playful, functional brand known for its neoprene cup covers, lunch totes, and vibrant prints. We talk about product evolution, the power of print marketing, and how Sok-It built a loyal fanbase of “Sock Heads” by combining practicality with personality. Kristal shares insights on customer service, trend forecasting, and why going the extra mile matters.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
8-minute read
“Our catalog feels more like a fashion catalog than a product booklet.” Kristal Narkiewicz, Experience Manager
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Sok-It’s Customer Experience Manager, Kristal Narkiewicz
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is The Sok-It Story. I’m joined by Kristal Narkiewicz, Customer Experience Manager at Sok-It.
Kristal Narkiewicz: Hey! Thanks for having me.
Zoe Fisher: So for someone discovering Sok-It for the first time, what do you do and what makes you different?
Kristal Narkiewicz: We make neoprene cup covers for cold drinks. We started with the JavaSok for iced coffee, and now we have versions for cans, bottles, and even lunch totes. Our lunch totes were created because most on the market don’t keep food cold all day. We’re all about solving cold drink problems with fun, fashionable neoprene designs.
“Our Facebook group, Sock Heads, gives instant feedback… We’ve scrapped designs based on their reactions and launched better ones.” Kristal Narkiewicz, Experience Manager
Zoe Fisher: You cover so many different use cases! I also love your printsthere are so many.
Kristal Narkiewicz: We’ve created over 600 styles in the last eight years. We try to offer something for everyonesports fans, hobbyists, you name it. It’s about giving people something that makes their daily drink experience better and more personal.
Zoe Fisher: Tell me your story. How did you go from fan to Customer Experience Manager?
Kristal Narkiewicz: Sok-It was started by my uncle David, who’s an iced coffee fanatic. He hated the puddles on his desk, so he created a cover to stop them. At first we had three colors, inspired by Dunkin’. He’d send me products in college, and I’d give them out to friends. We could literally track sales based on where I was handing them out. It became a bit of a grassroots influencer role before that was a thing. Eventually, after years of input and product testing, he asked me to join the team full-time.
Zoe Fisher: That’s so cool. You’ve really been with the brand since the beginning.
Kristal Narkiewicz: Definitely. Now I work across departmentscustomer service, wholesale, marketing, print selection, trend research. It’s a small team, so we all wear a lot of hats.
Zoe Fisher: Your product really works. I was surprised how long my drink stayed cold.
Kristal Narkiewicz: Same! I sip large iced coffees all day and still have ice hours later. They’re compact, travel-friendly, and even stadium-approved. My kids love them too. They’re functional and fun.
Zoe Fisher: How do you come up with your print designs?
Kristal Narkiewicz: We’re very trend-driven. I attend several wholesale markets a year and work with trend companies to forecast what’s coming. We look for bold, crisp, seamless designs. We go through multiple rounds to get it right and pride ourselves on the print qualityit’s one way to spot us over the knock-offs.
Zoe Fisher: Tell me about your printed marketing materials. How do you keep the vibe so strong?
Zoe Fisher: That’s so thoughtful and practical. For others who may be building a brand in a sensitive space like this, what advice would you give about using design and marketing to communicate compassion?
Tina Ebanks: Lead with empathy. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. They’re often under time pressure, dealing with emotional stress, and facing conflicting input from family members. Our templates are designed to accommodate all of that, allowing multiple family members to collaborate and contribute with ease.
Zoe Fisher: That collaboration piece is so powerful. Would you say your business stands out in this space?
Tina Ebanks: I believe so. I haven’t seen many other companies offering funeral templates through an online design platform like ours. Most are still downloadable Word files, and the design quality is often lacking. I wanted to create something that honored our loved ones the way we do for weddings—elegant, thoughtful, and cohesive.
“Employees are our best ambassadors. When customers see the product in use, it sparks conversation.” Kristal Narkiewicz, Experience Manager
Kristal Narkiewicz: We use bold colors and vibrant lifestyle photos to grab attention. Our catalog feels more like a fashion catalog than a product booklet. Our product is a fashion accessory for a lot of people, so we leaned into that in our branding.
Zoe Fisher: I love thatit gives it a premium feel. And the nursing community loves you too, right?
Kristal Narkiewicz: Nurses are our biggest supporters. We’re in a lot of hospital gift shops. Nurses often match their Sok-It to their scrubs or go for bright contrasts. It’s fun and shows how people use them as self-expression.
Zoe Fisher: What’s the most important part of your role?
Kristal Narkiewicz: Making customers feel heard. If a package gets lost or delayed, we go above and beyondwhether it’s a freebie, discount, or faster shipping. We want people to feel valued and supported.
Zoe Fisher: I noticed your website is super organized and fun to browse.
Kristal Narkiewicz: Thank you! I help with that too. Even though I’m in customer service, I touch wholesale, logistics, and web content. If someone’s ordered from us 15 times and finally hits a snag, I want to make it right.
Zoe Fisher: How do you use printed inserts to build loyalty?
Kristal Narkiewicz: We include employee sample kits with wholesale ordersfour mediums, a printed box label, and a postcard with sales tips. Employees are our best ambassadors. When customers see the product in use, it sparks conversation. The postcard helps staff speak confidently about the features.
Zoe Fisher: Do you get feedback on those kits?
“Nurses are our biggest supporters. They often match their Sok-It to their scrubs or go for bright contrasts. We want people to feel valued and supported.” Kristal Narkiewicz, Experience Manager
Kristal Narkiewicz: Absolutely. Retailers say it helps their staff sell better, and employees feel appreciated. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact.
Zoe Fisher: Have you had any customer moments that really stuck with you?
Kristal Narkiewicz: One woman wrote in to say our product helped her during breast cancer treatment. Her hands got cold from chemo and she struggled to hold cups. She used JavaSoks on everything. She even bought a bulk order to donate to her oncology officewhich inspired me to do the same. That meant a lot.
Zoe Fisher: That’s incredible. What advice would you give other small businesses trying to stand out?
Kristal Narkiewicz: Be flexible. Think outside the box. Customer service isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our employee sample kit was an idea that helped us grow. Build a brand vibe. For us, it’s fun and playfulwe work hard, play harder. And keep your customers happy. Word of mouth is powerful.
Zoe Fisher: How has social media played a role in Sok-It’s success?
Kristal Narkiewicz: Huge. Our Facebook group, Sock Heads, gives instant feedback. We’ve scrapped designs based on their reactions and launched better ones. They share creative use cases and help us stay connected to the community.
Zoe Fisher: What’s the wildest use you’ve seen for a Sok-It?
Kristal Narkiewicz: A truck driver used one as a kitten car seat. He found a kitten on the road and put it in a medium JavaSok in his cup holderit sat there for hours. Another guy in Texas used it to grip his hot steering wheel. People get creative!
Zoe Fisher: That’s amazing. If you had a completely free day, what would you do?
Kristal Narkiewicz: I’d go fly fishing. Being on the water, surrounded by quietit’s soul-refreshing. I don’t even care if I catch anything.
“We work hard, play harder. That’s always been our company policy. And don’t just work hard but work hard for your customers, employees, and coworkers.” Kristal Narkiewicz, Experience Manager
Zoe Fisher: I love that. Where can people find Sok-It?
Kristal Narkiewicz: Our website is sok-it.com, and we’re also on Amazon and in over 1,600 retailers nationwide. We’re in places like Scooter’s Coffee and lots of hospital gift shops. The west coast is our next big expansion area.
Zoe Fisher: Amazing. I’ve used Sok-It myself, and now my coffee will never go bare again!
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Work Hard, Play Harder
Sok-It is proof that practical design can still be playful. Kristal Narkiewicz and her team have built a brand that turns everyday iced coffee habits into moments of self-expression and joy. Whether it’s brightening someone’s desk, supporting a nurse on their shift, or helping a survivor hold on with comfort, Sok-It shows that even small accessories can make a big impact. At PrintingCenterUSA, we’re proud to support brands like Sok-It that use thoughtful design and print to create products people love—and never want to sip without. Order today!
