Houston Promotional Products Association Industry News

HALO Bolsters Its Executive Team With 3 New Hires

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:42:41 GMT

HALO (PPAI 106462, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 2 distributor, has announced the appointments of Erin DeCesare as chief product and technology officer, Ameed Mallick as executive vice president of the seller platform and Michael Snyder as vice president of uniforms.

DeCesare joined HALO in January. She brings extensive experience leading product and technology organizations through periods of scale and transformation. Most recently, she helped evolve the marketplace platform at ezCater and previously held leadership roles at Vistaprint.

“Erin joins us at a pivotal moment,” says Jim Hilt, CEO of HALO. “Her ability to connect strategy to execution will help us accelerate our transformation and build capabilities that scale.”

Mallick joined the Sterling, Illinois-based company on March 30. He brings experience building and scaling marketplace platforms, including leadership roles at Instacart and Angi.

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“The seller platform is foundational to providing accessible, scalable and adaptable solutions for our customers,” Hilt says. “Ameed brings the experience to turn that vision into reality.”

Snyder joined HALO on March 25. He brings more than three decades of leadership experience in apparel and uniforms, with expertise across product design, sourcing, go-to-market strategy, sales and category expansion.

“Uniforms are a foundational way our clients express their brands in the real world,” Hilt says. “Michael’s experience will equip our team to turn this offering into a true growth engine.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

BAMBAMS excited to announce the hiring of Caylan Johnson

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:30:31 GMT

“Adding Caylan to the BamBams Sales team is an exciting moment for the present & future of BamBams. We are making an investment into the Texas market, where Caylan will drive Texas sales into our Sealy TX facility. This market represents significant upside for BamBams and adding Caylan to the BamBams team will only help to foster this growth more quickly!” Statement from Rustin Luedtke, VP of Strategic Development at BamBams.

Living in the Houston area, Caylan is an industry veteran with previous experience at both Hirsch and Sunjoy. Her primary role will be as a Texas specific sales representative that will help to support both the AE and CSR teams in growing the BamBams sales footprint in her territory. Caylan will be our “Boots on the Street” for BamBams and will be participating in sales meetings and networking events that are specific to HPPA and PPAS, as well as attending client specific meetings throughout 2026.

Welcome to the #BamFam Caylan!!

American Solutions for Business Announces Official Rebrand

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:21:32 GMT

American Solutions for Business (ASB) announces its official rebrand, marking a strategic evolution in the company’s identity while honoring its long-standing legacy.

At the company’s national sales conference in Louisville, KY, ASB announced the direction of their new rebrand, providing attendees with the assets in real time and giving access to the new logo, color palette and typeface. Additionally, ASB will serve as the primary external brand expression. The full company name remains in secondary logo variations to maintain recognition and reinforce the company’s history and credibility.

“This change has been a deliberate and thoughtful process, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the next chapter in our identity,” shared Justin Zavadil, President of ASB. “Who we are hasn’t changed. But as we evolve, our ability to transcend across markets and borders has never been more important, and this rebrand empowers and positions us to do that.”

This launch marks the beginning of a phased rollout across all platforms, locations, and branded materials, beginning digitally and expanding to larger and physical implementation throughout the coming months.

“It’s important we made this announcement in-person, so we can ensure clear communication, understanding and commitment to the transition,” explained Taylor Borst, VP of Vendor Relations, Marketing, and Events. “The rebrand belongs to all of us. Through the creative process, we surveyed all 1,300+ of our team members and relied on input from our advisory boards and leaders along the way. Our salespeople, home office and field employees all played a role in the development of our new logo, and this is something we get to celebrate together.”

For 45 years, American Solutions for Business has built its reputation on relationships, integrity, and innovative solutions. The transition reflects ASB’s continued growth, modern positioning, and commitment to presenting a string, unified brand across all platforms.

Proforma Acquires Safeguard From Deluxe

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:27:48 GMT

Branded merchandise has its first major splash deal of 2026, as Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum) has reached an agreement to acquire Safeguard Business Systems, the promotional products arm of Deluxe (PPAI 187418, Platinum).

The deal is expected to add roughly $180 million in annual revenue to Proforma’s bottom line, according to the principals announcing the sale, Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo and Deluxe President Mark Byers.

“As a family business, we’ve always believed that growth should strengthen, not change, who we are. This acquisition reflects that belief,” Muzzillo says. “We’re proud of our roots as a family business, and we are equally proud to see our family grow.”

The acquisition includes nearly 140 distributor sales organizations, earning as much as $16 million in revenue per year, that will transition to Proforma franchises. Another $40 million in company-owned business will transfer from publicly traded Deluxe to Proforma in the move.

We are building to $1 billion. And for us, we believe that happens by creating success one distributor at a time.”

Vera Muzzillo

CEO, Proforma

“Our goal is to make this transition seamless by honoring existing relationships, thoughtfully aligning processes and ensuring every team member feels supported from day one,” says Tim Nale, chief brand officer at Proforma. “We’ve leveraged our industry-leading technology, decades of experience and strong history of acquisitions to design an intentional onboarding plan that focuses on open communication and support.”

The deal is believed to be the largest acquisition by a distributor in branded merchandise industry history, although not all of Safeguard’s revenue comes from promotional products.
Byers said just over half of Safeguard’s revenue is derived from printed products, primarily office materials.

In terms of scale at the time of the deal, Proforma’s big buy tops iPROMOTEu’s 2024 acquisition of AIA, which had brought in just under $155 million the previous year.

Combined revenues for Proforma and Safeguard would settle at around $850 million.

“We are building to $1 billion,” Muzzillo says. “And for us, we believe that happens by creating success one distributor at a time. We can be the engine for distributors who want the tools and resources to succeed. That’s who we are.”

In 2025, Proforma ranked No. 3 in the PPAI 100 measure of industry leadership and reported revenue of $662 million from the prior year.
Deluxe, for its Safeguard business, ranked No. 18. Its revenue had grown nearly 15% from 2023-24. Its operations are headquartered in Minneapolis, but distributors are spread throughout the country.

An Ongoing Partnership

Muzzillo and Byers say they had been discussing Safeguard’s potential sale for quite some time before identifying Proforma as the right fit in recent months. The respective businesses have been partners, with Proforma relying on Safeguard’s print manufacturing capabilities for certain product segments, which both sides expect to continue.

“From Deluxe’s side, timing is everything,” says Byers, who described Safeguard’s verticals as not a strategic priority for the larger Deluxe business. “We’re going to continue to build a payments and data company.

“Safeguard is a very proud organization with a 70-year history, and we wanted to make sure that we put it and the distributors who are part of it into the best position to succeed.”

Safeguard is a very proud organization with a 70-year history, and we wanted to make sure that we put it and the distributors who are part of it into the best position to succeed.”

Mark Byers

President, Deluxe

Muzzillo credited her son, Michael Roney, for his leadership in setting the table for the acquisition, including establishing onboarding initiatives for the distributors transitioning to Proforma. After a brief hiatus from the family company to pursue his own business interests, Roney rejoined Proforma as senior vice president last year.

“The opportunity to join Proforma and Safeguard is more than a business transaction,” Roney says. “We’re joining two networks of talented people who share a commitment to innovation and values. This venture positions our network for sustainable growth while preserving the culture and integrity that have defined Proforma for generations.”

The deal is expected to close in March. Muzzillo called things “business as usual” for the immediate future.

Proforma’s onboarding efforts will include personalized transition help for each Safeguard distributor.

“We’ve always had a tremendous amount of respect for Safeguard and Deluxe,” Muzzillo says. “We always knew that they were a well-run organization with a great culture. … We are going to be careful to make the Safeguard distributors feel cared for.

“It’s all about relationships, it’s all about people. You want people to feel that they’re in good hands, and we want to make sure they feel as much a part of the Proforma family as they have felt with Safeguard for 70 years.”

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Hall Of Fame: Steven Meyer, MAS

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:44:23 GMT

Steven Meyer, MAS, was managing a drugstore in Willmar, Minnesota, in 1998, when he received a phone call from Jim Moore, MAS, principal at then-supplier Molenaar, inviting him to an interview. Meyer didn’t know Moore and wasn’t looking for a job, but a mutual friend, Dan Hansen of Hansen Advertising, thought Meyer would be a perfect fit for selling promotional products.

Meyer was not at all interested in sales, but he says Moore’s pitch and professionalism captivated him and sealed the deal. In exchange for training Meyer, Moore stipulated that he had to get involved in a regional association.

“Part of our agreement was that I would volunteer for UMAPP, and someday, if I was lucky, I might be able to get on a PPAI task force or committee,” Meyer says. While attending PPAI’s 1998 Summer Show in St. Louis, he watched a board presentation and was immediately hooked.

Meyer became an active participant in the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals, which ultimately led to his election to its board in 2003. He went on to serve as vice president in 2008 and then as president in 2009. At the same time, he volunteered for PPAI, starting on the Suppliers Committee and Membership Committee in 2002.

Leading regional trade associations and serving on the PPAI Board made dramatic changes in my life.”

Steven Meyer, MAS

PPAI Hall of Famer

Over the next decade, Meyer served a term, and sometimes two, on most of PPAI’s committees, advisory councils and work groups. He also was an industry speaker and a participant in PPAI’s Legislative Education and Action Day on Capitol Hill.

In 2009, Meyer was elected to the PPAI Board of Directors, becoming chair in 2012. But his love for industry service wasn’t yet satiated. After his board service was complete, he continued to give of his time and talent to the Promotional Products Education Foundation, among other initiatives.

Working with PPEF reopened his eyes to the ongoing need to fund industry scholarships, and he realized he could use his broad network to attract donations. An avid hiker and biker, Meyer set an ambitious goal for himself. In 2024, he rode his bike more than 600 miles on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and raised several thousand dollars for PPEF.

After working at Molenaar for 15 years, Meyer left the company when it was sold in 2013. He spent a few months at QuickPoint before relocating to Dallas the next year to help launch supplier RiteLine.
In typical “Steven Meyer style,” he was drawn to volunteer with the Promotional Products Association Southwest, where he served as a board member in 2016, vice president in 2017 and board president in 2018.
Following six years at RiteLine, Meyer departed the company to take on his final industry role. He joined the startup team at Arch Promo Group in 2020, helping to grow it to 10 brands before his retirement last fall.

“Steven’s dedication to the growth and integrity of our industry is both exemplary and inspiring,” says Steve Ehlert, national general manager at Arch Promo Group, PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier, and Meyers’ nominator for the PPAI Hall of Fame. “What sets Steven apart is not just the breadth of his professional experience but the depth of his generosity in sharing it.”

What sets Steven apart is not just the breadth of his professional experience but the depth of his generosity in sharing it.”

Steve Ehlert

National GM, Arch Promo Group

Asked how his more than two decades of volunteer service have helped shape him, Meyer says, “Leading regional trade associations and serving on the PPAI Board made dramatic changes in my life. Most of all, the interaction with other members and directors is invaluable. Those experiences taught me so much about myself, increased my confidence and opened my eyes to a whole new level of the industry.”

Meyer recalls that for nearly half of his time in the industry, he was serving on either a regional board or the PPAI board – and it was an irreplaceable experience.

“Without those roles and the interaction with other members, the regional executive directors and the staff at PPAI and fellow board members – whether we are talking about a personal or business relationship – my career would have been less fulfilling. Volunteering gives back so much more than it takes,” he says.

His proudest achievements on the PPAI Board included helping to establish the first Green Task Force and trimming the board from 18 to 11 directors, thus reducing expenses and making each voice more valuable and accountable. His biggest delight, however, has been helping others flourish.

“Most of all, I’ve had an opportunity to listen and share with others,” he says. “To say less and listen more. To be a mentor but also receive and appreciate a different viewpoint. Whether it’s someone new to the industry or an old friend, each has something to share.”

Meyer says the distinction of being named to PPAI’s Hall of Fame is still sinking in. “When I look at others who have been recognized in this way, I’m a bit hesitant. But, thanks to good friends like [Hall of Fame inductees] Mary Dobsch and Teresa Moisant, I’ve learned that each person gives of themselves in different ways and that gift can be valued differently by any person,” he says.

“Being acknowledged with this honor means that I am part of the fabric of this industry and that my peers felt my contributions made a difference,” Meyer adds. “It also means that I share this award with so many who helped me. Thank you to all my friends, co-workers and peers for this once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

Written by: Tina Berres Filipski

Published with Permission from PPAI

34 Industry Companies Win 2026 PPAI Pyramid Awards

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:41:35 GMT

PPAI has announced the winners of its 2026 PPAI Pyramid Awards. This year, 34 different companies took home gold and silver Pyramids. The annual awards honor creative excellence in the promotional products industry and recognize dependable suppliers, outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship by Association members.

First presented in 1958, the PPAI Pyramid Award represents the pinnacle of achievement and honors the long-standing, collaborative partnerships between the PPAI family of members that differentiate strategic promotional marketing from the buying and selling of products. The PPAI Pyramid Award, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards, has stood the test of time and continues to advance the awareness and prestige of the industry’s talented companies and individuals. The award recognizes promotional products firms and helps shine the spotlight on the collaborative business model unique to the industry.

The winners are listed alphabetically below.

American Solutions for Business
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Educational Programs

BAG MAKERS, Inc.
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Supplier/Distribution Collaboration

BAMKO
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Consumer Programs
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Sales Inventive Programs
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Business to Business Programs
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Social Responsibility Programs

BEL Promo
Silver Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Supplier Sales Support Materials

Branded Products
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Tradeshow/Exhibit Traffic Programs

C.C. Creations
Silver Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Self Promotion Campaigns

CE Competitive Edge
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Employee Incentive & Recognition Programs

commonsku
Gold Pyramid: Technology Programs – Web Content/Functionality
Silver Pyramid: Technology Programs – eCommerce Website

Totally Chocolate Promo (Formerly Chocolate Chocolate)
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Supplier Decorating
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Special Applications/Processes

City Apparel + Merch
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Not For Profit Programs

CounterPoint
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Print On Hard Surfaces

Facilisgroup
Gold Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Content Marketing Program

Gemline
Silver Pyramid: Technology Program – Mobile Apps/Mobile Websites

HALO
Gold Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Digital Self Promotion Campaigns
Silver Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Branding Campaigns

Honeycomb Promotional Marketing Agency
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Client Programs

HPG Brands
Gold Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Self Promotion Campaigns
Gold Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Supplier Sales Support Materials
Silver Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Cause Advocacy Marketing Programs

IICON Creative Strategies
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Not For Profit Programs

INM Marketing Group
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Employee Incentive & Recognition Programs
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Social Responsibility Programs

iPROMOTEu
Silver Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Content Marketing Program

KOOLGATOR
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Print On Textiles
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Print On Textiles

Koozie Group
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Special Applications/Processes

MadeToOrder
Gold Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Branding Campaigns

Martket Branding
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Client Branding Programs

OPTI Print and Fulfillment
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Etching/Engraving/Laser
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Large Format Printing
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Mascot/Character Product
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Print On Hard Surfaces
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Supplier/Distribution Collaboration
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Combination of Processes
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Large Format Printing
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Mascot/Character Product

Overture Promotions
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Distributor/Supplier Collaboration

PCNA
Gold Pyramid: Technology Programs – eCommerce Website
Silver Pyramid: Technology Programs – Web Content/Functionality

Promotional Partners
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Educational Programs

SRG
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Casting/Molding
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Combination of Processes
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Customized Non-Catalog Product
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Casting/Molding

The Chest
Silver Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Customized Non-Catalog Product

Thumbprint
Gold Pyramid: Technology Programs – Mobile Apps/Mobile Websites

Vantage Apparel
Silver Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Digital Self Promotion Campaigns
Gold Pyramid: Supplier Decorating – Embroidery

Whitestone
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Business to Business Programs
Gold Pyramid: Marketing Programs – Cause Advocacy Marketing Programs
Gold Pyramid: Client Programs – Client Branding Programs

Zagwear
Silver Pyramid: Client Programs – Consumer Programs

Published with Permission from PPAI

S&S Activewear Appoints New Chief Strategy Officer

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:53:50 GMT

S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier has announced that Rob Hamill has been promoted to the role of chief strategy officer to kick off 2026. The Illinois-based company says that the position is solutions-focused and will “accelerate innovation” within the industry.

Hamill initially joined S&S Activewear in 2024 as a director of strategy. He most recently held the role of vice president, strategy and corporate development.
His strategic influence was instrumental in the industry-reverberating acquisition of alphabroder in the fall of 2024. At the time, both companies were ranked in the top five of the PPAI 100 suppliers.

Rob Hamill

Chief Strategy Officer, S&S Activewear

Mergers and acquisitions have been a headlining piece of Hamill’s strategic contributions to S&S, but the company credits his purview the past few years with responsibilities including market expansion, operational excellence and innovation technology. As chief strategy officer, he will operate under similar goals with a slight pivot toward the immediate overseeing of “enterprise strategy, market intelligence, M&A and the continued development of technology platforms that strengthen customer performance.”

S&S CEO Frank Myers says that Hamill’s position is focused, first and foremost, on solutions for customers.

“Rob’s energy strategic mindset and customer-first approach have helped shape the future of S&S,” says Myers. “His work directly supports our goal of giving customers the solutions they need to say ‘yes’ to more opportunities. His leadership will accelerate the innovation our industry deserves.”

Rob’s energy strategic mindset and customer-first approach have helped shape the future of S&S.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

A Busy Year For S&S

While 2024 may have been the year that S&S made its blockbuster acquisition of alphabroder, the supplier exercised plenty of strategic maneuvering in 2025.

In May, it reached an exclusive agreement with vineyard vines and Marmot.
The next month, the supplier followed that up with an exclusive partnership with HanesBrands.

By August, S&S announced that it was the exclusive wholesale provider of Gildan’s American Apparel.

Last month, the company closed distribution centers in Illinois and Texas, with nearly 200 employees being laid off. The closures were part of a network integration plan that resulted from the 2024 acquisition of alphabroder.

“We’re committed to managing this process thoughtfully and ensuring a smooth, well-planned path forward for our people and our business,” the company said in a statement.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with permission from PPAI

Warwick Publishing Celebrates 100 Years Of Family-Owned Business

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:50:13 GMT

For Warwick Publishing (PPAI 114154, Gold), 2026 represents a big round number, one that very few companies are fortunate enough to reach: This year, PPAI’s No. 66 supplier celebrates its centennial. But not only did the St. Charles, Illinois-based firm reach 100 years, it did so while remaining family owned and operated.

Warwick Publishing is now in its fifth generation, currently owned by Alex Paschal, the company’s CEO and a 2023 PPAI Rising Star.

As the story goes, it was Lina Paschal, a journalist, who bought The Valley Chronicle all the way back in 1903 before eventually selling it to Paul Paschal, her nephew, which began its journey as newspaper publisher and, eventually, promotional products supplier.

“A single brave step is what set our story in motion,” says Paschal. “In 1926, Lina sent us all on a journey. She didn’t know it then, but between the day she bought The Valley Chronicle and where we stand today under the Warwick name, that journey would carry us through 63 more years of newspaper publishing, where we’d print more than 100 million copies, a pivot to us producing over 20 million calendars, and be blessed with five generations of Paschals walking these halls.

More than four thousand employees have called this place home, and hundreds of thousands more have trusted us as their partner in printed media and promotional products. As we celebrate our centennial, we’re incredibly grateful for each and every one of them.”

Alex Paschal

CEO, Fifth-Generation Owner, Warwick Publishing

“Most importantly though, more than four thousand employees have called this place home, and hundreds of thousands more have trusted us as their partner in printed media and promotional products. As we celebrate our centennial, we’re incredibly grateful for each and every one of them.”

At a time when digital options are increasingly hyped, Paschal celebrates the success of the tactile offerings of Warwick Publishing over time and still flourishing today.

“Printed paper still works,” Paschal says. “It’s personal, tactile and timeless. And when done well, it becomes
a piece of your client’s brand that sticks around long after the first impression.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Pantone Picks ‘Cloud Dancer’ As The 2026 Color Of The Year

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:02:52 GMT

Pantone has announced that Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201) is its 2026 Color of the Year.

The institute, which is considered a leading authority on color, describes it as a “lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection.”

Cloud Dancer encourages relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, the company says. The color is “associated with new beginnings” and “signifies our desire for a fresh start,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the institute, told CNN.

A key structural color, Cloud Dancer’s versatility “provides scaffolding for the color spectrum, allowing all colors to shine,” Pantone says.
Pastel and neutral tones make compatible combinations to Cloud Dancer, offering subtle shifts in hue, the company adds.

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute carefully selects a hue that reflects worldwide trends in design, fashion, current events and more.

The Pantone Color of the Year program was created in 1999 to spark conversation around color and culture.
The Color of the Year for 2025 was Mocha Mousse, “a rich, warm, indulgent mood that made our wardrobes (and our world) a little more delicious,” and the Color of the Year for 2024 was Peach Fuzz, a “velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body and soul.”

“The color name is critical. The minute you hear a name describing color, you instantly conjure up an image,” Pressman said, adding that this precise shade of white, with its “equal balance of cool and warm undertones,” was carefully chosen.

“Had we gone for a white that was more optically bright, not only does it take away from the natural feeling and honesty and authenticity that we’re looking for… it almost speaks to sterility and isolationism, because it’s cold,” Pressman told CNN.

The promo industry keeps a close eye on color trends, including the annual Color of the Year announcement, as suppliers and distributors apply those ideas to future product and marketing plans.

Published with Permission from PPAI

Written by: John Corrigan

Bright As Ever: The 2025 PPAI Rising Stars

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 22:49:18 GMT

They come from all corners of the promotional products world – distributors, suppliers and business service firms of every size – but they share one thing in common: a relentless drive to lead, innovate and lift others as they rise.

Each year, PPAI Media searches the industry for its brightest emerging leaders, and in 2025, more than 200 nominations poured in. From this impressive field, 12 young professionals stood out for their achievements, their commitment to their communities and their unmistakable potential to shape what comes next.

Since the program’s creation in 2010, PPAI Rising Stars have embodied the qualities that keep the industry moving forward: leadership, creativity, volunteerism and the courage to take on new challenges. For the second year, eligibility was limited to professionals under age 40 – a nod to the program’s mission of spotlighting the next generation of visionaries charting the industry’s future.

The 2025 honorees were celebrated in October at PPAI’s Leadership Development Conference in Texas, where they joined peers for a young professionals educational track designed to sharpen their skills and expand their influence. It was a fitting setting – a space dedicated to learning, connection and growth – for a group that represents the best of what’s ahead.

Several of this year’s Rising Stars were nominated multiple times by colleagues and mentors who see their impact firsthand. Their stories reflect an industry in constant evolution, one that thrives on fresh ideas and fearless leadership.

Read on to meet the 2025 class of PPAI Rising Stars. Their light is already shining, and their future promises to illuminate the path for everyone in promo.

Patrick Bardsley, 37
Co-founder & CEO, Spectrum Designs

Read Patrick’s Interview

“He’s built a thriving business that not only delivers high-quality custom apparel and promotional products, but also creates life-changing employment opportunities for autistic individuals. Under his leadership, Spectrum has grown from a small startup to a nationally recognized nonprofit with multiple locations, high-profile clients and a proven social impact model. What impresses me most is how Patrick balances operational excellence with deep compassion. He’s just as focused on perfecting our printing process as he is on making sure every team member is seen, supported and successful. His work is innovative, impactful and inspiring, and he’s only getting started.”

–Kelli Fisher, Spectrum Designs

Nina Bui, 29
Territory Sales Manager, HPG

Watch Nina’s Interview

“As a fellow supplier, I’ve seen how intentionally she builds connections with other reps, creating a network that helps all of us better serve our distributor customers even when a solution doesn’t come directly from her own line. She’s a true team player, a rising talent in our industry and genuinely a joy to work with. I’m proud to call her a friend and excited to watch her continued growth and success.”

–Dawn Kovar, Showdown Displays

Abby Burke, 33
National Account Executive, Walker-Clay

Watch Abby’s Interview

“I consider Abby a Rising Star in the promotional products industry because she thinks differently and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. She’s always looking for fresh, creative ways to connect with new clients and expand her reach. What sets her apart is how she leans into platforms like TikTok and YouTube to share her expertise and personality in an authentic, engaging way. She’s built content that educates, entertains and ultimately drives interest in our industry, helping open doors that traditional outreach methods might not. Her willingness to take risks and experiment with new approaches is exactly what this industry needs more of.”

–Amanda Clay, Walker-Clay

Jade Crider, 24
Lead Sales & Social Media Coordinator, Hasseman Marketing & Communications

Watch Jade’s Interview

“Over the past three years, Jade has made a name for herself and stepped out of the shadows of her father, a well known long-time industry vet. Through her use of social media marketing, her podcasting and her personal branding – not to mention her paneling at various industry events – she’s definitely come into her own as a force in the industry.”

–Matt Shucart, Advertising Premium Sales

Savannah Dmytriw, 30
Vice President of Business Development, S.C.G.

Watch Savannah’s Interview

“She pairs authentic visibility with real results. In a space where social media is often smoke and mirrors, she stands out by backing every post with real retail trends, transparency and follow-through. Sav’s content isn’t just for likes. Every piece of content shines a light on and elevates the measurable impact she’s making for her own brand, her company, and to our industry as a whole. Her merch reviews are curated, deliberate and impressive. Her content already blows me away, but another specific example of how she’s impressed me is how she’s built a promo community of like-minded distributors and suppliers to think tank how to move the industry forward. She is a force because she doesn’t just talk the talk and get her social media clout. She walks the walk and turns ideas into action.”

–Brittany Frase, MadeToOrder

Kristine Eng, 34
Director of Marketing, Pop! Promos

Watch Kristine’s Interview

“Kristine has already made an indelible mark on our industry. With over 11 years of experience across supplier and distributor organizations, she exemplifies the innovation, leadership and forward-thinking vision this award is meant to honor. Since joining Pop! Promos just two years ago, Kristine has accelerated through the ranks, earning a promotion from Marketing Manager to Director of Marketing. Today, she leads both the Marketing and Creative Services departments, driving results-oriented strategies and cultivating a team culture rooted in excellence, creativity and authenticity.”

–Erin Reilly, Pop! Promos

Stephanie Hinkle, 37
Marketing Manager, MadeToOrder

Watch Stephanie’s Interview

“She takes the same tools that we all have access to and learns how to use them to their most magical potential, and then she shares that knowledge with competitors and peers – what!? She is a curious and creative mind who loves to collaborate to bring her knowledge to the greater industry, someone who is not only passionate but willing to share that passion is invaluable.”

–Samantha Fullerton, BAMKO

Cayley Lazarus, 39
Inside Sales Lead, Logomark

Watch Cayley’s Interview

“Cayley is extremely proactive and engaged in all of our client projects, big and small. She is a constant in our daily lives, showcasing ideas and solutions to make our day-to-day easier and helping us to present the best of the best to wow our clients. Cayley grew her territory with the Taylor account from about $50,000 in 2021 to $700,000 in 2024 – an increase of 1,300%!”

–Amy Loeffler, Taylor Promo Marketing

Eli Martin, 32
Sales Manager, 5B’s Embroidery and Screen Print

Watch Eli’s Interview

“Within 5B’s, Eli has made leaps in sales growth while still focusing on what matters the most in companies: the people. Eli manages a sales team giving them the opportunity to grow and learn. He is a hands-on leader who makes people feel wanted and needed in the office. Eli is compassionate and willing to help a younger person in the industry, not just at his company. Eli is in a unique situation, being a decorator. They have even less ability to influence the buying decision. Eli can utilize his connections to grow the company. He is not afraid to put himself in an uncomfortable situation to grow his skillset or network.”

–Lindsay Bons, ID Line

Vera Minot, 35
Co-owner & Creative Director, Southwest Solutions

Watch Vera’s Interview

“Under Vera’s direction, Southwest Solutions earned a Silver Pyramid Award from PPAI for one of their standout client campaigns, and the company has been named one of PPAI’s Greatest Companies to Work For twice in the last three years – a testament to both the culture she helps lead and the quality of the work she champions. Her creative vision and leadership continue to shape not just the team, but the trajectory of the company and its reputation within the industry.”

–Sydney Harvey, Southwest Solutions

Halle Moore, 25
Marketing Coordinator, PromoCorner

Watch Halle’s Interview

“She brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the industry, keeping content dynamic and engaging, especially through initiatives like the Behind the Brands series. Her energy and modern outlook are shaping a more connected, forward-thinking future for the industry.”

–Kristina Beal, Chocolate Chocolate

Kate Murray, 24
Communications & PR Specialist, American Solutions for Business

Watch Kate’s Interview

“Kate shows up every day ready to make us better. She works hard, is super motivated and is genuinely a good person. The first time she really stood out to me was seeing how she engaged with our reps and vendors at one of our socials at The PPAI Expo last year. She’s so welcoming and present. It’s hard not to like her!”

–Justin Zavadil, American Solutions For Business

Published with Permission from PPAI

SRG Inks Exclusive Partnership With All American Writing Instruments

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:34:59 GMT

SRG (PPAI 230188, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 17 supplier, has announced an exclusive partnership with New Jersey-based supplier All American Writing Instruments (PPAI 113946, Silver), naming SRG the sole North American supplier for AAWI’s complete line of pens, pencils and markers.

AAWI is a 97-year-old, fourth generation family business that’s considered the last vertically integrated pen manufacturer in the United States.
As part of the partnership, Ian Brudenell, vice president of sales at AAWI, will join SRG.

AAWI’s ‘Made in America’ legacy and SRG’s reach create the perfect combination.

Merrick Falkenstein

Chief Revenue Officer, SRG

“AAWI’s ‘Made in America’ legacy and SRG’s reach create the perfect combination, offering distributors reliable, USA-made products with the support and service they trust,” says Merrick Falkenstein, chief revenue officer at SRG.

AAWI’s six brands – Garland, RevMark, PenScents, Pencil Heroes, Pokka and RePen – cover a full spectrum of writing needs, from eco-friendly pens to rugged contractor markers.

“This partnership allows us to expand our reach without sacrificing our commitment to American manufacturing,” says Adam Bell, president of AAWI. “Together with SRG, we’ll continue to deliver exceptional quality and service to our customers.”

Together with SRG, we’ll continue to deliver exceptional quality and service to our customers.”

Adam Bell

President, All American Writing Instruments

Effective immediately, SRG will manage all AAWI purchase orders and customer inquiries.

After 25 years as St Regis Group, the Ontario-based company rebranded to SRG at the beginning of 2025. The name solidifies its expansion beyond awards and into premium giftware and lifestyle products, including drinkware, pens, journals, housewares, bags, tech and much more.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

USTR Suspends Maritime Trade Actions Against China

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:31:57 GMT

Following President Trump’s trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced the suspension of recently imposed actions as part of its Section 301 investigation of China shipbuilding.

As part of that deal, Trump agreed to lower tariffs on Chinese imports to 47% in exchange for promises from Beijing on fentanyl, rare earth elements and soybeans.

The suspension, which starts November 10, 2025, and lasts for one year, covers proposed vessel fees on maritime transport services as well as tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes and cargo-handling equipment. As a result, no fees or duties will be collected during this period.

What the suspension means for the promotional products industry is:

Immediate relief from cost escalation tied to freight, port and handling fees
Improved supply-chain predictability for 2026 production and imports
Continued diversification and affordability in the import pipeline that most suppliers depend on.

“The suspension delivers a one-year tariff pause, strengthens supply-chain stability and highlights PPAI’s active voice in trade policy outcomes that directly affect members,” says Alok Bhat, market economist, research and public affairs lead at PPAI.

The suspension delivers a one-year tariff pause, strengthens supply-chain stability and highlights PPAI’s active voice in trade policy outcomes that directly affect members.”

Alok Bhat

Research & Public Affairs Lead, PPAI

PPAI’s Stance

The Section 301 actions were opposed by numerous trade associations, including PPAI, which submitted comments ahead of a hearing this past March and supported a study by Trade Partnership Worldwide that found USTR’s initially proposed remedies would have a drastically negative economic impact.

During the hearing, concerns raised included increased costs, supply chain disruption, impact on agriculture and a lack of direct benefit to U.S. shipbuilding. Many pointed out that the U.S. shipbuilding sector lacks capacity to replace Chinese-built vessels anytime soon, making the policy more punitive than productive.

Instead of imposing broad fees, there were recommendations during the hearing for alternative approaches such as:

Tax incentives and subsidies for U.S. shipbuilding to improve competitiveness.
Targeted trade agreements to address concerns about China’s subsidies without harming U.S. businesses.
Delays or phased implementation to allow industries time to adjust.
Exploring exemptions for non-Chinese operators to avoid unintended consequences.

“PPAI strongly urges USTR to consider the unintended economic consequences of the proposed Section 301 remedies, particularly their strain on U.S. supply chains, cost structures and business operations,” Drew Holmgreen, president and CEO of PPAI, said in comments submitted to the USTR ahead of the hearing.

“While these measures are intended to support domestic shipbuilding, they risk creating higher costs for importers, disrupting logistics networks and weakening the competitiveness of industries that rely on global trade, including promotional products.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

The Latest Merch Trend: 6-7 Out Of 10, Would Buy Again

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:30:52 GMT

Every generation invents its own slang: far-out daddy-o, that’s lit, all that and a bag of chips. Most fade into the ether. Others wind up named Word of the Year by Dictionary.com. Yes, the Gen Alpha battle cry made it to the big book.

“Perhaps the most defining feature of ‘67’ is that it’s impossible to define,” Dictionary.com says. “It’s meaningless, ubiquitous and nonsensical.”

Pronounced six-seveeeeen (emphasis on seven, personal choice on the amount of e’s), it can be shouted without warning or as a reply to anything. Literally. “What’s 50+17?” 6-7. “It’s cold outside.” 6-7. “How are you today?” 6-7.

Its rise to fame is just as confusing.

The expression can be traced back to rapper Skrilla’s track “Doot Doot (6 7).”
Six-foot-seven NBA player LaMelo Ball became tied to the phrase, prompting fans to yell “six-seveeeeen” when he takes the court.
A 14-year-old dubbed the “67 Kid” went viral for shouting “six-seven” while making an accompanying hand gesture – both palms facing up, moving as if weighing two items.
Popular high school basketball player Taylen Kinney further popularized the slang when he rated a Starbucks drink “six… six… six-seven.”

That quick clip made Kinney a star and inspired his own product line, featuring the number and his signature.

Like any other fad, promo wisely jumped on the opportunity. Tumblers, hoodies, socks, stickers, even matching T-shirts are flooding online store fronts, from Etsy to Amazon. Everyone wants in the inside joke that’s clearly not inside anymore.

Some items feature a simple “6-7.” Other items require a little thinking. Either way, it’s a money maker. Because the saying has no clear meaning, its appeal lies in its flexibility. It can be printed on just about anything, making quick turnarounds and short-run production easy.

And of course, Santa isn’t skipping out on the cash cow. Wrapping paper, customizable Christmas ornaments and tiny “Elf on the Shelf” sweatshirts are already available.

So, what’s the best way to end the madness? 6-7.

Written by: Sarah Luna

Published with Permission from PPAI

Inktavo And OrderMy Gear ‘Expand Ecosystem Of Solutions’ With Merger

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:19:23 GMT

OrderMyGear (PPAI 704581, Silver) has merged with Inktavo (PPAI 817423, Standard-Base), creating a new solutions service for branded merchandise firms. The two business services providers will continue to operate their existing product lines with a future integration process planned.

Inktavo has primarily helped clients working in decorated apparel shops and sign businesses by streamlining their operations and improving efficiency through technology. It is the parent company of Printavo, InkSoft, GraphicsFlow, Clarity and SignTracker.
OrderMyGear helps promo firms set up online stores, among other services. It continues to have success in the team apparel market with crossover in the promo industry.

“Combining Inktavo and OMG empowers our customers with a platform that offers solutions for branded apparel, promotional products and signage,” says James Armijo, CEO of Inktavo. “We can enable online sales, proposals, in-house production or outsourced production — or any combination of those — so that our customers have the tools and support they need to realize their vision and grow, and their customers can have a seamless experience as if everything is handled in-house.”

Combining Inktavo and OMG empowers our customers with a platform that offers solutions for branded apparel, promotional products and signage.”

James Armijo

CEO, Inktavo

‘A Single Technology Partner’

Both sides of the merger are claiming that it will create a business services provider that will be nearly unprecedented in terms of what it can offer distributors and suppliers in the promo industry.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Inktavo and expand the ecosystem of solutions available to branded merchandise businesses,” says Leonid Rozkin, OMG’s CEO. “For the first time, distributors, decorators and dealers will have a single technology partner to help power every element of their business from product discovery and digital sales channels to post-sale order management, decoration, fulfillment and accounting.”

For the first time, distributors, decorators, and dealers will have a single technology partner to help power every element of their business.”

Leonid Rozkin

CEO, OrderMyGear

Indeed, Inktavo inherited a number of resources in the merger. Prior to the deal, OMG had been busy the past few years buying companies of its own and strengthening its presence in the promo industry.

In June, OMG acquired Aturian, an integrated ERP solution for distributors.

This coincided with the company’s launch of a new service: OMG Presentations and Order Management.

In 2023, OMG acquired Distributor Central, a move that showed strategic growth for the business services provider.
And in 2022, it had acquired rival BrightStores, turning rivals into teammates.

“Suppliers will have unmatched access to thousands of customers using our combined set of solutions to search, buy and sell brandable products,” Rozkin says. “Together, we are uniquely positioned to connect the industry with market-leading data and technology.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Announces 2026 Icon Award Recipients

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:19:24 GMT

PPAI has announced the recipients of its 2026 Icon Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities.

This year’s honors are being bestowed on:

PPAI Hall of Fame: Steven Meyer, MAS
PPAI Distinguished Service Award: Todd Pottebaum, MAS+
H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award: Renée Jones, MAS

The PPAI Hall of Fame

Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated monumental and selfless efforts and devotion to the promo industry, induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to those whose creative spark and tireless dedication have helped the Association and industry prosper.

A 27-year industry veteran, Steven Meyer, MAS, was most recently national sales manager at Arch Promo Group, PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier, before retiring on October 1. During his tenure, he managed the sales and integration of Arch’s five latest acquisitions, according to Steve Ehlert, national general manager at Arch.

“Steven’s dedication to the growth and integrity of our industry is both exemplary and inspiring,” says Ehlert, who nominated Meyer. “His contributions aren’t limited to the success of the supplier he was at. He has consistently elevated the standards of the industry through active involvement in regional trade organizations, advocacy for the industry and thoughtful leadership.”

Meyer – the 2018 recipient of the PPAI Regional Volunteer Award – has given back to the industry for decades. He served as PPAI Board Chair from 2012-2013, president of the Promotional Products Association Southwest from 2018-2019 and president of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals from 2009-2010.

A 2016 PPAI Fellow, he has participated in dozens of PPAI committees and advisory groups.

“What sets Steven apart is not just the breadth of his professional experience but the depth of his generosity in sharing it,” Ehlert says. “Countless individuals, myself included, have benefited from his mentorship. He was a guiding light in my decision to join this industry after witnessing firsthand his love of selling promotional products.

What sets Steven apart is not just the breadth of his professional experience but the depth of his generosity in sharing it.”

Steve Ehlert

National GM, Arch Promo Group

“Whether offering guidance to young professionals entering the field or simply lending a listening ear, he has made it his mission to support, uplift and empower others.”

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award

The annual PPAI Distinguished Service Award is presented to Association members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the organization. Through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, these are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

A 25-year industry veteran, Todd Pottebaum, MAS+, president of Quality Resource Group, PPAI 100’s No. 53 distributor, has been a long-time advocate for the industry.

In addition to serving as PPAI Board Chair in 2021, Pottebaum was chair of the Government Relations Action Council and the PPAI Marketing Information and Research Committee.

Additionally, he’s an executive committee member of Reciprocity Road and previously served as president of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals.
He has also spoken at regional education events and served as a panelist at a national industry conference.

Outside the industry, Pottebaum served on Meeting Professionals International’s marketing and membership committees and has been named an MPI Volunteer of the Year for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter. When his son was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder linked to the IQSEC2 gene, Pottebaum co-founded the IQSEC2 Research & Advocacy Foundation, raising awareness and funding for a condition that affects children worldwide.

“Todd Pottebaum stands as a model of service-driven leadership, with a wide-reaching and deeply personal impact on the promotional products industry,” says nominator Perry Wehrle, MAS, executive director of Reciprocity Road, who is retiring at the end of 2025.

Todd Pottebaum stands as a model of service-driven leadership.”

Perry Wehrle, MAS

Executive Director, Reciprocity Road

“A frequent speaker, mentor and advocate for well-being and ethical leadership, Todd embodies the very ethos of PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award. His career has been marked by professional excellence and a selfless devotion to strengthening our industry, supporting its people and giving voice to those often unheard.”

The H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award

Named after the late PPAI president emeritus, the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award is presented to members who have shown long-standing empathy, devotion and commitment to improving quality of life and bringing about change for the betterment of a community.

Peers 24-year industry veteran Renée Jones, MAS, founder and CEO of North Carolina-based distributor A Creative Touch, have attested that she’s deserving of the honor.

Named a PPAI Fellow in 2019, Jones has served on the PPAI Board of Directors as well as numerous committees and advisory councils, including the Promotional Products Education Foundation’s board of directors.

Beyond the promo industry, she volunteers with the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, among other civic organizations throughout the United States.

In 2022, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award from President Joe Biden.

From serving as the youngest national commander of the DAV Auxiliary to her tireless efforts with Honor Flight, Rotary and countless local projects, Jones embodies the spirit of gratitude in action, according to nominator Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 29 distributor, and incoming chair of the PPAI Board of Directors.

Few people live the values of service and humanity as completely as Renée Jones.”

Danny Rosin, CAS

President/Co-Owner, Brand Fuel

“Whether she’s leading thousands of heartfelt letters for veterans or founding support networks like LIPP Café to uplift industry peers, Renée proves that small actions, multiplied over time, create lasting ripples of change,” Rosin says.

“Her life is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose, and her example invites all of us to show up, give back and lead with heart. Few people live the values of service and humanity as completely as Renée Jones, and no one could be more deserving of this honor.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Piblished with Permission from PPAI

Charles River Apparel Announces Leadership Transitions

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:15:29 GMT

Charles River Apparel (PPAI 111644, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier, has announced two key leadership changes.

Jason Lipsett, who was promoted to president of the New England-based firm in September 2024, now holds the title of president and CEO after leading the company’s strategic direction over the past year.

Jason’s appointment marked three generations of Lipsetts at the helm of Charles River Apparel, which his grandfather, Walter Lipsett, founded in 1983.
In the move, Jason’s father Barry Lipsett transitions to a formalized senior advisory role.

Additionally, Lindsey Davis, MAS, has been appointed vice president of sales. The 20-plus-year industry veteran will officially join Charles River Apparel on November 17, following her transition from her current role at PPAI, where she serves as vice president of sales. Davis will continue supporting the Association through the end of October.

Lindsey’s energy, authenticity and customer-centric mindset make her an incredible addition to our leadership team.”

Jason Lipsett

President/CEO, Charles River Apparel

“Lindsey’s energy, authenticity and customer-centric mindset make her an incredible addition to our leadership team,” says Lipsett, a 2024 PPAI Rising Star. “She brings outstanding industry experience, a deep understanding of customer relationships and a collaborative, forward-thinking approach that aligns perfectly with our focus on growth and innovation.”

Before joining PPAI, Davis spent nearly six years at Raining Rose, PPAI 100’s No. 48 supplier, where she directed promotional sales following the company’s acquisition of Solar Advertising – her family’s business, which she led before overseeing its sale.

She joined the PPAI staff in 2022 after stepping down from the PPAI Board of Directors, which she served as the Regional Relations Committee delegate.

I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for this industry to a brand I’ve long admired and to help drive what’s next.”

Lindsey Davis, MAS

VP of Sales, Charles River Apparel

“I’m so grateful for my time at PPAI and for the opportunity to work with such talented people driving our industry forward,” Davis says. “Joining the Charles River Apparel team brings me immense joy, as their values, vision and goals align perfectly with my own. I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for this industry to a brand I’ve long admired and to help drive what’s next.”

PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen says, “We’re deeply grateful to Lindsey for the impact she’s made at PPAI – from her early volunteer efforts to her recent leadership role that has driven meaningful growth. We look forward to seeing all she’ll accomplish in her new role.”

We’re deeply grateful to Lindsey for the impact she’s made at PPAI.”

Drew Holmgreen

President/CEO, PPAI

Bruce Barnet, COO of Charles River Apparel, was recently elected to the PPAI Board of Directors. His term will begin in January following The PPAI Expo 2026.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

HPPA’s Hot Stuff Show Draws Record Attendance

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:44:24 GMT

The Houston Promotional Products Association celebrated one of its most successful events to date with the 2025 Hot Stuff Show, welcoming over 800 attendees.

Hosted at the Bayou City Event Center, the Hot Stuff Show has become a gathering for distributors, suppliers and end-buyers looking to connect with top brands, explore innovative products and generate fresh ideas for upcoming campaigns.

“This year’s Hot Stuff Show was truly one for the books,” says Latisha Marshall, president of the HPPA. “The energy on the show floor was electric from start to finish. Seeing so many distributors and end-buyers engage with our suppliers, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships reinforces why events like this are so valuable to our industry. HPPA is proud to provide a platform where innovation and connection come together in such an impactful way.”

PPAI Board Of Directors Welcomes 4 New Members; Ottenstein Named Chair-Elect

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:14:35 GMT

PPAI has announced the results of the recent member vote for its Board of Directors beginning in 2026 and confirmed the industry leaders who will hold offices next year. Incoming members will join in January following The PPAI Expo 2026. Likewise, certain existing Board members will either transition to new roles or complete their tenure on the Board.

Members voted to confirm the slate of nominees, made up of Whitestone founder and CEO Joseph Sommer and Bruce Barnet, COO of Charles River Apparel.

Additionally, the Board approved S&S Activewear CEO Frank Myers to fill a vacancy created when Dan Pantano announced his departure from alphabroder. S&S Activewear acquired alphabroder in 2024. Myers will serve the remainder of Pantano’s term, set to expire in 2027.

Also added to the Board is Samantha Kates, CEO of supplier Spector, who will serve as at-large director for two years.

New Officers Named

Danny Rosin, CAS, co-owner of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 29 distributor, will assume the role of Chair for 2026.
Zack Ottenstein, president of The Image Group, PPAI 100’s No. 41 distributor, has been named Chair-Elect.
Mark Gammon, who was just named to vice president of national accounts and buying groups of PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier, will support them as Vice Chair of Finance Services.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve our Association,” Ottenstein says. “During a challenging time for so many in our industry, PPAI’s advocacy and educational resources are more important than ever. I look forward to working with everyone to help our industry thrive.”

During a challenging time for so many in our industry, PPAI’s advocacy and educational resources are more important than ever. I look forward to working with everyone to help our industry thrive.”

Zack Ottenstein

President, The Image Group

The current Board Chair, Denise Taschereau, CEO of Fairware, will move into the role of Immediate Past Chair. Kara Keister, MAS, owner of distributor Social Good Promotions, will also continue in her role as Regional Relations Committee delegate.

These one-year board officer terms will begin immediately following The PPAI Expo 2026, which will run January 12-15.

Drew Holmgreen, PPAI’s president and CEO, took a moment to thank the four members who will be leaving the Board in January, noting that the commitment of time, leadership and expertise are key to making PPAI thrive in always changing business landscape.

“Volunteer leadership is more than just part of PPAI’s success,” says Holmgreen. “It’s the engine that drive us forward.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have leaders who give their time, talent and passion to guide our community. Chris Anderson, Dan Pantano, Lori Bauer and Immediate Past Chair Andrew Spellman have each left a lasting mark on this industry and on me personally, and I’m deeply grateful for their service.”

I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joseph Sommer, Bruce Barnett, Samantha Kates and Frank Myers to the Board.”

Drew Holmgreen

President & CEO, PPAI

New Faces Join The PPAI Board Of Directors

Members voted to approve PPAI’s slate of nominees last month, and the Board of Directors confirmed their appointments last week. Kates and Myers were placed by Board appointment.

The industry leaders joining the Board in January include:

Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone – ranked the No. 34 distributor on the 2025 PPAI 100.

Joseph Sommer

Founder & CEO, Whitestone

Under his leadership, Whitestone has expanded through strategic acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, achieved over 400% growth since 2020, and launched the RISE Initiative – an ambitious sustainability program that includes 1% for the Planet membership, EcoVadis certification, and science-based emissions reduction targets.

Bruce Barnet, chief operating officer of Charles River Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier

Bruce Barnet

Chief Operating Officer, Charles River Apparel

Since joining Charles River Apparel 13 years ago – first as CFO and now as COO – Barnet has been instrumental in driving strategic growth, operational advancement and brand development.

During his tenure, the company has worked to streamline internal operations, expand its global supply chain, embrace sustainability, implement transformative technologies and develop a positive culture rooted in giving back through its social impact initiative, Charles River Cares.

Samantha Kates, president of Quebec-headquartered Spector, PPAI 100’s No. 18 supplier

Samantha Kates

President, Spector

Kates joins the Board to fill the slot vacated by Lori Bauer of iPROMOTEu, who had served in the Board’s at-large seat, a two-year appointment. Kates oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development at Spector. A seasoned executive with a passion for driving transformation, building high-performing teams and elevating brand experiences, she oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development.

With more than two decades in the promotional products industry, she has held senior leadership roles at suppliers, distributors and business platforms, including Charles River Apparel, iPROMOTEu and commonsku.

Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

Myers will be filling the remained of term that was previously held by Dan Pantano of alphabroder, who is stepping away from the industry. Myers was promoted to CEO of S&S in 2022, having joined the company back in 2009. He has led the company through expansive growth, most recently its industry-shaping acquisition of alphabroder in late 2024.

According to Holmgreen, these four individuals combine to bring great experience and unique perspective to the PPAI Board of Directors.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joseph Sommer, Bruce Barnett, Samantha Kates and Frank Myers to the Board,” Holmgreen says. “They’ve already jumped right in, shaping our strategic planning and showing exactly why expectations of them are high.

“Their dedication proves that when passion meets purpose, it not only elevates merch, it brings real joy to the brands, businesses and communities we touch.”

Written By: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Dan Pantano To Depart alphabroder

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:40:32 GMT

Dan Pantano, president and CEO of alphabroder, which was acquired by S&S Activewear in 2024, will be departing the company October 1. Pantano is currently a member of PPAI’s Board of Directors.

Pantano led alphabroder through what would be one of promo’s largest and most industry-shaping acquisitions ever and helped S&S Activewear become PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier.
He also led the supplier through a number of acquisitions of its own during his nearly 13-year tenure, including Bodek & Rhodes and Ash City.

Dan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping our growth journey.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

“Dan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping our growth journey,” says Frank Myers, CEO at S&S Activewear. “His vision, customer-first mindset and ability to build strong teams leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of all of us at S&S, we are grateful for his many contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”

Pantano’s mission in the industry has often included a focus on a growing utilization of technology. He refers to “solution-selling” within the industry; the process of selling a solution to a client’s needs rather than simply a product.

S&S Activewear credits him for having “championed initiatives that enhanced the customer experience, expanded product offerings and inspired employee engagement.”

Pantano joined the company in 2013 after spending 20 years working for prominent health care businesses.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

ASI CEO Tim Andrews To Retire In 2026

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:37:32 GMT

Advertising Specialty Institute has announced that president and CEO Tim Andrews will retire from the company at the end of March after 23 years of leadership.

The Cohn family, owners of ASI, and Andrews have agreed on the transition timing and are working closely together to ensure a seamless process, the company says. The family has engaged Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the process of finding the next CEO for the ASI Family of Companies, which includes ASI, The ASI Show, ASI Canada, ASI Computer Systems and Print + Promo Marketing.

“Leading ASI for the past 23 years has been the honor of my professional life,” Andrews says. “I look forward to continuing to lead ASI, support our industry and ensure a smooth transition to the next leader.”

Leading ASI for the past 23 years has been the honor of my professional life.”

Tim Andrews

President/CEO, ASI

PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen says Andrews has been a tremendous force in advancing the promotional merch industry.

“Tim has been gracious and welcoming as I’ve stepped into this industry, and I’ve valued the opportunities we’ve had to connect and collaborate in ways that elevate merch,” Holmgreen says. “While our organizations play different roles in the marketplace, I’ve always respected Tim’s commitment to innovation and his passion for the community we share. His leadership has brought real joy to the way our industry connects brands and people, and I wish him every success as he looks ahead to this next chapter.”

I’ve always respected Tim’s commitment to innovation and his passion for the community we share.”

Drew Holmgreen

PPAI President & CEO

‘Next Chapter’

Andrews has been the fifth president in ASI’s history, and each new president has built on the foundation of the past, according to Norman Cohn, chairman of ASI and an industry veteran of 75 years.

“Tim has been a great leader for ASI for more than two decades, and it’s important for everyone to know that he will continue leading the company until the next leader is onboarded,” Cohn says. “We’ll work hard to find the very best leader for the next chapter of ASI and the industry.”

We’ll work hard to find the very best leader for the next chapter of ASI and the industry.”

Norman Cohn

Chairman, ASI

ASI will continue under long-term Cohn family ownership, in its third generation of leadership, with members of the fourth generation now working at ASI. Over the past year, Matthew Cohn and Stephanie Cohn Schaeffer have led an extensive succession planning process, interviewing multiple firms and consulting with dozens of experts before selecting Russell Reynolds Associates.

“When we selected Tim to join ASI as president, we immediately knew that he would be a great leader and ideal partner for our family,” Matthew and Stephanie say. “We are excited to be looking for the next leader for ASI and know that they will help take ASI and the industry to exciting new heights in the years to come.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PCNA Welcomes Mark Gammon as VP of National Accounts and Buying Groups

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:44:24 GMT

Polyconcept North America (PCNA), the leading supplier of promotional products, proudly announces the appointment of Mark Gammon as Vice President of National Accounts and Buying Groups. A respected leader in the promotional products industry, Gammon most recently served as CEO of Cap America, where he guided the company through significant growth and product innovation.

With more than 15 years of industry experience, including board service with PPAI since 2024, Gammon brings deep expertise in sales leadership and business development. At Cap America, he quickly advanced from Vice President of Sales to President and COO, before being named CEO in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw the launch of new product lines, expanded into sporting goods, and positioned the company as a top supplier of team and promotional headwear.

“I am honored to contribute to PCNA’s leadership in the promotional market by delivering customer-centric solutions that drive growth and success,” said Gammon. “I’m passionate about the role promotional products play in brand recognition and engagement, and I look forward to applying my experience to further strengthen PCNA’s leadership in the industry.”

Prior to Cap America, Gammon spent eight years at The Vernon Company, where he built his foundation in sales management and client relationship development. His career-long commitment to the promotional products industry makes him an ideal fit for PCNA’s sales leadership team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the PCNA family,” said Neil Ringel, CEO of PCNA. “Mark knows this industry inside and out. His proven track record of growth, innovation, and leadership will drive even greater value for our distributor partners. He is truly an invaluable addition to our team, and his passion for building strong, customer-focused teams is exactly what we need to fuel our next phase of growth.”

At PCNA, Gammon will oversee the national account and buying group teams within the sales department. He succeeds Bill Peterson, who has served as Vice President of Sales since 2021.

PCNA and Cap America partnered in 2024 to expand PCNA’s headwear portfolio, a collaboration that highlighted shared values between the two companies. Cap America’s reputation for exceptional embroidery, product innovation, and community commitment mirrors PCNA’s values and ProudPath initiative, which champions sustainability and purpose-driven brands.

Gammon graduated summa cum laude from William Penn University and later earned a certificate in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and leadership excellence.

Brittany Frase, MAS, Joins MadeToOrder As Chief Revenue Officer

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 22:43:06 GMT

MadeToOrder (PPAI 216503, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 54 distributor, has announced the appointment of Brittany Frase, MAS, as chief revenue officer.

Frase joins the Oakland, California-based firm from HIRSCH, PPAI 100’s No. 23 supplier, where she served as vice president of sales and was instrumental in driving double-digit sales growth.

[Brittany’s] passion for building strong partnerships aligns perfectly with MTO’s mission of creating connected brand experiences.”

Sandy Gonzales

CEO, MadeToOrder

“Brittany’s track record of accelerating growth, combined with her passion for helping teams succeed, makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” says Sandy Gonzalez, CEO of MadeToOrder.

“Her experience on both the supplier and distributor sides gives her a rare comprehensive perspective, and her passion for building strong partnerships aligns perfectly with MTO’s mission of creating connected brand experiences.”

An 11-year veteran of the promotional products industry and a 2024 PPAI Rising Star, Frase will initially focus on meeting with MadeToOrder’s sales and support teams to assess strengths and opportunities.

Having admired the MTO team for years, I’m honored and thrilled for the chance to be a part of it.”

Brittany Frase, MAS

Chief Revenue Officer, MadeToOrder

She will then collaborate closely with e-commerce and marketing to align strategies and create new opportunities for clients, according to the employee-owned company.

“Having admired the MTO team for years, I’m honored and thrilled for the chance to be a part of it and contribute alongside such a talented group,” Frase says.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

HPG To Expand New Texas Facility, Will Move 2 Business Lines

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 17:43:39 GMT

HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier, has announced the expansion of its new Texas facility, located in Sunnyvale, about 20 minutes outside of Dallas. The Texas location was officially opened in July and already housed BEST Promotions USA, a subsidiary of HPG and a supplier known for its promotional can coolers and drinkware.

The expansion means that by the end of October two more HPG business divisions will move to the Sunnyvale facility:

Origaudio, which was acquired by HPG in 2018 and had appeared on Shark Tank in 2011.
HandStands, which was also acquired by HPG in 2018.

The relocation of these two divisions also portends the planned closure of HPG’s Salt Lake City-based production facility. The scale and capabilities of the Texas location will allow the supplier to consolidate.

Impacted team members at the Salt Lake City facility have been offered support services, including transition assistance payments, and, in some cases, relocation opportunities to other HPG sites.

“This decision, as with any that impacts people’s livelihoods, was not made lightly,” says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG. “HandStands was my entry point into the promotional products industry, and then HPG, following its 2018 acquisition of HandStands. I fondly remember my first day walking into HandStands, nearly 25 years ago, and am incredibly proud of all that the team has accomplished in that time, and the legacy of creativity, customer service and innovation that lives on today.

“By centralizing our production in Texas, we will gain new capabilities, reduce operating costs, provide a higher level of service and position ourselves for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market.”

Chris Anderson

CEO, HPG

“However, by centralizing our production in Texas, we will gain new capabilities, reduce operating costs, provide a higher level of service and position ourselves for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market.”

‘More Modern, More Centralized’

HPG’s Sunnyvale, Texas-based production facility is currently 135,000 square feet with room to expand up to 300,000 square feet. When PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen attended a grand opening in late June, he remarked, “This new space reflects the kind of innovation and strategic vision that’s key to elevating merch across our industry.”

The space consolidates key production capabilities under one roof, including screen printing, dye sublimation, laser engraving, sewing and fulfillment.
It also features upgraded workflows, optimized floor layouts and advanced equipment investments.
In addition, the facility includes an expanded administrative area with a collaborative customer service space, a showroom for product displays and a dedicated training room designed for hosting customers.

“Our elite Utah sales team and innovative product development team will remain the same before and after this transition, so customers can look forward to continuity with even more opportunity in a larger, more modern, more centralized Texas facility,” says Trina Bicknell, HPG’s chief revenue officer. “We are forever grateful for the Salt Lake City team for the business they helped us build and wish the ones that do not continue with us, a bright future ahead.”

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

HALO Names New CEO; Marc Simon To Retire

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:54:16 GMT

HALO (PPAI 106462, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 2 distributor, has announced that Jim Hilt has been named as the company’s new CEO. He will succeed Marc Simon, who is retiring after 25 years of leading the Sterling, Illinois-based firm.

The transition will occur over the course of August and Hilt’s tenure as CEO will be effective September 2.
Hilt comes to HALO from Asset Marketing Services, where he served as CEO for two and a half years. He was instrumental in the company’s sale to A-Mark Precious Metals.

“HALO is a strong, innovative company and a clear leader in the industry,” says Hilt. “That reputation is built on trusted partnerships with clients and suppliers, along with a commitment to creating amazing brand products and experiences that impact people every day.

I’m excited to join such a talented team, support our people-first sales approach and drive new opportunities for growth.”

Jim Hilt

Incoming CEO, HALO

“I’m excited to join such a talented team, support our people-first sales approach and drive new opportunities for growth.”

Hilt’s other leadership positions include stops at:

Shutterfly
Express
Barnes & Noble
Sears Holdings
IBM

HALO Branded Solutions is a portfolio company of TPG. According to Scott Gilbertson, a partner at TPG, the decision to bring in Hilt following Simon’s retirement was made to ensure a new step was taken in the company’s development.

“Jim is a proven leader with the vision, executional discipline and customer focus to build on HALO’s strong foundation,” says Gilbertson. “We are confident he will drive the next stage of growth and deliver even greater value for our clients, account executives and partners.”

‘Honor Of My Career’

Under Simon’s leadership, HALO grew to soaring heights, achieving more than $1 billion in annual sales. The firm has been a leader in the industry while following Simon’s guidance.

HALO received 2025 PPAI 100 High Marks in Revenue, Growth, Professional Development, Responsibility, Innovation and Online Presence.

“Serving as CEO of HALO has been the honor of my career,” says Simon. “I’m proud of the growth we’ve achieved, the innovation we’ve embraced and the culture we’ve built. HALO is well positioned for continued success, with a talented leadership team and an extraordinary group of account executives and employees.”

Serving as CEO of HALO has been the honor of my career.”

Marc Simon

Outgoing CEO, HALO

Gilbertson expressed his gratitude for having Simon take HALO to the position that it now holds in the promo industry.

“We are fortunate to have been Marc’s partner, grateful for his exceptional leadership and deeply appreciative of his many years of dedicated service and lasting impact on HALO,” says Gilbertson.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Gildan To Acquire Hanesbrands

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:07:29 GMT

Gildan Activewear (PPAI 250187, Platinum) will acquire Hanesbrands, which operates in the promotional products industry as Hanes (PPAI 191138, Gold), for $2.2 billion, the companies announced on Wednesday.

Gildan is PPAI 100’s No. 7 supplier.
Hanes is PPAI 100’s No. 57 supplier.

Glenn J. Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan, said the transaction will double revenues and allow both companies to expand their portfolios beyond activewear and basic apparel. Including debt, the transaction values Hanesbrands at about $4.4 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“Further, our state-of-the-art, low-cost, vertically integrated platform will be utilized to enhance efficiencies and drive additional innovation,” Chamandy says. “We’re excited for the next stage of growth and remain focused on supporting our customers and continuing to drive long term shareholder value.”

We’re excited for the next stage of growth and remain focused on supporting our customers and continuing to drive long term shareholder value.”

Glenn J. Chamandy

President/CEO, Gildan

Home Base

Gildan says that the acquisition will immediately add to its adjusted per-share earnings, and that the deal is expected to result in at least $200 million of annual run-rate cost synergies within three years of closing.

Gildan added that it intends to initiate a review of strategic alternatives for Hanesbrands Australia, which could include a sale or other transaction.

Following the close of the deal, which is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, Gildan’s headquarters will continue to be located in Montreal and the combined company will maintain a strong presence in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, according to the press release.

“As part of Gildan, HanesBrands will benefit from an even stronger financial and operational foundation that will provide new growth opportunities, helping to power further innovation, a broader product offering and greater reach across channels and geographies,” says Bill Simon, chairman of Hanesbrands’ board of directors. “We’re confident that this transaction and the next chapter with Gildan is the right next step for HanesBrands and will honor and build on its long history for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

As part of Gildan, HanesBrands will benefit from an even stronger financial and operational foundation that will provide new growth opportunities.”

Bill Simon

Chairman, Hanesbrands

Rocky Road

Hanesbrands suffered a $95.6 million dollar loss in 2023 and then sold its Champion brand to Authentic Brands Group in 2024. The sale was completed last October.

It has also been a tumultuous couple years for Gildan, which has dealt with internal strife that’s taken various shapes and included numerous sagas. Most recently, former board directors sued the Montreal-based apparel supplier for allegedly failing to pay them deferred compensation following their mass resignations last year.

Despite the trials and tribulations that both firms have experienced in recent years, the acquisition represents a massive merging of two of the most well-known apparel brands in the branded merchandise industry.

Common Acquaintance

Furthermore, the firms share a common acquaintance in promo, having inked exclusive partnerships with S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier.

Just last week, Gildan announced an agreement that grants exclusive wholesale distribution rights of its American Apparel brand in the U.S. market to S&S Activewear.
Additionally, in Canadian markets, S&S Activewear will now be the exclusive wholesale distributor of Gildan’s portfolio of brands, including Gildan, Comfort Colors, American Apparel and Champion.
Only two months earlier, HanesBrands announced an agreement that made S&S the exclusive supplier of the Hanes brand in the North American printwear channel.

Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear, weighed in on Gildan’s acquisition of Hanes immediately following the announcement.

This combination brings together two companies that share our deep commitment to customers, backed by highly reliable supply chains and a strong focus on sustainability, quality and product innovation.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

“This combination brings together two companies that share our deep commitment to customers, backed by highly reliable supply chains and a strong focus on sustainability, quality and product innovation,” Myers told PPAI Media. “Together, we’re confident it will create new opportunities for the market and enable us to drive the evolving needs of our industry.”

Toby Whitmoyer, chief commercial officer of S&S Activewear, added, “Gildan’s manufacturing excellence and Hanes’ retail brand power make for a compelling combination – one that will bring fresh ideas, enhanced products and new opportunities for growth.”

Written by: Jonny Auping & John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Announces 2026 Board Slate

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:52:39 GMT

PPAI has named the slate of candidates for its incoming Board of Directors class, due to serve the promotional products industry’s leading nonprofit trade association from January 2026 until 2030.

The two-person slate includes Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone – ranked the No. 34 distributor on the 2025 PPAI 100 – and Bruce Barnet, chief operating officer of Charles River Apparel, which is PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier for 2025.

Sommer and Barnet were nominated to the slate following evaluation by the Leadership Advisory Committee, vetting by the Elected Directors Nominating Committee and ultimately, approval by the sitting PPAI Board of Directors. Each group consists of member volunteers.

The election to approve the slate begins August 25 and closes August 29. Each PPAI member company’s voting contact is eligible to cast an up-or-down vote for the candidates. Voting will be done electronically, and a new 2025 username and password will be emailed to the voting contacts when voting opens.

A candidate must receive majority approval among votes cast to be named to the Board of Directors following The PPAI Expo 2026.
The two board seats represent replacements for the expiring terms of Andrew Spellman, CAS, of Therabody; and Chris Anderson of HPG.

Also set to roll off the board in January is Lori Bauer of iPROMOTEu, who had served in the Board’s at-large seat, a two-year appointment.

To fill the slot, the Board has appointed Samantha Kates, president of Quebec-headquartered Spector. Her two-year term will begin in January 2026 and expire in January 2028. Spector ranked as the No. 18 supplier in the 2025 PPAI 100.

About Joseph Sommer

Joseph Sommer

Founder & CEO, Whitestone

Since launching the fully remote branded merchandise agency from his one-bedroom Manhattan apartment in 2013, Sommer has grown Whitestone into an award-winning global firm with more than 75 employees across four countries and a client roster that includes some of the world’s most influential brands.

A “classic entrepreneur,” Sommer is no stranger to deep consideration of the industry among fellow leaders. His annual “meeting of the minds” in Las Vegas has become one of promo’s most anticipated gatherings for sharing experiences.

About Bruce Barnet

Bruce Barnet

Chief Operating Officer, Charles River Apparel

Since joining Charles River Apparel 13 years ago – first as CFO and now as COO – Barnet has been instrumental in driving strategic growth, operational advancement and brand development.

With more than 30 years of experience in financial and operational leadership, Barnet has held executive roles in both privately held and publicly traded companies across a variety of industries. He also founded and sold a supply chain business that served promotional products clients and branded merchandise buyers.

About Samantha Kates

Samantha Kates

President, Spector

Kates oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development at Spector. A seasoned executive with a passion for driving transformation, building high-performing teams and elevating brand experiences, she oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development.

She joined Spector in 2022 as chief sales officer and was promoted to president in 2024.

The PPAI Board of Directors

Along with those directors whose terms are set to expire in January, the PPAI Board of Directors currently includes Regional Relations Committee delegate Kara Keister, MAS, of distributor Social Good Promotions, Dan Pantano of supplier S&S Activewear, Danny Rosin of distributor Brand Fuel, Erin Reilly of supplier Pop! Promos, Zack Ottenstein of distributor The Image Group, Kate Alavez of distributor PromoShop and supplier representative Mark Gammon. Denise Taschereau of distributor Fairware serves as Board Chair.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

ePromos Names New Chief Financial And Operating Officer

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:01:18 GMT

ePromos Promotional Products (PPAI 212648, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 27 distributor, has announced the appointment of Joel Satin as chief financial and operating officer.

Satin brings over two decades of experience in financial planning, operational strategy and commercial leadership within the consumer products and entertainment sectors.

“Joel’s deep expertise in financial operations, strategic execution and team leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand and innovate,” says Marc Puglisi, CEO of ePromos. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”

Joel’s deep expertise in financial operations, strategic execution and team leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand and innovate.”

Marc Puglisi

CEO, ePromos

Satin’s Background

Satin has worked for well-known brands like WWE, the NBA and Eastman Kodak, where he drove a 170% increase in global retail sales and led the company’s brand licensing division to new heights.

At WWE, he led financial planning and business analysis for core commercial divisions, including consumer products, live events and digital media.
As founder of a consulting firm, he worked with his clients in partnership with global brands such as NBCUniversal, Mattel and Crayola.

“Joel is a proven leader with an impressive track record and a strong reputation for improving operating models, leading teams and driving business performance,” says Todd Bold, CRO at ePromos.

“Joel brings an incredibly diverse background from various industries to ePromos, which we believe will complement our existing teams as we innovate and move the business forward. We are confident Joel will be an excellent addition to our team, and we look forward to his knowledge and insights impacting our people and company.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

S&S Activewear To Become Exclusive Wholesale Distributor Of Gildan’s American Apparel

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:28:32 GMT

Two of promo’s largest supplier footprints have agreed to a partnership.

Gildan, PPAI 100’s No. 7 supplier, has reached an agreement that grants exclusive wholesale distribution rights of its American Apparel brand in the U.S. market to S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier.

“S&S has always been a strong advocate of American Apparel, and we are confident that this partnership will broaden customers’ access to the brand and further position American Apparel as the timeless, iconic choice for customers,” says Chuck Ward, chief operating officer at Gildan.

With S&S’s ability to grow within the promo market in the past year alone, the company expresses confidence in the opportunity to leverage its resources to help Gildan’s already established brand reach more customers.

We are proud to be the exclusive distributor of American Apparel products.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

“We are proud to be the exclusive distributor of American Apparel products,” says Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “By leveraging our scale, industry-leading technology and deep customer relationships, we’re committed to delivering the brand’s full product line across our nationwide network.”

Additionally, in Canadian markets, S&S Activewear will now be the exclusive wholesale distributor of Gildan’s portfolio of brands, including Gildan, Comfort Colors, American Apparel and Champion.

‘Creativity And Cultural Relevance’

Gildan had faced more than a year of unrest amid disputes between the company’s board of directors and leadership team.

Most recently, former board directors sued Gildan following another prolonged leadership struggle.

S&S Activewear, on the other hand, has been growing, including in Canada.

In 2024, S&S made big news when it acquired alphabroder.

According to Toby Whitmoyer, S&S’s chief commercial officer, Gildan’s brand will only strengthen S&S’s ability to deliver for its customers and grow within the market.

This brand has always stood for creativity, and cultural relevance, values that deeply resonate with today’s buyers.”

Toby Whitmoyer

Chief Commercial Officer, S&S Activewear

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Gildan and continue to drive sales for the American Apparel brand,” says Whitmoyer. “This brand has always stood for creativity and cultural relevance, values that deeply resonate with today’s buyers.

“With our national reach, deep inventory and service-first mindset, we’re ready to support the brand and deliver more value to our customers.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

The ‘Happy Gilmore’ Putter Is Here For Your ‘Tap Tap Taparoo’

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:26:15 GMT

On the same day Happy Gilmore 2 hit Netflix, Callaway’s Odyssey brand dropped a limited-edition replica of Happy’s legendary hockey-blade putter – complete with bent shaft, oversized grip and a headcover that looks like it was stolen from a high school locker room.

It retails for $499.99, which felt steep until it sold out in under 15 minutes and started flipping online for more than double. The price may be wrong, Bob, but the demand was straight off the tee.

If you’re not a golfer, go ahead and skip to the next paragraph. Or just nod politely while pretending to know what any of this means.

The specs? It’s built with a 44-inch shaft, a 57-degree lie angle, 0-degree loft and a 21-inch grip – ideal for an arcing stroke or just flinging it down the fairway in frustration. The putter features a black stepless steel shaft and a black stainless-steel head, fitted with Odyssey’s legendary White Hot urethane insert in the primary hitting area, plus additional inserts in the heel and toe for extra feel and forgiveness.

USGA legal? Hard no.

Avid golfer and NBA star Steph Curry tried it out, taking part in the “Happy Putting Challenge” to see how many putts he could sink in 30 seconds. The outcome? Let’s just say the ball was too good to go to its home.

While it may look like something you’d bring to a fight in a beer league hockey game, it’s built like a true Odyssey. The brand’s reputation for premium putters means even a joke club has to meet its visual and quality standards, which required actual R&D to ensure it performs like a real club, not just a prop.

“It’s a case of ‘If we’re going to do this, we want to create something we’re truly proud of,’” Nick McInally, vice president of global marketing at Callaway, told The Wall Street Journal. “We’re going to make sure that nobody can create a better-performing hockey stick putter.”

Callaway didn’t stop at the putter, though. It released matching Chrome Tour balls printed with classic one-liners like “It’s all in the hips” and “Tap tap taparoo,” ensuring that even your worst shots could be blamed on Happy instead of your appalling swing.

And the best part? Golfers don’t hate it. It has been well received by players who care about specs and slapstick, and resale prices are already pushing four figures. Nostalgia sells. Adam Sandler sells harder. And the putter was surprisingly embraced by people who take the game way too seriously, proving once again that 90s-core merch doesn’t have to make sense – it just has to hit the right memory.

For a sport that pairs whispering with light day-drinking, the Happy Gilmore putter fits right in. It’s a beautifully dumb reminder that fun still moves product, and this one found the sweet spot between collector hype and midlife-crisis-disguised nostalgia.

Written by: Sarah Luna

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Finalizes Executive Team, Adds Chief Operating Officer

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:55:37 GMT

PPAI has announced the appointment of Christopher Cheney as its new chief operating officer – a newly created role for the Association and a significant step in its ongoing transformation, which began with the hiring of President and CEO Drew Holmgreen in December.

Christopher Cheney

COO, PPAI

The addition of Cheney finalizes Holmgreen’s executive team, which also includes Chief Revenue and Experience Officer Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE, and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Ralston, who joined PPAI earlier in July.

Cheney officially begins his new role on July 28, bringing with him promotional products market experience and more than 20 years of senior leadership across multiple industries, including workforce engagement, supply chain, financial services, manufacturing and healthcare.

He most recently served as Chief Operating and Human Resources Officer at promo solutions provider C.A. Short, where he led the transition of the privately held firm into a scalable SaaS-based model – combining platform innovation with a client-centric service approach.

At PPAI, Cheney will oversee the human resources, finance and technology departments. He will report directly to President and CEO Drew Holmgreen, who says the Association is “absolutely thrilled” to add Cheney following an extensive search.

“Christopher has been deeply connected to this industry for over 20 years, and his reputation as a strong culture builder and exceptional leader speaks for itself,” Holmgreen says. “He understands the heart of this community and the joy our industry creates globally. With Christopher on board, we’re solidifying an already incredible executive team – one that’s fully focused on serving our members, elevating branded merch and shaping the future of this industry together.”

He understands the heart of this community and the joy our industry creates globally. With Christopher on board, we’re solidifying an already incredible executive team – one that’s fully focused on serving our members, elevating branded merch and shaping the future of this industry together.”

Drew Holmgreen

President & CEO, PPAI

Cheney has longstanding familiarity with the Association and the industry, having led promo companies and attended The PPAI Expo in the past.

“As I took a closer look, I was genuinely impressed by the breadth of services, marketing resources and educational opportunities PPAI offers – far more extensive than I previously realized,” Cheney says.

He says he recognized an opportunity to align his experience in business transformation and scalable growth with PPAI’s strategic direction.

“My first step will be to roll up my sleeves, immerse myself in the day-to-day and engage directly with staff and members to gain a true understanding of the operations, people and challenges,” he says. “Only then can we identify what actions are needed to deliver the outcomes PPAI is striving for.”

In a new role for the Association, Cheney sees his job as one focused on “Service & Business Excellence.” He says that includes:

Delivering superior service
Treating people with the respect and attention we’d expect ourselves
Offering technology and solutions that drive real value
Modernizing capabilities and operations
Continuously refining business practices and policies

“By focusing on these principles,” Cheney says, “members will experience a more responsive, efficient and value-driven association – one that’s built to support their success now and into the future.”

Cheney lives in the Fort Worth area with his wife and daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, woodworking and fishing, and is a proud supporter of Texas Christian University sports.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permissionfrom PPAI

Vantage Apparel Unveils 4 New Headwear Patch Styles for On-Trend, High-Impact Branding

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:56:49 GMT

Vantage Apparel, a leading provider of premium apparel and award-winning decoration services, is excited to announce the addition of 4 bold, new patch decoration options to its growing collection of in-stock headwear. With fashion-forward styles and versatile decoration capabilities, Vantage continues to meet the rising demand for headwear as a go-to brand expression tool that combines both style and lasting comfort.

According to the Advertising Specialty Institute’s (ASI) State of the Industry 2024 study, caps have evolved far beyond their utilitarian roots, ranked as the 4^th top revenue category in the industry. Today, branded headwear is one of the most in-demand promotional products, double as both a fashion accessory and a walking billboard. Whether worn on the golf course, at a festival, on a job site, or in everyday casualwear, custom branded caps are everywhere – and for good reason.

“Headwear offers universal appeal as a one-size-fits-all solution, making it ideal for company stores, giveaways, events and uniform programs,” said Lauren Monnier, Director of Merchandising at Vantage Apparel. “With Vantage’s deep stock and wide style range – from classic truckers to modern snapbacks and the new, cozy bucket cap – brands can easily find the perfect fit for their audiences.”

Vantage’s new patch decoration styles give distributors a fresh way to add texture, detail and bold impact to every cap, available with a 48-piece minimum. New patch deco options include:

Woven Patches: Perfect for intricate details and vibrant colors, offering a smooth, high-definition finish.
Faux Leather Patches: Add a touch of premium sophistication and rugged elegance with a subtle, yet impactful, branded statement.
Sublimated Patches: Ideal for full-color, photo-quality detail that help intricate designs stand out.
Classic Embroidered Patches: For a timeless, textured look that conveys quality and tradition.

Each patch is heat-applied for durability, finished with either a clean laser-cut edge or a classic merrowed stitch border, and designed to fit on any non-mesh cap, from 5-panel to 6-panel. Patches can be custom-designed in a wide range of intricate shapes and sizes, with a maximum imprint area of 2.5” x 3”.

“As brands look for more impactful and wearable ways to express their identity, headwear continues to rise as a top performer,” said Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel. “Our new patch options give customers fresh, premium ways to tell their brand story—with style, speed, and scale. Whether it's a small business, global brand, or anything in between, a great cap connects people to the brand in a tangible, lasting way.”

To learn more about Vantage’s Clutch headwear collection and NEW patch capabilities, along with a host of award-winning deco options like DTF, Embroidery, Screen Printing and Laser Applique, contact your Vantage Regional Account Executive or email Sales at sales@vantageapparel.com.

Millions Of Portable Chargers Recalled After Battery Scandal In China

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:05:04 GMT

Portable chargers are one of the most popular products in the branded merchandise industry, but they’ve been the subject of massive recalls recently due to issues with a major Chinese manufacturer.

Last month, China revoked or suspended 3C certifications from multiple battery-cell suppliers, including Apex (formerly known as Amprius), a lithium battery manufacturer based in Wuxi, China. Since then, Apex has halted production and is currently under investigation for unauthorized material changes to battery-cell components, Yicai Global reported.

Although the cells reportedly weren’t UL-certified (meaning they were unsafe for consumer use), they were still installed in products marketed as compliant.

Companies Affected

The following companies have issued recalls:

Anker has recalled more than one million power banks after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received 19 reports of the Anker PowerCore 10000 overheating, leading to fires or explosions.
Romoss pulled around 490,000 units off popular digital retail sites.
Baseus recalled about 55,000 portable chargers after receiving 76 reports of incidents.
NEWDERY recalled its ZHX PB22 model chargers after a CPSC safety warning. It had nine reported incidents, including a fire with $2 million in damage.
Casely recalled nearly 430,000 Power Pods in the U.S. after 51 heat related incidents.
Around 27,500 iWalk Magnetic Wireless units were recalled after 15 incidents, including 10 burn injuries.

CH Ong, a seasoned executive in the battery market, says these recalls reflect rising global expectations around lithium battery safety.

“If the industry now internalizes rigorous process control, deeper design safety buffers and stronger supplier governance as baseline practice – not crisis response – then this may be remembered not as a failure, but as the turning point,” Ong said in a LinkedIn post.

Promo Perspective

It’s important to be ready to handle potential recalls when offering certain products. Even with known and reputable brands, the possibility of a recall will remain.

Last year, at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit, a panel was held discussing how to handle the possibility of being ordered to recall a product and the steps that need to be taken.

In that situation, complying with the CPSC is absolutely critical, but the next priority is being intentional with messaging surrounding the recall.

“It’s important to move fast, but it’s also important to move smartly,” said Neal Cohen of Neal Cohen Law.

“You need to control everything, especially what the person says,” added Rick Brenner, president of Product Safety Advisors. “Yes, you want to be empathetic and show concern, [but] there should be a very disciplined and scripted response of what they can say, and the escalation process of who does what next.”

Written by: Hannah Brookshire

Published with Permission from PPAI

Proforma Founder Greg Muzzillo Retiring After Nearly Five Decades In Promo

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:29:59 GMT

Greg Muzzillo, who built Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum) from a shoestring personal business into one of the largest organizations in the promotional products industry, has announced his retirement.

He steps away after 47 years involved with the company he founded just a year after graduating from college.

Greg Muzzillo

Founder, Proforma

In a Friday memo to employees and franchisees, he wrote: “After nearly 50 years of pursuing my Proforma dreams and also after entering my 70’s, I have decided it is time for me to step aside, retire, move on to the next phase of my life and let the many great leaders of Proforma step up their leadership to continue making Proforma and our Proforma Family the best of the best.

The story of Proforma began in 1978, when Muzzillo – then fresh out of accounting school – decided to leave behind his brief stint at the accounting firm that would become Deloitte to go into business for himself. As he expressed in the Friday memo, the business was started “with nothing more than a dining room table, an answering machine and some stationary.”

Over the next five decades, Proforma grew into a $662 million network of hundreds of distributor franchise owners across North America.

For 2025, the company ranks No. 3 among PPAI 100 distributors. This year it earned High Marks for Revenue, Growth, Industry Faith, Professional Development, Employee Happiness and Online Presence.

One of Muzzillo’s most consequential decisions came in 1986, when he launched Proforma’s franchise model. Rather than operate a traditional distributorship, he built a system that enabled other entrepreneurs to plug into Proforma’s technology, back-office support and branding. The move helped redefine what scalability could look like for promotional products businesses.

“Proforma is one of the quintessential stories of entrepreneurship in our industry,” says PPAI CEO Drew Holmgreen. “Greg Muzzillo was the leader who brought to life a vision that has created hundreds of million-dollar franchises spreading the American Dream. Beyond that, he’s been a dedicated philanthropist and trusted mentor to many, and in my recent dealings with him, an overall great person – warm, welcoming and willing to help.

“Promotional products are better off for Greg’s contributions, and PPAI is grateful for what he’s done for the industry.”

Proforma’s franchisees – more than two dozen of whom appeared on the most recent Inc. 5000 list – have benefited from Muzzillo’s long-standing focus on automation and e-commerce solutions. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in proprietary software and digital platforms to help its owners compete in an increasingly tech-driven environment.

Vera Muzzillo, his wife and a former PPAI Board Chair – and this year’s PPAI Woman of Achievement – remains the company’s CEO, a role she has served in since joining the company in 2000.

“Thanks to Vera, the Proforma Executive and Leadership team, the Owner Advisory Council, and Proforma Supplier Partners, and too many more people to mention, I am confident that Proforma is in great hands to help each of you pursue your big dreams,” he wrote in the memo.

Together, the couple has also championed entrepreneurship outside of Proforma, supporting programs at the University of Florida and mentoring aspiring business owners.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

In Memoriam: Paula Shulman, CAS

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:23:31 GMT

Paula Shulman, CAS, a member of the promotional products industry for more than 40 years, has passed away, according to an announcement from Prime Line.

Shulman joined the supplier in 1982 as one of its first executive managers, quickly rising the ranks to vice president of sales. After alphabroder acquired Prime Line in 2017, she became president of PMS Consulting, focusing on strategic guidance for trade shows, sales transition, industry events and new product development.

“Paula has been a consistent face of our company for the last 35 years and is much loved and respected in the industry,” says Eric Levin, general manager at Prime Line. “She contributed in so many ways to help build Prime into what it is today. Paula is and will always be a cherished member of Prime and the Lederer families.”

A longtime volunteer and fierce industry advocate and mentor, Shulman served on many PPAI advisory, action groups, committees and councils. In 2020, she received PPAI’s Woman of Achievement Award.

She has been honored as a PPAI Fellow and was a board trustee for the Promotional Products Education Foundation from 2015-2018.
She served on the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York board of directors from 2006-2013 and as board president from 2011-2012.
She also served on the board of the Premier Group for many years and as chair from 2017-2018.

Shulman also gave back to her community. She was a longtime volunteer at the Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County, which carries a mission to help sustain families and individuals through life’s challenges.

[Paula] contributed in so many ways to help build Prime into what it is today.”

Eric Levin

GM, Prime Line

Additionally, she dedicated her time to the Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels delivery program. She also served on the Sisterhood Board of Directors at Temple Beth El.

In nominating Shulman for the Woman of Achievement Award, Kippie Helzel, MAS, wrote, “Paula set the standards for a whole lot of women, both in her generation as well as those younger and older. Leading by example and being dedicated to her company and to customers, Paula has also shown her leadership as a mentor and friend to so many, regardless of whether that relationship would help her business or not.

“She has mentored, friended and helped distributors, suppliers, friends, foes – she would do anything for anybody, always with a ‘why not’ attitude. Paula has set herself as the ultimate example of a woman who believes that when one wins, we all win.”

Written by: Hanna Brookshire

Published with Permission from PPAI

Melissa Ralston Joins PPAI As Chief Marketing Officer

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:37:58 GMT

A familiar face is joining the PPAI executive team.

The Association has named former Board of Directors member Melissa Ralston to the newly created role of chief marketing officer, a position designed to support PPAI’s continued strategic evolution to further elevate the promotional products industry within the broader marketing and branding landscape and aimed at driving alignment across marketing, media and member advocacy.

A former executive at two different industry suppliers, Ralston steps into the role after several months consulting for PPAI. As CMO, she will oversee directors leading the marketing and media departments, which also includes responsibility for media relations, research and public affairs – all key to the advancing the Association’s broader mission.

Her appointment is part of a wider leadership reshaping at PPAI. Drew Holmgreen was named CEO in January. In April, Ellen Tucker became chief revenue and experience officer, and a planned chief operating officer hire is expected to complete the executive team in the coming months.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Melissa Ralston as chief marketing officer,” Holmgreen says. “She brings incredible talent and deep industry insight – but the true win in bringing her on board is her bold vision for where branded merch can and should go. Melissa understands how underrepresented this channel is in most marketing strategies and sees the tremendous opportunity ahead. With her leadership, alongside our already stellar PPAI team, we’ll continue advancing progress in elevating merch and amplifying the joy it brings to the brands that embrace it.”

Melissa understands how underrepresented this channel is in most marketing strategies and sees the tremendous opportunity ahead. With her leadership, alongside our already stellar PPAI team, we’ll continue advancing progress in elevating merch and amplifying the joy it brings to the brands that embrace it.”

Drew Holmgreen

CEO, PPAI

Ralston is well known in the industry. In addition to serving as an at-large director on the PPAI Board from 2022 to 2024, she also previously served on the PPAI Strategic Foresight Committee. The volunteer experiences, she says, gave her a deeper appreciation for the scope of the Association’s work and the dedication of the team behind it.

“It opened my eyes to the breadth and depth of services and solutions PPAI provides to its members – and a deeper understanding of just how much happens behind the scenes,” Ralston says. “The staff is truly dedicated to increasing value for the member community. It gave me a renewed appreciation not just for what the Association does, but for how it does it – with purpose and a genuine commitment to advancing our industry.”

The staff is truly dedicated to increasing value for the member community. It gave me a renewed appreciation not just for what the Association does, but for how it does it – with purpose and a genuine commitment to advancing our industry.”

Melissa Ralston

Chief Marketing Officer, PPAI

Throughout her career, Ralston led key initiatives across go-to-market strategy, brand development, value creation, innovation and partnerships – during periods of significant corporate transformation, including rebranding and acquisitions.

After stepping away from her position as chief revenue officer from perennial PPAI 100 supplier Koozie Group last summer, Ralston founded her own consultancy and began working with clients in executive coaching capacities on corporate strategy, strategic growth and stakeholder engagement.

A career marketer who started out in advertising and public relations agencies, Ralston says her path was inspired by family legacy.

“I guess I grew up in the advertising world,” she says. “My grandfather owned a mid-size agency that he later sold to a top-tier firm, and my father worked there, too. So, when I started college, I knew exactly the field I wanted to go into.”

Her decision to join the PPAI staff, she says, was rooted in her experience and belief in the industry’s potential.

“I’ve always been passionate about elevating the role our industry plays in the global marketing landscape. That passion is one of the reasons I was drawn to serving on the PPAI Board. It’s also reflected in the strategies I’ve implemented throughout my career.

What we do – what this community does – has a profound impact on brand experience. But we need to do a better job of owning and amplifying the narrative. This role is really a perfect combination of something I’m passionate about and my professional experiences all rolled into one.”

Looking ahead, she says her focus is on making sure the promotional products industry has a seat at the table in broader marketing and policy discussions.

“I’ve always felt that promotional products are an essential part of the marketing mix that should be included at the onset of the planning process,” she says. “Like any other marketing channel, they can and do drive demand, create brand advocates and deliver real ROI — from small and medium-sized businesses to large enterprise clients.”

Ralston, a University of Florida graduate who resides with her family in the Tampa area, will be on site at PPAI’s North Texas headquarters frequently. She reports directly to Holmgreen.

She officially began the new role on July 7.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

Boundless Strengthens Leadership Team

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:30:40 GMT

Boundless (PPAI 267078, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 11 distributor, has announced three strategic leadership appointments.

Mike Kelleher has joined as vice president of program solutions. With nearly two decades of experience in the recognition, incentives and promotions industry, Kelleher brings expertise from both large organizations and a family-owned distributorship.

By bringing in Kelleher to partner with its brand consultants, Boundless aims to expand its awards and recognition programs, Presidents Club incentives and enterprise-level solutions.

Andrea Stoll has been named chief marketing officer. In 2020, Stoll joined Touchstone, now a Boundless company, as brand engagement director, bringing a background in product strategy, brand marketing and customer engagement.

With leadership experience at Reebok, American Express, Vans and Converse, Stoll has played a pivotal role in shaping brand narratives, launching innovative product lines and driving marketing strategies with measurable impact.

Longtime sales leader Jeff Michaelson has been appointed to director of global services. A top-performing sales partner with a proven track record of serving clients with international needs, Michaelson will be working closely with the Boundless EU and UK offices to support these initiatives with existing and new clientele.

“These strategic appointments reflect Boundless’s commitment to providing best-in-class solutions for both its clients and Brand Consultants,” says Aaron Hamer, CEO of Boundless.

“Mike’s deep expertise in program solutions and Andrea’s leadership in marketing innovation position Boundless to further strengthen our ability to deliver customized, high-impact branding strategies while empowering our clients with cutting-edge solutions. Jeff’s new role builds on the trust and leadership he’s demonstrated over the years, and we’re thrilled to see him take our global services to the next level.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

OrderMyGear Acquires Aturian, Introduces New Service

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:38:40 GMT

It’s a newsworthy Monday for OrderMyGear (PPAI 704581).

The Dallas-based business service provider has informed clients of Aturian that it has acquired the Lake Forest, Illinois-based business services firm.

Aturian bills itself as an integrated ERP solution for distributors of promotional products.
Industry clients rely on it for integrations involving ESP and catalogs, tax, shipping and credit cards.

Having made a splash with multiple strategic acquisitions in the past few years, OMG strengthens its promo abilities while keeping its focus on digital tools within the market.

At the end of 2023, the company acquired Distributor Central.
One year earlier, OMG announced the acquisition of BrightStores, a former competitor in the space.

A New Solution

Additionally, the company is launching a new service: OMG Presentations and Order Management.

Slated for Q3 2025, OMG Presentations and Order Management gives distributors “everything they need to pitch new business and close deals faster than ever before – all inside one easy-to-use tool.”

Capabilities and benefits include:

Search for products across suppliers, build quotes and create orders
Create customized, interactive presentations
Manage orders across all sales channels in one place, including OMG Online Stores and Presentations

“Our long-term vision is to connect the branded merchandise ecosystem with industry-leading technology and data so businesses can confidently and easily make data-backed decisions faster than ever before,” says Leonid Rozkin, CEO of OMG. “That starts with bringing together a modernized and integrated core set of tools that distributors, decorators and dealers use to run their business, so they have one place to manage product discovery, sales and accounting.”

By bringing presentations, quotes, order management and accounting into the OMG ecosystem, businesses that sell branded merchandise can have a shared source of truth to understand and manage their business.”

Leonid Rozkin

CEO, OMG

The new solution is integrated with OMG Product Search and Online Stores, consolidating key business motions that previously required teams to work across multiple, disconnected tools.

“By bringing presentations, quotes, order management and accounting into the OMG ecosystem, businesses that sell branded merchandise can have a shared source of truth to understand and manage their business,” Rozkin says. “All of their sales and financials are finally in one place, on a modern platform built for the nuances of this industry.”

OMG has opened an early access waitlist for the new solution where businesses can sign up for exclusive updates and early access opportunities.

Written by: Jonny Auping & John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Beyond Tattoos: The Evolution Of A Niche Supplier

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:04:35 GMT

Despite being the president of operations at California Tattoos & Promotional Products (PPAI 111028, Silver), Chris Huff doesn’t have an ounce of ink on his body.

It’s not a question of commitment. After all, the man has spent the past 30 years at the same company, weathering leadership transitions, ambitious overhauls and financial turmoil during the pandemic. Throughout all the changes, Huff has remained a steady hand, helping guide the Tucson, Arizona-based supplier to relevancy.

And now, after a recent restructuring and rebrand, he finds himself more excited than ever for the future. Not only is California Tattoos & Promotional Products well-positioned amid the economic uncertainty of the global trade war, but also Huff is surrounded by new colleagues – a blend of familiar and fresh faces to the promotional products industry – who share his optimism about the company’s underrated capabilities and recondite product line.

“There’s a whole bunch of white space out there,” Huff says. “We’re looking to grow the business through education and partnerships. We want to educate distributors on everything we can potentially do for them.”

We want to educate distributors on everything we can potentially do for them.”

Chris Huff

President of Operations, California Tattoos & Promotional Products

What’s In A Name?

You may be wondering why a company called California Tattoos is located in Arizona’s second most populous city.

Well, California Tattoos was acquired by Print Expressions – the commercial printing firm Huff joined in 1995 that had expanded into and revolutionized temporary tattoos.

Bringing the cumbersome manufacturing process fully in-house, the firm was able to cut costs and production times in half.
Huff estimates the company currently has the capacity to produce 10 or 12 million temporary tattoos a day.

Print Expressions then embarked on an aggressive M&A strategy with California Tattoos – its biggest competitor at the time – being its final acquisition. Print Expressions then capitalized on the latter’s well-established reputation in promo and assumed that identity.

However, the name has become something of an albatross.

“One of the things we’ve done a pretty abysmal job of over the years is that people don’t really know us for anything other than tattoos,” Huff says. “But we’re a full-blown commercial printing company and can make other things. There’s a significant amount of upside in giving distributors ideas for how to use our products that they can then put in front of their customers.”

That’s where Huff’s new business partner, Jason Kern, president of sales and marketing, comes in.

With tattoos, there’s no one else in the space that does what we do.”

Jason Kern

President of Sales & Marketing, California Tattoos & Promotional Products

With a background in consumer products, Kern comes to California Tattoos with two decades of experience in contributing to the growth of startups and young firms through sales-based strategies. This new role appealed to the UConn graduate because he’s overseen restructuring in other companies.

Kern was the youngest executive to be responsible for operational control of Altria, a company dedicated to transitioning smokers away from cigarettes.
He leveraged that experience to a role with NJOY, a startup that focused on e-cigarettes, eventually becoming vice president of sales.
Since then, he has held VP, president and partner roles at three different emerging companies, most recently as partner of Arête Growth Partners.

Attracted to the creativity of the promo industry, Kern believes California Tattoos is sitting on “untapped opportunity.”

“I went to The PPAI Expo and saw a lot of stuff that’s a different way to look at a widget,” Kern says. “But with tattoos, there’s no one else in the space that does what we do.”

Educating distributors on the different applications of temporary tattoos is Kern’s No. 1 objective. He’s quick to rattle off ideas like making tickets for multi-day events into a tat or leveraging the company’s printing capabilities for designing apparel. Most exciting, he says, is it’s all incremental volume for distributors.

Booth visitor getting inked at The PPAI Expo 2025.

“What I love about the tattoo space is the expression,” says Kern, whose arms are inked up. “It’s so personal in nature. Depending upon how that’s being used, it can be super playful with kids expressing themselves or finding a creative way to get your brand in the consumer’s hands.”

Of course, once distributors are engaged, it’s up to California Tattoos to follow through. Kern says the company has restructured its customer service department into teams focused on specific accounts so distributors can establish a rapport with their dedicated reps.

“We’ve put a lot of work into building a customer service structure that’s best in class,” Kern says. “We’re focused on being able to deliver within a certain timeframe on a consistent basis and essentially just being able to deliver on our promise.”

Hired Guns

Huff credits Paul Lage, MAS, with drafting California Tattoos’ latest chapter.

The PPAI Hall of Famer was brought on as a consultant in 2021 before briefly serving as interim president and then board member of Tattoo Manufacturing International, the parent company of California Tattoos.

Lage’s marketing savvy approach and personnel changes fueled a rise in both top-line sales and company morale. Huff, who Lage promoted from COO to president, says the latter’s unique pedigree of promo and printing expertise was invaluable.

“Paul was instrumental in helping me as a mentor, educating our whole team on promo and how we should be doing things differently,” Huff says. “We had been more reactive than proactive because if someone wants tattoos, they’d call us. We weren’t actively promoting ourselves like we should’ve been.”

Lage, who also took Kern under his wing and introduced him to the movers and shakers in promo, is directly responsible for California Tattoos hiring Jill Stirnkorb as vice president of sales and Wendy Flaherty as director of marketing.

Both worked with Lage, who retired in February, at BIC Graphic, which is now known as PPAI 100 supplier Koozie Group.

With more than three decades of marketing experience, Flaherty has spearheaded California Tattoos’ rebranding, which includes a website redesign scheduled for early June. She describes the company’s new vibe as “beachy dreams meet desert scenes,” alluding to the company’s California coast origin and its stronghold in Arizona.

“California Tattoos honors its legacy while our passionate team brings every design to life with care, creativity and a whole lot of fun,” says Flaherty, who got tattoos with her two daughters when they graduated from college. “We’re all about good vibes, bold designs and bringing a little sunshine and self-expression to every tattoo we make.”

We’re all about good vibes, bold designs and bringing a little sunshine and self-expression to every tattoo we make.”

Wendy Flaherty

Marketing Director, California Tattoos & Promotional Products

A nearly 35-year promo veteran, Stirnkorb was named one of the 2025 Powerhouse Women of Promo. Industry influencer Bill Petrie, who created the list with former podcast partner Kirby Hasseman, commended her “bold move” of jumping from Koozie Group, where she spent her entire career up until December.

Universally regarded as a natural sales pro with the ability to walk into a room and have everyone feel welcomed, Stirnkorb is extremely passionate about the industry, especially the people in it. A former board director of the Promotional Products Association of Florida, she was instrumental in launching its Brandy Awards, which recognize the creative excellence in promo marketing for the region.

Both presidents of California Tattoos recognize her value, as her track record and vast network of connections will help the supplier build relationships with top distributors. “People know she’s not going to be representing something she doesn’t truly believe in,” Huff says.

Intrigued by the excitement consistently generated by the company’s trade show booth, Stirnkorb saw the same potential in California Tattoos as its leadership team does and relishes the chance to boost sales and increase brand awareness.

The message I get across to customers is that we’re more than just a tattoo.”

Jill Stirnkorb

VP of Sales, California Tattoos & Promotional Products

“There’s an opportunity to structure the sales department, building a team to support both new and existing customers, and it’s important to me to be part of that exciting opportunity,” Stirnkorb says. “We’ll be further expanding our sales team soon.”

At every trade show and in all customer interactions, Stirnkorb encourages distributors to include temporary tattoos – which the supplier offers in four inks: classic, glitter, metallic and glow in the dark – in every promotional campaign. With a lasting impression of three to five days, she says, the tattoos turn users into a walking billboard.

Almost one-third (32%) of American adults have permanent tattoos, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center poll.
The most cited (69%) reason for getting one is to honor or remember someone or something.
The increasing popularity of tattoos is projected to push the market to $3.9 billion by 2030, Forbes reported.

Plus, the company offers coasters, fan banners, watercolor paint books and “scratch & win” cards.

“The message I get across to customers is that we’re more than just a tattoo,” says Stirnkorb, who, like Huff, is ink free. “People have been telling me that temporary tattoos are a great way to try out a tattoo if you’re thinking of getting one. No needles needed.”

Made In America

Amid the tariff roller coaster, California Tattoos’ biggest competitive advantage may be that its temporary tattoos are USA-made.

“Everybody is looking for stability right now and there’s very little of it out there,” Huff says. “We can provide a product where the pricing is stable.”

Because the FDA recognizes temporary tattoos as cosmetics, the company invests six figures annually on testing, Huff says, to ensure that it’s compliant with all applicable federal and state government requirements.

Additionally, all products are tested by an ISO 17025 accredited third-party lab to ensure they meet all applicable U.S., Canadian and European safety standards.
Business services provider QIMA is one of the testing companies that California Tattoos relies upon, according to Stirnkorb.

“It’s important for people to understand if they’re going to be putting their brand on someone, they’re using the safest, completely approved product that’s out in the marketplace,” Huff says. “We can provide any level of testing.”

(From left to right:) Karyn Clark, customer success manager; Marci Flaherty, brand manager; Deanna Arias, customer success manager; Sabina Santiago, customer success manager

Kern adds that distributors seeking cheaper alternatives from overseas should be aware of the risks.

“People think you throw temporary tattoos on your skin like a sticker, but it’s not like that,” he says. “Seepage into your skin can happen. Something that’s produced in China that doesn’t follow the same safety protocols and compliance standards might cost less, but having those standards in place is really important.”

Perhaps because of greater demand for “Made-in-USA” products, the company has seen an uptick in inquiries this year with new account applications rolling in. The efforts of its new leadership team have also played a large role in drumming up interest for the niche supplier.

With the rebranding and restructuring intended to accelerate the momentum, California Tattoos is poised to leave a permanent mark on the promo industry.

As for Huff, he can’t wait for distributors to see what’s up his sleeve.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Research: Two Thirds Of Suppliers Expanding Their Sourcing Footprint

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 29 May 2025 23:44:30 GMT

Recent data bears out a harsh reality through the first four months of 2025: Promo suppliers are feeling the pressures of external factors such as global trade volatility.

In March and April, the industry’s year-over-year growth slowed at a rate lower than any two-month stretch in 2024. It was PPAI 100 suppliers who largely accounted for those numbers, in contrast to their distributor counterparts, 81% of whom reported increased revenue during that stretch.

A potentially worrying 37% of PPAI 100 suppliers reported decreased revenue in March and April.
Only about half (51%) reported revenue growth in that same timeframe. While that still represents a majority, only 7% reported what they considered significant gains.

It appears impossible to deny that tariffs (whether already in place or uncertainty surrounding them) and trade wars, specifically with China, have led to increased prices in the manufacturing world.

“Cost increases are the norm, not the exception,” says Alok Bhat, market economist and PPAI’s research and public affairs lead. “Suppliers that haven’t yet felt the squeeze may only be a quarter or two behind.”

Amid all of this, promo suppliers are having to adapt to all this global disruption. PPAI Research surveyed PPAI 100 suppliers in March and April to get further insights into the strategies they’re taking in sourcing.

Below are findings on their observations concerning recent global developments.

How Many Are Avoiding China? And Where Are They Going?

Trade relations between China and the U.S. have been anything but stable and predictable over the past few months. Barring significant progress in negotiations, it appears that will be the case for the next month.

After raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 145% in April, the Trump administration followed negotiations by temporarily lowering the tariff rate to 30%. That 90-day measure is set to expire on July 9, if another round of negotiations doesn’t lead to new developments.
In more recent news, a federal court has blocked most of Trump’s tariffs, a potentially huge development, though the administration is appealing the decision.

These measures have already created a “supply shock” to global trade, affecting promo and other industries that have long relied on China for manufacturing. As things stand, sourcing out of China is more expensive than it was last year, and beyond just the price of current tariffs, the uncertainty around tariff rates even two months down the line make planning potentially untenable for some firms.

So, how many PPAI 100 suppliers are actively finding sourcing alternatives in light of recent developments?

Just under two thirds (64%) in March and April claimed to be expanding their sourcing footprint.
Almost one third (31%) reported no major sourcing changes.

Taken together, Bhat says, “this reflects growing urgency to reduce dependence on China, manage tariff exposure and strengthen resilience across the supply chain.”

With a majority of suppliers looking for new sourcing options, it begs the question: Where are they going?

Vietnam is the most commonly reported country (60%) for sourcing alternatives, with India also proving to be a regular option out of Asia for PPAI 100 suppliers.
Many U.S. suppliers are looking domestically at this point in time, with 46% looking to source from within their own borders.
Mexico (16%) and Central/South America (14%) have established themselves as nearshoring hubs for PPAI 100 suppliers.

“Vietnam has multiple free trade agreements, reducing tariffs and improving access to global markets,” says Ricky Ho, co-founder and CEO of SourceReady – an all-in-one AI-powered product sourcing platform. Ho adds that there are additional challenges in dealing with Vietnam, as the country also relies heavily on China for certain materials.

What Global Risks Do Suppliers Fear Most Right Now?

Global trade instability creates concerns in every industry. PPAI Research asked PPAI 100 suppliers about their top worries amid the economic uncertainty.

Unsurprisingly, the top worry (70%) was escalating China tariffs or retaliatory trade action. It should be noted that this data was gathered prior to the temporary lowering of tariffs on Chinese imports.
The reverberations of tariffs and resulting inflation have affected the larger economy, leading 45% of suppliers to fear demand volatility or buyer unpredictability.
The longer tariff impacts remain, the more suppliers (43%) grow concerned over global logistics bottlenecks, which can lead to supply chain delays.

More than one fifth (23%) of suppliers are reporting concerns over regulatory uncertainty, such as shifts in de minimis policies, ESG and labor laws.

Don’t count Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Storm Creek, PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier, as one of the companies that has observed anything warranting concern over changing ESG rules.

“There may be dialing back on the ‘social’ component, but we’re not seeing that on the ‘environmental’ component,” Fudenberg says. “The state-by-state landscape on the environmental side is increasing. We continue to see concern over what goes into apparel production.

The state-by-state landscape on the environmental side is increasing. We continue to see concern over what goes into apparel production.”

Teresa Fudenberg

CEO, Storm Creek

“In Q2, we saw a marked increase in requests for sustainability/compliance documentation. We had 15 requests in one recent week alone, showing the continued push for people wanting to be environmentally compliant, especially in regard to PFAS/harmful chemicals and the specific rulings that took effect in January. We have daily distributor requests for certification documents by product, compliance certificates, COO, bluesign and OEKO-TEX documentation and more.”

Geopolitical instability (such as elections, wars or sanctions) is a concern among 20% of PPAI 100 suppliers.

A common frustration with sweeping tariffs is that there simply aren’t infrastructures for manufacturing certain materials or products domestically or outside of heavy tariff countries. A potential solution to this would be to exempt certain items from existing tariffs. The following were the top categories nominated by suppliers to qualify for exemption:

Drinkware (citing a lack of viable domestic production)
Apparel (with calls for relief to support small businesses and U.S. decorators)
Tech & Electronics (overwhelmingly produced in China)
Canopy, tents, lanyards, pens and umbrellas

PPAI Names Vera Muzzillo 2025 Woman Of Achievement Recipient

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:41:22 GMT

The Association has announced this year’s recipient of the 2025 PPAI Woman of Achievement Award: Vera Muzzillo, CAS, CEO of Proforma, PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor.

For 15 years, PPAI has awarded women who’ve spurred the industry forward. Their outstanding leadership, dedication and talent have impressed peers, empowered other women and energized entire communities.

Muzzillo will be recognized at a special ceremony during the Women’s Leadership Conference, held at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa in Coronado, California from June 23-25.

Vera Muzzillo, CAS

CEO, Proforma, PPAI Woman Of Achievement

‘Far Reaching Impact‘

Muzzillo has been the CEO of Proforma for 24 years, leading the company through exponential growth and innovation.

Proforma has been named a top five distributor in each year of PPAI 100’s existence.
During her tenure as CEO, the Cleveland-based firm grew from $20 million to $650 million, becoming the largest family-owned distributorship in promo.

The Woman of Achievement Award will fit in with a number of awards and recognitions that Muzzillo has had bestowed upon her and Proforma over the past 20-plus years. Her dedication to being someone who has reached out and helped women in this industry, continuing to create opportunities and offer mentorship, is perhaps most praiseworthy.

“Vera is one woman in the print and promotional products industry, but her contributions have impacted the lives of many,” says Marissa Jansen, director of brand identity at Proforma, who nominated Muzzillo for the award. “Her efforts have had far-reaching impacts, influencing people and processes, building better relationships and creating stronger communities. Vera has not only raised the bar; she has set a new standard of excellence in the industry.”

Her efforts have had far-reaching impacts, influencing people and processes, building better relationships and creating stronger communities.”

Marissa Jansen

Director of Brand Identity, Proforma

As a volunteer, Muzzillo has stepped up and helped PPAI serve its mission to its members and the industry at various points when the Association needed her expert guidance.

She served a director-at-large role for PPAI from 2020-2022, lending her ear and voice beyond that term.
PPAI has also been fortunate to have Muzzillo as a technology liaison, part of a training task force and consulting on membership engagement.
In a time of crisis, Muzzillo served on a Pandemic Task Force, advising on key decisions to help the Association navigate through uncharted waters.

Proforma has grown into one of the entities that influences the direction that promo goes. That has happened under Muzzillo’s watch. Her eye for innovation has benefited more than just the company she continues to lead.

“Vera’s keen business sense, intentional mindset and ability to look to the future have made her one of the most influential women in the print and promotional products industry,” says Jansen. “She made a strategic decision to invest in the expansion of technology at Proforma, hiring a team of more than 80 in-house dedicated experts to help develop the groundbreaking proprietary technology platforms of ProVision and ProStores.

These systems not only changed the technology landscape for Proforma but also set a new standard of operations for the print and promotional products industry.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

‘Further, Faster:’ iPROMOTEu Looks Ahead After AIA Acquisition

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 08 May 2025 16:50:18 GMT

iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 11 distributor, acquiring AIA Corporation, PPAI 100’s No. 18 distributor, was one of the biggest stories in the promotional products industry last year.

As a result of the acquisition, all operations across both companies were unified under the iPROMOTEu brand and leadership team. That coincided with a series of leadership promotions and organizational enhancements, which went into effect earlier this year.

With combined 2023 sales exceeding $365 million, this acquisition signifies a major shift in the industry landscape and elevates the entity’s influence as a leading distributor network powerhouse.

So, what’s next?

iPROMOTEu CEO Lori Bauer – a member of the PPAI Board of Directors – answered that question and more in a recent interview with PPAI Media.

PPAI Media: What led to the acquisition and why did iPROMOTEu find it to be advantageous?

Lori Bauer: Both iPROMOTEu and AIA Corporation evolved over the years to be incredibly aligned in business models and core values. We knew that as a united company we could combine the best of both worlds to support the success of our communities with new opportunities for growth and innovation.

At its core, the acquisition was about uniting two organizations that share a commitment to helping independent promotional products distributors succeed, and joining forces has strengthened everything we do.

The energy and optimism we’re seeing reaffirms that we’re doing exciting things as an industry powerhouse.”

Lori Bauer

CEO, iPROMOTEu

PPAI Media: How has the transition process been?

Bauer: The transition process has been energizing and filled with optimism from our staff, vendor partners and both the iPROMOTEu and AIA communities. There’s a genuine sense of enthusiasm around what this combination makes possible, which I see reflected in the conversations we’re having with affiliates and the momentum we’re building.

Our top priority has been to ensure continuity while unlocking new value for our affiliate community. It’s been gratifying to see such a positive response and to witness people leaning into fresh opportunities. The energy and optimism we’re seeing reaffirms that we’re doing exciting things as an industry powerhouse.

PPAI Media: What has been the biggest challenge during the transition?

Bauer: Any time you bring two strong, independent organizations together, the biggest challenge is striking the right balance to honor what makes each company special while building something great. That takes time, thoughtful planning and clear communication.

We’ve been intentional about every step of the process, balancing the excitement of the future with the practicalities of aligning processes, technology and teams. We have used this approach to successfully maintain the high levels of support our affiliates expect without causing service disruptions.

The collaboration and openness of everyone involved who’s navigating complexities with agility and positivity is inspiring. The care we’re putting into this integration is laying a strong foundation for the future and will deliver long-term benefits to our affiliates.

PPAI Media: How do AIA owners and iPROMOTEu affiliates benefit from the acquisition?

Bauer: By combining our networks, affiliates have access to more resources and advantages to help achieve their goals. Across every department we’re creating new opportunities for success with enhanced support tailored to the unique needs of distributors. Affiliates have access to a broader suite of technological solutions, sales and marketing resources and operational support designed to accelerate their business growth.

The combined organization leverages stronger partnerships with suppliers, offering expanded product options, improved pricing and exclusive offers. We’re also investing in cutting-edge technology that streamlines operations and enhances the affiliate experience. Plus, with our combined presence, the iPROMOTEu community gains more influence, opening doors to bigger opportunities and new markets.

Everything we do as a united company is focused on helping affiliates succeed today and well into the future.

PPAI Media: As the promotional products industry experiences increasing consolidation, is iPROMOTEu considering additional acquisitions in 2025?

Bauer: No, we’re not pursuing any additional acquisitions.

PPAI Media: What advice do you have for fellow business owners considering an acquisition of their own?

Bauer: My biggest piece of advice is to start with clarity about whether a potential acquisition aligns with your company vision, values and long-term goals. For iPROMOTEu, this wasn’t just a business decision, but was rooted in purpose with a drive to see our affiliates succeed.

Eight months in, I have a few key takeaways from this experience:

Cultural alignment is key because shared values and a unified vision make integration smoother and foster long-term success for your team and customers.
Transparency and consistent communication are important for all internal and external stakeholders. Keeping everyone informed and engaged builds trust and helps navigate changes effectively.
The real work begins after the deal is signed, so develop an integration plan that leverages synergies, minimizes disruptions and continues to deliver on your customer commitments.
Stay aligned with what matters most by remembering the “why” behind an acquisition. Focus on your mission and the needs of your customers to guide our decision-making process.

An acquisition can be transformative for an organization. With thoughtful strategy, strong leadership and a commitment to collaboration, it can be a powerful catalyst that moves your business further, faster.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

BAG MAKERS Brings Back ‘Dynamic’ Leader As VP Of Sales

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:24:42 GMT

BAG MAKERS (PPAI 111408, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 29 supplier, has announced that Pete Gleason, MAS, is returning to the company in the role of vice president of sales after nearly a decade away.

Gleason had previously worked at BAG MAKERS from 2009-2016. He held the same VP of sales title when he departed the supplier.
Between his two stints with the company, he worked at CPS Keystone Line, a plastic manufacturer, as the vice president of business development.

“We are thrilled Pete is returning as a member of our executive team,” says Maribeth Sandford, CEO of BAG MAKERS. “Pete is a highly respected, dynamic and seasoned industry leader, and he is already well versed with our products and services. This expertise will allow Pete to hit the ground running from day one to help us expand our sales reach.”

Gleason will officially begin his next tenure with BAG MAKERS on May 12.

For his part, Gleason says the reunion brings him back to a place where his work brought with it a particular source of pride.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to rejoin BAG MAKERS and to work with one of the best sales teams in the industry,” Gleason says. “I’m proud of what we accomplished together in the past, and I’m looking forward to helping lead the next phase of growth for the company.”

I’m proud of what we accomplished together in the past, and I’m looking forward to helping lead the next phase of growth for the company.”

Pete Gleason

VP of Sales, BAG MAKERS

Developing and Executing Strategy

With 30 years of experience in the industry and a familiarity with the role at BAG MAKERS, Gleason is well-equipped to jump into the leadership position with the sales team, the company says. Responsibilities within the role include:

Developing and executing sales strategy
Determining and managing sales targets
Analyzing market trends
Drive new business development
Oversee key customer relationships

“Pete has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building strong relationships with sales team representatives and customers,” says Sanford.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

BEL USA Names New CEO

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:23:22 GMT

BEL USA, the parent company of BEL Promo (PPAI 362224, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 34 supplier, has announced its next chapter.

Diego Abril has taken over as the company’s new CEO. Former CEO Sai Koppaka has moved on from BEL USA.

Abril comes to the promo supplier from A.T. Cross, a writing instrument company, where he also held the role of CEO since mid-2023.
For more than two decades, he has held positions focusing on operations and corporate finance during a career with various companies.
At A.T. Cross, he led the company to a return to profitability in less than two years, according to Abril.

“I’m thrilled to share that I am joining BEL USA as CEO,” Abril said in his public announcement. “I’m excited about the growth journey ahead and eager to work with the talented team at BEL.”

I’m excited about the growth journey ahead and eager to work with the talented team at BEL.”

Diego Abril

CEO, BEL USA

In late 2023, BEL Promo named Alan Tabasky, a nearly 30-year veteran of the promo industry, as the company’s president and chief supply chain officer.

“We’re confident Diego will help guide BEL USA through its next chapter of innovation and growth,” Tabasky says. “We’re excited about the fresh perspective and energy he brings to the organization and are looking forward to what’s ahead under his leadership.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Rupt Ventures Announces ‘Biggest Investment To Date’

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:33:24 GMT

Rupt Ventures – the venture arm of Austin, Texas-based supplier Rupt (PPAI 826757, Standard-Base) – has announced its fifth strategic investment in the promotional products industry: Denik (PPAI 766866, Standard-Plus). Rupt is calling the partnership its “biggest investment to date.”

Founded in 2011 by Tyler Tolson, Denik is a supplier of custom notebooks, operating in the promotional and retail spaces.
Over the span of less than 15 years, the company has steadily grown with more than 16,000 retail partners globally.

“Denik isn’t just in the notebook business – it’s in the impact business,” says Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt and the winner of The Pitch at The PPAI Expo 2025. “Tyler and his team have built a brand where every product tells a story, supports an artist and funds a better future.”

Denik isn’t just in the notebook business – it’s in the impact business.”

Jason Lucash

CEO, Rupt

Through the capital invested by Rupt, the goals for Denik are to scale the company and “deepen its footprint” in the promo industry. Denik already offers no-minimum orders, and the partnership aims to ensure the same customer experience that its clients have grown accustomed to will be maintained as the company grows.

Last February, Rupt announced its investment and partnership with RIPL Goods.

In addition to Denik and RIPL Goods, the company is currently invested in Austin, Texas-based supplier Desk Plants and San Diego-based supplier Swanky.
St. Louis-based supplier Sweeter Cards was Rupt Ventures’ first strategic investment, which was realized after being acquired by Maple Ridge Farms.

Making An Impact Through Education

Rupt has made philanthropic vision one of the key factors that it prioritizes in its strategic investments. In that regard, Denik has long put in the work. Believing that art and artistic freedom unlock possibilities, the supplier has merged education and artistic expression by using profits to fund schools around the globe.

“Our mission is rooted in the belief that artists can change the world, and every notebook is proof of that,” says Tolson. “With Rupt Ventures as our partner, we’re not just growing, we’re doubling down on what makes us unique: creativity, quality and impact.”

Our mission is rooted in the belief that artists can change the world, and every notebook is proof of that.”

Tyler Tolson

Founder, Denik

Tolson began Denik by selling notebooks at concerts and farmers markets as a means toward that same mission of funding the construction of schools.

To date, Denik has funded nine schools in Mali, Guatemala, Laos, Ghana, Nicaragua, Senegal and the U.S.

“Denik has shown that creativity can drive real change, and that custom products don’t have to be disposable, they can be meaningful,” says Lucash. “At Rupt Ventures, we’re all in on that vision.

“We’re here to help Denik scale faster, reach further and prove that purpose-led brands can lead the promo industry forward.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Koozie Group Merging With Garyline Following Private Equity Acquisition

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:03:17 GMT

In what is expected to be a particularly busy year for promotional products industry consolidation, 2025 has its first merger of PPAI 100 suppliers.

On Wednesday, private equity firm Mill Point Capital announced its acquisition of Clearwater, Florida-based Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum), which it is merging with fellow Sunshine State hard goods leader Garyline (PPAI 112004, Platinum), already a company in the Mill Point Capital portfolio.

Koozie Group had previously been owned by H.I.G. Capital, which acquired it from BIC Group in 2017.

According to the new private equity ownership, the merger is intended to enhance customer service capabilities, broaden product offerings and improve operational scale. The newly combined company will bring together two well-known industry players. An announcement noted the companies’ complementary strengths in product manufacturing, branding and U.S.-based production.

Koozie Group, which ranked No. 9 in the 2024 PPAI 100, reported $304 million in revenue for 2024, though its sales have slipped slightly since 2021, falling 1.3% over the three-year span.
Garyline ranked No. 27 in PPAI’s 2024 measure of industry leading suppliers. It reported $57.4 million in promo revenue last year, with sales up 2.5% since 2021.

“We are excited about the growth opportunities created by Mill Point Capital’s ownership,” Koozie Group CEO Pierre Montaubin said in a statement on the transaction. “This new financial support allows us to enhance our customer-centric focus through investments in our people, innovation and technology. We will continue delivering top brands, quick turnaround times and plenty of easy-to-use services that will help our customers grow.”

This new financial support allows us to enhance our customer-centric focus through investments in our people, innovation and technology.”

Pierre Montaubin

CEO, Koozie Group

A Strategic Step

Mill Point Capital described the M&A move as a strategic step toward building a more competitive and comprehensive promo industry supplier, pointing to the combined company’s domestic manufacturing footprint.

“With this acquisition, we are creating one of the largest players in the promotional products space,” said Antony Besso, partner of operations at Mill Point and executive chairman of Garyline. “As the industry continues to evolve, we believe that scale and product breadth will be essential for serving customers efficiently and effectively.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The combined company also made no indication of immediate integration plans, but will continue to go to market under separate brands.
Employees, customers and vendors were made aware of the acquisition on Wednesday.

In addition to its base in Florida, Koozie Group also decorates from facilities in Missouri and Minnesota. The company acquired IMAGEN Brands in 2020 and wrapped up consolidation of the brands early last year.

Similar Approaches

After more than six decades in New York City, Garyline began moving its operations to Florida in 2023, and announced the relocation’s completion last August at the same time it revealed Mill Point Capital’s investment. The firm employs more than 500 workers in the Tampa area.

“Our vision has always centered on customer performance, operational excellence and long-term investment in U.S. manufacturing,” Richard Hellinger, CEO of Garyline, said. “We are proud to build on that foundation and support our distributors with enhanced scale, expanded resources and unmatched product diversity.”

Our vision has always centered on customer performance, operational excellence and long-term investment in U.S. manufacturing. We are proud to build on that foundation and support our distributors with enhanced scale, expanded resources and unmatched product diversity.”

Richard Hellinger

CEO, Garyline

Koozie Group made real estate moves of its own recently, selling nearly $36 million worth of property in Florida last year, then leasing it back.

Both companies have taken significant steps toward corporate responsibility – Koozie Group with its Keep It. Give It. initiative, which has brought more than 75% of its products toward lessened environmental impact, and Garyline with its International Sustainability & Carbon Certified auditing and emphasis on post-consumer recycled content.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

NC CUSTOM APPROVED AS A CO-PACKER FOR M&M’S®

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 01:19:54 GMT

NC Custom, (Chocolate Inn, Lanco, and Ace), a top-40 ASI supplier, is proud to announce an exciting evolution in its long-standing relationship with M&M’S^®. NC Custom is now officially approved as a co-packer for M&M’S^® products to the promotional products channel.

NC Custom has long maintained a significant footprint in the food space, serving multiple channels through its robust manufacturing capabilities and scalable operations. This foundation has enabled the company to build deep, lasting relationships with many of the world’s leading food brands—both domestically and internationally.

Among these relationships, the connection with Mars and M&M’S^® has been especially strong. This relationship allowed exclusivity in the promo channel - NC Custom acting as a broker for M&M’S^® products. Today, that partnership takes a meaningful step forward as NC Custom becomes a direct

co-pack partner, further solidifying its trusted role in delivering premium confectionery experiences.

Launch products will include:

· Full Color Digibag with Candy-by-Color M&Ms

· EcoDigibag with Candy-by-Color M&Ms

· Full Color Digibag with Candy-by-Color M&M’s Trail Mix

· EcoDigibag with with Candy-by-Color M&M’s Trail Mix

“This development reflects the confidence a globally recognized brand like M&M’S^® has in our ability to execute at the highest level—ensuring top-tier quality and strict compliance in every product we deliver,” said David Miller, President of NC Custom.

In the coming days, NC Custom will roll out an expanded program that includes lower prices, shorter production times, lower minimum order quantities, and a broader selection of M&M’S^® offerings.

Stay tuned for additional details on this exciting expansion.

LEAD 2025: Tariffs And Trade Topped The List Of Concerns

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:08:23 GMT

Every year, PPAI hosts promo pros in Washington for a day on Capitol Hill to inform legislators and their staffers about the promotional products industry. PPAI’s annual Legislative Education and Action Day gives industry leaders the opportunity to build relationships and advocate for the interests of the branded merchandise community.

Tariffs and trade topped the list of concerns, as well as opposition to the SWAG Act and support for the Modern Worker Empowerment Act.

“Over the past few days at LEAD, we came together with unmatched passion, purpose and professionalism. With 100 appointments and 100% participation from congressional offices, we made our voices heard,” said PPAI President & CEO Drew Holmgreen.

“Most importantly, we left with confidence that our elected officials understand and support the need for balanced strategies that protect fair trade without compromising our industry’s incredible ability to spread joy around the world,” he added. “Thank you for showing up, speaking up and lifting our community.”

LEAD 2025 drew a team of nearly 100 from across the country on April 7 and 8 to the nation’s capital to address issues of particular importance to promo. Whether experienced attendees or first-timers, all were eager to share the promotional products industry’s scope, influence and needs with representatives, senators and their staffers.

“We met with a lot of staffers – and I actually prefer that, because they’re the ones who keep the calendars. I love talking to staffers,” said Dana Steffens, deputy general counsel for SanMar, the No. 1 PPAI 100 supplier and a first-time LEAD attendee.

We left with confidence that our elected officials understand and support the need for balanced strategies that protect fair trade without compromising our industry’s incredible ability to spread joy around the world.

Drew Holmgreen

PPAI President & CEO

Top LEAD Legislative Issues

At the top of the LEAD legislative agenda, attendees expressed opposition to the SWAG Act. This bill would prohibit government agencies from using federal funds on promotional products, which are often used to help educate citizens about public safety programs and health initiatives.

A PPAI team met directly with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to discuss the potential harm the bill could cause, not only to the promo industry but to the federal agencies that rely on promotional products to communicate vital information to the public.

“The SWAG Act is the issue that has the most impact on our industry right now, even more than tariffs,” said Scott Hareid, owner of Hareid Marketing and a long-time LEAD attendee. “And most of the legislators we met with were very receptive that a blanket ban is not productive.”

The event also provided the chance to support two bills, one a longstanding issue for the industry, and the other a brand-new Senate effort to reassert congressional authority over tariffs and trade policy.

A significant portion of promo’s sales force intentionally consider themselves to be independent workers. Rule changes in the past few years from the Department of Labor have jeopardized their status, and PPAI has long been advocating to protect independent work relationships. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act and provide a clear definition that is more favorable to independent workers.

Attendees thanked Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), who filed the bill, and one of its co-sponsors, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), for their support and encouraged other members of Congress to sign on and support the bill as well.

“We had the right meetings with the right people at the right time, and we are building a community that has value in teaching others in the industry,” said Tony Shereda, MAS, vice president of sales for distributor QMI Group.

Just days before LEAD – and the day after the president announced sweeping tariffs – a group of senators introduced bipartisan legislation to restore congressional oversight of such measures. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 on April 3 to reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress. Under the bill, Congress would have the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.

A PPAI team thanked Grassley personally, and others conveyed gratitude to the offices of fellow sponsors in the Senate: Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

An important part of the conversations was reminding lawmakers that the light manufacturing – i.e. the decorating and customization that adds value – is largely done in the U.S. by American workers, said Lori Donovan, MAS, an account executive with S&S Activewear, the No. 5 supplier in the PPAI 100 and a repeat LEAD attendee.

“Every single order in our industry is custom,” she added. “We finish it here [in the U.S.], but we have to be able to import it to decorate it.”

The day after PPAI members visited Capitol Hill, the president announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for countries that haven’t retaliated against the United States, dropping tariff rates to 10% on imports from most countries. However, tariffs on China were raised to a total of 125%, effective immediately. The announcement comes on the heels of China’s finance ministry vowing to impose 84% tariffs on U.S. goods starting Thursday, April 10, in response to Trump raising tariffs on China to 104%.

Overall, attendees felt very positive about the conversations during LEAD and are already following up.

“We showed up with a clear, unified message on behalf of our industry – and this is just the beginning,” said Alok Bhat, PPAI’s market economist, research & public affairs lead. “We’ll keep the momentum going and continue engaging on the issues that matter most.”

Written by: Rachel Zoch

Published with Permission from PPAI

HIRSCH Receives Platinum Certification With Green Business Benchmark

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:49:57 GMT

Last September, PPAI partnered with Green Business Benchmark to help member companies create and track their own sustainability goals with certifications available through GBB. Houston-based supplier HIRSCH is the most recent company to achieve a Platinum Certification from the organization.

HIRSCH is PPAI 100’s No. 20 supplier.
To view HIRSCH’s ESG initiatives, including its GBB profile and progress, click here.

“We are thrilled to share our plans for conscious growth with our industry partners and clients,” says HIRSCH CEO Paul Hirsch. “Having sustainability initiatives are so important to us as an organization, as well as the rest of the industry, and we look forward to doing our part.”

We are thrilled to share our plans for conscious growth with our industry partners and clients.”

Paul Hirsch

CEO, HIRSCH

The supplier’s initiatives include sustainability goals through 2035. By that time, HIRSCH intends to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to net neutral and cut its Scope 3 emissions in half. More than 70% of the company’s product portfolio currently has some form of public sustainability policy.

“We understand that sustainability is not just a priority for our clients but a cornerstone of our shared future,” says Brittany Frase, vice president of sales at HIRSCH and a 2024 PPAI Rising Star. “By integrating eco-friendly practices and products into our company and offerings, we intend to meet the demands of conscientious consumers and drive meaningful growth.”

We understand that sustainability is not just a priority for our clients but a cornerstone of our shared future.”

Brittany Frase

Vice President of Sales, HIRSCH

Industry Success In Sustainability Is Possible

GBB offers sustainability management, program management, benchmarking and well-respected certifications.

PPAI members can now access GBB’s standard or premium memberships for 50% off of the normal price.
Interested members can access that discount – and learn more – by clicking here.

GBB’s many offerings and possibilities come together to take the daunting and often unrealistic tasks in front of an organization that might find itself Googling, “How to be sustainable” and turns them into initiatives that are every bit as approachable and detailed as any other business plan.

“This really starts to narrow your scope and gives you a better sense of what you can do,” says Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility, who played a large role in helping curate the specifics of the partnership.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Prime Line Relaunches As Hard Goods Division Of S&S Activewear

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:15:24 GMT

Prime Line (PPAI 112744, Silver), the hard goods division of S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum), has been relaunched following the appointment of industry veteran Eric Levin as general manager in November 2024.

S&S Activewear finalized its acquisition of alphabroder, parent company of Prime Line, in October 2024.
S&S Activewear was ranked as the No. 5 supplier in PPAI 100 before its acquisition of alphabroder, which was ranked No. 2.

“The industry has spoken, and we’ve listened,” Levin says. “Prime Line’s fresh vision brings a strong foundation of commitment to customer success, innovation and timeliness. This relaunch is about elevating the experience for distributors with improved service, expanded product lines and a commitment to delivering the highest-quality promotional solutions in the market.”

What Distributors Can Expect

As part of the relaunch, Prime Line has a comprehensive selection of best-selling and new, on-trend hard goods products; dedicated sales and support teams; and an enhanced digital experience with a redesigned website.

The division pledges to have faster response times, streamlined order processes and a renewed commitment to distributor success.

“We’re taking Prime Line to the next level,” Levin says. “Distributors can expect a brand that is more responsive, innovative and committed to their success than ever before.”

Levin brings over three decades of experience in the promo industry and a deep knowledge of the hard goods sector. Having founded the company Jetline, which he successfully led through considerable growth, Levin has remained in the fold through a series of acquisitions.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

iPROMOTEu Announces Sweeping Promotions, Organizational Updates

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:01:48 GMT

iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, Platinum) – the No. 11 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced a series of leadership promotions and organizational enhancements, which went into effect on March 13.

As part of this evolution, all operations across iPROMOTEu and AIA Corporation, which was acquired by the former in September, will be unified under the iPROMOTEu brand and leadership team beginning April 1.

Here are the executive promotions:

Joe Hoffmann has been promoted to COO
Laura High has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing
Steve Gardner has been promoted to senior vice president of business development
Tammi Ouillette has been promoted to vice president of HR

These leaders, along with CFO Nancy Schmidt; Dave Saracino, senior vice president of affiliate sales and support; Dave Kneram, senior vice president of technology; and Rich Berg, senior vice president of sales operations and distributor exchange, will continue to report directly to CEO Lori Bauer, a member of the PPAI Board of Directors, as members of the iPROMOTEu executive leadership team.

Their expertise, vision and unwavering commitment to our mission make them the ideal team to guide us through our next chapter as a unified company.”

Lori Bauer

CEO, iPROMOTEu

“I’m incredibly proud of the leadership team we’ve built and the meaningful impact they continue to make, both within iPROMOTEu and across the industry,” Bauer says. “Their expertise, vision and unwavering commitment to our mission make them the ideal team to guide us through our next chapter as a unified company.”

Even More Promotions

In addition to bolstering executive leadership, iPROMOTEu promoted several staff members to new leadership roles, including:

Nicki Staats to vice president of vendor management
Melissa Maroszek to manager of vendor management
Laurie Crowder to director of operations
Ryan Carney to senior manager of operations
Dawn Miller to senior manager of virtual assistants and sales support
Nicole Ridlon to senior manager of affiliate onboarding and training
Eric Porter to director of technology product management
Jeremy Judnic to senior IT infrastructure manager
Larry Hackney to senior technology product manager
Carrie Lewis to creative and brand director
Stephanie Carey to senior digital marketing manager
Ted Janssen to senior financial analyst FP&A
Angela Johnson to senior HR manager
Ed Edgecombe to office manager, Wayland
Kerri Pankow to office manager, Appleton

As part of the Wayland, Massachusetts-based company’s structural enhancements, iPROMOTEu has created a dedicated operations department focused on process alignment and system harmonization. Several team members have also taken on broader responsibilities to further strengthen integration, technology, marketing strategy, affiliate success and cross-functional collaboration.

“Our goal has always been to empower independent distributors to grow their businesses with confidence and support,” Bauer says. “With a unified team and a bold future vision, iPROMOTEu is well-positioned to lead the promotional products industry forward.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Vantage Apparel Celebrates 20 Years of Vansport™ Innovation and Style

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:03:53 GMT

Vantage Apparel, the foremost supplier of custom-branded apparel known for its award-winning decoration and integration capabilities, celebrates 20 years of its Vansport line. Performance wear has become a staple in both the corporate and casual apparel markets, and no collection embodies this evolution better than Vansport by Vantage Apparel. Originally introduced as a moisture-wicking polo line, Vansport has expanded over the last two decades to include a full range of performance-driven styles designed for versatility, comfort, and durability.

"Performance wear was trending—its permanence after twenty years speaks for itself," said Ira Neaman, President of Vantage Apparel on the inspiration behind launching and the continued success of the Vansport line.

Since its inception, Vansport has expanded beyond its signature moisture-wicking polos to include a comprehensive collection performance-driven styles, including ¼ zips, full zips, and woven shirts. What sets the line apart is its commitment to advanced features like moisture-wicking, UV protection, and spandex-enhanced flexibility, ensuring all-day comfort.

Designed to appeal to all generations and lifestyles, the Vansport line seamlessly blends business and casual wear—a polo perfect for the golf course can be just as easily layered under a ¼ zip for the office or paired with jeans for weekend errands.

Vansport’s journey began with styles like the men’s and ladies’ cotton/poly blend polo, the polo with collar-edge trim detail, and the cotton/poly blend mock turtleneck, as pictured in order below. The collection has since evolved to include Vansport Pro, introduced in 2015 as a premium performance line featuring sublimated polos with moisture-wicking, spandex, UV protection, and antimicrobial properties. The Vansport Pro Tonal Micro-Stripe polo, which was part of the original Vansport Pro launch, remains an active best-seller today.

Other best-selling styles include the 2600/01 polo and the 3450/51, reflecting Vansport’s ongoing popularity in the market.

As Vansport celebrates its 20-year milestone, new additions continue to build on its legacy of performance and versatility. The 2025 lineup includes:

Sandhill Pinstripe Shirts Peak Performance Jackets Digi Print Polos

Whats the inspiration behind the name Vansport? According to Ira Neaman, “Van” comes from Vantage, and every sport benefits from performance.” This philosophy has been at the heart of the line for 20 years, delivering garments that move you, wherever the day takes you.

Beyond performance, Vansport is known for its longevity—garments maintain their color vibrancy even after 50 washes—and sustainability, utilizing high-quality conventional and recycled yarns.

Customers continue to recognize the value of the Vansport line. "I love Vansport because it offers an affordable price point without sacrificing quality. The Zen ¼ Zip is my personal favorite—the material is so comfortable, and it comes in a wide variety of colors, making it an easy sell," said Kayla R. of Perfect Promotions.

“I have several Vansport pieces that I have received over the years. The Women’s Victory Polo is great—it fits well, and the color options with decoration are very flattering. The ¼-zips fit great as well. I have

received numerous compliments on these when I’ve worn them to events. Vansport is truly a go-to for team apparel, as we can always find items that everyone likes and continues to wear beyond the event,” added Lori U. of Vernon Company.

With a rich 20-year history and a bright future ahead, Vansport continues to define performance apparel, proving that innovation, comfort, and style never go out of fashion. For more information on the Vansport Collection, visit www.vantageapparel.com.

Goldstar Expands To Australia With New Acquisition

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:49:01 GMT

Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, has announced its expansion into Australia and New Zealand through the acquisition of Australian supplier globalcatalogue.

This strategic move strengthens the Tennessee-based company’s global reach and brings Australian distributors a wider selection of writing, stationery, drinkware, bags and more products.

Founded in 1981 and based in Sydney, globalcatalogue brings advanced global order fulfillment capabilities to Goldstar’s growing network.
Daniel Derofe will continue as general manager to ensure a smooth transition, the company says.

“We’re thrilled to welcome globalcatalogue to the Goldstar family,” says Heather Smartt, global head of Goldstar. “This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for us to work together, making global business easier and aligning with our goal to support more distributors worldwide.”

This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for us to work together, making global business easier and aligning with our goal to support more distributors worldwide.”

Heather Smartt

Global Head, Goldstar

Goldstar’s Expansion

As part of its broader global growth strategy, Goldstar now operates across North America, Europe and Oceania.

The company is also expanding into Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, further strengthening its international presence.
Sustainability remains a key priority with Goldstar collaborating with globalcatalogue to integrate ESG practices and improve responsible sourcing across both products and operations.

“We’ve built something special at globalcatalogue, and this next chapter with Goldstar takes it to the next level,” Derofe says. “There’s so much potential ahead.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Brittany Frase: 3 Keys To Getting The Most Out Of Mentorship

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:39:45 GMT

The word “busy” often carries negative connotations, suggesting unapproachability, a lack of control over time or an unwillingness to take on more.

This year, one of my goals is to remove “busy” from my vocabulary. However, I’ve realized how challenging this is while balancing my roles as a mother of two, an executive and a boss. For example, when PPAI asked me to write this column, my first thought was, “I’m too busy to write it, and everyone else is too busy to read it.”

Since I had already said yes and couldn’t change my mind, I asked myself what would I stop to read no matter how packed my schedule?

What advice do I wish I’d received when I started in this industry 14 years ago?

I asked a few colleagues what advice they wished they had received when they started. Among the many responses, my biggest takeaway was that I wished someone had connected the dots between the career advancement articles I was reading outside the industry and promo-specific insights. That’s exactly what I aim to do here.

Welcome to Frase’s Phrases – a quarterly series where I’ll share three impactful phrases, expressions, quotes, clichés or lessons that I’ve picked up along my journey, along with how you can apply them in the promo industry to advance your career.

Today, we’re diving into mentorship.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

I’d assume this is true in all industries, but in promo, it’s especially relevant. You don’t need just one mentor – you need many, all at once. My first official mentor came to me when I had no idea where to begin.

PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, seeks to educate and mentor within our industry. When I had no idea where to go for my first mentor, I started here, and I encourage you to do the same. I was matched with a mentor who shaped my entire career. A decade later, even though he’s now enjoying retirement, I still call him for advice in my role as a vice president of sales – just as I did when I was an inside sales rep.

You don’t need just one mentor – you need many, all at once.”

Brittany Frase

VP of Sales, HIRSCH

Ask yourself: Who do you look up to? Whose social posts do you always engage with because they’re insightful and resonate with you? Reach out to that person and say, “I’d love to have your insight on X issue. If you can carve out 15-20 minutes of your time for me, I’d love to pick your brain about it.”

Early in my career, I read countless articles on how to ask for a mentor, but they often made it too complicated. Just ask for help with a specific issue, and the mentorship will develop naturally – no official agreement needed.

“Do what you do best and outsource the rest.” – Peter Drucker

If you’ve ever worked with or for me, you’ve heard me say this often enough that it’s likely eyeroll inducing. As an exercise, I encourage you to pause and write down three things you excel at and three things you don’t.

If you already know your weaknesses, this is a great topic to discuss with a new mentor. Ask them for specific strategies to address your blind spots, and if you’re in a leadership role, consider delegating these tasks. Their guidance can help you develop targeted action steps to overcome challenges and become a more effective professional.

ICYMI: skucon Inspires Promo Pros Ahead Of The PPAI Expo 2025

And if you still feel like it’s a weakness? There is power in realizing it’s okay not to be the best at everything. Recognize who is the best at that weakness and ask for their help if you’re a colleague. If you’re in a position to, delegate that task, so that you can focus on the things you excel at.

If you’re unsure what your weaknesses are (and trust me, I get it – my husband thinks I’m flawless!), this is another great question for a mentor. Ask someone who has worked with you long enough to help define your biggest opportunities for growth. Resist the urge to get defensive and embrace their feedback as an opportunity for improvement. A good mentor will see strengths and weaknesses that you might not recognize in yourself.

“The best leaders are lifelong learners.” – John Wooden

Your mentors don’t always have to be people you know or are matched with in a program. I’ve taken away valuable perspectives from many a sales, marketing or general business book. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I encourage anyone starting in this business to do the same.

Our industry is certainly unique, but it’s not that unique, and by that I mean – there are plenty of other people in other industries facing the same challenges you are that have overcome them and thrived. While I wouldn’t call books my mentors, I would certainly say they’ve provided mentorship, as have PPAI conferences, commonsku educational events and meet-ups with colleagues in similar positions as myself in the industry.

From Phrases To Actions

The key to a successful mentorship is not just asking the right questions but acting on the answers.

These are three of the phrases that have stuck with me throughout my promo career, helping me navigate new challenges and opportunities. Start seeking out mentors and applying these questions today. You’ll be amazed at how your mentors and mentorship can transform your trajectory.

And if you ever feel too “busy” to take that first step, remember that being busy shouldn’t be a badge of honor or an excuse. Prioritizing mentorship and learning will ultimately help you gain more control over your time and career.

Frase, MAS, is vice president of sales at HIRSCH – PPAI 100’s No. 20 supplier – and a 2024 PPAI Rising Star.

Written by: Brittany Frase

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Introduces New Scholarship For Regional Members

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:36:34 GMT

PPAI has introduced a new scholarship that will help one member of a regional association attend a PPAI event this year.

The scholarship is open to all PPAI members who are also members of their local regional association.

“Empowering individuals through professional development and networking is not just an investment in their future, but in the future of our promo community,” says Shannon Johnson, MAS, director of executive administration at PPAI. “By offering scholarships, we create a pathway to success, fostering growth, innovation and opportunity for all.”

Empowering individuals through professional development and networking is not just an investment in their future, but in the future of our promo community.”

Shannon Johnson, MAS

Director of Executive Administration, PPAI

Scholarship Details

The scholarship covers up to $2,500 for event registration, hotel costs and airfare costs for any of the events below:

North American Leadership Conference (NALC) from May 12-14 in Chicago
Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) from June 23-25 in Coronado, California
Product Responsibility Summit from September 15-17 in Newport Beach, California
Leadership Development Conference from October 27-29 in Southlake, Texas

“Scholarships were a direct ask from our regional community, and PPAI listened,” says Kara Keister, MAS, CEO of Social Good Promotions and Regional Relations Committee delegate to the PPAI Board of Directors. “PPAI has created a path to reward volunteer service and regional membership with access to premier events like the Women’s Leadership Conference and North American Leadership Conference, empowering members to connect, lead and drive the industry forward.”

Scholarships were a direct ask from our regional community, and PPAI listened.”

Kara Keister, MAS

CEO, Social Good Promotions

Applications are being taken here – click on the PPAI Regional Member Scholarship.

The application portal will close after March 31.

Published with Permission from PPAI

‘Put Us On The Map:’ Super Bowl Ad Spikes Bison Coolers’ Business

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:43:42 GMT

If you’re wondering why brands were willing to shell out $8 million (a record high) for a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl LIX, look no further than the impact simply being included in one has had on Fort Worth, Texas-based supplier Bison Coolers (PPAI 697899, Standard-Plus).

The family business was part of Google’s “50 States, 50 Stories” campaign, which highlighted how small business owners use Google Workspace and its AI tools.

The commercial, which featured family members, friends and some of Bison Coolers’ 14 employees, explained that the firm relies upon the technology to write product descriptions for its website.

The company held a watch party for the Super Bowl and the energy in the room when the ad aired was “pretty incredible,” according to Jeremy Denson, co-owner and president of Bison Coolers.

“It was just a great opportunity for [Google] to really put us on the map and create some awareness,” Denson says.

An Uptick in Engagement

In the week since the commercial aired, Bison Coolers has seen a rise in engagement and inquiries, Denson says.

Check out these metrics:

Almost a 400% increase in web traffic
E-commerce sales have doubled
Amazon engagement is up about 1,600%
An increase of 800 social media followers in the 24 hours following the ad airing

“The number of calls and emails coming in has certainly increased,” Denson says. “But overall, selling a premium product in the space, much less an outdoor product in the fourth quarter, is a bit of a challenge every year. We feel like we’ve kicked off enough relationships and got enough traffic to the website that we’ll be able to remarket them in the future, and that when warm weather rolls around in a month or two, hopefully, we’ll see a nice uptick from this so we can piggyback on it the rest of the year.”

It was just a great opportunity for [Google] to really put us on the map and and create some awareness.”

Jeremy Denson

Co-owner & President, Bison Coolers

Embracing The Great Outdoors

Bison Coolers was founded by Jeremy and his father Dennis Denson in 2011 after the former found out his wife, who was working as a teacher at the time, was pregnant. In order to offset the lost income, Jeremy decided to take on a side hustle.

“I love the outdoors and thought I should do something that I’m passionate about and enjoy myself,” he says. “So, as I started to dive into the outdoor space, I started looking at coolers, and I was like, wait, I think there’s a market here.”

The duo hit the ground running, selling a multitude of different coolers for various needs.

“Being one of the few family-owned cooler companies still in America, we’re kind of the last of a dying breed,” Denson says. “We’re taking on people that are making more in marketing in a given month or two than we do annually. So, that part is a big challenge, but it’s really rewarding to see that we’ve weathered the storm.”

Denson “stumbled” into the promo space about seven years ago when he and his team noticed a handful of customers were continuously ordering large batches of products from the company. After asking why, Denson learned about the promotional products world, discovering that these customers were applying their logos to his coolers.

Since then, the promo industry has become Bison Coolers’ biggest source of revenue.

“We’ve just been doubling down, pouring more resources into it and expanding our decorating capabilities,” Denson says. “Without that customer feedback, we never would have even discovered the space.”

Written by: Arriana Johnson

Published with Permission from PPAI

Global Tariff Announcement Causes Temporary Congestion In Promo

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:38:31 GMT

Last week, President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum proposing reciprocal tariffs for countries that already have tariffs in place that affect the United States. “If they charge us, we charge them,” Trump told reporters leading up to the announcement on Thursday.

There’s no official date for when the tariffs will be imposed, but White House officials said that Trump wants to move rapidly, suggesting it would be “weeks” and no longer than “a few months” until they are in place, The Hill reported.

What does this boil down to?

The reciprocal tariffs will be customized for each foreign trading partner, based on five different areas:

tariffs the nation imposes on U.S. products;
unfair taxes imposed;
cost to U.S. businesses and consumers from another country’s policies;
exchange rates;
and any other practices the trade representative’s office determines is unfair.

The move is considered a significant escalation in what has become a global trade war. The implications will be determined over time, but PPAI Media has already received word from Goldstar, PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, that tariff news in recent weeks has led to temporary congestion and processing delays.

“We completely understand that this extended delay [approximately five business days] may be frustrating, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” Heather Smartt, global head of Goldstar, said in an email to customers on Friday.

Rest assured, we’re working hard behind the scenes to ensure your orders are on track and will reach you as quickly as possible.”

Heather Smartt

Global Head of Goldstar

“We truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Rest assured, we’re working hard behind the scenes to ensure your orders are on track and will reach you as quickly as possible. Our proactive measures, such as adding more brokers and expanding our carrier network, are already in place to minimize the impact.

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Navigating Tariffs: Strategies For Distributors And Suppliers

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 18:17:06 GMT

The rapidly developing tariff situation has caused a great deal of uncertainty for businesses across the globe.

Here’s the latest: President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum proposing reciprocal tariffs for countries that already have tariffs in place that affect the United States. “If they charge us, we charge them,” Trump told reporters leading up to the announcement on February 13.

There’s no official date for when the tariffs will be imposed, but White House officials said that Trump wants to move rapidly, suggesting it would be “weeks” and no longer than “a few months” until they are in place, The Hill reported.

Trump previously imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States with no exceptions or exemptions, beginning March 12. This comes on the heels of an additional 10% tariff on imports coming from China, which quickly led to Beijing announcing retaliatory tariffs.

Trump also announced 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, only to put a one-month pause on the plan following meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

He also has paused his previous order to eliminate the de minimis exemption that allowed packages worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. without having to pay a tariff or duty.

PPAI, working closely with our lobbyists at Thorn Run Partners, sent a letter to top congressional leaders this week urging them to work toward a balanced trade policy that protects American interests while ensuring that American businesses, such as those in the promotional products industry, are not disproportionately burdened.

Download the text of that letter here so you can use it as a template to send your own letters to your representative and senators.
Every year, PPAI members and staff travel to Capitol Hill to advocate for the promotional products industry, and tariff concerns will be one of the key issues we will be discussing with members of Congress in April. (Learn more about LEAD here.)

“Should these tariffs escalate and cause negative financial ramifications, we are a proven, resilient industry that always finds innovative ways to bounce back bigger and better than ever,” says Drew Holmgreen, president and CEO of PPAI.

We are a proven, resilient industry that always finds innovative ways to bounce back bigger and better than ever.”

Drew Holmgreen

President & CEO, PPAI

Below are actions and strategies that promo firms should implement immediately.

Stay Informed and Assess Business Impact

Identify affected products: Determine which SKUs sourced from Canada, Mexico or China will see cost increases due to tariffs.
Analyze financial impact: Work with finance and procurement teams to assess how tariffs will affect pricing, profitability and customer contracts.
Monitor government actions and advocacy efforts: Follow PPAI’s updates on trade policy changes, potential exemptions and tariff negotiations.

Optimize Supply Chain and Sourcing Strategies

Diversify sourcing: Explore alternative production locations in North America or other international markets to reduce exposure to tariffs.
Negotiate supplier terms: Discuss pricing flexibility, bulk purchasing and extended payment terms to help offset cost increases.
Consider domestic production: Where feasible, invest in U.S.-based manufacturing to reduce reliance on imported goods subject to tariffs.

Manage Pricing and Customer Expectations

Stabilize pricing when possible: Before adjusting pricing, exhaust all cost-saving measures, such as logistics optimization, supplier negotiations and bulk purchasing.
Educate customers and end-buyers: Be transparent about tariff-related cost changes and provide alternative product recommendations when necessary.
Offer strategic pricing incentives: Consider bulk purchase discounts, long-term pricing contracts or early order incentives to help customers mitigate cost volatility.

Advocate for Relief and Engage with Policymakers

Support PPAI’s advocacy efforts: Participate in ongoing lobbying initiatives focused on tariff relief and exemptions for the promotional products industry.
Share your business impact story: Contribute to PPAI’s tariff impact survey to help strengthen the industry’s case for exemptions or policy adjustments.

Plan for Long-Term Market Shifts

Anticipate further trade disruptions: With ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and potential EU tariff actions, businesses should remain agile in supply chain planning.
Invest in operational efficiencies: Explore automation, streamlined logistics and technology improvements to drive cost savings and business resilience.
Evaluate alternative global markets: Expand partnerships with suppliers outside tariff-affected regions to reduce dependency on impacted supply chains.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Distributors and suppliers can’t afford to wait for policy shifts.

By staying informed, optimizing supply chains, maintaining customer trust and engaging in advocacy, businesses can navigate the impact of tariffs effectively while ensuring long-term resilience in the promo industry.

Written by: PPAI Media Staff

Published with Permission from PPAI

Rupt Ventures Names RIPL Goods As Its Next Promo Investment

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:17:06 GMT

Rupt Ventures – the venture arm of Austin, Texas-based supplier Rupt (PPAI 826757, Standard-Base) – has announced its fourth strategic investment in the promotional products industry: RIPL Goods (PPAI 812763, Standard-Base).

A certified B Corporation, RIPL Goods was founded by Leo Bellis-Jones, a former advertising industry professional whose love for the ocean led him to create a business centered on sustainability.

After witnessing the plastic crisis firsthand during a trip to Bali, he launched RIPL Goods in 2021, offering fashion-forward, sustainable products for businesses and individuals to create tangible change.

Each product in the supplier’s range funds one of three critical impact programs:

Every RIPL bottle funds a full day of employment for someone in a remote coastal community to collect plastic.

Every RIPL notebook funds the purchase and protection of 1,000 sq. ft. of tropical forest.

Every RIPL tech bag and tote bag funds a full week of education for a child in need.

“RIPL Goods embodies exactly what we look for at Rupt Ventures: entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what’s possible in promo,” says Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt and the winner of The Pitch at The PPAI Expo 2025. “Leo and his team have built something truly special, proving that promotional products can be powerful vehicles for global change. We’re excited to help accelerate their impact and growth within the promo industry and beyond.”

At The PPAI Expo 2024, Lucash and his longtime business partner Mike Szymczak came out of retirement to introduce Rupt, the first supplier whose entire product line is made from recycled materials.

The duo previously co-founded Origaudio, which they sold to HPG in 2018.

Rupt Ventures is a side play that will pour venture capital into a stable of other suppliers dedicated to sustainability and/or innovation, with exponential growth potential.

“Mike, Leo and I met for dinner while we all happened to be in Hong Kong,” Lucash says. “We immediately hit it off and knew we had to make this happen together.”

In addition to RIPL Goods, the company is currently invested in Austin, Texas-based supplier Desk Plants and San Diego-based supplier Swanky.

Lucash says it has been an “incredible journey.”

RIPL Goods embodies exactly what we look for at Rupt Ventures: entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what’s possible in promo.”

Jason Lucash

CEO, Rupt

Mutual Friends In Promo

Lucash says he first heard about Bellis-Jones through his friends at BAMKO after they had worked together on a MetLife project that generated a lot of buzz.

Stacy Stahl, founder of St. Louis-based supplier Sweeter Cards – Rupt Ventures’ first strategic investment, which was realized after being acquired by Maple Ridge Farms – also vouched for Bellis-Jones, saying that RIPL Goods aligned perfectly with the vision and principles Rupt Ventures was looking to invest in.

With Rupt’s backing, RIPL Goods will have the resources and expertise to expand its product line, optimize operations and maximize its impact in the promo industry.

“Our mission is simple: to make it effortless for companies to create lasting social and environmental change through their merchandise,” Bellis-Jones says. “Rupt Ventures shares our vision of how the promo industry can be a force for good, and its investment will allow us to scale our efforts, introduce new products and impact more communities.”

Rupt Ventures shares our vision of how the promo industry can be a force for good.”

Leo Bellis-Jones

Founder, RIPL Goods

‘Incredible Journey’

February marks one year since Rupt Ventures’ coming out party.

“Mike and I knew from the start that building something meaningful takes time, but we’re really happy with the progress so far,” he says. “We’ve now invested in four companies that align with our vision, worked alongside some brilliant founders and seen real momentum with our investments.”

“More than anything,” Lucash adds, “we’re excited about what’s ahead – continuing to support the teams we’ve invested in and discovering new opportunities that push boundaries and challenge the status quo. It’s been a strong start for Rupt Ventures, and we’re only getting started.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Rupt And Raining Rose Used Cardboard For Sustainable Booths At The PPAI Expo 2025

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:24:34 GMT

The PPAI Expo Conference featured multiple sessions concerning sustainability topics and a select number of attendees were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Mandalay Bay’s efforts to divert waste during the largest and longest running event in promo.

But the trade floor itself was an example of an opportunity to practice sustainable-minded efforts, thanks to exhibitors such as Rupt and Raining Rose.

Both of these suppliers exhibited with booths made entirely out of cardboard that was recyclable, cost effective and practical.

“It’s inspiring to see more and more exhibitors prioritize sustainability not only with their product offerings but also with their whole booth design and how attendees experience it,” says Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility. “Companies like Raining Rose and Rupt had incredibly cool booths that were designed to be reusable, recyclable and significantly lighter weight to minimize the carbon footprint of the freight there and back.”

It’s inspiring to see more and more exhibitors prioritize sustainability not only with their product offerings but also with their whole booth design and how attendees experience it.”

Elizabeth Wimbush

Director of Sustainability & Responsibility, PPAI

‘A More Sustainable Future For Trade Shows’

Austin-based Rupt, which has committed to ensuring that each of its products is carbon neutral through a cradle-to-grave carbon footprint calculation, brought a booth to The PPAI Expo 2025 that was made entirely of FSC-certified recycled cardboard. To any given distributor, the Rupt booth looked every bit as stylish and functional as any other booth on the trade show. Brian Gill, president of distributor Thumbprint, called the booth “absolutely spectacular” and praised Rupt for “walking the talk on sustainability.”

A year prior, Rupt’s non-cardboard booth weighed approximately 3,000 pounds.

This year, the total weight of the booth was less than 400 pounds, a significant decrease in CO2 emissions expended during transit.

“At Rupt, we care about the environmental impact of our tradeshow booth just as much as we care about it with all of our products,” says Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt and winner of The Pitch this year. “This booth is proof that the promo industry can, and must, evolve to prioritize sustainability without sacrificing style or impact. We’re setting a new standard for what’s possible, and we hope others will follow suit.”

This booth is proof that the promo industry can, and must, evolve to prioritize sustainability without sacrificing style or impact.”

Jason Lucash

CEO, Rupt

For Raining Rose, this was not the first time the Iowa-based supplier had exhibited with a cardboard booth – the first being used at The PPAI Expo 2021. Kate Nash, director of sales and marketing at Raining Rose, expressed that the aim was for it to have a retail-like presence, but she emphasized that the entire process was more cost effective than it otherwise would have been.

Raining Rose hopes to get three to five years out of the booth it used at The PPAI Expo 2025, and if any area, image or panel needs to be replaced, it can be accomplished at a low cost.

The supplier worked with GoKarton, a company based out of Miami, that will work with a client to produce recyclable booths and displays of all sizes, specializing in trade shows.
Supplier Chameleon Like also used GoKarton to create a cardboard exhibitor booth at The PPAI Expo 2025.

For Raining Rose’s booth, only the lights were not made of cardboard, including benches, shelves and counters. It all comes out of one crate and folds flat. No specific tools were needed to put it together. Nash says that the entire process of setting it up (including product merchandising) took between four to five hours for her team. Take-down took about 30 minutes.

When Raining Rose is ready to move on from this booth, it will be recycled in its entirety.

The booth not only presented a professional and eco-conscious image, but it was also very practical.”

Kate Nash

Director of Sales & Marketing, Raining Rose

“Choosing a sustainable cardboard booth for The PPAI Expo 2025 was the right decision for us,” Nash says. “The booth not only presented a professional and eco-conscious image, but it was also very practical. Its lightweight and modular design is easy to set up, and it is durable enough to last for several shows.

“We are delighted that this innovative solution allows us to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for trade shows.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Distributors Share Their Favorite Products On The PPAI Expo 2025 Show Floor

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:32:04 GMT

More than 10,000 distributors on Tuesday flooded the aisles of the trade floor at The PPAI Expo 2025 – the largest and longest-running trade show in the promotional products industry.

Covering roughly 1 million square feet in scope, the trade floor featured more than 2,600 booths and nearly 1,000 exhibitors, offering the latest products in every category.

A few distributors stopped to tell PPAI Media about their favorite products they saw on the show floor Tuesday.

Numo (PPAI 112597, Gold) – Disc Journal

Annie Siamwala, an account manager at Oregon-based distributor Buzztag, said her favorite product was Numo’s disc journals that put a different spin on the rings that hold most journals together.

“Numo’s great,” Siamwala says. “They have notebooks with these little discs instead of the rings that you can color coordinate.”

PupLid (PPAI 824681, Standard) from the New Product Pavilion

Gemma Zuniga, senior account manager at Concord, California-based distributor Promo Dog, was perhaps fittingly enamored with the dog hat that she saw in the New Product Pavillion from PupLid.

“I love dogs, and I’m going to get one for my dog,” Zuniga says.

Spector & Co. (PPAI 168328, Gold) – “Call of the Wild” bag line

Hazel Hansen, an account manager at Buzztag, said that she always checks out Spector & Co’s bag selection and was not disappointed this year.

“I loved Spector & Co’s new bags in their ‘Call of the Wild’ line,” Hansen says. “They have really cool colors and super soft materials.”

Diecast Masters America (PPAI 762388, Standard) – 1:87 Scale Kenworth T880s SBFS 40in-Sleeper Tandem Tractor with Lowboy Trailer and Cat 320D L Hydraulic Excavator

Kelly McKenney, sales representative at Promo Dog, was walking the New Product Pavillion when she saw something unique that was perfect for one of her clients.

“I work with a lot of construction companies, and one in particular likes to give little trinkets to its employees and customers,” McKenney says. “I saw that and knew exactly what I’m going to send the rep when I get home.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

D’Anna Zimmer, PPAI Distinguished Service Award: ‘Her Dedication Shows How Much She Truly Cares’

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:27:54 GMT

D’Anna Zimmer, CAS, is being honored for the example she has set, consistently contributing her skills and expertise toward the betterment of the Association and the industry. Whether through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, Distinguished Service Award recipients are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

Zimmer half-jokes that her initial reaction to finding out she had won the award was, “Wow, I’m not old enough to receive this.”

“In my mind, I am still in my 20s and have not served enough to be recognized by the industry,” she says.

Despite the fact that her next thought was that there are so many more deserving candidates, Zimmer’s credentials speak for themselves.

A 2016 PPAI Fellow and current business development manager at BAG MAKERS – the No. 29 supplier in the PPAI 100 – Zimmer has done more than just check boxes with her volunteer efforts. She keeps her eye on the intended purpose of that time spent volunteering and sees it through until progress is made.

A recent example – among countless others – is her involvement with the Promotional Products Education Fund board of trustees. She officially became vice chair of the workgroup in 2023. Kathlene Brethowr, PPEF’s executive director, was out on maternity leave for a portion of 2023 while the foundation was organizing its premier fundraising event, the PPEF Golf Tournament.

“She took on major responsibilities as I was out for maternity leave during the prime months in planning for the golf tournament and was able to put together one of the most successful golf tournaments in the Foundation’s history,” Brethowr says.

Her dedication shows how much she truly cares about the Promotional Products Education Fund mission.”

Kathlene Brethowr

Executive Director, PPEF

“D’Anna was paramount in the success of the 2024 PPEF Golf Tournament, raising over $54,000 profit for the Foundation,” she adds. “To put that in perspective, that is equivalent to 43 of the 170 scholarships that will be given in 2024. Her dedication shows how much she truly cares about the PPEF mission – to fund college scholarships for promotional products industry employees and their children.”

That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Zimmer. She’s been heavily involved with the Regional Association Council, even serving as RAC delegate to the PPAI Board from 2017-2019. She’s also been a Legislative Education and Action Day participant on Capitol Hill and a two-time president of the Promotional Products Association Southwest board.

For Zimmer, the act of serving is its own reward, and in her case, it comes from a higher calling.

Receiving an accolade has never been the reason that I have volunteered.”

D’Anna Zimmer

Business Development Manager, BAG MAKERS

“I am grateful and blessed to be recognized,” Zimmer says. “However, receiving an accolade has never been the reason that I have volunteered. Serving and volunteering has allowed me to know others and learn more along the way. The Bible tells us that we have each received gifts and to use those to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace. Using what God has given me is always my goal. If given service, then serve.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Former ‘Shark Tank’ Contestant Wins The Pitch With Hit Product

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 18:26:53 GMT

Monday’s PPAI Expo Conference, the official kickoff of The PPAI Expo 2025, also marked the return of The Pitch, promo’s version of a hybrid between Shark Tank and The Voice. In front of a packed audience full of promo professionals, seven contestants were given three minutes each to pitch their product to a panel of judges.

Every contestant had the benefit of bringing great promo products to the table, and they all came prepared to make the sale, but there could only be one winner.

It’s perhaps only fitting that The Pitch winner for 2025 was a former Shark Tank contestant. Jason Lucash, CEO and co-founder of Rupt, won both the audience vote and impressed the panel of judges.

The Austin, Texas-based supplier triumphed with “Trinifty,” a product with a removable charger power bank that can charge three wireless devices at once. The Trinifity folds easily, making it a travel accessory for anyone who doesn’t want a tangle of wires in their backpack.

Lucash and Rupt co-founder Mike Szymczak originally founded Origaudio before it was acquired by HPG. During the Origaudio days, they appeared on season two of Shark Tank, but Lucash says The Pitch was a whole different ballgame.

Distributors can see the Trinifity and other Rupt products on The PPAI Expo trade floor at booth 2535.

As The Pitch grows over the years, it has managed to be a vehicle that spotlights the two most important parts of the promo industry: the products and the people who are passionate about them.

Maple Ridge Farms, PPAI 100’s No. 60 supplier, approached Sweeter Cards the day after it won and announced in July that Sweeter Cards was its first acquisition in the Mosinee, Wisconsin-based gourmet food company’s 45-year history.

One month after The Pitch, Sweeter Cards was named Rupt Ventures’ first strategic investment in the promotional products industry.

Nadav Raviv, senior national account executive for GBS Corp.

Nenette Gray, founder of Lemonade Creative Marketing and a member of the 2024 #Online18.

Stephen McFadden, director of vision and new business for The Specialty Company.

Meg Erber, director of sales for Proforma, PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor. Erber co-presented on behalf of S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier, at the inaugural competition, and took first place with the Hero Hoodie, an easily reversible hoodie and backpack.

“I was more nervous for this than Shark Tank,” Lucash says. “I think because it was more people I know, and it was a live audience.”

I was more nervous for this than Shark Tank.”

Jason Lucash

CEO, Co-founder, Rupt

The full crowd of promo professionals might have added some extra nerves, but fortunately, Lucash had a good test audience to practice on.

“I wrote my pitch, and I practiced it with my wife and kids,” Lucash says. “My kids actually practiced the pitch, too, which was really cute.”

“I loved it,” Lucash says. “I’m a product person. I design the products. I love talking about something that I created. To do it on this stage with the production of The Pitch, it was awesome. I felt like I was on a game show.”

A Sign Of Success?

What does a victory at The Pitch bring to a promo product? Recent precedent says it can make a big impact. Sweeter Cards, a St. Louis-based supplier, took home the winning title at The PPAI Expo 2024 after presenting a fully customizable greeting card and chocolate bar combination.

To ensure that contestants couldn’t simply study the preferences of past judges, this year’s version of The Pitch featured a whole new crop of judges. Instead of Mark Cuban, Reba McEntire, Mr. Wonderful or Snoop Dogg, the panel included four respected industry veterans:

The show was emceed by Anji Corley, who will be conducting various interviews and content in the PPAI Expo Live booth outside of the trade floor through Thursday.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

SAGE® REVEALS NEW FEATURES FOR 2025

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:20:30 GMT

In conjunction with the new year, SAGE is thrilled to announce the release of several new features to its industry-leading business management services. These features will empower promotional products distributors to take their businesses to the next level as SAGE continues its tradition of bringing next gen technology and powerful, time-saving features to the industry.

SAGE’s flagship services, formerly known as SAGE Total Access™ and comprising SAGE Online, SAGE Mobile and SAGE Web, have been consolidated under the new SAGE Workplace™ brand. The move reflects the all-encompassing nature of SAGE Workplace as the complete business management and research solution for promotional products distributors. SAGE Workplace subscribers will continue to be able to use the SAGE Workplace Windows app (previously SAGE Online), the SAGE Workplace web app (previously SAGE Web), as well as the iOS and Android apps (previously SAGE Mobile). This change will be completely seamless for customers and requires no additional licensing or adjustments to current subscriptions.

“As technology has changed over time, our services have converged to one cloud-based solution,” explained Eric Natinsky, CEO of SAGE. “We have always wanted to meet users where they are and provide access to our services regardless of whether you are using Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, or something else. In fact,” continued Natinsky, “We are literally the only business services provider in the industry offering support for all these different operating systems. We aren’t changing our philosophy about that, but it made sense to streamline our branding to reflect that these are all different ways to access the same services. With SAGE Workplace, you get everything you need to run your business no matter how you access it.”

SAGE also announced a number of new supplier data elements. Users can now go directly to the exact supplier webpage for a product from the Workplace product detail page. “This has been a very popular request from customers. We’re happy to give users an easy way to get to the supplier source for any additional information they may need,” Natinsky said.

SAGE is also proud to now provide carbon footprint data for industry products in SAGE Workplace. “More and more end users are asking for promotional products that meet very specific environmental guidelines,” remarked Dana Porter, SAGE’s VP of Information Services. “With this update, distributors can now help their clients find products that meet specific environmental requirements or needs.”

SAGE’s vast product research database will also now allow users to search specifically for print-on-demand (POD) products. Porter added, “This is another element that has become very popular recently and we’re happy to provide this search capability for SAGE users.”

Client Text Messaging is being introduced as an add-on feature in SAGE Workplace’s CRM module. Texting is a direct and personal way to communicate with clients in today’s environment. With one low fee, users can now send unlimited text messages to an unlimited number of clients directly from the CRM module. Text messages are sent from a unique phone number assigned to each customer account. Clients can easily respond to text messages while distributors receive instant notification in the mobile app. If a client calls the phone number, SAGE’s technology will automatically forward the call to the distributor’s main business phone number. The text messaging service is available for $495 per year or $49 per month per account with no additional per message fees whatsoever. “We’re so pleased to be the first to bring text messaging to an industry platform,” Natinsky commented. “We all know that text messaging is the way many people prefer to communicate now. It makes simple business sense for distributors to offer this as another way to communicate and engage with clients and prospects.”

SAGE has also announced a brand new, much-requested, gallery layout for its powerful Presentations module. This new layout shows selected products in a modern, clean, and interactive way that is sure to impress. Like all SAGE presentations, distributor clients can also easily comment and provide instant feedback on what they like. Any presentation can easily use the new layout with just one click to change the layout style. SAGE presentations have also been enhanced with other new customization features, including the ability to select header background colors, images, and body background colors.

Leveraging SAGE AI technology, users can now access the brand-new Presentation Wizard feature within SAGE Workplace, too. The Presentation Wizard allows distributors to create a regular SAGE presentation with one click. The industry-leading technology uses various data attributes to intelligently craft presentation language and select products best suited for the specific client, event, or promotion. “We are continuing to look at ways to use AI to actually make our customers more productive and efficient,” Natinsky underscored, “And this new tool really hits that nail right on the head.” As with all SAGE presentations, those created with Presentation Wizard can be modified after they are created.

SAGE has also announced the availability of its popular Email Campaigns and SAGE Catalog Studio modules in the SAGE Workplace web app, making it easy for users who prefer to use the web app to access these modules.

The company is also introducing AI features in its email services. Customers who use SAGE’s webmail service for their email can use AI to draft email replies, summarize emails, and more. These features save users time and make them look good in the process.

Discover the details of these new features as Eric Natinsky explains them in this SAGE webinar. Watch it here.

Drew Holmgreen Selected As PPAI President & CEO

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:56:29 GMT

PPAI has its next staff leader.

Drew Holmgreen joins the Association from Meeting Professionals International, the world’s largest association for meeting and events professionals, where he most recently served as Chief Experience Officer. He brings more than two decades of experience in strategic leadership, inclusion, brand development, experiential innovation, and organizational growth.

His start date will be Jan. 10, and he will be present and involved at The PPAI Expo 2025, set to take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, January 13-16.

Together, we’ll elevate the role of promotional products as an essential part of the global marketing mix and continue driving forward the creativity, impact, and joy that define this industry.”

Drew Holmgreen

New President & CEO, PPAI

“I am truly honored to join and lead PPAI, an organization with a 121-year legacy of excellence and innovation in the promotional products industry,” Holmgreen says. “This industry and its community thrive on creating moments of connection and joy, and I’m excited to work alongside the talented PPAI team, its members, and partners to build on this strong foundation.

“Together, we’ll elevate the role of promotional products as an essential part of the global marketing mix and continue driving forward the creativity, impact, and joy that define this industry.”

In his role at MPI, Holmgreen managed global strategies, enhanced member experiences, and drove significant revenue growth. He also served as MPI’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Executive Lead, embedding DEI principles into the organization and its community’s strategies and operations, fostering a culture of inclusivity and creating initiatives that support equity across the industry.

Holmgreen resides in North Texas, home to PPAI headquarters. He originally joined MPI in 2017 as senior director of marketing and communications. Prior to that, he worked at Dallas-Fort Worth based Calise Partners, where he was executive director of client services.

He is a 1998 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, earning a bachelor’s degree in advertising.

Andrew Spellman, CAS, Chair of the PPAI Board of Directors and Vice President of Corporate Markets for Therabody, notified PPAI staff and members of the decision on Thursday.

Andrew Spellman, CAS

Board Chair, PPAI

“Drew is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the dynamics of member-driven organizations,” Spellman says. “His experience and passion for innovation make him uniquely suited to lead PPAI and create value for our members and the industry as a whole.”

As board chair, Spellman oversaw a four-person executive search committee made up of the 2025 PPAI Executive Committee members. Included were Denise Taschereau, who will take over as Chair at the conclusion of The PPAI Expo in January, as well as Danny Rosin, who will become Incoming Chair, and Zack Ottenstein, who is set to be Vice-Chair, Finance Services.

The search began in July and concluded with a unanimous vote to approve Holmgreen by the PPAI Board of Directors last week.

The Board was seeking a candidate who could drive even greater PPAI member value by implementing ideas from other best-in-class associations, elevating The PPAI Expo, and articulating a vision to extend the promotional products industry’s reach in the broader marketing ecosystem.”

Denise Taschereau

Incoming Board Chair, PPAI

“Drew’s unique blend of marketing agency leadership, association leadership, and promotional products experience makes him an ideal CEO for PPAI,” says Taschereau, the CEO of Canadian distributor Fairware. “The Board was seeking a candidate who could drive even greater PPAI member value by implementing ideas from other best-in-class associations, elevating The PPAI Expo, and articulating a vision to extend the promotional products industry’s reach in the broader marketing ecosystem. The PPAI Board is confident Drew will do a terrific job for the association and the industry.”

Holmgreen will succeed Dawn Olds, MAS, who has served as interim president and CEO of PPAI since July, when the Board instituted a transition plan following the three-year leadership term of Dale Denham, MAS+, who last week was announced as the CEO of industry business services provider eXtendTech.

Holmgreen is set to meet the PPAI staff for the first time next week.

Outside of his professional life, Holmgreen enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, their son, and their pets. Described as a lifelong adventurer, he is often found running, hiking, or exploring craft breweries in his downtime.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

KNOSS Apparel To Shut Down

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:13:41 GMT

Burlingame, California-based supplier KNOSS Apparel (PPAI 798753, formerly Standard-Base) is ceasing operations.

“Unfortunately, despite our incredible momentum, circumstances beyond our control have brought us to the difficult decision to wind down our incredible startup called KNOSS at the end of this year,” Elson Yeung, president and founder of KNOSS, announced on LinkedIn.

“We’ve never been prouder and more excited about our progress and what we’ve accomplished; however, the realities we’ve faced make it impossible to continue the journey in the way that KNOSS deserves.”

Founded in 2020, the company offers a plethora of apparel choices, including polos, outerwear and headwear – all of which are currently part of a 30% sale on the company’s website.
The Knoss family has a 50-plus-year history in manufacturing school uniforms, postal worker uniforms and premium sweaters, according to the company website.

“As we step into this next chapter, I want to emphasize how much you’ve meant to us,” says Yeung, who previously served as director of design and merchandising for alphabroder, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier.

“You have been integral to everything we’ve achieved, and I will carry the memories of this experience with me always. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of KNOSS.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

SanMar To Become Largest Provider of A4 Athletic Apparel

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:40:50 GMT

SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum) has announced that it will begin to provide A4’s (PPAI 304796, Standard Plus) collection of athletic apparel products through a partnership between the two suppliers. The offering will include 24 styles of sports apparel from the A4 collection.

SanMar is PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier with nearly $4 billion in revenue in 2023.

A4 products will officially begin being offered through SanMar in spring 2025.

The Pacific Northwest-based SanMar and Los Angeles-based A4 have previously operated separately, but SanMar’s resources and customer base in the promotional marketplace are expected to bring more clients to the sports apparel supplier, which manufactures its own garments.

“This is an important step forward for A4,” says Mark Mertens, owner and CEO of A4. “For years we have operated in pa

For years we have operated in parallel with SanMar to grow the activewear market. Now, we are excited to be working together.”

Mark Mertens

Owner & CEO, A4

“Our Customers Wanted To See A4 At SanMar”

SanMar’s chief revenue officer, Steve Cuthbert, says that the decision was as simple as adhering to the customers’ desire to be able to find A4 products through their usual SanMar channels.

“We are always listening to our customers on what we can do to help their business, and we heard loud and clear that they wanted to see A4 at SanMar,” Cuthbert says. “So, we’ve taken the opportunity to bring our customers this valuable and reliable brand to help their business in the growing sports market.”

“We are always listening to our customers on what we can do to help their business, and we heard loud and clear that they wanted to see A4 at SanMar.”

Steve Cuthbert

Chief Revenue Officer, SanMar

Having operated for over 55 years, A4 has gained a strong reputation in the sports apparel market by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities to bring lower prices for clients.

“A4 and SanMar are both family-owned companies that value our coworkers, suppliers and customers equally,” says Mertens. “This is a great fit on many levels and portends a very bright future.”

The A4 collection offered through SanMar will include jerseys, tees, shorts and fleece in different styles, SanMar says.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

CPSC Warns Of Fire Hazards In 2 Common Promo Products

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:37:25 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has ordered recalls on two distinct products due to their risk of causing fires.

Anker Soundcore and PowerConf Bluetooth Speakers were recalled due to their tendency to overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger portable 10K power banks were also recalled due to their tendency to overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

Lithium-ion batteries were cited as the source for fire hazards in both the Anker and Belkin recalls. The CPSC says that recalled lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of in accordance with any local and state ordinances.

Consumers shouldn’t toss these batteries in the trash or deposit them in used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores.
Earlier this year, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation intended to make lithium-ion batteries safer.

Anker Recall

While Anker does operate in the promotional marketplace, the recalled Bluetooth speakers weren’t listed as promotional products.

Gemline, which ranks as PPAI 100’s No. 11 supplier and received high marks in Responsibility, accounts for the vast majority of Anker’s promo products.

The CPSC says that the roughly 69,000 units recalled in the United States (and more than 9,700 recalled in Canada) were sold exclusively online through Amazon from March 2023 through October 2023.

Anker has received 33 reports of incidents involving the lithium-ion batteries in the speakers overheating, some of those involving incidents of smoking and small fires, including one minor burn injury in connection with an overheating unit. The CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the recalled speakers, and ensure they are powered off and not connected to any external power source or charger.

The recall comes less than two months after Anker recalled more than 2,000 power banks after receiving 28 reports of overheating leading to explosion and fire.

Belkin Recall

While Belkin also operates in the promotional marketplace, the recalled powered banks weren’t listed as promotional products.

HIRSCH, which ranks as PPAI 100’s No. 20 supplier, accounts for the vast majority of Belkin’s promo products.

“We’re not impacted by the Belkin recall, as none of our SKUs were listed, but we’re confident that Belkin will address these concerns quickly,” says Paul Hirsch, MAS, CEO of HIRSCH, PPAI 100’s No. 20 supplier.

The CPSC says that the roughly 4,000 units recalled in the U.S. (and 62 recalled in Canada) were sold online at Amazon, belkin.com and other websites from May 2023 through June 2024.

Belkin has received one report of the recalled power bank catching fire, resulting in a house fire involving property damage. The CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the recalled power banks and contact Belkin to receive a full refund or store credit.

Promo Perspective

Any promo company branching out into products that inherently have any possibility of fire or burn injuries must make sure to take all available precautions.

It is imperative that promo firms strictly adhere to compliance, not only for the sake of the law, but to ensure the safety of end users.

At PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit in September, a panel was held discussing how to handle the possibility of being ordered to recall a product and the steps that need to be taken. In that situation, complying with the CPSC is absolutely critical, but the next priority is being intentional with messaging surrounding the recall.

“It’s important to move fast, but it’s also important to move smartly,” said Neal Cohen of Neal Cohen Law.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Geiger Unveils Rebranding To Unify Global Teams

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:10:41 GMT

Geiger (PPAI 105182, Platinum) – the No. 5 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced the launch of its refreshed brand identity.

The Lewiston, Maine-based firm’s rebranding highlights its family-owned heritage of nearly 150 years of Geigers at the helm, commitment to sustainability and a full-circle approach to customer service.

“This brand refresh represents a pivotal moment in Geiger’s journey,” says David Geiger, incoming president of the company and the fifth generation of the Geiger family to lead the organization.

This brand refresh represents a pivotal moment in Geiger’s journey.”

David Geiger

Incoming President, Geiger

“It signifies the unity of our global teams and our shared dedication to delivering exceptional value to our clients. As we align under one cohesive identity,” Geiger, a 2024 PPAI Rising Star, adds, “we’re not only honoring our heritage, but also setting a clear course for the future – one rooted in collaboration, innovation and a commitment to making a positive impact worldwide.”

Global Presence

Geiger continues to make significant strides around the world, highlighted by its July acquisition of German distributor WER GmbH, which will rebrand as Geiger GmbH in 2025. Geiger has also solidified its presence in the United Kingdom with five acquisitions since 2018.

Establishing a unified global brand identity has become a top priority, the company says, which is why both Geiger in the UK and in Germany will now operate under the Geiger logo.

Previously, Geiger Ltd. (UK) used a blue dot, but the adoption of Geiger’s signature red dot reflects the shared values, collective strength and unified vision for the future, the firm says.

“By unifying our brand under a single cohesive identity, we’re not just standardizing our look – we’re showcasing the strength of our shared purpose and the collective power of our global team,” says Stephanie Whitman, vice president of marketing at Geiger. “This transformation symbolizes the collaboration and forward-thinking approach that defines Geiger as we continue to grow and serve our global clients.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Vantage Apparel Expands Direct-To-Film Decoration to all 3 US Facilities

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:07:28 GMT

Vantage Apparel, the foremost supplier of custom branded apparel known for its award-winning decoration and integration capabilities, is proud to announce the expansion of its Direct To Film (DTF) decoration capabilities to all three of its U.S. facilities in Avenel, NJ; St. Louis, MO; and Santa Ana, CA. This expansion ensures that customers across the country can access the fastest-growing decoration method in the branded apparel space with faster turnarounds and unmatched quality.

Vantage’s Direct To Film solution is revolutionizing the industry by offering high-quality, full-color decoration on single-piece orders. This makes it ideal for online programs, including Vantage Webstore customers who are looking for vibrant, durable designs with no minimum order requirements.

“Expanding DTF to all our U.S. facilities reflects our commitment to providing the most advanced and versatile decoration options in the industry,” said Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel. “With the ability to support single-piece orders, DTF allows our customers greater flexibility while maintaining our promise of superior quality and service.”

Direct To Film is recognized for its ability to produce crisp, detailed designs on a variety of fabrics and colors, setting a new standard in apparel decoration. This method combines precision with scalability, allowing for seamless customization at any order size.

The addition of DTF across Vantage’s Avenel, St. Louis, and Santa Ana facilities marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing innovation efforts. With the broadest decoration capabilities under one roof, Vantage Apparel continues to lead the branded apparel market with solutions tailored to the evolving needs of its clients.

To learn more about Vantage Apparel and its DTF services, please visit www.vantageapparel.com.

ASB Announces Senior Leadership Updates: Borst and Zezzo to VP Roles

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 01:56:26 GMT

American Solutions for Business announced that Taylor Borst has been promoted to Vice President of Vendor Relations, Marketing, and Events and Dana Zezzo will be transitioning to Vice President of Strategic Growth and will remain a member of the senior leadership team.

Since joining the company, Borst has held various roles from Strategic Operations Support Specialist to Senior Director of Marketing & Vendor Relations. President Justin Zavadil remarked, “Taylor has made our organization better every day and contributes greatly to our presence in the industry. Her expertise, work ethic, attitude, and relationships will continue to improve ASB, and she’ll be a fantastic addition to our Senior Leadership Team.”

“I'm honored to step into this position and can't wait for what's ahead,” says Borst. “Over the last six and a half years, I've learned so much from Dana's direction and mentorship, and I’m thrilled we get to continue our collaboration and growth in this next stage. I’m proud to continue serving our sales associates, support teams, home office, and vendor partners. This wouldn’t be possible without our talented team, who works hard every day to ensure impact is the best in the market.”

Since joining ASB in 2018, Zezzo has led vendor relations, marketing, and events as Vice President, while recently having direct involvement in new initiatives such as Canadian Solutions for Business, global expansion projects, and ASB Athletics. This transition will allow him to dedicate more focus to these initiatives. “ASB has dramatically improved since Dana joined,” says Zavadil. “Much of that has been because of his dedication. I have complete confidence in him making the same type of impact as we grow in new ways.”

“I’m excited to embrace this new role and focus on driving strategic initiatives that support ASB’s growth,” says Zezzo. “The progress we’ve made is a direct result of the dedication and teamwork across ASB. This position provides an incredible opportunity to build on that momentum, explore new possibilities, and strengthen our efforts in key areas. I’m also thrilled to see Taylor step into her new role on the Senior Leadership team, and I look forward to continued collaboration.”

In Memoriam: Robert Paschal, Warwick Publishing

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:19:52 GMT

Robert Paschal, fourth-generation owner and CEO of Warwick Publishing (PPAI 114154, Silver) – the No. 74 supplier in the PPAI 100 – passed away on Sunday, November 17, due to extensive health complications from kidney cancer. He was 69 years old.

Robert, along with his late brother Jim, late father Don and late Uncle John Paschal, grew the family business from a small newspaper company under the name Chronicle Publishing Company to the international promotional products supplier that Warwick has become today.

Working for Warwick for the past 47 years, he guided the company through multiple acquisitions, including Collector’s Gallery in Minnesota and Winthrop Atkins in Massachusetts, and led the firm’s complete transition out of the newspaper industry with the sale of that division to Shaw Media Group in 1989.

“Another sad time for the Warwick family,” says Phil Martin, national sales manager at Warwick. “I was blessed to have worked for and alongside Rob for 38 years. He was a mentor and friend who I will miss dearly. I smile at the thought of him and his brother, Jim, sharing laughs over a nice martini – very dry, of course.”

I smile at the thought of him and his brother, Jim, sharing laughs over a nice martini – very dry, of course.”

Phil Martin

National Sales Manager, Warwick Publishing

In January of 2020, Rob’s son Alex joined the business, marking the fifth generation of Paschals to be involved in the day-to-day operations of Warwick. In July of 2021, Alex assumed the role of president upon the passing of his Uncle Jim. With Rob’s passing, Alex – a 2023 PPAI Rising Star – will be assuming full ownership of Warwick and the CEO position of the company in January of 2025.

“My father was truly remarkable, and his presence will be deeply missed in the halls of our business,” says Alex. “I had the privilege of working alongside my father for almost 5 years. His demeanor and treatment of our people was a major reason why so many chose to stay at Warwick for a majority of, and in some cases all of, their entire career. While my father, best friend and business partner’s legacy and impact on our company will live on, he will be sorely missed.”

My father was truly remarkable, and his presence will be deeply missed in the halls of our business.”

Alex Paschal

President, Warwick Publishing

Robert is survived by his son Alex; cousins Jane (Bob) Burns, Paul (Cindi) Paschal and Cecilia Paschal; and in-laws Kim Paschal, Cindy and Jeff Thomas and Carole Fleck.

A visitation for Robert will take place on Tuesday, December 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles, Illinois, at 405 E Main St. A private family burial will be taking place at Union Cemetery in St. Charles.

Donations in Rob’s memory can be made to The First Tee.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from: PPAI

Goldstar To Unveil Rebrand At The PPAI Expo 2025

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:30:17 GMT

Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, has announced plans to unveil a new brand identity at the beginning of next year. The Tennessee-based company plans to reveal the rebrand at The PPAI Expo 2025 in Las Vegas and the PSI Show in Europe.

The revamp is expected to kick off a new era of thoughtful design and customer-focused innovation, while simultaneously elevating Goldstar’s mission to provide products that truly resonate with today’s values, the company says.

“This rebrand is much more than a fresh look, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Goldstar,” says Heather Smartt, Goldstar’s global head. “As we continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of our industry and partners, this rebrand reflects our commitment to delivering amazing products, exceptional service, and complete transparency across the business.”

This rebrand is much more than a fresh look, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Goldstar.”

Heather Smartt

Global Head, Goldstar

A Year Of Changes

Goldstar announced changes to two top leadership positions this year.

An 18-year veteran in the promo industry, Smartt stepped into her new position in June after previously serving as the supplier’s global director of merchandising, product development and sustainability. She took the reins from Howard Cubberly, who joined the company over a decade ago and has since left.

The company announced in October that Keith Lofton would step in as vice president of national accounts. A 20-year industry veteran, Lofton had previously spent 12 years with Pro Towels, most recently serving as vice president of sales for PPAI 100’s No. 44 supplier.

S&S Activewear Appoints Eric Levin To GM Role Following alphabroder Acquisition

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:28:02 GMT

Following last month’s acquisition of alphabroder, S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum) has announced that Eric Levin will be overseeing a new division within the supplier.

Levin has been assigned the role of GM of the Prime Line Hard Goods division, which is newly created by S&S Activewear.
In 2023, alphabroder had hired Levin as EVP of hard goods strategy and growth. His area of focus will now be utilized within the larger umbrella of S&S.

S&S Activewear was ranked as the No. 5 supplier in PPAI 100 before its acquisition of alphabroder, which was ranked No. 2.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Prime Line Hard Goods division,” says Levin. “Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable, first-hand experience within the hard goods and decorated apparel industries.”

Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable, first-hand experience within the hard goods and decorated apparel industries.”

Eric Levin

GM, Prime Line Hard Goods, S&S Activewear

“That specialized knowledge developed into a unique ability to pinpoint areas prime for growth and improvement within the business and industry at large.”

Three Decades Of Experience

Levin will bring 33 years of experience in the promo industry and a deep knowledge of the hard goods sector. Having founded the company Jetline, which he successfully led through considerable growth, Levin has remained in the fold through a series of acquisitions.

In 2015, Jetline was acquired by Prime Line.
By 2017, Prime Line was acquired by alphabroder, which aimed to leverage the company into its hard goods division.
Now, with alphabroder owned by S&S Activewear, Levin is once again tapped to oversee hard goods under a new company name.

“We’re excited for the future of the hard goods division with Eric at the helm,” says Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “His expertise and strong customer relationships position us for significant growth in this new phase.”

We’re excited for the future of the hard goods division with Eric at the helm.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

A sales team focusing specifically on hard goods will report directly to Levin.

In October, PPAI Media spoke with various distributors in reaction to S&S Activewear’s acquisition of alphabroder.

Showdown Displays Earns Gold Medal For Best Customer Service

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 23:58:21 GMT

Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, Platinum) – the No. 8 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has announced that its customer care team has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for “Best Customer Service in the Contact Center World” for 2024.

This marks the third consecutive time that the Brooklyn Center, Minnesota-based firm has received this award.

“Earning the Gold Medal for Best Customer Service on a global level for a third consecutive time is an incredible achievement,” says Jim Thomsen, vice president of customer care at Showdown Displays. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to support our customers. We’re honored by this recognition and remain committed to setting high standards for service excellence.”

This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to support our customers.”

Jim Thomsen

VP of Customer Care, Showdown Displays

The Contact Center World awards are presented by ContactCenterWorld to celebrate outstanding achievements in customer service, recognizing organizations and individuals who demonstrate superior innovation, exceptional customer experiences and service quality.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Canadian Government Intervenes, Ending Port Strikes Across Country

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 23:55:14 GMT

After a week of work stoppage in Canadian ports in which workers went on strike at the Port of Montreal and were locked out of work in British Columbia, Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon has intervened, forcing the ports to reopen for fear of further economic damages.

A significant portion of U.S. trade flows through Canada, and some slowdowns are still likely due to the time in which the ports were closed.

Powerstick.com CEO Nigel Harris had told PPAI Media that with both sides refusing to make progress, he hoped that the Canadian government would step in, which has ultimately come to fruition.

“The responsibility for these negotiations belongs to the parties alone, but the impacts are being borne by all Canadians,” MacKinnon stated in his reasoning for intervention.

What Are The Details?

In the big picture sense, the disputes at the heart of the work stoppages remain at the moment, but MacKinnon is assigning a third party to determine a resolution. Through Canada’s Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), he has invoked the following:

Workers at ports on both Canadian coasts must return to their duties.
CIRB will temporarily extend the unions’ existing collective bargaining agreement while a new deal is worked out.
During that time, CIRB will serve as the third-party arbitrator in the negotiations between the ports and the unions. Once a determination is made, that arbitration will be binding for both sides.

Asif Bandeali, COO of Fairdeal, based out of Ontario, had told PPAI Media in the beginning stages of the work stoppages that the effects were “not anything serious at the moment,” but that a prolonged strike would create problems.

“If the strike goes on for weeks, then us and our distributors will be impacted much more,” Bandeali said.

He was seemingly speaking to fears that the Canadian government felt it could not afford to become a reality.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Geiger Promotes David Geiger To Company President

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 02:39:44 GMT

Geiger (PPAI 105182, Platinum) – the No. 5 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced that David Geiger will become president of the company, effective January 1, 2025.

In the Lewiston, Maine-based company’s nearly 150-year history, he will be the sixth president and the fifth from the Geiger family to lead the organization.

“David brings a deep understanding of Geiger’s values and a progressive approach to our global operations,” says Jo-an Lantz, MAS, who will remain CEO of Geiger. “I’m proud to be his partner in this important next step for Geiger. His leadership will help steer our team, and brand, into the next chapter while staying true to our values and culture.”

David brings a deep understanding of Geiger’s values and a progressive approach to our global operations.”

Jo-an Lantz, MAS

CEO, Geiger

David’s Background

A 2024 PPAI Rising Star, David currently serves as vice president and general counsel, in which he’s responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the global organization, including mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, licensing and risk management.

In addition, he oversees all of Geiger’s efforts on sustainability and social responsibility.
To date, Geiger has been awarded an EcoVadis Gold in the United States, Platinum in the United Kingdom and Bronze in Germany.

“Geiger’s foundation is built on a legacy of family values and a commitment to our associates, independent sales representatives, clients and the communities we serve,” David says. “I’m honored to continue working alongside Jo-an Lantz, whose leadership has guided us into exciting new markets and record sales. I look forward to building on our vision as a family-owned, global brand.”

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, David serves as an integral part of Geiger’s executive team and board of directors. Actively engaged in community and industry endeavors, he contributes his expertise as a member of PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group, the Maine Institute of Family-Owned Business Executive Next Gen Peer Advisory Group and as a board member for St. Mary’s Health System and Vagabond Spirits Company.

“What a remarkable milestone this is for our family business,” says fourth-generation family member Gene Geiger, who serves as Geiger’s board chair. “Working with Jo-an and a superb management team, David is prepared to lead the company through its next era. I couldn’t be prouder of David or more optimistic about our future.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Canadian Port Strike Already Affecting Promo Supply Chain

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:13:44 GMT

The U.S. supply chain was only granted about a month of relief after a three-day East Coast port strike that represented the largest shutdown of its kind in nearly a half century. Now, importers are facing the ramifications of a Canadian labor strike from the country’s east coast in Montreal to its west coast in British Columbia.

The most recent strikes began Nov. 4 in Vancouver and Port of Prince Rupert, two of the largest ports on the Canadian west coast, resulting in a complete work stoppage at the ports.
The week prior, a strike at the Port of Montreal – the country’s second largest port – has resulted in the port processing only 40% of volume.
The ramifications of these strikes on the U.S. and promo supply chain are inevitable. About 20% of U.S. trade arrives through Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports alone, which are currently shut down. Approximately $800 million in trade flows through these ports every day.

In the ports of Vancouver and Port of Prince Rupert, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 was previously working despite a contract that expired on March 31, 2023. More than 95% of union members voted in support of a strike. The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association has said that it locked out workers after ILWU issued a 72-hour strike notice.

After negotiations between the two sides stalled with automation said to be a primary sticking point preventing resolution, talks are set to resume on Saturday, Vancouver Sun reported.

Promo Perspective

Long-term consequences of these Canadian port strikes on the overall North American promo supply chain will depend on how long the work stoppages continue. PPAI Media has been in contact with Canadian promo companies confirming they are already affected.

“[The strikes] absolutely are and will affect us, depending on how long it goes on for,” says Nigel Harris, CEO of PowerStick.com, PPAI 100’s No. 75 supplier. “With 40% of the Montreal port shut down and both BC ports now on strike, there is increasing pressure for this to be resolved. Along with all other Canadian importers who use BC ports for their incoming Asian shipments, we are anxious for an early resolution.

Unfortunately, there has been no movement in the past two days, so we fear both parties could be digging in their heels

Nigel Harris

CEO, PowerStick.com

“Unfortunately, there has been no movement in the past two days, so we fear both parties could be digging in their heels.”

Asif Bandeali, COO of Fairdeal, based out of Ontario, says that the supplier learned lessons from experiences related to COVID-19 to not rely on inventory that arrived “just in time,” but eventually the British Columbia strikes will take their toll.

“It’s not anything serious at the moment where orders are affected,” Bandeali says. “If the strike goes on for weeks, then us and our distributors will be impacted much more.”

If the strike goes on for weeks, then us and our distributors will be impacted much more.

Asif Bandeali

COO, Fairdeal

There are, of course, contingency plans, but, as things stand, they are not particularly promising.

“New containers leaving overseas would be rerouted to the U.S. or Eastern Canada depending on the situation at the time of shipping,” Bandeali says.

Both options currently have their own setbacks. Eastern Canada is dealing with the labor issues at the Port of Montreal, currently operating at 40% volume. Rerouting to the U.S. is plausible, but shipments were already rerouted to the ports along the West Coast of the U.S. in anticipation of the October 1 strike along the U.S. East Coast, leaving those West Coast ports congested to a degree that they have not fully recovered from.

“We are hopeful the government will intervene if the strike is prolonged,” Bandeali says.

This remains a possibility, but the Canadian government just watched President Biden refuse to act prior to the U.S. East Coast strike, which managed to reach resolution in three days without government intervention.

A Fragile And Fatigued Global Supply Chain

Speaking of those strikes along the U.S. East Coast only five weeks ago, the agreement that was reached to get those workers back on the ports primarily concerned wages. Like the Canadian strikes, automation remains a point of contention between the two sides. The unions sent their members back to work contingent on a 100-day pause of stoppage, which will end January 15. That means fears of another strike remain just around the corner.

These are just a few factors of a promo supply chain that continues to weather obstacles.

Protests, violence, curfews and internet blackouts in Bangladesh caused massive disruptions for the apparel supply chain, as country had begun to establish itself as an alternative to China.
Earlier this year, a Baltimore bridge collapse caused a temporary but major slowdown in parts of the East Coast supply chain.
During his campaign, President Elect Donald Trump repeatedly called for a 60% tariff on all Chinese goods.
Trump also recently suggested he would levy a 25% tariff on goods imported from Mexico.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Meet The PPAI Rising Stars Class Of 2024

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 17:11:23 GMT

Another record number of nominees have been considered, and PPAI judges have completed the difficult task of narrowing them down to 12.

This year, 220 submissions were made by promotional products pros, far surpassing the previous record of 170 set in 2023. Truly, the 2024 class emerged as the best of the best, joining almost 200 past recipients of the honor.

The 2024 PPAI Rising Stars have been selected for their achievements, leadership, volunteerism and potential for even greater impact in the years and decades to come. The same judging criteria in place since the program’s 2010 inception was used, except for the first time a true age limit was imposed. No candidates over age 40 were eligible.

In late September, the group was honored at PPAI’s Leadership Development Conference, which featured an Emerging Leaders educational track designed to arm the Rising Stars and their brightest contemporaries with skills to grow in the promo industry.

Many candidates received multiple nominations, including seven of this year’s honorees. Read on to meet the new class of Rising Stars.

Mikas Agarwal, 19
Chief Digital Officer, Akran Marketing

“At a young age, Mikas has been very active in the promotional products industry throughout North America. [He] spearheaded a tech overhaul from a legacy system to a modern tech stack and developed and created the Akran Gift Program, passing down supplier incentives to Akran clients.”

-Mark Graham, commonsku

Learn more about Agarwal.

Alex Bradley, 35
Territory Sales Manager, Vantage Apparel

“Alex is a Rising Star through his work ethic, commitment to his customers and the industry, and his ability to follow up. He is President of GAPPP. He has grown his territory every year, participated in LEAD in 2024 and LDW in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Recently, due to his success he was awarded with an increased territory. His professionalism, hustle and ability to connect impress me.”

-Brian Deissroth, Edwards Garment

Learn more about Bradley.

Lindsay Bons, 24
Senior Business Development Manager, IDLine

“She is constantly thinking about what’s next? This forward-thinking mentality is really how good things get done in today’s world. As we’ve all learned in our own careers, these are often difficult traits to teach or train; but we know them when we see them.”

-Christopher Duffy, Signature Group

Learn more abou t Bons.

Brittany Frase, 34
Vice President of Sales, Hirsch

“Her strategic focus on expanding the company’s national footprint through innovative marketing and sales initiatives has been pivotal in Hirsch’s growth. She has also played a crucial role in product development and establishing valuable brand partnerships, further enhancing the company’s market presence.”

-Malik Hemani, Graphic Stylus

Learn more about Frase.

David Geiger, 36
Vice President & General Counsel, Geiger

“Simply having your name on the building doesn’t equate to being valuable to the organization. It’s the dedication and effort that count. David Geiger exemplifies this through his commitment to the organization and its stakeholders. He consistently puts the company first, whether it’s through extensive travel to drive our ambitious M&A strategy, implementing health and wellness initiatives, or spearheading product safety efforts.”

-Stephanie Whitman, Geiger

Learn more about Geiger.

Jason Lipsett, 34
President, Charles River Apparel

“Jason has transformed Charles River Apparel’s company culture by initiating and leading quarterly town halls and team-bonding events. These efforts have improved transparency and communication, fostering a more inclusive and engaged workplace.”

-Maria Yaitanes, Charles River Apparel

Learn more about Lipsett.

Natalie O’Leary, 38
Business Development Director, BAMKO

“She is always posting about ideas for her clients to take from, and that to me is a prime example of growing the industry. Additionally, she’s impressed me by her ability to create relationships. Our relationship started with a cold email from myself. She didn’t have to engage, but she was open to learning what I had to say and committed to being creative.”

-Ben Drysdale, Raining Rose

Learn more about O’Leary.

Brian Roney, 30
Senior Director of Product Design, Proforma

“He has brought valuable insights into professionalism, management, go-to market strategies, and enhancing Proforma’s value proposition to the industry. Some examples include overseeing the rapid rise of ecommerce during the pandemic and successfully leading our internal efforts, doubling the size of the ecommerce team, enhancing service levels by 80% and creating new industry leading features and functions of Proforma’s ProStores platforms.”

-Jordan Sura, Proforma

Learn more about Roney.

Anthony St. Peter, 29
President, Stellar Lanyards

“He has taken a company from one order in 2021 to what it is today in only three short years. If you look online in the promotional products Facebook groups, Anthony is always mentioned when someone needs custom lanyards. His reputation is rapidly growing as a leader in the industry.”

-Erik Walasek, Stewart Promotional Products

Learn more about St. Peter.

Shivani Thapliyal, 27
Chief of Staff, CompanyStore.io

“Over the course of the past four years, under Shivani’s leadership, CompanyStore.io has grown its team, capabilities, solutions and business to a best-in-class provider within India. She ensures that her team is equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools that are required in the modern world of sales and customer service, providing the world’s leading brands and level of service that is unsurpassed within India.”

-Eric Janssen, Staples Promotional Products

Learn more about Thapliyal.

Andrew Titus, 27
President, Fully Promoted

“As a young president and the son of the CEO, Andrew faced a lot of headwinds related to preconceived notions of nepotism and doubts about his leadership capacity. However, Andrew quickly earned respect by presenting a clear vision and plan and inspiring the entire organization to execute it. He has proven to be a strong and decisive leader, well beyond his years, and has been highly instrumental in driving our success.”

-Kurt Tempelmeyer, Fully Promoted

Learn more about Titus.

Dominique Volker, 33
Vice President of Sales, Whitestone

“Dominique has been a star for years! She has spoken at industry events, skucamps and skucons. She was an ASI Sales Person of the Year finalist. She has helped integrate companies we’ve acquired. She has led our company from $1 million to $20 million in sales in her tenure. She is wise beyond her years, polished and experienced. She leads by example, manages with grace and has helped develop countless professionals in our industry.”

-Joseph Sommer, Whitestone

Learn more about Volker.

PPAI congratulates all the nominees and invites the industry to share in the celebration for the 2024 PPAI Rising Stars.

Published with Permission from PPAI

Promo’s AI Challenges And Opportunities

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:38:15 GMT

Most PPAI 100 companies are exploring artificial intelligence (AI) tools, signifying a new chapter in the promotional products industry’s digital transformation.

According to the latest data from PPAI Research, 92% of PPAI 100 suppliers and 87% of PPAI 100 distributors are engaging with AI in their business operations.

Suppliers report that AI is driving significant gains in marketing (74%), enhancing customer service (37%) and optimizing sales processes (28%).
Distributors are also benefitting from using AI for marketing purposes (88%), followed by sales processes (36%) and customer service support (21%).

“Promo firms are betting big on AI to streamline operations and elevate customer experiences, with cost savings and revenue growth following close behind,” says Alok Bhat, market economist and research lead at PPAI.

Promo firms are betting big on AI to streamline operations and elevate customer experiences, with cost savings and revenue growth following close behind.”

Alok Bhat

Market Economist & Research Lead, PPAI

Challenges In AI Implementation

The majority of PPAI 100 suppliers (69%) and PPAI 100 distributors (65%) report that a lack of internal expertise is their most significant barrier to AI adoption.

“You won’t always find AI expertise within your technology team,” says Phil Gergen, chief information officer at Koozie Group, PPAI 100’s No. 9 supplier. “Talk to your team members to find out who is already using these tools on their own and how they are using them. If used correctly, AI can help any role in your organization be more efficient and successful.”

If used correctly, AI can help any role in your organization be more efficient and successful.”

Phil Gergen

CIO, Koozie Group

Josh Gerads, brand manager at Crystal D, PPAI 100’s No. 88 supplier, compares AI to the California Gold Rush – everybody wants to get in on it.

“At the same time, everyone has a slightly different definition of what AI is, few organizations really know everything it can do and many lack the time or resources to learn how to use it for their benefit,” Gerads says.

Crystal D’s teams who focus on the customer experience, including sales and marketing, are currently exploring how technology like AI can make it easier to serve more customers. However, Gerads stresses that the St. Paul, Minnesota-based firm never wants to lose sight of the human aspect in the customer experience.

“AI can increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover by creating efficiencies, but it can’t fully replace the human connection made between our Memory Makers and their customers,” Gerads says. “We take pride in the relationships we have with our customers, knowing them and their businesses well, and it’s something technology just can’t reproduce.”

Ken Leslie, president of IMAGEN, says that PPAI 100’s No. 84 distributor primarily uses AI to support content creation for marketing, including writing and editing emails, social media posts and creating outlines for presentations.

“There’s more that we could be doing to utilize AI tools, but while there are lots of resources available, the time it takes to both learn and implement them is a hindrance for our team,” Leslie says. “There are a couple of us on the IMAGEN team that are spending time each week keeping tabs on what is going on in the AI world, but internal expertise is a definite challenge for us.”

There’s more that we could be doing to utilize AI tools, but…the time it takes to both learn and implement them is a hindrance for our team.”

Ken Leslie

President, IMAGEN

With limited bandwidth to dedicate to researching options, Michael Wolaver, founder and captain of Magellan Promotions, says that PPAI 100’s No. 94 distributor will be taking a pragmatic approach to implementing AI.

“What we grapple with is, beyond using ChatGPT to help edit content, what are the areas that AI can help create efficiencies for our business? After all, AI will only really help our business if it helps solve challenges with real results,” Wolaver says.

Half of suppliers report difficulties in integrating AI with existing systems, 31% express data privacy concerns, 22% claim employee resistance and 19% cite the high cost of AI technologies as other barriers to AI adoption.
System integration issues (35%), employee resistance (27%) and data privacy concerns (27%) are also challenges for distributors.

“AI’s potential is undeniable, but firms are hitting roadblocks,” Bhat says. “Internal expertise and system integration stand out as the biggest hurdles to widespread adoption.”

Raul Rodriguez, CEO of Merch.ai, a startup business service provider aiming to help promo companies incorporate AI into their specific needs, feels that these growing pains will require a consolidated perspective on the clearest ways the technology can help the industry.

“We think AI will change the way everyone works, our industry included,” Rodriguez says. “However, there needs to be more AI tools built that are specific for the industry, easy to use, with not much training required and actually efficient. A tool that meets that criteria will get mass adoption.”

There needs to be more AI tools built that are specific for the industry, easy to use, with not much training required and actually efficient.”

Raul Rodriguez

CEO, Merch.ai

Potential AI Benefits For Suppliers

Over the next three years, 83% of PPAI 100 suppliers aim to use AI to increase operational efficiency and improve customer experience.

“As business costs continue to increase and labor becomes more challenging and expensive to secure, AI solutions are growing in importance,” says Matt Wagner, vice president of sales at Fields Manufacturing, PPAI 100’s No. 80 supplier. “They not only help improve efficiency and manage operational expenses, but also allow businesses to maintain the speed demanded in today’s marketplace.”

As business costs continue to increase and labor becomes more challenging and expensive to secure, AI solutions are growing in importance.”

Matt Wagner

VP of Sales, Fields Manufacturing

“As more early adopters emerge as experts and share their experiences,” Wagner adds, “it will become easier for those approaching AI with caution or limited expertise to understand and adopt these technologies.”

Other goals for AI implementation amongst suppliers are cost reduction (58%), revenue growth (42%) and innovating new products or services (22%).

According to Chris Alfano, chief digital officer at Vantage Apparel – PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier – AI’s biggest impact may have less to do with output and more about information gathering.

“The real potential lies in AI’s ability to provide powerful insights—whether it’s analyzing distributor behavior, understanding end-customer needs or identifying product and seasonal trends that can drive smarter decision-making,” says Alfano. “By not adopting AI-driven strategies, suppliers may fall behind competitors who are using these tools to enhance efficiency and customer understanding, which could eventually impact long-term profitability and market positioning.”

The real potential lies in AI’s ability to provide powerful insights.”

Chris Alfano

Chief Digital Officer, Vantage Apparel

Whatever the use, an intentional approach must be taken for such a broad technology, according to Gergen.

“Each team will use AI differently,” Gergen says. “The first step in integrating it into current systems is to consider practical problems that need fixing and then determine if AI is one of the tools that will allow for innovation and solutions to those challenges.”

More than three quarters (76%) of suppliers say AI has had no significant change in their workforce structure and nearly a quarter (24%) say they’re still assessing its long-term impact. Furthermore, while AI is starting to improve personalization, most suppliers (59%) have yet to see significant benefits.

Alfano was surprised to see that more than three-quarters of suppliers claimed the technology had not changed their workforce.

“It’s concerning that 75.7% of promotional product suppliers report no significant change in their workforce due to AI,” Alfano says. “This suggests a missed opportunity to leverage a tool that can transform efficiency and decision-making at every level.”

Still, Gergen does not see it as a tool to cut down on the workforce.

“I don’t see AI reducing the number of employees in our organizations,” Gergen says. “I believe it can create a more agile workforce that will expand our capabilities and offerings to our customers.”

BoxUp, PPAI 100’s No. 84 supplier, is part of the roughly 8% of supplier respondents who said AI isn’t currently a focus.

“We don’t use AI for anything and don’t have a plan to in the near future,” says Jake Kitchell, enterprise sales manager at BoxUp. “We may potentially in 2025, but it would be a huge learning curve for us as a fairly small company.”

Potential AI Benefits For Distributors

Like their supplier counterparts, 81% of PPAI 100 distributors are prioritizing AI to increase operational efficiency and 78% aim to use AI to improve customer experience.

“In terms of operational support, we have already used AI tools to help write API integrations and manipulate data sets,” Leslie says. “These have been one-off uses, though, and I look forward to continuing to learn more and explore how AI tools will be able to integrate into our regular workflow and streamline daily tasks.”

Johanna Gottlieb, vice president of business development at Genumark, PPAI 100’s No. 35 distributor, sees the technology as a matter of making it a practice to continue to meet clients where they’re at, even as those clients become part of a generation that expects things that previous generations succeeded without.

Our buyers are living in the AI world.”

Johanna Gottlieb

VP of Business Development, Genumark

“Our buyers are living in the AI world,” Gottlieb says. “Many of us grew up in a google era and AI is enhancing that times 100. Younger audiences will be the decision makers before we know it. We have to lean in to what they are doing and using so we can be better prepared to support them.”

Other goals for AI implementation amongst distributors are revenue growth (54%), cost reduction (43%) and innovating new products or services (19%).

“These statistics align very closely with our AI perspective,” says Carolina Junghans, CEO of Blink Marketing, PPAI 100’s No. 88 distributor. “Our executive team is actually reading a couple books on AI in the workplace this quarter.”

Nearly three quarters (74%) of distributors say AI has had no significant change in their workforce structure and nearly one-third (32%) say they’re still assessing its long-term impact. Furthermore, 44% have yet to see significant benefits from AI in terms of personalization.

Gottlieb is skeptical of the report that so many distributors claim little change to their workforce as a result.

“I would love to speak to the 73% of distributors that say AI has not led to any significant changes in workforce,” Gottlieb says. “I am curious how much this number will change over the next 2-5 years.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

ePromos Brings In New Chief Revenue Officer With Diverse Experience

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 21:29:25 GMT

ePromos (PPAI 212648, Platinum) has hired Todd Bold as the company’s new chief revenue officer, the company says. The St. Cloud, Minnesota-based firm was named PPAI 100’s No. 30 distributor.

In his new role, Bold will oversee revenue strategy and execution and sales leadership, as well as lead customer acquisition and retention initiatives.

Todd Bold

Chief Revenue Officer, ePromos

“Todd brings extensive expertise from various industries beyond the promotional products sector, which we believe will offer valuable insights and drive innovation as we move forward,” says Marc Puglisi, CEO, and Christine Puglisi, CMO, who co-own ePromos.

Todd brings extensive expertise from various industries beyond the promotional products sector, which we believe will offer valuable insights and drive innovation as we move forward.”

Marc Puglisi (CEO) & Christine Puglisi (CMO), Co-owners, ePromos

“We are confident that Todd will be an excellent addition to our team, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with him and witnessing the positive impact he will have on the company.”

Years of Marketing and Merchandise Experience

Bold comes to ePromos with experience in “all revenue-generating activities” from multiple companies and organizations. Executing strategy and improving operational performance are key attributes that the distributor hopes Bold will bring with him as chief revenue officer.

He has spent nearly the past two decades at Lapine, which was acquired by adm Group during the last few years of Bold’s tenure there. His final role was chief operating officer.

“[Bold] is a skilled business strategist and operator with an uncommon blend of the hard and soft skills you’d expect from only the most talented executives,” says Seth Lapine, who worked with Bold for just under 20 years at adm Group/Lapine.

Prior to adm Group/Lapine, he was director of global merchandising & licensing at World Wrestling Entertainment.
Bold was also merchandise manager for the NBA Store in New York City and operations manager at DICK’S Sporting Goods.

This comes during a year when ePromos has already made a few key C-suite appointments, including naming Adam Rosenbaum president in January.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission by PPAI

Danny Rosin’s Band Together Charity Raises $1.1 Million For Hurricane Relief

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 01:16:04 GMT

Band Together, a volunteer-driven nonprofit co-founded by Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of North Carolina-based distributor Brand Fuel, raised $1.1 million for hurricane relief efforts with a concert and telethon over the weekend.

Brand Fuel is the No. 46 distributor in the 2024 PPAI 100.
Rosin is the incoming chair of PPAI’s 2025 Board of Directors.

All proceeds from the “Music for the Mountains” concert – headlined by Old Crow Medicine Show – will directly benefit the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, providing critical resources to communities struggling to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Helene caused deadly flooding along Florida’s west coast and in cities of neighboring states such as Asheville, North Carolina, leaving at least 230 people dead across the South, The Associated Press reported.
The Red Cross is using the donations to operate 20 shelters in North Carolina, helping nearly 1,300 people with a safe space to stay, WRAL News reported.

“Community issues deserve community responses and when Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Band Together and its partners responded,” says Rosin, the recipient of the 2023 H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award.

Where there is merch and music, there is unity.”

Danny Rosin, CAS

President/Co-Owner, Brand Fuel

“Thanks to bands that played for free and supplier partners like SanMar, $1.1 million was raised through a concert and telethon in just three and a half weeks! I’m proud to be a part of the work and to be a North Carolinian. Where there is merch and music, there is unity.”

Band Together, which has been using live music as a platform for social change since 2001, partnered with Lincoln Theatre, WRAL and Red Hat Amphitheater to organize the event.

Promo Rallies Together

Just two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck the South, Hurricane Milton ravaged Florida with 120 mph winds, causing massive flooding and spawning several deadly tornados.

The recovery process for the people, homes and businesses in affected areas will be an enormous undertaking.

The region has a large promo community, and industry firms – in the area and elsewhere – are providing opportunities to help. PPAI Media is committed to amplifying their efforts.

If your promotional products company has established a humanitarian response, click here to share details if you would like to be included.

Cat Gagliardo of Branded By Cat Powered By HALO lives in Palm Harbor, Florida, just north of Clearwater and about 40 minutes from Tampa.

She recently told PPAI Media that boxes, gloves and pet items are in short supply. With many suppliers having access to such materials or distributors who have relationships with such vendors, Gagliardo urges the industry to connect with areas affected by the hurricanes to coordinate bulk delivery of such practical items.

Additionally, for anyone looking for more specific organizations than the American Red Cross to donate financially, Gagliardo has noted local Tampa-area non-profits that are doing what they can to provide immediate relief:

Individuals looking for advice on relief in the area or who would like to help coordinate future efforts are welcome to contact Gagliardo at cat@brandedbycat.com.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Nick Lateur Joins Startup Business Services Provider In VP Role

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 01:10:58 GMT

Industry veteran Nick Lateur has joined business service provider Merch.ai (PPAI 881176) as the company’s vice president of revenue. Lateur most recently served as brand director for HPG, which currently ranks No. 6 on PPAI 100’s list of suppliers.

Merch.ai is a relatively new venture that helps promo businesses leverage AI in order to save time and resources.
A soon-to-be-published report by PPAI Research determined that 87% of distributors and 92% of suppliers among PPAI 100 companies are on board with AI.

“We’re excited to welcome Nick to the team,” says Raul Rodriguez, CEO of Merch.ai. “His extensive experience and industry insight will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and bringing Merch.ai to the forefront of the promotional products industry.”

A New Opportunity For A Familiar Face

Lateur brings another layer of name recognition to Merch.ai, having held prominent roles for well-known promo companies on both the supplier and the distributor side.

- Before his nearly four-year stint at HPG – in which he held titles of brand director and director of sales – Lateur served as national sales manager at IMAGEN – PPAI 100’s No. 84 distributor.

Lateur will also be familiar to many promo professionals for his consistent presence on social media, which includes regular content on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. His persistent belief that social media marketing is part of the promo industry, as well as his more than 4,200 followers on LinkedIn, led to him being named the No. 1 promo pro on social media according to PPAI’s #Online18.

In March, Lateur was part of a social media “takeover” of PPAI, which he seemed to confuse for an actual takeover of the company itself.

On a more serious note, Lateur also serves on the board of trustees for the Promotional Products Education Foundation, a philanthropic branch of PPAI, which provides scholarships for promotional products industry employees and their children to support education goals.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

SAGE Reveals Promo’s Highest-Rated Suppliers And Decorators

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 01:40:34 GMT

PPAI technology partner SAGE (PPAI 100001) has announced that 1,122 supplier and decorator companies have earned A+ and A rating awards for 2025 based on an aggregate of their distributor ratings collected through SAGE Total Access, the company’s product management and business management solution.

This Year’s Honorees

The SAGE rating system was developed to empower distributors to make well-informed decisions about the companies they work with.

This year, 942 companies received SAGE’s A+ rating, an increase of 5.25% from the prior year, while 180 earned an A rating.
These suppliers and decorators comprise a total of 46% of all active Advantage or Decorator Members in the SAGE database.
As part of the relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE A+ and A ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry’s annual renowned PPAI Supplier Star Awards competition.
Likewise, SAGE ratings comprise a portion of the scoring for PPAI 100, serving as the basis for the Industry Faith category for suppliers.

“We’re thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate our supplier and decorator partners who consistently exceed expectations, delivering exceptional service and upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in our industry,” says Dana Porter, MAS, SAGE’s vice president of information services.

To view the complete lists, click here:

Earning The Awards

Through SAGE Online and SAGE Web, distributors can view a supplier or decorator’s real-time ratings and comments, as well as a comprehensive overview of their award information, including any additional industry accolades.

Distributors can also utilize AI-powered, consolidated review summaries to gain these important insights at a glance.

Ratings can be submitted through SAGE Total Access or via the “Rate Us” link provided by both suppliers and decorators.

Distributors score factors such as customer service, delivery and problem resolution, as well as leave a detailed comment.
They can only rate each company once to provide their unique perspective; however, they may update their ratings at any time, ensuring the most precise depiction of their experience.

Award-winning supplier and decorator companies will have access to a variety of marketing collateral to promote their A+ or A-rated status, including logos for their catalogs, websites and email signatures.

New Chief Financial Officer Set To Join 4imprint In 2025

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:42:36 GMT

When 4imprint announced back in May that David Seekings planned to retire from his role as chief financial officer by the end of 2025, the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based distributor stated that a diligent recruitment process would take place to select his replacement. Almost five months later, that process has ended.

Michelle Brukwicki has been appointed to the position of CFO Designate and will take over the role in a full capacity upon Seekings’ official retirement next year.
4imprint (PPAI 107200, Platinum) is PPAI 100’s No. 1 distributor and reported earnings of just north of $1.3 billion in 2023 – both a company and an industry record.

I’ve got no doubt she will play a significant role in the next chapter of the 4imprint story.”

Kevin Lyons-Tarr

CEO, 4imprint

“We’re excited to welcome Michelle to the team,” says Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint. “From early on we could see that she brought all the right tools to the table, and as the process progressed, it became clear she was the right person for the job. She not only brings the necessary experience but ,critically, she brings the right leadership approach. We’re all anxious to work with her to ensure a successful transition, and I’ve got no doubt she will play a significant role in the next chapter of the 4imprint story.”

Seekings’ six-month notice of retirement will officially commence December 31, meaning that Brukwicki will be appointed to chief financial officer no later than May 31, 2025.

Michelle Brukwicki

CFO Designate, 4imprint

From Telecommunications To Promo

4imprint’s extensive search eventually took them outside of the promotional products industry where they found Brukwicki, who has spent the last 13 years at TDS Telecommunications, a provider of high-speed internet and phone services that claims to “connect people and technology.”

Brukwicki most recently served in the same role of chief financial officer at TDS and also held a senior vice president title.
She joined the company in 2011 as a manager of financial analysis and strategic planning.
She has also held financial roles at Boeing and Deloitte.

As the promo industry continues to make strides and expand its horizons through digital transformation, Brukwicki will bring experience in the tech industry to her financial role with promo’s e-commerce giant. 4imprint’s digital-first approach and unprecedented advertising campaign has allowed it to grow and expand in recent years.

The long lead time that Seekings has afforded 4imprint will allow for Brukwicki to learn plenty from her predecessor.

“It’s very important that we have a seamless transition, so I’ll be sticking around until May/June 2025,” says Seekings. “During that time, I’ll be working closely with Michelle to make sure that the handover is as smooth as possible.”

I’ll be working closely with Michelle to make sure that the handover is as smooth as possible.”

David Seekings

Chief Financial Officer, 4imprint

The Departure Of An Industry Veteran

Seekings has been with the 4imprint Group since 1996. His nearly three-decade career has seen him help navigate changes to both 4imprint and the promo industry at large.

Seekings was an active participant in the process of selecting his successor.
With potentially eight months until he officially steps down from the company, Seekings will have opportunities to help the distributor make the transition process as smooth as possible.

“I’ve been with the 4imprint Group for close to 28 years, and it’s fair to say there is a big emotional attachment,” Seekings told PPAI Media. “4imprint truly is a great place to work, with a very distinct culture and kind, friendly co-workers.”

He will also step down from the company’s board of directors. Seekings says that being intentional about his retirement will hopefully allow him to take advantage of the next chapter of his life while leaving his employer in good hands.

“I have quite a long list of things I’d like to achieve whilst still in good health, mostly travel or cycling related,” Seekings says. “So it was simply a question of finding the right time for myself and 4imprint.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

EPA Delays Start Of PFAS Reporting

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:59:37 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a finale rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to delay the start of reporting related to past manufacturing of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS is an acronym that describes a type of man-made chemical that has been used in manufacturing and consumer products since the 1940s.
Referred to as “forever chemicals” because they sometimes take hundreds or thousands of years to break down, PFAS chemicals have been proven to have the potential to cause health risks such as cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and other issues.

The reporting period was scheduled to begin on November 12, 2024, but the final rule delays the beginning of the reporting period until July 11, 2025, due to resource constraints.

Most companies would be required to complete all reporting by January 11, 2026.
Small businesses reporting data solely on importing PFAS contained in articles will have until July 11, 2026.

What You Need To Know

PFAS manufacturers and importers – including those in the promotional products industry – are estimated to spend approximately 11.6 million hours complying with this new rule, with an associated cost of $800-$843 million.

Thomas Brugato, an environmental attorney at Covington, has laid out a few important points to understand about the EPA’s final rule.

Reporting is required for any company that has manufactured PFAS for commercial purposes since 2011. Companies that acquired PFAS domestically and used it in their operations would not be required to report under the rule.
The EPA has published a list of substances online that are defined as PFAS.
Imported articles containing PFAS apply to the rule. If companies imported articles and can reasonably ascertain that those articles contain PFAS, they must adhere to the required reporting.
Each violation of the reporting requirements currently holds a maximum penalty of $46,989 per day. The EPA is allowed broad authority to investigate potential violations through requests for information or by conducting inspections.

“Companies should promptly move forward with developing a compliance strategy for the rule,” Brugato says. “This would start with preparing a plan for determining what PFAS-related information is ‘known to or reasonably ascertainable by’ the company, and then collection of that information.’”

Promo Perspective

PPAI Media has repeatedly covered “The Chemical Dilemma” as it pertains to promotional products. Several companies, including those in the promo industry, are in the process of evaluating how to remove PFAS chemicals from their products.

The delay in reporting requirements should not encourage complacency for applicable promo companies. Creating a reliable and accountable reporting process can take time, and taking action sooner is the best way to be prepared, as was discussed at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit last month.

“I have a list of 10 things I need to do, and I need to do them today, not tomorrow,” said Debbie Disparte, director of product innovation and sustainability at Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum), the No. 9 supplier in the PPAI 100.

Global studies indicate that PFAS chemicals are a problem for which the scope and the cause extends far outside of promo. However, it’s the type of revelation that will likely stir justified fear and action in many policymakers in coming years.

Lawsuits regarding PFAS could “dwarf anything related to asbestos” and bring potentially “astronomical” costs to defendants, lawyer Brian Gross of MG+M The Law Firm told attendees at a plastic industry conference earlier this year.

Written by: John Corrigan & Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Huge Branding Opportunity On The Horizon As Events Move To Reusable Cups

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:54:04 GMT

Products made with recyclable materials are not necessarily the final frontier in sustainability. Really, they are something of a prerequisite for what is possible: circularity. In other words, keeping everything in an ongoing loop; products that are reused and materials that are recycled, avoiding a landfill forever.

Forever is a long time, but there is a material that can meet the task: steel.

“Steel is the best material for reusability because it’s infinitely recyclable,” says Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer at PCNA, which ranked No. 3 in PPAI 100’s list of suppliers, with high marks in Responsibility.

Now, large-scale event venues are beginning to see the feasibility and practicality of programs that incorporate reusable drinkware into their offerings, creating a potential trickle-down effect that not only has immediate sustainability benefits, but also normalizes the expectation that beverages come in reusable containers.

Pepsi partnered with the Champions League Finals to offer reusable containers for the soccer matches.
Coca-Cola ran a pilot program in Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena with reusable cups, reporting a 98% return rate for using those cups.
The NBA’s Portland Trailblazers ran a similar program in the suite level seats that broadened to its 25,000-seat arena.

Reusable drinkware – steel and otherwise – has enormous potential for branding, as it can either reach multiple end users or remain with one end user over extended periods of time and through multiple uses. With the World Cup approaching in 2026, a theoretical reuse program for drinkware would set a new standard for venue operations.

A Rocky Journey For Sustainability

Promo firms looking to increase their sustainability options have the advantage of beginning on a road already paved by the suppliers that learned the hard way.

Mark Baumgartner, director of sales and marketing for Tranter Graphics, which ranked No. 57 on PPAI 100’s supplier list, has been putting efforts towards recycled materials for 35 years. He will be the first to note when sustainable products aren’t feasible, don’t sell or aren’t even as reusable as they are advertised, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to try to offer products that avoid landfill.

Paper, for example, has long been seen as a recyclable product, but for years, limiting the post-consumer waste of paper was a difficult and expensive process. De-inking paper had a high cost and required toxic chemicals, according to Baumgartner.

When it comes to promotional products, Baumgartner does not pretend that Tranter Graphics is a fully circular or sustainable operation.

“Our company prints customizable, single-use food and beverageware for many distributors, and we print a lot of it,” Baumgartner says. “The company success story started with these items 45 years ago, and it has been our flagship product lineup.”

It’s likely unreasonable for any supplier to abandon what their business was originally built on in order to become more sustainable. Rather, it’s more realistic that they continue to invest in sustainable materials on the margins, meeting the growing demand while learning how to find scalable success in reusable products.

“In Q3 of 2024, Goldstar committed to having 57% of products that are recyclable, reusable or compostable,” says Lane Hockanson, global marketing manager at Goldstar.

That 57% is a feat for PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, but it is also a sign that it’s a process that can only become easier once you’ve started.

Ultimately, recycling methods have been far from perfect for years.

“Too many recycling operators have gone to single-source recycling,” says Baumgartner. “The bin takes all content from paper, steel, plastic and glass just to name a few. Imagine the cross contamination on all of these materials. It must be sorted and that is expensive. Paper absorbs most any liquid so if there is solvent, oil or other drippings, it is deemed unusable and goes to the landfill.

We have serious recycling issues, and we are going to need to do our part in manufacturing every step of the way.”

Tranter Graphics has added numerous recyclable products over the past few years, but the potentially scalable and legitimately effective option seems to be re-usable items, specifically, cups.

The Three-Tier System Of Steel Cups

Steel cups have existed for decades, but the market has only recently taken notice to the possibilities they create for sustainability. End-user and client expectations will always be met by willing suppliers.

“We observed a significant increase in demand for reusable steel cups last year,” Haesler says. “We did what we do best at PCNA: partnered with the best in the channel, Steel Chill Cups, to offer a branded opportunity in the recyclable steel cup space to meet this demand.”

In the case of Tranter Graphics, Baumgartner explains that there is a three-tiered pricing system in which recyclability, reusability and quality increase with each tier.

The first tier offers paper cups.
The second tier offers cups made from recyclable and sustainable materials that are compostable within months.
The third tier is reusable steel (or plastic cups). This tier is infinitely recyclable.

“You want circular? You won’t do better than that,” Baumgartner says, adding that when the product was debuted in June, the supplier “blew through inventory” quickly.

Tranter Graphics refer to these type of “Stadium” cups as “souvenirable,” making them excellent options for large-scale venues to sell to attendees. Baumgartner says that when clients are asking for eco-friendly products, he asks them to consider the benefits of going the reusable route.

“There’s an argument for the branding power of a reusable cup that can be seen out in the open many times,” Baumgartner says. “And when the time comes, recycle it. The difference between the second-tier and the third-tier pricing is not that much depending on what re-usable item you’re going with.”

Similarly, Goldstar currently has nine drinkware products that feature recycled stainless steel with flexible decoration methods and large imprint areas for custom branding.

As Haesler points out, PCNA sees steel cup offerings as a direct result of end user expectations.

“The bottom line is, people want to have a good time – whether that’s at a party, concert or sporting event – without negatively impacting our environment and sending more single-use items to our landfills,” Haesler says.

Having seen many attempts at sustainable products, Baumgartner sees steel cups as one of the truly effective methods in promotional products.

“Our future generations depend on us for keeping our planet, natural resources and a clean water supply available for them.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Announces 2025 Icon Award Recipients

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:30:48 GMT

PPAI has announced the recipients of its 2025 Icon Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities.

This year’s honors are being bestowed on:

PPAI Hall of Fame: Jonathan Isaacson, MAS
PPAI Hall of Fame: Mark Jenkins, MAS+
PPAI Distinguished Service Award: Danny Sirmon, MAS
PPAI Distinguished Service Award: D’Anna Zimmer, CAS
H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award: Joy Smith, MAS

Isaacson has served as the CEO and chairman of the Gem Group, which goes to market under the name Gemline, since 1988. That nearly four-decade run has seen the Massachusetts-based company become the No. 11 supplier in PPAI 100. As the industry has seen changes, and obstacles have become standard procedures, Isaacson has navigated Gemline through shifting trends and led the industry by example.

“In the early 2000s when product importing was described as the Wild West, large advertisers were wary of our supply chain, and PPAI was just beginning to understand the threat that product safety was to our industry,” says Paul Kiewiet, MAS, a PPAI Hall of Famer who is retiring as executive director of MiPPA and nominated Isaacson. “Few suppliers understood, but Jonathan Isaacson already had protocols in place for product testing and responsibility.”

Isaacson has volunteered with PPAI through participation in the:

Strategic Planning Committee Strategic Foresight Committee
Strategic Foresight Committee
PPAI Product Responsibility Action Group

Kiewiet also applauded Isaacson’s commitment to educating the industry on the actions to take and pitfalls to avoid in order for promotional products to become a more ethically minded industry.

“Jonathan has spent his career not only building a strong company, but he has also been a champion for our industry, advancing corporate social responsibility and elevating the perception of promo,” Kiewiet says.

Also being inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame is Mark Jenkins, regional vice president at Geiger and a 37-year veteran of the promo industry. Prior to joining the PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor in 2022, Jenkins spent two decades prior at Pioneer Balloon Company before Geiger recruited him for his experience and industry contacts.

In 2015, Jenkins served as chair of the PPAI Board of Directors.
Since 2006, he has been actively volunteering for various PPAI groups, including the Hall of Fame Advisory Group, the Government Relations Advisory Council and through participation in Legislative Education Action Day.

“The depth of this professional’s knowledge and participation is one of which we can all be proud,” says Wayne Greenberg, MAS, of Swag Krewe – A Geiger Affiliate and PPAI Hall of Famer who nominated Jenkins. “Truly an amazing member of the PPAI community who has contributed so much to our industry and our Association.”

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award

A nearly 40-year promo veteran, Danny Sirmon, president of Mobile, Alabama-based distributor Zebra Marketing, has been a long-time advocate for the industry.

Currently a member of the Sunbelt Promotional Products Association’s (SPPA) board of directors, Sirmon has volunteered with many PPAI committees and groups over the years, including the Technology Committee and Regional Association Council. In 2005-2006, he served as chair of the PPAI Board of Directors and, in 2016, he was named a PPAI Fellow.

After Hurricane Katrina, Sirmon was heavily involved in the development of what would become the Promotional Products Disaster Relief Program, which has supported hundreds of industry members during multiple natural disasters.

Sirmon’s recognition is a “no brainer” for nominator Karie Cowden, MAS, president of Phoenix-based distributor Connect The Dots and a member of the PPAI Board of Directors.

“Being a leader isn’t always easy, and at times you must ‘know what you know’ and take action,” says Cowden, who has volunteered beside Sirmon for more than 20 years. “Danny never backed down and always remembered that we serve our industry best by serving its members first.”

For nearly a quarter century, D’Anna Zimmer, a 2016 PPAI Fellow and current business development manager at BAG MAKERS – the No. 29 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has been dedicated to giving back to the industry.

She’s been heavily involved with the Regional Association Council, even serving as RAC delegate to the PPAI Board from 2017-2019. She’s also been a Legislative Education and Action Day participant on Capitol Hill and a two-time president of the Promotional Products Association Southwest board.

Since 2022, Zimmer has volunteered with the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), serving on the board of trustees, fundraising committee and golf workgroup. In 2023, she was vice chair of the marketing and recognition committee.

Most recently, she was paramount to the success of PPEF’s Glen Holt & Fran Ford Memorial Golf Tournament, raising more than $54,000, according to nominator Kathlene Brethowr, executive director at PPEF.

“To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to 43 of the 170 scholarships that will be given in 2024,” Brethowr says. “D’Anna took on major responsibilities while I was out for maternity leave during the prime planning months and put together one of the most successful golf tournaments in the foundation’s history.

“Her dedication shows how much she truly cares about the PPEF mission – to fund college scholarships for promotional products industry employees and their children.”

The H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award

Those who know 30-year industry veteran Joy Smith, owner of New Mexico-based distributor Joy of Advertising and the 2024 PPAI Woman of Achievement, attest that she’s deserving of the honor.

A devoted volunteer, Smith has served on numerous committees and advisory councils, including chairing PPAI’s Professional Development Committee from 2020-2022. Named a PPAI Fellow in 2016, Smith also has the distinction of presenting the first MAS/CAS training at The PPAI Expo 2004.

She mentored 17 participants over the course of that year, nurturing and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

Beyond the promo industry, she’s served in leadership positions for various nonprofit and civic organizations, including being named Honorary Chairwoman of the Business Advisory Council for New Mexico and receiving the 2003 National Leadership Award sponsored by then-congressman Tom DeLay. She’s embarked on service mission trips around the world, mentoring recent college graduates, providing food and clothes to an orphanage and working with prison and gang ministries.

Smith has served as chair of Albuquerque’s Foster Grandparent Program and founded the Women of Worth organization, which equips women who are homeless or near homeless with life skills and education.

She currently volunteers with Noonday Ministries and is the Blue Hat team leader for the New Mexico Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
And, if that’s not enough, she rescues unsheltered animals, including a horse named Miracle who currently resides on her ranch.

“If I was Saint Peter at the pearly gates and up walked Joy Smith – with the legion of charities and service organizations she has helped selflessly – I would usher her right to the express lane,” says nominator and PPAI Hall of Fame member Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS. “Her golden mane is actually a halo that should be recognized by her peers.”

Salt Life Finds New Home After Delta Apparel Bankruptcy Auction

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:50:14 GMT

Marine apparel brand Salt Life, formerly a top-performing asset of Delta Apparel (PPAI 188431, Gold) – the No. 69 supplier in the PPAI 100 – belongs to new owners after a recent bankruptcy auction.

Brand licensor Iconix International and retail liquidator Hilco Merchant Resources submitted a joint bid of $38.74 million to win the business, SGB Media reported. On September 16, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein approved the bid, the Jacksonville Daily Record reported.

FCM Saltwater Holdings had reportedly offered $28 million to buy the Salt Life brand from Delta Apparel, which hoped it would serve as a stalking horse bid – a term for the initial bid on the assets of a bankrupt company, which sets a minimum price for other potential bidders.
However, FCM’s final bid of $37 million was bested.

Salt Life, which operates more than 20 retail stores across the United States, produced a revenue of $59 million for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2023.

Delta Apparel’s Downward Spiral

In July, Delta Apparel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reporting more than 200 creditors.

At the beginning of June, the Duluth, Georgia-based supplier had $337.8 million in total assets and $244.5 million in liabilities according to the filing.
Its largest creditor is Park Mills, which is owed more than $22 million from Delta Apparel.

Tim Pubian, president of Focus Management Group, was named chief restructuring officer in May, after Delta’s board of directors pushed out CEO Robert W. Humphreys amid ongoing financial struggles.

In June, the company suspended its manufacturing operations in Honduras as it attempted to work through its liquidity challenges.

“The company’s deteriorating liquidity position and lack of funding has continued to prevent it from purchasing raw materials necessary to operate its offshore manufacturing facilities and to pay compensation and benefits due to offshore employees,” Delta Apparel said in the SEC filing at the time.

In May, the apparel maker reported that its net sales for the fiscal second quarter were $78.9 million, down nearly 40% from the same period last year.

Net sales from its Salt Life Group retail stores segment were $15.5 million in Q2, down about 22% from Q2 2023.

In the 2023 fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2023, Delta Apparel reported a loss of $33.2 million.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Names Its 2025 Board Officers; Rosin To Be Incoming Chair

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:25:45 GMT

PPAI has announced officers for the Association’s 2025 Board of Directors.

Danny Rosin, CAS, has been named incoming chair while Zack Ottenstein will serve as vice chair, financial services.

In the positions previously known, Denise Taschereau, the Association’s 2024 chair-elect, will assume the role of chair in 2025 and current Board Chair Andrew Spellman, CAS, will serve as immediate past chair. Kara Keister, MAS, owner of distributor Social Good Promotions, will also continue in her role as Regional Relations Committee delegate.

The one-year terms will begin immediately following The PPAI Expo 2025, which will run January 13-16.

“The future of PPAI is brighter than ever with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals to lead our board’s executive committee,” Spellman says. “Their expertise and passion will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our impact.”

PPAI Board Officers’ Backgrounds

Taschereau is CEO and co-founder of Fairware, a Vancouver-based distributor that specializes in sustainable merchandise.

She spent seven years leading the corporate social responsibility efforts of Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada’s largest outdoor retailer, before founding Fairware.
Taschereau is also a board member of PromoCares, a volunteer-driven group of industry members dedicated to corporate social and environmental responsibility.

Rosin, who’s currently serving his second term on the PPAI Board, is president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 46 distributor.

He also co-founded PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer organization that brings together suppliers, distributors and business service providers in order to further the education of promo pros and elevate their industry status through mentorship opportunities.
In 2023, Rosin was named the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award winner for his philanthropic efforts.
He’s also a perennial member of PPAI Media’s #Online18.

“The opportunity to serve as chair is a privilege and a responsibility, and I look forward to serving with passion, purpose and a collaborative mindset to strengthen PPAI and the industry I believe in,” Rosin says.

Ottenstein is president of The Image Group – the No. 57 distributor in the PPAI 100.

Since taking the helm of the Ohio-based firm in 2020, Ottenstein – a 2018 PPAI Rising Star – has led the company’s transformation into a vertical-focused marketing solutions business.
Prior to promo, he served as an investment analyst and director of marketing communications for Welltower, a $40 billion-plus enterprise value company.

“I’m honored to serve with such an outstanding group of directors, staff and volunteers,” Ottenstein says. “The team’s admirable financial stewardship and balance sheet management positions PPAI to continue providing outstanding services to members.”

A 30-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Spellman is currently vice president of corporate markets at Los Angeles-based supplier Therabody.

He spent more than 14 years as vice president of sales for Victorinox, PPAI 100’s No. 93 supplier, and was senior vice president and general manager at The Magnet Group, PPAI 100’s No. 23 supplier, before joining Therabody in 2021.

PPAI Board Officers are selected by the PPAI Board Officer Nominating Committee and voted on by the PPAI Board.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

iPROMOTEu Acquires AIA Corporation

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:41:05 GMT

iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, Platinum) – the No. 11 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced the acquisition of AIA Corporation (PPAI 101364, Platinum) – the No. 18 distributor in the PPAI 100.

Moving forward, Appleton, Wisconsin-based AIA will operate as a division of iPROMOTEu, headquartered in Wayland, Massachusetts.
As part of the transition, both companies will continue to support their respective Affiliates and Owners, with iPROMOTEu CEO Lori Bauer overseeing the combined senior leadership team.

With combined 2023 sales exceeding $365 million, this acquisition signifies a major shift in the industry landscape and elevates the entity’s influence as a leading distributor network powerhouse, the companies say.

“AIA’s business model aligns with iPROMOTEu’s core mission of empowering distributor independence while offering a comprehensive suite of essential resources and top-tier support for their success,” Bauer says. “This strategic acquisition will enhance the market presence of both organizations and brings many competitive advantages.

“Leveraging our combined strengths will provide countless benefits for both iPROMOTEu Affiliates and AIA Owners, including accelerated advancements in technology and integrations, deeper supplier relationships, enhanced sales and marketing resources and much more. This will undoubtedly propel growth and help move the industry forward.”

AIA’s Growth

Founded in 1981, AIA has seen steady growth in recent years, with revenue of $154.6 million in 2023.

CEO Nancy Schmidt started with the organization in 2018 and has served as its top officer since 2020.
Schmidt will serve as an executive advisor for a period of time following the close.

“As I reflect on AIA’s transformation over the past several years, I am incredibly proud of how our commitment to our purpose and vision has guided us to this pivotal moment,” Schmidt says. “This acquisition marks the next chapter in our journey, where the value we have created for the modern distributor will be fueled with even more new opportunities, forming a truly powerful force in our industry. I’m excited about the remarkable potential this union with iPROMOTEu will bring to AIA Owners and to the industry.”

iPROMOTEu and AIA operate under similar business models and both companies are recognized for helping their distributor members grow their businesses by providing order financing, order processing support, sales and marketing tools, technology solutions and other resources.

“As we begin this new chapter, we are thrilled about the opportunities on the horizon and eagerly anticipate a future rich with innovation and success for our Affiliates and Owners,” said Bauer.

At the end of 2023, iPROMOTEu welcomed Lori Bauer as its new CEO.
Shortly thereafter, Bauer was appointed to the PPAI Board of Directors.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Rising Stars Class Of 2024 Announced

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 20:10:20 GMT

Another record number of nominees have been considered, and PPAI judges have completed the difficult task of narrowing them down to 12.

The group will be in honored at PPAI’s upcoming Leadership Development Conference in North Texas, which for the second year in a row will feature an Emerging Leaders educational track designed to arm the Rising Stars and their brightest contemporaries with skills to grow in the promo industry. The Rising Stars will also be featured in the November cover story of PPAI Magazine.

Many candidates received multiple nominations, including seven of this year’s honorees. Read below to meet the new class of Rising Stars and find out why nominators say they’re deserving.

Mikas Agarwal, 19
Chief Digital Officer, Akran Marketing

-Mark Graham, commonsku

Alex Bradley, 35
Territory Sales Manager, Vantage Apparel

-Brian Deissroth, Edwards Garment

Lindsay Bons, 24
Senior Business Development Manager, IDLine

-Christopher Duffy, Signature Group

Brittany Frase, 34
Vice President of Sales, Hirsch

-Malik Hemani, Graphic Stylus

David Geiger, 36
Vice President & General Counsel, Geiger

-Stephanie Whitman, Geiger

Jason Lipsett, 34
President, Charles River Apparel

-Maria Yaitanes, Charles River Apparel

Natalie O’Leary, 38
Business Development Director, BAMKO

-Ben Drysdale, Raining Rose

Brian Roney, 30
Senior Director of Product Design, Proforma

-Jordan Sura, Proforma

Anthony St. Peter, 29
President, Stellar Lanyards

-Erik Walasek, Stewart Promotional Products

Shivani Thapilyal, 27
Chief of Staff, CompanyStore.io

-Eric Janssen, Staples Promotional Products

Andrew Titus, 27
President, Fully Promoted

-Kurt Tempelmeyer, Fully Promoted

Dominique Volker, 33
Vice President of Sales, Whitestone

-Joseph Sommer, Whitestone

PPAI congratulates all the nominees and invites the industry to share in the celebration for the 2024 PPAI Rising Stars.

East Coast Port Strike Will Have ‘Catastrophic Effect’ If Agreement Isn’t Reached

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:54:34 GMT

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is prepared to initiate an East Coast work stoppage at the ports that would essentially range from the Canadian border down to and including the Gulf Coast. Last week, two days of meetings from the largest longshoremen’s union on the continent ended with a unanimous vote to approve a strike beginning October 1 if their demands for a new contract aren’t met.

The most significant sticking points for the union are wage increases and a cap on the ports’ use of automation, according to insiders.

John Janson, vice president of global supply chain for SanMar – PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier, which accounted for nearly $4 billion in revenue in 2023 – told PPAI Media that, if a resolution isn’t reached, the ramifications will extend far beyond just the promo industry.

“It would have a catastrophic effect on the overall U.S. economy,” Janson says.

If the affected ports were to close, it would impact 43% of U.S. imports.
Sea Intelligence estimates the ports to account for $3.7 billion per day.

As things stand in the second week of September, the two sides don’t appear close to bridging the gap in negotiations, as the port owners, represented by the United States Maritime Alliance, suggest that the ILA is operating as though a strike is forthcoming.

“The ILA continues to strongly signal it has already made the decision to call a strike, and we hope the ILA will reopen dialogue and share its current contract demands so we can work together on a new deal, as we have done successfully for nearly 50 years,” the United States Maritime Alliance said in a statement.

Promo’s Perspective

Last year, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) managed to ratify a six-year contract, narrowly avoiding a similarly costly work stoppage. The West Coast ports will be open and operating at full strength in October, regardless of what happens on the other side of the country, but Janson says that its too late for any company that is just now thinking about shifting their plans for imports.

“If people wanted to move cargo to the West Coast, that already would have had to happen,” Janson says. “We’re within 30 days of this potentially coming to fruition.”

Given this precariousness, many promo suppliers – and their distributor partners – may be at the mercy of the ILA negotiations and the residual effects of a potential strike.

“It’s another major situation compounding on top of other dynamics, like continued rising container costs, the diversion of shipping around the Middle East and other logistical concerns,” says Yuhling Lu, CEO of Ariel Premium Supply, PPAI 100’s No. 17 supplier.

“The greatest impact we see on our supply chain is that suppliers will re-route containers to West Coast ports, which will greatly increase the congestion there, creating delays and almost guaranteeing higher unloading and transit costs. Plus, we’ll have to contend with possible limited availability of train and truck trailer carriers.”

While Lu maintains that Ariel has enough inventory to weather the potential logistics storm, Paul Hirsch, MAS, CEO of HIRSCH – PPAI 100’s No. 20 supplier – isn’t feeling as optimistic.

“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the possible strike and have made some proactive efforts to try and minimize disruption,” Hirsch says, “but with the news around negotiations not looking promising, we expect this to affect supply in the fourth quarter.”

Trevor Gnesin, CEO of Logomark – the No. 14 supplier in the PPAI 100 – shares Lu’s concern about congestion at West Coast ports.

“We may be [indirectly] affected because many companies will reroute and rail their goods across the country, putting additional pressure on West Coast ports,” Gnesin says.

Gemline – the No. 11 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has already adopted that strategy, according to Tim Behling, vice president of supply chain at Gemline.

“Our proactive measures have positioned us well to navigate potential disruptions and continue providing excellent service to our customers,” Behling says.

In addition to shifting some shipments to West Coast ports, Gemline is sourcing more product domestically from select retail brand partners that carry heavy inventories and pulling forward shipments that were originally scheduled for September/October to ensure that the firm has ample inventory to meet customer needs in Q4.

“We’re moderately concerned about the potential for a strike, but we’re maintaining cautious optimism,” Behling says.

Jose Gomez, president and CEO of Edwards Garments, PPAI 100’s No. 19 supplier, says that while a port strike is a serious obstacle to the promo industry, Edwards is well-positioned for such an event.

“We have neither the highly seasonal demand nor the highly holiday-related product assortment that others in retail and promo experience,” Gomez says. “We have safety stocks in place and the diversity of our sourcing base provides multiple other entry points for our products. Therefore, we don’t believe a temporary stop or delay will have major impact on us.”

Importing the majority of its products from China, Ball Pro, PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier, is another promo firm that relies upon West Coast ports.

“The only item that comes from East and Gulf Coast ports is our hockey pucks, and we’re working with [that factory], so it shouldn’t affect us much,” says Adam Hanson, president of Ball Pro.

Beyond direct and immediate impact, it is possible that the entire promo industry would be affected by the ramifications of a prolonged strike.
Sea Intelligence suggests even just one day of work stoppage would cause 5-7 days of slowdowns, and a strike lasting one week would result in a slowdown that wouldn’t be cleared up until nearly Thanksgiving.
The domino effect of this would have consequences for the supply chain and, ultimately, the economy, quite possibly affecting the budgets of promo clients.

What Happens Next?

Janson says that SanMar has closely monitored the situation through its sources in both the carrier and port spaces, and increased tension over the coming weeks is beginning to look likely.

“The message that we continue to hear is that it’s going to continue to get loud, but it will probably get settled close to the timeframe that it’s due, or if there is a strike, it will go no further than one or two days because the federal government will almost have to step in,” Janson says.

The U.S. government would have an avenue to step in through what is known as the Taft-Hartley Act, which allows the government to force union workers back to work when it’s deemed sufficiently necessary for the good of the country.
A strike would put the White House in a difficult position, as President Joe Biden has made statements and gestures during his term to appear as a union-friendly president who strongly favors letting such issues be resolved through collective bargaining.
The Biden administration told CNBC in a statement last week, “we’ve never invoked Taft-Hartley to break a strike and are not considering doing so now.”

In a speech, ILA President Harold Daggett made clear that the union members were fully prepared to strike and that implementing the Taft-Hartley Act wouldn’t be a long-term solution to work stoppage relative to meeting the union’s demands. Janson noted that Daggett is nearing retirement and that he may be more willing to go the distance in a standoff with the ports as a symbol of toughness for his legacy.

Along with the West Coast port labor negotiations, last year also saw UPS come precariously close to a consequential strike that was averted at nearly the last hour.
Janson noted that, while he sees similarities between those two situations and the current scenario on the East Coast, the U.S. government was involved, at least with the West Coast port negotiations, much earlier in the process, which may have had a considerable impact on the eventual resolution.

Still, Janson says SanMar’s sources are not panicking as of this point in the process.

“We’re not seeing any of the carriers take action. They’re still sending vessels. They aren’t delaying vessels coming into ports,” Janson says. “We aren’t seeing ports take major contingency actions.

“The closer it gets the more news is going to break on it. At the end of the day, I think the sides will come together and work out an agreement.”

Written by: Jonny Auping & John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Charles River Apparel Promotes Jason Lipsett To President

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:36:21 GMT

It’s the dawning of a new era at Charles River Apparel (PPAI 111644, Gold), as PPAI 100’s No. 37 supplier has announced that Jason Lipsett has been promoted to president of the company, effective September 12.

Jason’s appointment marks three generations of Lipsetts at the helm of the New England-based firm, which his grandfather, Walter Lipsett, founded in 1983.

“I feel a great responsibility stepping into this role and am deeply mindful of what it means for our employees, our customers and our community,” says Jason. “I’m committed to creating a work environment built around respect, teamwork and a growth mindset. Our customers know they can trust Charles River Apparel for quality and reliability, and it’s my goal to create even stronger partnerships that yield mutual success.”

Barry Lipsett, Jason’s father, will continue to serve as CEO, partnering with his son to lead the company going forward.
Jason is the same age, 34, that Barry was when he became the company’s president in 1993.

“Jason’s leadership and dedication have been pivotal in driving our recent successes,” Barry says. “He has an innate understanding of our business, our crew and our customers. His promotion to president isn’t just a reflection of his accomplishments, but a testament to his vision for the future of Charles River Apparel.”

As part of that vision, Adam Heaslewood has joined the company as chief revenue officer, overseeing sales and marketing. Reporting directly to Jason, he’ll begin his new role on the same day that his new boss takes over.

Heaslewood’s career in sales and marketing spans several decades and includes leadership roles at global brands like adidas, where he helped drive growth and expand the brand’s market presence.
He was most recently vice president of sales at Los Angeles-based Therabody, working on the retail side of the business. Therabody also sells into the promotional products market.

“What really stood out to me about Adam is his impressive track record and how closely his values align with those of Charles River Apparel,” Jason says. “Adam is deeply team-focused, driven and has a vision that I believe will be key in shaping the future of our company, creating opportunities for both our employees and our customers.”

It’s A Family Affair

Entrepreneurship is in the Lipsett blood.

In the wake of World War II, Walter bought Central Steel Supply from his uncles and brother, resuscitating the floundering business. More than three decades later, inspired by the unpredictable weather of New England, he launched Charles River Apparel with its signature product: a yellow rain slicker.

After several years of stagnant sales in the retail space, Walter sent his son Barry (who joined Charles River Apparel in 1987) to a local promotional products trade show to gauge the potential of the market. The jacket was a hit, and the Lipsetts embraced the promo industry.

Over the past 40-plus years, the product line has expanded to include additional outerwear, activewear, corporate attire and other apparel.

In 1993, Barry purchased the business from his father, becoming president and CEO. He has since led the Sharon, Massachusetts-based supplier to significant sales increases: Charles River Apparel generated $40 million in 2023 revenue, up 25% since 2020. For 2024, the company earned PPAI 100 High Marks in the categories of Innovation and Employee Happiness.

Serving more than 13,000 distributors nationwide, the company’s lines have penetrated sporting goods, college bookstores, resort stores and other avenues.

From left to right: Jason, Deb, Barry and Walter Lipsett

Charles River Apparel has focused on philanthropic efforts as part of the Charles River Cares program, which was created by Barry’s wife Deb in 2010. Through the program, the firm has donated more than 108,000 products since 2018 to go along with additional monetary donations. Employees participate in volunteerism and fundraising events, such as Christmas in the City, an annual toy-filled party for homeless and poverty-stricken Boston-area families. Charles River Apparel’s closest philanthropic partner is Circle of Hope, which supports 22 homeless shelters in the area.

Throughout 2024, Charles River Apparel is donating 3% of net sales from its Franconia Collection to Meals on Wheels for a minimum of $25,000.
From August 1 to October 31, the firm is donating 10% of the purchase price from select pink items for a minimum donation of $10,000 and a maximum donation of $20,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Barry also participates in the Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual bike-a-thon that raises funds for cancer research.

“From the beginning, my vision for Charles River Apparel was to create a business rooted in strong core values, like bringing in quality merchandise and building good relationships with customers,” Walter says. “As we grew, maintaining these values became even more important, and I always hoped the company would remain in the family long-term. That was my objective when I founded the business, and I take great pleasure in seeing this legacy continue within our family.”

A New Generation

Although Barry had hoped he would one day hand the reins over to his son, he never pressured Jason to join Charles River Apparel.

He credits Deb, who was a career counselor at various colleges, in guiding Jason to explore his interests before choosing a path that resonated with him.

Barry also attributes Jason’s time as a competitive athlete – he played men’s varsity tennis in college and was a three-time Bay State Conference All-Star during high school – with teaching him discipline, hard work and leadership.

In 2013, Jason graduated magna cum laude from Bentley University with a bachelor’s in business management and a minor in psychology. The next year, he joined Charles River Apparel as a digital marketing manager and would later serve as the key project manager for the development of the company’s website.

In the fall of 2017, he took a two-year sabbatical to earn an MBA from Boston College.

Upon his return, Jason became marketing director before transitioning to vice president of strategic initiatives, a new position that he says enabled him to work as more of a partner with the leadership team, especially Barry, to “evolve and guide the big decisions impacting the company.”

Furthermore, Barry says he’s been helping prepare Jason for this new role by encouraging him to seek additional training, build relationships with customers and business partners and learn from the company’s successes and failures.

“Jason has a natural ability to build deep connections with team members, and I’ve always encouraged him to lean into this strength,” Barry says. “I’ve also emphasized the importance of aligning with the company’s core principles established by my dad, ensuring that our company’s legacy continues. Through these experiences, Jason has developed the skills and confidence needed to step into this expanded role.”

At the same time, Barry plans on staying very involved by nurturing and strengthening relationships with customers, constantly advocating for continuous improvement and seeking new ideas to differentiate the brand.

“Barry is very hands-on and excels at problem-solving, always directly engaging with challenges as they arise and constantly pushing the envelope with new ideas,” Walter says. “On the other hand, Jason has a unique approach to leadership by creating a strong team, leveraging a growth-oriented mindset and developing short and long-term strategies. It’s wonderful to see Barry and Jason complement each other so well and respect each other’s opinions, guiding the company forward with their distinctive styles.”

What’s Next For Charles River Apparel?

As president, Jason says he’ll focus on increasing market share and brand awareness through innovation, sustainability and customer relationships.

Under his leadership, the company will also prioritize modernizing the customer experience, expanding its product offerings and leveraging digital strategies.

“We now see more and more brands in this space, which is exciting,” Jason says, “and we believe that Charles River can easily be a true, nationally recognized lifestyle brand. We have all the ingredients: a great product, great story, great team and a great customer base.”

Jason says he’s also building a team built for long-term success, starting with the hiring of Heaslewood, who has plenty of experience growing apparel brands.

“After speaking with Jason and the team, I came away thinking they were humble and hungry, which really resonated with me,” Heaslewood says. “I’ve worked for corporations where there were egos at play, but they seem to park the egos at the door and just generally want what’s right. That comes with running a family business for so long.”

Heaslewood adds that the company’s structural changes allow the leadership team to now focus on key strategic initiatives to evolve Charles River Apparel.

“One thing that really appealed to me is the ability to be agile and pivot quickly if we need to,” Heaslewood says. “In working for a global brand like adidas, you can’t pivot quickly no matter how much you want to. So, if we can build off our infrastructure, then there are some exciting things that we could try within the marketplace.”

Ultimately, the leadership team is now able to invest in the brand in a bigger way, Jason says.

“We’re going to explore new opportunities for Charles River Apparel and really extend our solid core,” Jason says. “Our goal is to make Charles River Apparel more of a front-of-mind brand name for consumers bringing that demand into the promotional products industry.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

GMG Works Names Howard Cubberly CEO

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:10:13 GMT

Lakewood, New Jersey-based supplier GMG Works (PPAI 313899, Standard-Base) has announced that Howard Cubberly has joined the company as CEO.

GMG Works was founded 20 years ago as GMG Pen & Ultrapens and has since been rebranded.
Its product line includes pens, highlighters, drinkware and other promotional products.

“I’m excited to join GMG Works,” Cubberly says. “The super dedicated team here that has built a five-star and A+ reputation of personalized customer service for our distributor partners. The future is bright as we work to build on this foundation and align our value promise of continued great service with new creative product and decoration expansion to be the ‘Distributor’s Supplier.’”

Cubberly’s Background

A 33-year promo veteran, Cubberly most recently served as global general manager at Goldstar – the No. 16 supplier in the PPAI 100.

Under his leadership, Goldstar developed new product categories, expanded throughout North America and Europe and received multiple awards.
Cubberly previously worked for supplier Astor Chocolate and spent 14 years in sales management at Koozie Group – the No. 9 supplier in the PPAI 100.

“With Howard as our leader, we’re extremely excited about the future and for new opportunities,” says Jack Kahan, director of operations at GMG Works. “We’ve invested heavily in the latest printing technology, best software for order and customer experience efficiency, an entire line of patented designed pens, sustainable products and deep inventory for our programs department.”

Storm Creek Partners With bluesign

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:08:19 GMT

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold) – the No. 43 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has announced a partnership with bluesign (PPAI 825888, Standard-Base), a Swiss business services provider specializing in sustainable textile production.

The Eagan, Minnesota-based supplier is the first U.S.-based promotional products company to join the bluesign System.

Founded in 2000, bluesign employs more than 100 environmental experts, many of them Ph.D. chemical scientists who work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure production meets bluesign’s rigorous environmental, worker and consumer safety requirements in pursuit of textile materials certifications. If the manufacturing and chemistry assessments don’t meet the criteria, bluesign creates a roadmap for improvement.

Cybergroup International – a German-based company and the No. 34 distributor in the PPAI 100 – is bluesign’s first partner in the promo industry.

“This partnership takes our already strong commitment to sustainability to the next level,” says Doug Jackson, founder and president of Storm Creek. “Our aim is to inspire and educate promotional products distributors to sell sustainably and increase the impact their end buyers can have. Storm Creek is proud to set the standard for the promo industry.”

Storm Creek’s Pledge

As part of this commitment, Storm Creek has pledged to use only bluesign-approved fabrics by 2025.

Its upcoming 2025 product catalog already features a range of products made with bluesign-certified fabrics.

Storm Creek’s partnership with bluesign aligns with its mission to deliver high-performance, sustainable apparel while minimizing environmental impact.

Last year, the woman-owned, eco-friendly lifestyle apparel brand surpassed 32 million upcycled bottles used in its garment manufacturing, and it also accelerated the overall percentage of recycled content in its garments to more than 90%.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Storm Creek as a promotional products brand to join the bluesign System,” says Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign. “Their commitment to using 100% bluesign- approved fabrics by 2025 is a bold and commendable step towards a more sustainable future. Storm Creek’s leadership in this area sets an inspiring example for the entire promotional products industry.”

Drinkware Supplier Tervis Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:06:35 GMT

Drinkware supplier Tervis (PPAI 110960, Standard-Plus), known for its insulated tumblers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In the promotional products industry, Tervis’ product line is carried by Koozie Group – the No. 9 supplier in the PPAI 100.

The filing states that the North Venice, Florida-based company, which doesn’t disclose annual revenue figures, has total assets and liabilities ranging from $10 to $50 million, Business Observer reported.

“This difficult business decision was one that we made in order to preserve the company’s legacy and better the company for the future to ensure its continued existence and operational success in the decades to come,” said Tervis Chairman Rogan Donelly.

Koozie Group CEO Pierre Montaubin tells PPAI Media that, despite the bankruptcy filing, “it’s business as usual with Tervis.”

“We’ve been in close contact with them and will support them through this next phase,” Montaubin says. “Tervis is a fantastic brand with a great legacy, and we expect its products to continue to perform well in the promo market. ”

What Caused Tervis’ Bankruptcy?

Executives have cited several factors for the bankruptcy:

A drop in consumer spending and a rise in operating expenses due to inflation.
A post-COVID spike was followed by a sharp decline in e-commerce sales.
Retail locations that have failed to recover from the pandemic.
The closure of its distribution facility in order to sublease the property, “which has proven difficult.”
A “burdensome” lingering lawsuit filed in 2018 by a previous supplier.

Another major challenge for Tervis has been adapting to the stainless-steel drinkware trend, driven by competitors Yeti, S’well, Hydro Flask and, most notably, Stanley.

Tervis entered the stainless on-the-go drinkware market in 2016, but, officials say, “struggled to be competitive with larger brands on price at retail locations, and didn’t meet consumer expectations on product quality regarding chipping and peeling until January 2023,” Business Observer reported.

The third-generation family business, which was founded in 1946, won’t seek funding from outside investors to aid the company post-bankruptcy, Donelly said.

However, layoffs are expected in the coming weeks.

Tervis currently has about 140 employees, down from some 200 last fall and from its peak of 1,000 employees (including seasonal workers) nearly a decade ago, Business Observer reported.

Recovery Plan

Tervis CEO Hosana Fieber says the projected time frame to exit bankruptcy is three to six months.

“We have a thoughtful and executable plan in place to focus the company’s attention and resources back to our legacy product,” Fieber said.

That plan includes launching a new product category of melamine – a plastic often found in reusable utensils, dishes and cups – to accompany its classic drinkware portfolio, Business Observer reported.

“We didn’t meet consumer standards when we went outside our initial brand position and that’s what we need to get back to,” Fieber said. “We will focus on our classic portfolio while keeping our current high quality, premium stainless product lineup.”

Federal Judge Strikes Down FTC’s Non-compete Ban

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 22:07:30 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission’s new rule banning employers from imposing non-compete clauses on their employees has been denied by a federal judge in Texas.

Following up on her decision last month to grant a preliminary injunction preventing the rule from taking effect in September, U.S. District Judge Ada Brown on Tuesday struck down the ban, saying that the FTC didn’t have the power to issue such a sweeping regulation.

“The role of an administrative agency is to do as told by Congress, not to do what the agency thinks it should do,” Brown wrote in a 27-page opinion. “In sum, the court concludes that the FTC lacks statutory authority to promulgate the non-compete rule, and that the rule is arbitrary and capricious. Thus, the FTC’s promulgation of the rule is an unlawful agency action.”

‘Potential Appeal’

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark called the decision a “significant win in the Chamber’s fight against government micromanagement of business decisions.”

Meanwhile, FTC spokesperson Victoria Graham said the agency is “seriously considering a potential appeal.”

“We’re disappointed by Judge Brown’s decision and will keep fighting to stop non-competes that restrict the economic liberty of hardworking Americans, hamper economic growth, limit innovation and depress wages,” Graham said in a statement to ABC News.

Conflicting Decisions

The motion was requested by tax preparation company Ryan LLC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which filed a lawsuit just one day after the FTC’s 3-2 vote to issue the ban, which was set to take effect on September 4.

However, on July 23, a federal judge in Pennsylvania denied a small business’ request to temporarily block the ban.

U.S. District Judge Kelley Hodge in Philadelphia said that the “FTC is empowered to make both procedural and substantive rules as is necessary to prevent unfair methods of competition” under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

And then last week, a federal judge in Florida also temporarily blocked the ban.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan cited the “major questions doctrine,” which says that federal agencies can only issue rules with broad societal impacts with Congress’ explicit permission, Reuters reported.

Breaking Down The FTC Ruling

About 30 million people (20% of U.S. workers) have signed non-competes, according to the FTC.

In February, PPAI Media listed non-compete clauses as one of the key employment areas to watch in 2024 after the FTC proposed the legislation that this ban initially stemmed from in January.

California, Minnesota, Oklahoma and North Dakota have already banned noncompete agreements, and at least a dozen other states have passed laws limiting their use, Reuters reported.

Rachel Zoch, public affairs and research editor at PPAI, says that the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a 40-year precedent of deference to federal agencies in June, “so it’s likely we’ll see more challenges to administrative rules like this.”

“It’s possible that Congress will take up the issue, but not before the election,” Zoch says.

On July 3, Brown partially blocked the rule, saying that the FTC “lacks the substantive rulemaking authority with respect to unfair methods of competition.”

Non-compete clauses are a contractual term between an employer and a worker that blocks the worker from working for a competing employer or starting a competing business, typically within a certain geographic area and period of time after the worker’s employment ends.

Last year, Joshua White – then the head of strategy and general counsel at BAMKO and a member of the PPAI Board of Directors – wrote a column for PPAI Media arguing against non-compete contracts as a practice in promo and predicting the FTC’s decision.

“The point here is not to challenge your opinion on non-competes,” White wrote. “I expect the FTC will take that issue out of your hands soon enough. My point is to challenge the way you think about people, culture and the role you play in shaping both.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Canadian Rail Shutdown To Disrupt Supply Chain

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 22:04:41 GMT

The promotional products industry is about to experience yet another supply chain disruption as Canada’s two major freight railroads have halted operations.

Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern (CPKC) both locked out their employees on Thursday morning due to a contract dispute with the Teamsters union, The Associated Press reported.

The shutdown, which is impacting more than 9,000 unionized workers, could wreak havoc on both the Canadian and United States economies, as nearly a third of the freight handled by the two railroads crosses the U.S.-Canadian border, CNN reported.

For example, a three-day strike would cause $300 million ($407 million CAD) in economic damage, while a seven-day strike would bring losses to more than $1 billion ($1.4 billion CAD), according to the Anderson Economic Group, a research firm that specializes in estimating the economic impact of work stoppages.

“We fully understand and appreciate what this work stoppage means for Canadians and our economy,” CPKC said in a press release. “CPKC is acting to protect Canada’s supply chains, and all stakeholders, from further uncertainty and the more widespread disruption that would be created should this dispute drag out further resulting in a potential work stoppage occurring during the fall peak shipping period. Delaying resolution to this labour dispute will only make things worse.”

After Canada introduced new duty and rest period rules in 2023, CN wanted to increase shift durations from up to 10 hours a day to up to 12 hours a day, Reuters reported.

Not surprisingly, the Teamsters rebuffed.

Without an agreement or binding arbitration, CN says it had no choice but to finalize a safe and orderly shutdown and proceed with a lockout.

However, Canada doesn’t have the same law as the U.S. does that would allow Trudeau to prevent a lockout or strike while a panel weighs the demands of the union and the companies.

A similar situation occurred in the U.S. in 2022, but President Joe Biden and Congress intervened, forcing unions to accept a deal.

What Led To The Lockout?

All parties involved were aware that a shutdown was likely to happen: CPKC has been negotiating with the Teamsters for nearly a year and CN has been trying to reach an agreement for nine months, The Associated Press reported.

The labor dispute is largely over wage increases, scheduling and demands for better work-life balance, according to the union and companies.

“Over the last nine months, CN has negotiated in good faith,” CN said in a press release. “The company consistently proposed serious offers, with better pay, improved rest and more predictable schedules. The Teamsters have not shown any urgency or desire to reach a deal that is good for employees, the company and the economy. We urge the Teamsters to engage in these negotiations with the urgency and importance that this situation requires.”

Despite the lockout, the union says it remains at the bargaining table with both companies.

“Throughout this process, CN and CPKC have shown themselves willing to compromise rail safety and tear families apart to earn an extra buck,” says Paul Boucher, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. “The railroads don’t care about farmers, small businesses, supply chains or their own employees. Their sole focus is boosting their bottom line, even if it means jeopardizing the entire economy.”

Less than 48 hours before the shutdown, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce issued a joint statement calling on Canada’s government to “immediately intervene.”

“A stoppage of rail service will be devastating to Canadian businesses and families and impose significant impacts on the U.S. economy. Significant two-way trade and deeply integrated supply chains between Canada and the United States mean that any significant rail disruption will jeopardize the livelihoods of workers across multiple industries on both sides of the border. The Government of Canada must take action to ensure goods continue to move reliably between our two countries,” the chambers said.

Both railroad companies have also called on the government to intervene and refer the dispute to binding arbitration, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declined thus far.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Vantage Apparel Partners With Starline To Expand Webstore Product Offering

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:59:06 GMT

Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, Platinum) – the No. 12 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has announced a strategic partnership with Starline (PPAI 112719, Gold) – the No. 15 supplier in the PPAI 100 – to significantly expand the product offering available through Vantage’s webstores.

The partnership will provide distributors with access to a diverse range of single-piece, on-demand branded products, such as apparel, bags, coolers, Bluetooth speakers, flashlights and drinkware, including Stanley products.

Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel, says the collaboration with Starline marks a significant milestone for the New Jersey-based firm.

Both Vantage Apparel and Starline earned 2024 PPAI 100 High Marks for Innovation.

‘One-Stop Solution’

The platform boasts a range of features, including pop-up shops, points programs, budget allocations, powerful reporting and order approvals.

“Vantage is known industry wide for its creative and innovative decoration capabilities, combined with first-class apparel,” says Brian Porter, chief revenue officer at Starline. “This works so well with our award-winning digital Tru Color decorating and best-in-class product quality that the synergy was a natural fit. We’re beyond thrilled to expand our ‘On Demand’ capabilities and combine those in a one-stop solution for both apparel and hard goods.”

“By integrating Starline’s high-quality hard goods into our platform, we’re not only broadening our product range, but also enhancing the value we provide to our distributors and their customers,” Watson says. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to innovation, integration and excellence in the promotional products industry.”

The partnership comes on the heels of Vantage launching its new webstore platform, which includes PCI and SOC2 compliance measures, ensuring the “highest standards” of data protection and privacy for users.

Vantage’s collaboration with Starline allows distributors to incorporate a curated selection of both apparel and hard goods into their webstore, providing real-time inventory and enhanced ordering capabilities for all products.

“Each product in Starline’s on-demand lineup offers the same single-piece, decorated option that our customers have grown to love and expect from Vantage,” says Chris Alfano, chief digital officer at Vantage Apparel.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

SnugZ USA Names New CTO

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:23:36 GMT

SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982, Platinum) – the No. 7 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has announced the addition of Alex Barberis as its new chief technology officer.

The West Jordan, Utah-based firm earned 2024 PPAI 100 High Marks in Innovation.

“I’m thrilled to join the incredible team at SnugZ,” Barberis says. “Their talent and dedication are truly inspiring, and I see immense potential to drive the company’s growth through innovative technology solutions. I look forward to collaborating with everyone to take SnugZ to new heights.”

Previously, he was the CTO at BEL USA, parent company of BEL Promo – the No. 34 supplier in the PPAI 100.

After leading the digital transformation of manufacturing processes and e-commerce capabilities at BEL USA, Barberis joined Amazon, where he worked on new and existing products in the music streaming and automotive spaces.

“Alex’s extensive background in technology and management will be instrumental in driving SnugZ USA’s growth and technological advancements and will propel our organization into the future,” says Brandon Mackay, MAS, president and CEO of SnugZ USA.

Barberis’ Background

Barberis is returning to the promotional products industry after two years away.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Alavez, Gammon Named PPAI Board Candidates

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:21:20 GMT

PPAI has announced the slate of candidates for its incoming Board of Directors class, due to serve the promotional products industry’s leading nonprofit trade association from January of 2025 until 2029.

The two-person slate includes Kate Alavez, president of PromoShop – ranked the No. 29 distributor on the PPAI 100 – and Mark Gammon, CEO of Cap America, which is PPAI 100’s No. 18 supplier.

The election to approve the slate begins August 26 and closes August 30. Each PPAI member company’s voting contact is eligible to cast a vote for the slate. Voting will be done electronically, and a new 2024 username and password will be emailed to the voting contacts when voting opens.

A candidate must receive majority approval among votes cast to be named to the board of directors following The PPAI Expo 2025.

The two board seats represent replacements for the expiring terms of Karie Cowden, MAS, founder and president of Connect the Dots Promotions and Kevin Walsh, CAS, president of Showdown Displays.

Alavez and Gammon were nominated to the slate following evaluation by the Leadership Advisory Committee, vetting by the Elected Directors Nominating Committee and ultimately, approval by the sitting PPAI Board of Directors. Each group consists of member volunteers.

About Kate Alavez

When her employer, Diagnostic Products Corporation, was sold to Siemens in 2006, Alavez took a recommendation from a family friend and applied at PromoShop as a Sales Support Assistant. Eventually spending over a decade in human resources, Alavez was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and then President of the Los Angeles-based distributor earlier this year.

Alavez spoke to PPAI Media about the experiences that have prepared her for a potential seat on the Board.

About Mark Gammon

After nearly eight years at distributor The Vernon Company, where Gammon honed his skills in sales management, business development and client relationship-building, the industry veteran joined Cap America in 2018 as Vice President of Sales. He quickly climbed the company ladder, becoming President and COO of the Missouri-based firm less than two years later.

Gammon spoke with PPAI Media about what he’s hoping to bring to the board.

Along with those terms set to expire in January, the PPAI Board of Directors currently includes Regional Relations Committee delegate Kara Keister, MAS, of distributor Social Good Promotions, Dan Pantano of supplier alphabroder, Danny Rosin of distributor Brand Fuel, Chris Anderson of supplier HPG, Denise Taschereau of distributor Fairware, Lori Bauer of distributor iPROMOTEu, Erin Reilly of supplier Pop! Promos, Zack Ottenstein of distributor The Image Group and Board Chair Andrew Spellman, CAS, of supplier Therabody.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

How You Can Celebrate Promotional Products Work Day

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:19:26 GMT

We’re one week away from Promotional Products Work Day, an annual event organized by PPAI to raise awareness about the power of promotional products and the impact they can have on brand recognition, customer loyalty and overall business success.

On August 20, the Association – together with its members and other industry professionals – will actively recognize and promote the value and effectiveness of promo products – the most memorable form of advertising.

Nearly three quarters (73%) of end buyers purchase promo products on either a monthly or quarterly basis, and 83% are satisfied with the quality of the branded merchandise they receive from their primary source, according to PPAI Research’s Understanding End Buyers 2024 study.

Through various activities, events and educational resources, Promotional Products Work Day aims to inspire and inform businesses and consumers why promo products are universally valued and essential to every brand.

Facebook

Instagram

#SpotThePromo

In honor of Promotional Products Work Day, PPAI is launching #SpotThePromo, a social media campaign designed to showcase the ubiquitousness of promo products.

Industry members are encouraged to post photos of the merch that they encounter throughout the day, along with the hashtags #promotionalproductswork and #SpotThePromo, while tagging PPAI’s social media accounts.

The Association’s leaders will also #SpotThePromo while visiting with members throughout the week. Of course, Promotional Products Work Day is an international holiday, and the Promotional Products Professionals of Canada (PPPC) will also be participating.

“The goal of #SpotThePromo on Promotional Products Work Day is to show off the way promo works its way into our homes, offices, cars, pockets, and more, becoming part of our lives in a way that other advertising simply can’t,” says Lindsey Davis, MAS, director of sales and professional development at PPAI.

Don’t miss anything on Aug. 20 and beyond. Follow PPAI on social media:

Here are nine ways that you can celebrate Promotional Products Work Day.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

96-Year-Old Supplier Quick Point To Shut Down

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:06:46 GMT

After nearly a century in business, Quick Point (PPAI 114051, Silver) is shutting down.

John Goessling, president of the Missouri-based supplier of drinkware, letter openers and home accessories, has decided to retire from the promotional products industry and he will be closing his company at the end of the month.

“My three successful children have already discovered their talents in other professions and decided the promotional products industry just wasn’t for them,” Goessling tells PPAI Media. “With these things in mind, I decided this was a good time to retire and write my next chapter.”

The firm will still be accepting orders from distributors through the end of August and plans on wrapping up production by the end of September or early October.

Family Business

Goessling’s grandfather founded the company (formerly known as Quick Point Pencil Company) in 1928.

Goessling’s father, John Sr., took over the firm after serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Goessling drew his first paycheck from Quick Point in 1969 and has been with the company full-time since 1990.
The company is most known for their line of Zippy letter openers they introduced in the 1960’s

“It saddens me to say goodbye,” Goessling says. “I want to thank everyone who contributed to keeping Quick Point in business for the last 96 years. The industry has been good to me and my family, but I’m ready to see what’s ahead.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Bangladesh Unrest Disrupts Supply Chain

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:03:02 GMT

Turmoil in Bangladesh has disrupted the apparel industry.

Protests over a quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence against Pakistan in 1971 turned violent in mid-July, and has since resulted in more than 400 deaths, The Independent reported.

The mass uprising forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country.

Curfews and an internet blackout have been implemented to quell the unrest, but they’ve also led to many international garment buyers either cancelling their orders or demanding compensation for the hassle, The Bangladesh Business Post reported.

Mohammad Hatem, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), estimated that orders worth approximately $4 billion were lost to competitors during the internet blackout.

Garment factories, accounting for 90% of Bangladesh’s exports, reopened on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Bangladesh was the third-largest exporter of clothing in the world last year, after China and the European Union, according to data from the World Trade Organization.

Impact On Promo

Bangladesh emerged as one of the fastest-growing alternatives to China, especially for apparel, after the tariffs rolled out in 2018, according to Rachel Zoch, public affairs and research editor at PPAI.

H&M, Levi Strauss, Target and Fruit of the Loom are among major retailers who source garments from Bangladesh factories or have their own operations in the country, Reuters reported.

“Sourcing from Bangladesh hasn’t been without challenges, however, and this latest turmoil comes less than a year after violent protests and a massive weeklong strike by garment workers for higher wages,” Zoch says. “It’s critical that importers look at regional stability, as well as prioritizing safety and ethics, when considering sourcing from emerging markets.”

The unrest may lead to delays in promotional products firms receiving apparel in time for the holiday season, says Larry Whitney, managing partner of Whitney & Whitney Consulting Group and former director of global compliance at PCNA – the No. 3 supplier in the PPAI 100.

PCNA told PPAI Media last year that it had shifted 90% of its cotton product procurement from China to India and Bangladesh.

“I suspect that the unrest comes at a bad time for those suppliers who are using Bangladeshi factories and have new styles that are supposed to ship to North America in the next few weeks,” Whitney says. “The longer the unrest lasts, the longer it will take factories to manufacture orders. There are often challenges with getting goods on vessels in Bangladesh, too.”

Gildan Activewear – the No. 10 supplier in the PPAI 100 – announced earlier this year that it would shift the manufacturing of its basic apparel pieces from Honduras to Bangladesh.

Despite the unrest in recent weeks, Gildan’s expansion plans will carry on as scheduled, according to Geneviève Gosselin, director of global communications and corporate marketing at Gildan.

“As the situation unfolds in Bangladesh, our priority is to continue to ensure that our employees are safe,” Gosselin told PPAI Media. “Our operations have been temporarily closed to ensure our employees’ safety and respect the three-day government-imposed curfew and declared general holiday. We expect the situation will stabilize over the upcoming days, which would allow us to resume our operations.”

Gosselin says the expansion involves the development of a large multi-plant manufacturing complex expected to house two large textile facilities and related sewing operations. The construction of the first textile and sewing complex is “substantially completed,” Gosselin says, while a “progressive ramp-up” of operations is underway and will continue through 2024.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

AAA Innovations President Jeffrey Nanus Retires

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:51:55 GMT

After more than three decades in the promotional products industry, Jeffrey Nanus has retired.

Nanus was the president of Orangeburg, New York-based supplier AAA Innovations (PPAI 110972, Standard-Plus), which was acquired in April by Sign-Zone, the parent company of Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, Platinum) – the No. 8 supplier in the PPAI 100.

After spending the Fourth of July weekend with his family, Nanus says he made the decision to step away from promo. “There should be a new voice to lead the company forward,” he told PPAI Media on Thursday after finishing a round of golf. “My family is excited, maybe even more so than I am.”

Nanus purchased AAA Innovations (formerly AAA Umbrella) in 1992, growing the firm from $1 million in revenue to roughly $40 million. “I grew the company the same way that many suppliers and distributors do – by being fortunate enough to hire a bunch of great people to work with,” he says.

Nanus takes great pride in AAA Innovations being ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability.

He says the company redesigned every one of its products (that it could) to include certified recycled materials without raising prices.

“I learned from clients that everybody loves the idea of doing good for the environment until they hear the cost,” Nanus says. “Well, we sold our eco-friendly products at the same price as non-eco-friendly products. It wasn’t a marketing gimmick for us. It was the legacy that I wanted to leave.”

American Dream

When Sign-Zone acquired AAA Innovations, Nanus was expected to remain with the organization as president. Nonetheless, Sign-Zone CEO John Bruellman supports Nanus’ decision and wishes him all the best.

“I respect the guy like crazy,” Bruellman says. “He’s the classic example of the American dream. He took a company from almost nothing, going through all the typical struggles that an entrepreneur does and grew it into a substantial enterprise. It’s time for him to enjoy the fruits of that.

“Frankly, I’m not sure how well he’ll do in retirement because he’s a very hard worker. We’ll see how well he can relax.”

Bruellman anticipates a seamless transition for customers, as the firms’ factories were integrated following the acquisition. However, AAA Innovations will continue to retain its own brand identity and sales team. Bruellman will oversee Nanus’ direct reports until a successor is named.

“We have some big shoes to fill,” Bruellman says. “I told him, ‘We’ll take care of your baby and hopefully improve upon all the good things you did here’ while continuing to take the business in the right direction.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

S&S Activewear Acquires alphabroder

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:42:43 GMT

S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum) – the No. 5 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has announced the acquisition of alphabroder (PPAI 156993, Platinum) – the No. 2 supplier in the PPAI 100.

Based on alphabroder’s 2023 revenue, this acquisition could put S&S Activewear’s revenue this year at more than $4 billion, potentially unseating SanMar as the No. 1 supplier in the promotional products industry.

S&S Activewear and alphabroder have satisfied the regulatory review needed to complete the transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur later this year, both companies will continue to go to market under their respective brands and existing distribution channels.

S&S Activewear CEO Frank Myers and alphabroder CEO Dan Pantano will lead a disciplined, multi-year integration process designed to maintain the sales momentum for each business and position the combined company for long-term growth.

“We’re pleased to reach an agreement that unites two great companies and positions the S&S Activewear and alphabroder family of employees, customers and vendors for long-term growth,” Myers says.

“With the addition of alphabroder’s dedicated and experienced employee base, strong portfolio of brands and distribution capabilities, we’ll not only expand our product offering, but will also accelerate our investment in the customer experience, including our marketing, technology and supply-chain capabilities. Building on S&S Activewear’s 35-year track record of growth, we look forward to welcoming alphabroder to the organization while continuing to strengthen our win-win relationships with our industry partners.”

Industry Reaction

The merger, which joins two of only three companies in the industry with annual sales in excess of $2 billion, is arguably the most substantial example of the industry’s increasing consolidation.

“Since no single company or group of companies dominates market share, it should come as no surprise that our industry is ripe for continued consolidation,” says Dawn Olds, MAS, Interim CEO and President of PPAI.

“Having been part of many acquisitions myself, I know that both sides go into a deal expecting to see 1+1 equal more than 2. It will be exciting to see these two great organizations achieve their joint vision and come together to do things they might not have done alone.”

In response to the merger, which puts the combined company on pace to potentially rival SanMar in the apparel market, SanMar CEO Jeremy Lott told PPAI Media: “We have great competitors today as we have had for over 50 years. We will continue to be focused on our customers and how we can best service them. That’s what has made us successful in the past and will continue to be our focus in the future.”

Ultimately, the merger is an exciting development, according to Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu – the No. 11 distributor in the PPAI 100 – and a member of the PPAI Board of Directors.

“Both companies are well regarded as iPROMOTEu preferred vendors,” Bauer says, “and this merger promises to enhance the customer experience significantly. With their plans to expand product offerings, invest in technology and upgrade resources and capabilities, we believe this acquisition will drive industry growth and provide enhanced services for promo distributors.”

What To Expect

As part of the transaction, S&S Activewear intends to make significant investments in technology, the integration and expansion of its sales force, its supply chain and distribution capabilities, and the employee experience.

“We’re thrilled to have found a partner in S&S Activewear that shares our customer-centric approach and commitment to investing in the brands, infrastructure and teams needed to build and strengthen successful long-term relationships,” Pantano says. “alphabroder has created one of the industry’s leading brand portfolios, and together with S&S Activewear, will benefit from an even stronger and deeper supply-chain network backed by integrated marketing and order fulfillment capabilities.”

S&S Activewear’s acquisition of alphabroder will build on its significant investments in its North American network and footprint. Since 2015, S&S Activewear has established twelve distribution centers, creating a nationwide coverage network to serve 99% of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico within two days.

As a combined business, S&S Activewear will focus on advancing its sustainability efforts, which has included the adoption of solar energy technology, high-efficiency LED lighting, water efficiency, and recycled packaging across the organization.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Gemline Expands Decade-long Partnership With Samsonite

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:43:28 GMT

Gemline has announced an expanded partnership with High Sierra, a retail provider of primarily backpacks and duffels that is part of the Samsonite umbrella.

The collaboration will make PPAI 100’s No. 11 supplier the exclusive provider of High Sierra’s Fall and holiday lineup.
The announcement builds on a successful partnership that began nearly a decade ago when Samsonite chose Gemline (PPAI 113948 Professional Platinum) to make headway in the branded merchandise marketplace.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to continuously expand our product offering, and this partnership allows us to deliver unprecedented value to our customers,” says Gemline President and CEO Frank Carpenito of the recent collaboration.

The extended partnership between Gemline and Samsonite is an example of promo and retail brands finding success by leveraging known and trusted products and incorporating them into the promo marketplace. High Sierra’s focus on products meant for travel – either business or adventure – creates a promotional opportunity for a brand name to be seen in myriad global settings.

“High Sierra’s retail products offer the perfect canvas for brand visibility, ensuring that businesses stand out in a competitive market, and it’s the first time these retail products have been offered in the promotional channel,” says Carpenito.

Earlier this year, Gemline reincorporated as a Public Benefit Corporation, meaning the government has recognized the supplier as being in the public interest and requiring Gemline to certain fiduciary responsibilities.
This was followed up by debuting an extensive carbon footprint data program that provides public information about individual products offered through Gemline.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Terry Town Back At Full Operating Capacity Following Cyberattack

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:39:44 GMT

Terry Town’s systems are back online after suffering a cyberattack causing a multi-day outage. The incident left the supplier unable to perform key functions required to process or ship orders from Monday through Wednesday.

Terry Town (PPAI 230911, Professional Gold) is PPAI 100’s No. 40 ranked supplier.
While staff emails were not down, the staff temporarily lost access as passwords were changed as security measures.

“We have spent the past two weeks working to restore full operations,” says Sy Ereren president of Terry Town. “Currently, we are safely back and fully operational, with all communication lines open.”

The computer network disruption took place on Monday, July 15 with the hack possibly occurring the weekend prior.
As of July 18, Terry Town was safely able to communicate via phone and email, but the supplier was still not what it considered to be fully operational.

The supplier says that there is no evidence data breach occurred as a result of the hack.

What Happened?

On July 15 Terry Town experienced a cyber-attack that impacted its main server, disrupting order processing, inventory management and phone and email communications.

In response to the incident, the company has:

Conducted comprehensive system scans
Implemented enhanced security measures to protect against future threats.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. With no current evidence of a data breach, partners of Terry Town should not be concerned with the status of any private information.

“Our primary challenge now is addressing the backlog of communications and processing requests,” says Ereren.

A Growing Trend Of Cyber Scams

The entire promo industry needs to be aware of the constant threat of cyber scammers, ransomware possibilities and general hackers. Safe practices and employee education are more than a wise precaution against an unlikely threat. Any given member of PPAI should expect to be targeted in multiple attempts of these types of crimes.

In fact, PPAI itself was targeted recently in a defrauding scam, as recently detailed by PPAI Media.

Unfortunately, this is a reality that promo firms will need to accept. In the near future, the number of scammers will only increase, and their tactics will become more sophisticated.

Many large enterprise clients are demanding that distributors increase their data protection efforts despite the often-high cost to do so.
In June, PPAI Media reported on a Florida distributorship’s bank account being hacked, leaving the owners high and dry when their bank would not assist.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Maple Ridge Farms Acquires Sweeter Cards

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:24:36 GMT

Maple Ridge Farms (PPAI 114165, Gold) has announced the acquisition of St. Louis-based Sweeter Cards (PPAI 810735, Standard-Base).

It’s the first acquisition in the Mosinee, Wisconsin-based gourmet food company’s 45-year history.
Maple Ridge Farms is the No. 60 supplier in the PPAI 100.

As a result of the deal, Sweeter Cards will continue to operate from St. Louis and carry the same chocolate, but there will be overlap in the firms’ product offerings and sales teams.

“Sweeter Cards is an incredibly good fit for us,” says Tom Riordan, founder and president of Maple Ridge Farms. “The enthusiasm and synergy between these two companies is incredible.”

Your Reputation Precedes You

Riordan is quick to credit Jodie Schillinger, MAS, executive vice president at Maple Ridge Farms, for spearheading the deal.

Although M&A was never a focus for the company, Schillinger says she’s always on the lookout for the next big thing. While a local candy maker or ice cream provider may have caught her eye over the years, nobody has had a more compelling story than Stacy Stahl, who launched Sweeter Cards in 2019.

The company’s flagship product is an all-in-one, fully customizable greeting card and chocolate bar.
As a woman-owned enterprise, Sweeter Cards prioritizes fair trade-certified chocolate, recyclable card packaging and the employment of adults with disabilities.

“When I read her story, I thought it was brilliant,” Schillinger says. “She’s a fascinating entrepreneur, thoughtful, but fast moving, and knows how to incorporate fun in her design work, which our marketing team and I absolutely admire and love.”

Schillinger met Stahl at The PPAI Expo 2024, where the latter was the runaway champion of The Pitch, winning over a panel of veteran distributor judges. Of course, Stahl was well-aware of Maple Ridge Farms’ dominant presence in the promotional products industry, praising it as the “shining example of how a food company can be great in this space.”

Maple Ridge Farms scored No. 1 in the Employee Happiness category in the 2024 PPAI 100. This comes as no surprise, as the firm has appeared three times on PPAI’s Greatest Companies To Work For list.

But she was blown away by Schillinger’s warmth and open arms, especially considering they were competitors at the time. Schillinger followed up a month or so later to see if they could collaborate on any projects and learn from each other. After finding complementary strengths in their personalities, dedication to their customers and the ethos of their businesses, Stahl says an acquisition seemed inevitable.

“From the moment it was on the table, it felt like it was the perfect match,” Stahl says.

Missing Ingredients

Ultimately, the acquisition came together because both parties have something the other desires.

In addition to Sweeter Cards’ values aligning with those of Maple Ridge Farms, the former offers a solution to a problem that the latter has never been able to crack.

“We’ve struggled to find a good quality gift for the under $20 price point,” Schillinger says. “Although we have gifts in that category, Sweeter Cards is really going to help amplify that. We want to create this brand legacy with an impactful message. To find a partner that represents those same values and leads with integrity, fun and delicious food doesn’t happen a whole lot, especially under that $20 price point.”

As for Stahl, she feels as if she’s taken her company as far as she can on her own. Joining an established player in the food market can instantly broaden Sweeter Cards’ reach. After all, Maple Ridge Farms has relationships with nearly seven times as many distributors as Stahl’s firm does.

“It’s hard to grow without additional resources,” Stahl says. “I love bringing ideas into reality, creating efficient supply chains and processes around them, essentially creating a well-oiled machine. Once that machine is ready to go, it leaves me just in a sales position. There’s a lot of potential, but with just little ol’ me, I can take it only so far. I was primed for a larger organization with deep sales relationships, and I don’t know anyone with deeper relationships than the Maple Ridge team.”

In February, Sweeter Cards joined Rupt Ventures.

Anticipating exponential growth due to the acquisition, Stahl says her role will be to continue managing brand awareness, as well as working with the Maple Ridge product team on innovation.

“There’s just so much brand alignment, which is hard to find,” Stahl says. “Every conversation I’ve ever had with someone who could be a potential acquirer, my thoughts are always half in my brain and half in my heart. If the integrity or the overlap in mission and values isn’t there, then the conversation doesn’t go much further than a handshake and a ‘take care.’”

Hit The Ground Running

The deal couldn’t have come at a better time, as both companies are gearing up for the holiday season – their busiest period of the year.

Riordan says Labor Day weekend kicks off the marketing push for holiday orders.
Maple Ridge Farms has 27 full-time employees and ramps up to 300 seasonally, Schillinger adds.

The companies plan to introduce new gourmet treats within Sweeter Cards’ offering (cookies were added before the acquisition), featuring Maple Ridge Farms’ diverse array of food items. For example, jelly beans and gummy bears could soon find their way into Sweeter Cards’ greeting cards, Riordan says.

He also hasn’t shut the door to further acquisitions, but it depends on the opportunity. Considering he and Stahl just happen to be kindred spirits, this deal was too sweet to pass up.

“We think alike,” Riordan says. “She has really good instincts, which is important for anybody in business. She’s very personable and likeable, and of course, people like to do business with people they like. She’s also very quality oriented, which works very well with us because we don’t want to have the cheapest gifts out there. We want to have the best.”

Stahl says that she sees a lot of herself in Riordan, and vice versa, emphasizing the shared chemistry in how they view their businesses, clients and products.

“I’ve already learned a lot from his tried-and-true stories,” Stahl says. “Both of my parents were lifelong entrepreneurs, so I’ve seen what it means to put your heart into something for so long, and I really admire that in Tom.”

It’s a mutually beneficial relationship in many ways, says Schillinger, who’s eager to learn from Stahl’s lean efficiencies while imparting some of her wisdom from two decades in promo to the industry up-and-comer.

“Stacy’s story and Sweeter Cards is part of our branding ethos moving forward,” Schillinger says. “Together, we’re here to help grow the Sweeter Cards brand within Maple Ridge while being true to Stacy’s story just as true as we are to the Maple Ridge story. It’s an organic fit that will help hype a vibe on the foodie scene.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

ASB and ASI Co-Host International Dinner to Advance Global Expansion Efforts

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:14:42 GMT

American Solutions for Business recently co-hosted an international dinner with industry partner, Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). This event underscored our commitment to building a global network and brought together industry leaders and partners from around the world.

Guests joined the dinner as they arrived to attend the ASI Show in Chicago, IL. This served as an opportunity to welcome individuals from all over the world, including representatives from leading promotional product industry countries such as Canada, UK, Germany, and Turkey. As we continue expansion, we remain mindful of the industry and our customer base on a global scale.

“When Dana asked me if I’d be interested in co-hosting a dinner with him and the ABS team for all the international promo folks coming to the ASI Chicago Show, I happily accepted,” says Michele Bell, ASI’s Senior Vice President of Content & Global Alliances. “I know what it’s like to travel to overseas promo shows and not know many people, and I’ve always appreciated how warm and generous our global industry colleagues have been to me and members of ASI’s team when we attend their events. Dana’s idea to have this dinner and welcome our promo friends from around the world to show them the gracious hospitality they’ve shown us was a fabulous one.”

We value our partnership with ASI on this event and on shared initiatives to reach global markets. ASB is proud to build relationships with industry leaders from around the world.

Federal Judge Sides With FTC In Non-compete Ban Challenge

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:31:46 GMT

A federal judge in Pennsylvania has denied a small business’ request to temporarily block the Federal Trade Commission’s new rule banning employers from imposing non-compete clauses on their employees.

Earlier this month, a federal judge in Texas partially blocked the FTC’s rule, vowing to issue a final ruling by August 30, with the rule set to take effect on September 4.

‘Empowered…To Prevent Unfair Methods Of Competition’

Perkasie, Pennsylvania-based ATS Tree Services, which has 12 employees, argued that it would be “irreparably harmed” by the rule, which the company claims the FTC “lacks the authority to issue.”

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Kelley Hodge in Philadelphia disagreed, saying that the “FTC is empowered to make both procedural and substantive rules as is necessary to prevent unfair methods of competition” under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

Furthermore, ATS Tree Services didn’t demonstrate how it will incur “nonrecoverable efforts to comply” with the rule and lose “the contractual benefits from its existing non-compete agreements,” according to Hodge.

“The Court finds Plaintiff has failed to establish a reasonable likelihood that it will succeed on the merits of its claims that the FTC lacks substantive rulemaking authority under its enabling statute, that the FTC exceeded its authority, and that Congress unconstitutionally delegated legislative power to the FTC,” Hodge wrote in her opinion.

Josh Robbins, an attorney for ATS at the Pacific Legal Foundation, said he and his clients were “disappointed” by the judge’s decision and vowed to “continue to fight the FTC’s power-grab.”

“The FTC does not have the statutory authority to rewrite millions of employment contracts by banning non-compete agreements. ATS, a small tree care business, relies on its non-compete agreements to enable it to provide valuable training to its employees. Banning these agreements will significantly harm ATS’s business,” Robbins told The Hill.

Meanwhile, FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar tweeted: “The judge’s decision fully vindicates that precedent and the plain text of the FTC Act clearly provide us rulemaking authority to ban noncompete clauses, which harm competition by inhibiting workers’ freedom and mobility while stunting economic growth.”

Partially Blocked

Hodge’s decision conflicts with that of U.S. District Judge Ada Brown in Dallas, who said in a written decision on July 3 that the FTC “lacks the substantive rulemaking authority with respect to unfair methods of competition.”

As a result, Brown granted a motion for a preliminary injunction preventing the rule from taking effect in September while the court considers if the FTC actually has the power to issue the ban.

The motion was requested by tax preparation company Ryan LLC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which filed a lawsuit just one day after the FTC’s 3-2 vote.
The order prevents the rule from being enforced specifically against Ryan and the Chamber – Brown denied their request to block the rule nationwide.

Appeals appear likely in both cases, regardless of the outcome, according to Law360. If the Third Circuit, which reviews decisions in Pennsylvania, and the Fifth Circuit, which reviews decisions in Texas, issue split decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court may get involved.

Meanwhile, a third case is underway in Florida federal court with retirement community Properties of the Villages challenging the FTC’s rule.

Breaking Down The FTC Ruling

About 30 million people (20% of U.S. workers) have signed non-competes, according to the FTC.
The FTC’s ruling leaves existing non-competes with senior executives intact while banning future non-competes for top corporate officials.

In February, PPAI Media listed non-compete clauses as one of the key employment areas to watch in 2024 after the FTC proposed the legislation that this ban initially stemmed from in January.

California, Minnesota, Oklahoma and North Dakota have already banned noncompete agreements, and at least a dozen other states have passed laws limiting their use, Reuters reported.
The FTC’s rule would be the first nationwide prohibition of non-competes.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PCNA Grows Workforce With Second Chance And Refugee Hiring Programs

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:27:37 GMT

PCNA does not have labor pool concerns, according to Walt McMann, executive vice president of operations of PPAI 100’s No. 3 supplier. In a landscape in which many companies claim to struggle to find talent, deliberately inclusive hiring practices have helped PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum) nurture its employees into a stable and growing workforce.

“We work hard to wholistically manage our workforce so that they can reach their individual potential and aspirations, balance work, family and interests and be fairly paid to market,” McMann says. “We appreciate diversity and offer a safe environment.”

That approach is both tested and validated by two specific programs that PCNA incorporates into its hiring practices.

Through a partnership with the non-profit Hello Neighbor, PCNA hires refugees, primarily from Afghanistan, who are sometimes more than qualified in terms of education or experience but need opportunities or assistance overcoming language barriers.
In a similar vein, PCNA’s Second Chance program hires workers with criminal backgrounds, many of them formerly incarcerated, and provides them with necessary training and living wages.

The results have been overwhelmingly positive as PCNA has managed to practice faith that its investment in people is a mutually beneficial prospect.

“It’s amazing that if you give people an opportunity, believe in and encourage, train and support – nearly to the person they will give you their best work and effort every day,” McMann says.

Whether refugees or second-chance workers, PCNA’s hiring managers have been rewarded for the opportunities they’ve extended.

“Many of these employees are top performers in their departments,” says McMann.

Good Neighbors Are Good Teammates

In late 2021 and early 2022, PCNA looked at the employment pools in its hiring geographic and realized a way to expand its hiring reach: refugees from Afghanistan, which at the time made up the largest demographic of refugees in the Pennsylvania area. This led to partnering with Hello Neighbor to structure a program designed to help these new community members assimilate to their new country while working jobs that could allow them to establish a footing in their new home.

Having fled their country for reasons out of their control, many of these refugees hold advanced degrees back home, but they may not speak English.
PCNA provides a company translator to all who Hello Neighbor employees, which includes one hour per week of English lessons in which the employees are paid for the session.

After just the first year of partnering with Hello Neighbor, PCNA employed 58% of the non-profit’s active clients.

The supplier currently has 11 full-time employees who have matriculated through the Hello Neighbor program.

Often coming to the U.S. with no family or contacts and experiencing drastic culture shock, the refugees who come through the program are given training that goes beyond job functions and focuses on how to adapt to life in the U.S. and maintain dignified employment.

Refusing to fall into the politicization of their community neighbors, PCNA accepted the nature of the circumstances that many refugees from Afghanistan were in the Pennsylvania area desperate to improve their lives, and ultimately, contribute positively to their new surroundings.

“The better a workplace and workforce represents the communities in which we operate, the more opportunity you have to ensure employees for today and the future,” McMann says.

Second Chances And First Priorities

Every member of PCNA’s Second Chance Program has a criminal conviction to their name, including some who were formerly incarcerated.

“We are interested in benefiting the communities we live and work in,” McMann says. “We impact the employability of folks that come through this program by providing them the opportunity, respect and confidence that they can contribute, have gainful employment and be successful.”

PCNA currently has eight full-time employees who matriculated through the Second Chance program with others who ultimately re-located for family reasons or career opportunities.
One Second Chance employee earned a series of promotions and is now a “key department manager.”

Successfully implementing a program like this requires moving past preconceived notions or presumed biases to be see the results of legitimate opportunities in action.

“I had some initial concerns that our tenured PCNA employees would have concerns working with people with diverse and culturally different backgrounds, and it has been everything but that,” McMann says of both programs.

There is something in a stated core value. One of PCNA’s is “Think Team: Work together to get the job done. Be reliable, collaborative and inclusive.”

Words like those need to be written down and said aloud to have a subliminal effect. But to have a tangible effect, the company stating a purpose like that needs to take action. With these two programs, PCNA is doing both, and the benefits are theirs to reap.

Written by Jonny Auping

Pibilshed with Permission from PPAI

Next Level Apparel Appoints Father/Son Duo To President And CEO Roles

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:55:45 GMT

Next Level Apparel (272027, Standard Plus) has shaken up its leadership team following the departure of former CEO Randy Hales in 2023.

Joe Simsolo, who founded the California-based company in 2003, has officially returned to the role of CEO in after holding it on an interim basis since last August.
Additionally, his son, Eric, has been promoted to company president after previously serving as vice president of business development.
The father/son leadership team was selected by the Next Level Apparel’s board.

Prior to his return to the CEO role in 2023, Joe had stepped away from the company’s day-to-day operations while remaining on the board. Eric has been with Next Level in an official capacity for over nine years.

“We have brought together a strong team and added gifted leaders,” says Eric. “We are positive in the value we can offer to distributors and are keen to demonstrate that.”

Part Of A Larger Restructuring

Appointing the Simsolos to the top of the company’s leadership is the headline among a number of recent leadership changes in Next Level’s corporate structure in 2024.

In April, the supplier hired Brett Bjorkman as chief operating officer.

Bjorkman previously served as senior vice president of Augusta Sportswear Brands for three years and has navigated sourcing and operations in leadership positions for Hurley and Billabong.

In March, Michael Niemann was hired to the role of senior director of product.

Niemann has held various leadership roles with apparel companies including six years as director of apparel at Quicksilver.

Turning Things Around

In the years since the pandemic struck, Next Level Apparel has seen sales decline. With a nearly complete overhauling of leadership in 2024, Eric says that strategic plans are in place to begin showing signs of growth. Key focuses going forward will include:

Core groupings and product lines
Aggressive pricing at guaranteed rates
Emphasis on product quality and customer service.
Improved marketing campaigns

“We plan to innovate while building on a sturdy foundation,” Eric says. “With high-quality products, best inventory levels, aggressive pricing and successful marketing and sales strategies, we are positive in our business prospects.”

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Custom Ink Names New CEO

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:49:05 GMT

Custom Ink is about to have a leadership change in the coming weeks.

The Fairfax, Virginia-based company has announced Marc Katz, the company’s co-founder, has stepped down as CEO, clearing the way for former Realtor.com CEO David Doctorow to take on the top job in August.

Katz will stay connected to Custom Ink (PPAI 594384) as chair of the company’s board.

Doctorow served as CEO of Realtor.com from 2020 to 2023.

Custom Ink is PPAI 100’s No. 17 distribut or, earning high marks in Growth, Revenue and Online Presence.

“We’ve undertaken major changes since the pandemic to refocus on our digital roots, and now it’s time for a new CEO to lead us to new heights,” Katz says. “David is a proven leader with an impressive track record building digital business. He’s also a terrific person, and the Board and I have enormous confidence in him to lead Custom Ink.”

As CEO of Realtor.com, the company’s revenue and site traffic grew under his tenure.

Prior to that, Doctorow spent nearly four years as head of global growth at eBay.

He has also spent multiple years in leadership roles at Expedia and Hewlett Packard.

“What Marc and the team have accomplished over the last 25 years is remarkable, and I’m honored and excited to step into the CEO role and lead Custom Ink going forward,” Doctorow says. “This is a great company, built on a foundation of strong values, and I feel deeply aligned with its mission to help people create a stronger sense of community and connection.”

In December of last year, Custom Ink laid off nearly 500 employees.

In 2021, the company acquired Swag.com, which recently unveiled an ambitious plan to try to level the playing field for promo smaller distributors.

Bringing On A Fresh Perspective

Doctorow joins Custom Ink with three decades of experience in technology and sales ranging across different industries.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Dawn Olds Reveals Plan For Top Role At PPAI

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 20:13:34 GMT

PPAI has begun a leadership change at the very top.

Dawn Olds, MAS, has taken on the role of Interim CEO and President – previously held by Dale Denham, MAS+, since 2021 – as noted to members in a letter from PPAI Board Chair Andrew Spellman on July 17.

Recently retired as HALO’s senior vice president of industry relations and DEI, Olds spent her entire 35-year career at PPAI 100’s No. 2 distributor.

A longtime volunteer, Olds served on the PPAI Board from January 2020 to January 2024 and was Board Chair from January 2022 through The PPAI Expo 2023.

Shortly after the PPAI staff was briefed on the announcement Wednesday, PPAI Media sat down with Olds to discuss her new role, her immediate plans and being the first woman to lead PPAI in the organization 121-year history.

PPAI Media: Are you excited to take on this new chapter leading PPAI through a transition?

Olds: Absolutely. It’s super exciting. I’ve worked with the PPAI staff, even before my time on the PPAI Board; volunteer staff and things like that. I’ve always loved the team here.

Being able to help everyone as you go on to the next steps in all the great strategic initiatives we have in place. I’m super excited about it. I love all the people here. It’s like a family.

PPAI Media: I know you had recently retired. Did you have any hesitation when the opportunity came up to be PPAI’s interim CEO and president?

Olds: I had about one second of hesitation. I have a new puppy. Who’s going to give her the love and attention she needs?

In all seriousness, I’ve been retired for five months. I was just at the point where I was starting to feel a lot more relaxed than I normally like to be. Having a creative outlet or an outlet to share what I’ve learned over the years was a welcome opportunity.

When I told my husband about it, he had no hesitation. He was like, “I don’t want you to feel like you have to, but Dawn, I can see that you’re bored. This will be good for you.”

Summer’s not quite over and I really enjoy my outdoor activities, so maybe a moment of hesitation, but if that’s your only hesitation then what’s your big holdup?

PPAI Media: Do you feel that your time on the PPAI Board gives you insight into how PPAI operates?

Olds: I have a lot to learn. This is the opposite side. Being on the Board is always Board-to-Board and you’re looking at strategy and what’s coming next.

This is more about executing strategy and about the individual people. So, while it did give me insight that another CEO might not have, I still have a lot to learn. I’ve been overwhelmed with how helpful everyone has been already.

PPAI Media: What are your immediate goals or plans for PPAI as you take on this role?

Olds: Our No. 1 thing is really making sure the staff knows how valued they are and how important they are to the Association – down to every single person. Making everyone feel comfortable is the most important thing.

Then making sure that we’re on track with all the things that everyone has been working on and finding out what resources or tools or what I can do to help everyone with what they’ve been working on. I’ve been trying to get to little things here and there already.

We’re in the midst of a building renovation that everyone is super excited about. The website has been redesigned. We have an ERP transition and conversion. And the transition on our new membership plan.

It’s a lot of stuff. Getting a feel where we’re red, yellow or green. What assistance does everyone need? Can I be a resource?

It’s really sticking to the same priorities that you all already had.

PPAI Media: At the moment, what is the timeline to hire a permanent president and CEO?

Olds: The timeline will take however long it takes. I’m committed to being here for however long that requires. When we ran the last process of searching for this role, I was the incoming Chair of the PPAI Board. I think from end-to-end that process was targeted at 3-6 months. I assume it’s going to be a similar timeline.

It depends on the situation. Sometimes you have a candidate that needs to give extended notice. I was retired, so I could drop everything. The next person might have current responsibilities that need to be transitioned.

I’m committed to doing whatever we have to do to make sure the Association doesn’t skip a beat.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

In Memorium | Bruce Cameron

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:55:37 GMT

Bruce Cameron, age 79, of Spring, TX, passed away June 30, 2024, from complications occurring after the substantial stroke he suffered in March 2024.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 19, 1944.

Bruce proudly served in the Army from 1968-1973, piloting helicopters in Vietnam and achieving the rank of Captain. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, two Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and numerous others.

On November 3, 1984, Bruce married his wife, Paula, and together they raised two children.

Bruce enjoyed a fulfilling career in promotional sales. He was deeply devoted to his children, actively participating in their activities throughout their upbringing. Bruce found particular joy in coaching their numerous sports teams and in his role as a Do-Dad for the Girl Scouts.

Later in life, Bruce developed a deep fascination with orchids, which blossomed into an "obsession" and a part-time business. He loved to tend to and sell orchids at various venues, which inspired the name of his company, Orchid Obsession.

In addition to his family and business pursuits, Bruce donated his time to Northwoods Presbyterian Church and several other organizations.

His life's work brought him immense joy, as he found fulfillment in helping others.

Above all, Bruce was known for his unwavering patriotism, a value that remained steadfast throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Cameron; daughter, Laura Tuttle and future son-in law, Justin McKee; and son, Matthew Cameron, as well as many other family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Kosman.

A military honors for Bruce will be held on July 26, 2024 from 9:30 AM-10:00 AM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. Attendees must be in line in lane 1 by 9:15 am.

A memorial service will occur Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, Texas 77068. This service will be available to live stream at https://www.facebook.com/NorthwoodsPresbyterianChurch/.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Northwoods Presbyterian Church or the Houston chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.

PCNA Partners With Cap America

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:48:41 GMT

PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum) – the No. 3 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has announced a new partnership with Cap America (PPAI 111597, Platinum) – the No. 18 supplier in the PPAI 100.

As of July 16, the New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based firm now offers a selection of Cap America’s line of headwear.

The integration of the Fredericktown, Missouri-based company’s products complements PCNA’s existing lineup of more than 2,200 items across both hard and soft goods categories.

“I’m very proud to partner with Cap America, a significant new addition to our product lineup,” says Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer at PCNA. “Renowned for its excellence, Cap America has a stellar reputation in the industry. Every order is handled with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the delivery of top-quality service and products.

Orders, including those as small as 15 pieces for premium styles and 24 pieces for all other styles, can be shipped within 3-5 days post-approval.

Distributors can take advantage of free embroidery digitizing, no setup fees and flat rate run charges.

Embroidery costs are priced at $1.25(G) USD/$1.57(G) CAD for up to 10,000 stitches and $1.75(G) USD/$2.19(G) CAD for additional stitches.

“By joining forces with Cap America, we’re not only expanding our headwear collection, but also strengthening our commitment to social responsibility and excellence in the promotional products market.”

Expanded Product Offering

PCNA now offers 10 Cap America headwear styles in over 220 individual color options.

The companies say this partnership provides key benefits to distributors, such as “embroidery excellence,” production capacity, deep inventory, low minimums and quick delivery, as well as “pricing made simple.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

SAGE® RELEASES NEW CRM CLIENT TEXT MESSAGING SYSTEM

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 01:51:57 GMT

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions for the promotional products industry, is proud to announce the introduction of its new comprehensive client text messaging system within the CRM Module of SAGE Online and SAGE Web.

Distributors can now communicate with their clients via text message directly through SAGE’s CRM Module. This not only enhances client communication but also greatly improves the overall client experience. SAGE is the first industry CRM solution to offer built-in text messaging capabilities, building on its tradition as the leader of technology solutions for the promotional products industry.

SAGE’s client text messaging offers a number of advantages to customers. Because the text message threads are safely stored and easily accessible in the CRM, distributors can take advantage of collaboration and easier access to message threads, particularly for larger distributorships and those with multiple account reps for clients. With all messages automatically tracked and searchable in the contact’s history, distributor users can easily reference a clear record of client interactions and retrieve past communications through the robust search function, preventing the loss or misplacement of vital information.

Additionally, because text messages are sent from a system number as opposed to distributor users’ individual cell phone numbers and kept in the CRM system as opposed to in personal cell phones, SAGE’s text messaging system ensures continuity in client communications even amid team changes.

SAGE’s new text messaging system includes robust notification options. A unified list of new messages is displayed on the CRM overview dashboard, making it easy to see all new messages in one place. Users can access and search complete message threads from the client’s profile through the new Messaging tab. Account reps can also receive desktop notifications or push notifications to their mobile devices when new messages arrive from clients.

Best of all, SAGE’s new text messaging feature has no additional costs whatsoever. There is no setup required, meaning that text messaging is available now for use by all distributors with a SAGE Total Access subscription.

From the CRM Module, users can access the client text messaging feature through their client’s profile. There they will see a new Messages tab, and each contact who is opted-in to receive text messaging, as well as the full text message history. In order to send text messages to a client contact, users will simply check the “Text messaging opt-in” box for the client and confirm that they have the authority to send text messages for the particular client’s cell phone number. Client contacts can opt out of text messaging at any time by simply replying STOP and the system will automatically update their preferences in the CRM.

“We all know that effective client communication is a cornerstone of any business success, but particularly for businesses in our industry,” said David Natinsky, President of SAGE. “Our new client text messaging feature not only streamlines the communication process but also ensures that our customers have all the tools they need to maintain strong, lasting relationships with their clients.”

SAGE is pleased to announce that the client text messaging capability is available now as part of SAGE Online’s and SAGE Web’s CRM Module at no additional charge and with no additional setup.

To learn more about the client text messaging feature and how it can benefit your business, please visit www.sageworld.com or contact your Account Advisor today.

Geiger Ramps Up European Expansion With New Acquisition

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:54:16 GMT

Geiger (PPAI 105182, Platinum) – the No. 5 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced the acquisition of German distributor WER GmbH.

The integration process will begin immediately with WER GmbH rebranding to WER GmbH, a Geiger Company.
While Geiger has successfully completed five acquisitions in the United Kingdom, the acquisition of WER marks the Lewiston, Maine-based firm’s first in Germany.

“Geiger is continuing our strategic path forward in servicing global clients,” says Jo-an Lantz, MAS, president and CEO of Geiger. “WER GmbH culture, commitment to the highest service, quality and ESG standards exceeded our expectations. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both organizations, we’ll deliver even greater value and innovative solutions to the market.”

“One thing is for certain,” Lantz adds, “Geiger is global. Now more than ever.”

Beneficial Partnership

Launched in 1992, WER GmbH has more than 100 employees and operates six offices and several warehouses across Germany, including in Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt.

Its alignment with Geiger’s service offerings, such as kitting, company stores, international distribution, custom products, in-house decoration and warehousing, will further enhance the range of services available to the newly combined customer base.

“We have known Geiger as a global leader for many years and it has proven itself to operate with honesty and integrity, sharing the same values and culture as WER,” says Alex Heinecke, CEO of WER GmbH.

“These qualities are vital to working in our marketplace and within our customer base. Geiger’s global network and industry leadership will provide our clients with enhanced services and offerings. We’re confident that this partnership will be beneficial for our customers and employees alike.”

Heinecke will continue to lead the division under the new ownership.
All WER GmbH employees have been retained by Geiger, including CFO Marc Strickrodt and director Mirco Häßlich.

“We’re thrilled to welcome WER GmbH to the Geiger family,” says Vicky Kinasz, vice president and managing director of Geiger International. “This acquisition further expands our international presence and enhances our capabilities in key markets. The synergy between our organizations will create new opportunities for innovation and growth, further benefiting our many international clients.”

Global Expansion

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Geiger’s ongoing international growth strategy, significantly strengthening its presence in Europe.

Last year, the firm acquired Firebrand Promotions, an eco-conscious company based in the UK.
Of course, sustainability is top of mind at Geiger: its UK office received Platinum status from EcoVadis in 2023, and its global headquarters in the U.S. achieved a Gold EcoVadis rating in 2024.

Geiger has truly ramped up M&A activity this year, acquiring California-based distributor O2 Marketing + Design and New York-based distributor Broadway Marketing.

Vantage Apparel Now Exclusive Provider Of Redwood Classics Apparel In U.S.

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:44:11 GMT

Toronto-based Redwood Classics Apparel (PPAI 696010) has announced a partnership with Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, Platinum) making Vantage its exclusive U.S. provider.

Vantage was recently named PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier.
Redwood Classics is a women-owned and minority-owned certified promo supplier founded in 2009.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Redwood Classics’ exceptional products into the Vantage family,” says Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage. “Redwood Classics’ commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation aligns perfectly with our values at Vantage. This partnership will enable us to offer our customers an expanded selection of value-driven options that are both stylish and meticulously crafted.”

Watson recently returned to Vantage as CEO last November, following a trend of returns at the company, including Fred Durand (chief operating officer) and Chris Alfano (chief digital officer) in July of last year.

Redwood Classic offerings are immediately available through Vantage, and inventory will be stocked in Vantage’s New Jersey warehouse.

The news follows another recent development for Vantage, which opened a Santa Ana facility in June.The new location is intended to expand Vantage’s contract decoration services along the West Coast.

From Redwood Classics’ perspective, founder and president Kathy Cheng says that Vantage’s distributor network in the United States puts Redwood Classics products in the hands of more end users.

“Partnering with Vantage Apparel marks a significant milestone for Redwood Classics,” Cheng says. “Vantage’s extensive network and industry expertise will help us reach new heights and continue to grow our presence across North America. We look forward to collaborating with Vantage to bring our unique, made-in-Canada designs to a broader audience.”

An Aligned Mission of Sustainability

Redwood Classics has a long history of prioritizing sustainability efforts in its practices while also promoting diversity with its platform within the industry. Vantage’s shared values helped make the partnership between the two suppliers possible.

“The path is clear: Whether you’re a multinational corporation or a local startup, championing social causes can be both a moral commitment and a strategic advantage,” Cheng has written for PPAI Media.

Redwood Classics introduced upcycling programs into its processes in 2014.
Vantage received a high mark for Responsibility in the 2024 PPAI 100.

Promo Firms Contending With Beryl Aftermath

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 19:22:38 GMT

The first major hurricane of the season slammed Texas on Monday, forcing multiple Houston-based suppliers to close for the day.

By the time Hurricane Beryl weakened to a tropical storm, more than two million homes and businesses were without power across the state, according to poweroutages.us.

HIRSCH – the No. 20 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – reopened on Tuesday with all employees safe and accounted for. “No building damage, but with issues city-wide, we may have some delays on specific orders that our team will be in contact with customers about,” says George Morgan, director of marketing at HIRSCH. “But we’re open, taking orders and production is operating.”
Meanwhile, KTI Promo (PPAI 238818, Silver) remains closed after experiencing a power outage.
At least seven deaths in the U.S. have been attributed to Beryl, which brought damaging winds and heavy rainfall throughout Monday, The Associated Press reported.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and possible flash flooding from the lower and mid-Mississippi Valley to the Great Lakes into Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported.

A flood watch is in effect for parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

Texas placed 121 counties under a disaster declaration ahead of the hurricane’s landfall. Should the state request federal assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pre-positioned 500,000 meals and 800,000 liters of water in the region and 60 generators on stand-by.

4EZtees.com / Texas Art Embroidery (PPAI 380229, Silver) also closed its production facility on Monday due to a power outage. Micah Stalarow, business development manager at 4EZtees.com, says partial power has been restored and that the firm plans to be running production by the end of Tuesday.

“We’re in the process of distributing remote login information to more team members, and we’re also working to provide flexibility for team members to continue to put their homes back together while helping keep business running as normal as possible,” Stalarow says.

“The one thing I want to share is that the more business we receive, the more it helps us through this challenging time. We hope that the PPAI community at large will take this time to both help us and give us an opportunity to earn more valuable partnerships. I’m available to talk with anyone that would like to.”

“Our staff is safe, although some still don’t have power at home,” says Shawna Cano, West Coast sales manager at KTI Promo. “Our IT team is working to see if we can get set up to work remotely. However, without power, our processes and responses may be a little slower than usual. We haven’t received an ETA on when the power will be restored but are hoping it will be within the next day or so.”

Beryl’s Impact

Josh Pospisil, MAS, vice president of business development at AIA – the No. 18 distributor in the 2024 PPAI 100 – lives in the Houston area and considers himself very lucky that his power was restored Monday evening.

“My kids and I are very close to our neighbors, so we spent a majority of the day hanging out with them as they have a generator,” Pospisil says. “Once the storm passed, it was all hands-on deck with cleaning up our yard and helping the neighbors with theirs. Although we had power, we didn’t have internet or cell service. I was able to handle just one meeting yesterday morning via my phone, but once that was done, so was my access to everything.

“My heart and soul go out to all those affected by the storms, that have dealt with the loss of a family member, flooding, downed trees that have hit houses and those that are still without power as this Houston heat rises back up.”

With temperatures expected to soar into the 90s and humidity that could make it feel as hot as 105 degrees, a heat advisory is in effect through Wednesday in the Houston area, according to the National Weather Service. The lack of electricity for air conditioning could make for extremely dangerous conditions.

Industry Veteran, Steven Meyer, MAS, Cycles For Scholarships

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:18:50 GMT

Steven Meyer, MAS, national sales manager at Arch Promo Group (PPAI 820951, Silver) – the No. 38 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – is about to embark on a wild adventure.

Over the next two months, the 25-plus-year veteran of the promotional products industry will be riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR).

Stretching approximately 2,700 miles long, it’s considered the grandest unpaved cycling route in North America.
The route begins in Banff, Alberta, Canada, and finishes at the U.S.-Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico.
If he can average 45 miles a day, Meyer says he’ll complete the ride in about 60 days.

Building A Better Future

Meyer’s goal with this journey is to raise awareness and funds for the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF).

Since 1989, PPEF has awarded $3,347,000 in college scholarships to 1,788 promotional products industry employees and their children.

Arch Promo Group has committed to match the first $5,000 of donations, and Meyer hopes another industry leader will step up to match the next $5,000.

“The challenges and difficulties of this ride don’t really compare to the challenges so many families have in getting financing together for higher education,” Meyer says. “Your generosity and donations help fund dreams for these families, and I believe we all have a stake in that future.”

You can support Meyer by donating to the PPEF here.

At both the regional and national level, Meyer has been an active volunteer in the industry for more than 20 years.

Serving on the PPAI Board of Directors from 2009-2014, Meyer was the Association’s board chair in 2012-2013.
He’s also a former president of both the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP) and Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS).

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Delta Apparel Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Plans To Sell Salt Life Brand

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:16:28 GMT

Delta Apparel (PPAI 188431, Gold) – the No. 69 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

The Duluth, Georgia-based supplier reported between 200 and 299 creditors as of June 30.

At the beginning of June, the company had $337.8 million in total assets and $244.5 million in labilities according to the filing.
Its largest creditor is Park Mills, which is owed more than $22 million from Delta Apparel.

Tim Pubian, president of Focus Management Group, was named chief restructuring officer in May, after Delta’s board of directors pushed out CEO Robert W. Humphreys amid ongoing financial struggles.

Pubian has been given board authorization to enter into a debtor-in-possession agreement with Wells Fargo Bank that would allow him to pledge the company’s assets or allow liens to be placed on its property to secure that agreement, pending court approval.

FCM Saltwater Holdings has reportedly offered $28 million to buy the Salt Life brand from Delta Apparel, which the supplier is expected to agree to.

Salt Life produced a revenue of $59 million for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2023.
Delta hopes that the FCM Saltwater Holdings offer will serve as a stalking horse bid, a term for the initial bid on the assets of a bankrupt company, which sets a minimum price for other potential bidders.

In June, the company suspended its manufacturing operations in Honduras as it attempted to work through its liquidity challenges.

In May, the apparel maker reported that its net sales for the fiscal second quarter were $78.9 million, down nearly 40% from the same period last year.

Net sales from its retail stores segment – Salt Life Group – were $15.5 million in Q2, down about 22% from Q2 2023.

In the 2023 fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2023, Delta Apparel reported a loss of $33.2 million.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Hit Promotional Products Brings On Amy Rabideau, MAS

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:46:47 GMT

Amy Rabideau, MAS, has joined Hit Promotional Products (PPAI 113910, Platinum), the No. 4 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100, as the St. Petersburg, Florida-headquartered company’s vice president of product. Previously, the industry veteran and former PPAI Board member served as senior vice president of strategy and innovation at promo industry software platform provider Facilisgroup (PPAI 493664).

“Amy is a huge addition to our industry-leading technology team,” says Jon Norris, chief strategy officer at Hit. “Her experience as a supplier, distributor and software provider provides a strategic perspective that will help Hit deliver technology solutions for our customers. Hit hiring a vice president of product ensures that we have a well-managed lifecycle and go to market for all our technology solutions.

“If the industry is in the middle of a technology arms race, Hit just added a new aircraft carrier.”

The New Role

As vice president of product, Rabideau’s focus will be on technology and how the supplier goes to market.

Her new role is part of Hit’s initiative to build its technical proficiency and modernize its infrastructure, according to Raj Mukherjee, chief information officer at Hit.

“I can’t think of anyone else in the industry who can help me lead this initiative other than Amy,” Mukherjee says. “Amy comes with decades of promotional products experience in leading IT teams and managing the buildout of complex e-commerce products. Her experience will add a new dimension to how Hit does business, especially in the web store/e-commerce space. I’m looking forward to the leadership skills that Amy will bring to the team and am excited for Hit’s future in tech with her addition.”

Rabideau’s History

A 26-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Rabideau spent nearly three years at Facilisgroup, joining as product architect before becoming vice president of product and then SVP of strategy and innovation.

Previously, she worked as a senior project director for business solutions provider eXtendTech, director of purchasing at Summit Group and regional account executive at Bodek & Rhodes.
During her nearly 10-year tenure at Summit, her top priorities were compliance and product responsibility, and she earned several performance awards.
At Facilisgroup, Rabideau served as one of the inaugural chairwomen of the emPOWER Steering Committee – emPOWER is an initiative dedicated to empowering women within the Facilisgroup community and amplifying their influence in the promo industry.

She broke into the industry at Starline, the No. 15 supplier in the PPAI 100, where she spent a decade as regional vice president of sales.

Devoted Volunteer

Rabideau, who currently serves as vice chair at PromoStandards, has a penchant for giving back to the industry.

Among her volunteer efforts, she was a member of the Professional Development Committee, Market Research Committee and Regional Association Council (RAC) board.

She also served as RAC delegate to the PPAI Board of Directors from 2019-2021.
Rabideau served on the Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP) board from 2014-2019.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Next Level Apparel Appoints Father/Son Duo To President And CEO Roles

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:53:19 GMT

Next Level Apparel (272027, Standard Plus) has shaken up its leadership team following the departure of former CEO Randy Hales in 2023.

Joe Simsolo, who founded the California-based company in 2003, has officially returned to the role of CEO in after holding it on an interim basis since last August.
Additionally, his son, Eric, has been promoted to company president after previously serving as vice president of business development.
The father/son leadership team was selected by the Next Level Apparel’s board.

“We have brought together a strong team and added gifted leaders,” says Eric. “We are positive in the value we can offer to distributors and are keen to demonstrate that.”

Part Of A Larger Restructuring

Appointing the Simsolos to the top of the company’s leadership is the headline among a number of recent leadership changes in Next Level’s corporate structure in 2024.

In April, the supplier hired Brett Bjorkman as chief operating officer.

Bjorkman previously served as senior vice president of Augusta Sportswear Brands for three years and has navigated sourcing and operations in leadership positions for Hurley and Billabong.

In March, Michael Niemann was hired to the role of senior director of product.

Niemann has held various leadership roles with apparel companies including six years as director of apparel at Quicksilver.

Turning Things Around

Core groupings and product lines
Aggressive pricing at guaranteed rates
Emphasis on product quality and customer service.
Improved marketing campaigns

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Crystal D Names New Operations Director, VP Of Strategic Accounts

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:50:25 GMT

Crystal D (PPAI 112326, Gold) – the No. 88 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – has promoted Kyle Nordby to operations director and hired Todd Hambrecht as vice president of strategic accounts.

Nordby’s Background

As operations director, Nordby is now responsible for overseeing all components of the St. Paul, Minnesota-based firm’s day-to-day operations.

Nordby joined Crystal D in 2013 as a temporary hire for a production artist job. He was hired permanently three months later in large part due to his experience with 3D modeling, a key graphic design skill that helped the company meet the ever-increasing demand for 3D imprint orders.

When Crystal D invested in 3D subsurface etching technology, Nordby helped set the standard for the new process and positioned the 3D subsurface department for exponential growth, the company says.
His leadership expanded further when he took on management of the production department.

“We’re excited to bring Kyle into this leadership role,” says Mike Irvine, executive vice president and COO at Crystal D. “He possesses a rare combination of creativity and strategy and is naturally drawn to continuous improvement. He’s a perfect fit for this position.”

Hambrecht’s Background

Hambrecht brings 20 years of experience in the IT and packaging production industries, having previously worked for Green Bay Packaging, CenturyLink and Intuitive Technology Group, among other firms.

At Crystal D, he’ll be responsible for establishing and nurturing relationships with key individuals in the awards industry, as well as managing strategic accounts.

Bridget Dahlgren, executive vice president of marketing and sales at Crystal D, says the company is delighted to welcome Hambrecht, “as he helps round out Crystal D’s sales leadership team and will be a driving force behind the company’s business plan and vision.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Koozie Group Sells Florida Real Estate, Reinvests In Its Business

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:47:43 GMT

Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum) – named the No. 9 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – has sold its real estate properties in Pinellas County, Florida.

The sale supports the Clearwater, Florida-headquartered company’s investment in its capabilities and future, according to Koozie Group CEO Pierre Montaubin.

“This is an exciting moment for us where we had the opportunity to sell and lease back our Florida properties to a trusted real estate partner so we can reinvest in our business,” Montaubin says.

Among the properties sold for a combined $35.9 million are two light manufacturing facilities in Largo and a facility designated for heavy industrial usage in St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Business Journal reported.

Boca Raton, Florida-based IP Capital Partners bought the properties on June 20, taking out a $21.45 million mortgage, according to Pinellas County property records.

Building On Success

Montaubin emphasized that the transaction will be “completely seamless” for customers and will have “no impact” on employees in Florida.

“Koozie Group is enjoying great momentum after significant investments in technology, services and product and decoration innovation over the last 18 months, which have resulted in renewed interest in our offerings from customers, as well as attractive growth prospects for the future,” Montaubin says.

“This real estate sale and entry into a long-term lease agreement with IP Capital Partners builds on this success and fits our strategic plan to continue investing in our business and service delivery to create an even better experience for our distributor partners. As most companies do, we let real estate people do real estate so we can focus on our core business.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

HPG CEO Chris Anderson Shares His Battle With Colon Cancer

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:42:42 GMT

At first, the doctor did not think a colonoscopy was necessary for Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG and current member of the PPAI Board of Directors.

That’s an important place to start. It was Anderson, after other test results were inconclusive, who suggested that he receive a colonoscopy –as he had been experiencing a prolonged uptick in fatigue. This procedure is what led to his colon cancer diagnosis.

Anderson recently shared his story with PPAI Media in order to spread awareness of the importance of regular cancer screenings such as colonoscopies.

“As much as a platform as I have or as we have at PPAI – my goal is to educate people to get their colonoscopies,” Anderson says. “Mine absolutely saved my life.”

Current guidelines suggest that individuals receive their first colonoscopy by the age of 45 and subsequent ones should be scheduled at least every 10 years, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
However, pre-existing conditions or health scenarios could justify receiving one sooner and more frequently. Discussing the reasons for being proactive about a colonoscopy with your primary doctor can help educate you on the subject.

“I Heard The C-Word, And It Stopped Me In My Tracks”

Early in 2024, Anderson noticed his general energy levels were starting to wane, leaving him feeling uncharacteristically tired. The CEO of PPAI 100’s No. 6 supplier has always been known to be one of the higher energy people in the room, so it was a somewhat jarring development for Anderson.

He had received a colonoscopy when he was 40, so his doctor reminded him that, at 47, he wasn’t technically due to get one for another three years but responded that it couldn’t hurt upon Anderson’s suggestion.

The colonoscopy was scheduled for a few weeks later and Anderson was soon informed that a few polyps and one tumor had been discovered but he was quickly assured that there was a 99% chance they were benign. He was back at his office later that day.

A week later, on a late Friday afternoon, he received a call from an unknown number.

He was sitting at his desk, and while the doctor ambled through the medical jargon, Anderson remembers multi-tasking, trying to respond to a few emails until the other end of the phone made a concrete point.

“Then I heard the C-word – cancer – and it caused me to stop in my tracks, and it was almost one of those needle scratch moments,” Anderson recalls.

They had found was a variant of cancer called a neuroendocrine tumor.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 5 in 100,000 people are affected by neuroendocrine tumors.
On average, 77% of people diagnosed are alive five years after their diagnosis.

Anderson, who flies airplanes in his free time, coincidentally had an Angel Flight mission scheduled to fly a cancer patient from a remote corner of Montana to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, where Anderson is based.

“Little did I know that I would be a patient at that same cancer center in less than a week,” Anderson says.

Surgery was a necessity.

Source: Cancer.org

“A Spectrum Of Outcomes”

Anderson initially told no one of the developments beyond those in the innermost circle of his personal life and HPG. The surgery was scheduled for April 17.

“It was understood that there was a spectrum of outcomes, and the best possible outcome was it would be minimally invasive, and they would be able to remove all the cancer.”

The other end of that spectrum would be a difficult surgery that still potentially required radiation or chemotherapy to address a potential spread.

Fortunately for Anderson, it has turned out to be the best-case outcome. A successful surgery resulted in the removal of all the cancer from his body (follow-ups will still be required to monitor his health). Barely two months after the surgery, Anderson sat in his office for this interview, cancer free and cleared to travel. He is even allowed to fly airplanes again (and is excited to fly his next weekend Angel Flight mission –which will be particularly meaningful).

The cancer had been caught before it could spread. If Anderson had waited three years, until he was technically due for a colonoscopy, the likely outcomes would have been considerably more harrowing. The experience has made him something of an advocate for the procedure.

“I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops and share my story,” Anderson says. “Hopefully if it reaches even just one person who is teetering on whether or not to get a colonoscopy, they go and get it.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Rupt Ventures Names Latest VC Investment

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:05:49 GMT

Rupt Ventures – the venture arm of Austin, Texas-based Rupt (PPAI 826757, Standard-Base) – has announced its third strategic investment in the promotional products industry: Swanky Badger (PPAI 813397, Standard-Base).

Launched a decade ago after founder and CEO Mark Hanratty couldn’t find meaningful tokens of appreciation for his groomsmen, the San Diego-based supplier of high-quality, personalized gifts pivoted to promo in 2022.

Since then, Swanky Badger has seen significant growth, particularly in barware and leather goods, thanks to its distinctive one-piece minimum, on-demand, quick-turn model.

Swanky Badger’s branded decanter set was named one of The Coolest Products In Promo earlier this year.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Rupt Ventures as we embark on this next chapter of growth,” Hanratty says. “Its expertise and resources will enable us to expand our reach as the industry evolves, and more and more end-users come to see the immense value in personalization and intentional gifting.”

Supporting Innovation

Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt, reached out to Hanratty after several distributors sang the latter’s praises, recommended his products and said that the two were “cut from the same entrepreneurial cloth.” Lucash instantly saw the potential to help Hanratty scale in the promo sector.

“Swanky Badger epitomizes the core values of Rupt Ventures: innovation, speed and entrepreneurial excellence,” Lucash says. “Mark’s vision and dedication to creating meaningful gift experiences with no minimum align perfectly with our mission. We’re excited to support Swanky Badger’s growth and amplify its impact in the promo industry and beyond.”

At The PPAI Expo 2024, Lucash and his longtime business partner Mike Szymczak came out of retirement to introduce Rupt, the first supplier whose entire product line is made from recycled materials.

The duo previously co-founded Origaudio, which they sold to HPG in 2018.

The industry veterans have a full five-year financial roadmap, developed with help from a big four accounting firm, to support expanded staffing, more new products and investments. Meanwhile, Rupt Ventures is a side play that will pour VC money into a stable of other suppliers dedicated to sustainability and/or innovation, with exponential growth potential.

Lucash says that Swanky Badger exemplifies these values, offering a singular approach to corporate gifting through its unique focus on creating emotional connection through personalization.

In February, Rupt Ventures announced its inaugural deal with Stacy Stahl, founder and CEO of St. Louis-based supplier Sweeter Cards – winner of The Pitch at The PPAI Expo 2024.
A month later, Austin, Texas-based supplier Desk Plants was named Rupt Ventures’ second investment in the promo industry.

Strategic Partner

With the backing of Rupt Ventures, Swanky Badger plans to accelerate its expansion efforts, enhance its product offerings and strengthen its sales and marketing initiatives to reach a broader audience.

The investment will also enable the firm to further strengthen its commitment to philanthropy. Inspired by his own family’s experiences, Hanratty established a give-back program where a portion of every sale is donated to Children’s Hospitals across the United States.

In 2023, Swanky Badger donated more than $30,000 to Children’s Hospitals.

“Our Children’s Hospitals do the most amazing work, saving thousands of kids’ lives every single day,” Hanratty says. “But they’re under-funded and rely heavily on donations to be able to provide the care that they do. We have a platform that gives us the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Lucash adds that this partnership highlights Rupt Ventures’ commitment to supporting innovative ventures that emphasize progressive thinking and exceptional quality within the promo industry.

“Swanky Badger will now be part of the bigger Rupt umbrella similar to Sweeter Cards and Desk Plants, so you can expect shared booths at The PPAI Expo,” Lucash says. “We’ll also be cross utilizing our sales team and creative team to scale the brand and providing Swanky Badger back-office support to help scale the business.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Delta Apparel Liquidity Challenges Spur Factory Suspensions, Bankruptcy Considerations

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:33:57 GMT

Delta Apparel (PPAI 188431, Gold) – the No. 69 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – is suspending its manufacturing operations in Honduras due to ongoing liquidity challenges.

More than 2,400 employees will be impacted, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday.

The suspension, which is expected to remain in effect for at least 120 days, follows the wind-down of the Duluth, Georgia-based company’s manufacturing operations in Mexico earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the firm is still trying to sell its manufacturing operations in El Salvador.
The SEC filing also mentioned that the company is no longer emphasizing Delta Activewear’s Global Brands channel.

Delta Apparel says it’s exploring strategic initiatives involving its offshore manufacturing operations, “which may include a sale or a permanent wind-down of all such operations,” and expects to finalize its plan within 120 days.

Financial Struggles

In May, the apparel maker reported that its net sales for the fiscal second quarter were $78.9 million, down nearly 40% from the same period last year.

Net sales from its retail stores segment – Salt Life Group – were $15.5 million in Q2, down about 22% from Q2 2023.
In the 2023 fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2023, Delta Apparel reported a loss of $33.2 million.

“Fiscal 2023 was undoubtedly a challenging year for our company and the industry given the reduced demand environment following last year’s post-pandemic seller’s market,” said Robert W. Humphreys, who resigned as CEO and chairma n of Delta Apparel at the request of the board of directors just two weeks after the fiscal Q2 report.

Following Humphreys’ departure, the president of Delta Group, Delta Apparel’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, as well as two board members, all submitted their resignations.

In the same SEC fil ing, Delta Apparel reported that Elkay Partners had exercised a discretionary right and terminated its planned $23.5 million purchase of Delta Apparel’s 35-acre campus in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Possible Bankruptcy

Delta Apparel also disclosed that it has been non-compliant with a financial covenant contained in its U.S. revolving credit facility that required its financial results to “improve at a rate faster than we experienced during the second quarter and at a faster rate than we expect to experience over the next 12 months.”

According to the company, its lenders have elected not to declare the principal and all other amounts owed to be immediately due and payable.

However, if the lenders do call such debt during the next 12 months, Delta Apparel says it won’t have readily available funds to repay the debt, raising “substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.” If the firm can’t address such concerns, it mayseek relief under applicable bankruptcy laws, according to the quarterly report.

Additionally, the company says it was notified by certain suppliers in January that they would no longer extend credit in amounts or terms to the extent previously allowed, limiting Delta Apparel’s ability to obtain raw materials.

Furthermore, its DTG2Go digital-print business recently received notice that its largest customer no longer intends to source production from the platform. As a result, the company expects to receive an impairment charge in the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Goldstar Names Heather Smartt New Global Leader

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:30:52 GMT

Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum) – the No. 16 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – has announced that Heather Smartt has taken over as global leader of the San Diego-based firm.

Howard Cubberly, who joined Goldstar a decade ago and has served as global general manager since 2019, is departing the company. PPAI Media has learned that Goldstar is going through a corporate restructuring.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to continue with the amazing work Howard did in his time here at Goldstar,” Smartt says. “We have a great foundation, and I’m looking forward to enhancing our services and bringing more social and environmental awareness across the company as we continue global expansion, commitments to Simplicity and our line of products ‘Made Better.’”

Cubberly’s Impact

Cubberly tells PPAI Media that it was a great 10 years growing Goldstar with an amazing team.

“It’s a good time to pass the reins as we’ve recently reached a point in scaling the business quickly, where it will take a next level of investment in people, service levels and digital transformation,” he says. “There’s no doubt in my mind that Goldstar will continue to expand its supplier position in the industry under the new leadership.”

Under his leadership, Goldstar developed new product categories, expanded throughout North America and Europe, received multiple awards and launched its Simplicity campaign, which signifies the company’s commitment to simple pricing and an easy-to-work-with business culture.

“We’re deeply grateful for Howard’s vision and leadership, which was foundational to our success over the past decade. His commitment to fostering a great team environment, vibrant brand and entrepreneurial spirit is engrained into our legacy. He’ll be deeply missed but wish him nothing but the very best in his future endeavors,” Goldstar’s management team said in a joint statement.

Goldstar reported $78.9 million in 2023 revenue and has grown sales by 102% over the past three years.
The firm is owned by Cimpress, whose other companies include VistaPrint – the No. 36 distributor in the PPAI 100 – and National Pen – the No. 40 distributor in the PPAI 100.

“Thank you, Howard, for your time with Goldstar,” says Charles Duggan, MAS, Goldstar’s vice president of sales, North America. “As we grow to the next level, we’re excited to have Heather leading us into the future and driving the mission of Global Simplicity.”

Smartt’s Background

Joining Goldstar in October as global director of merchandising, product development and sustainability, Smartt’s talent for bridging the North American and European markets has been a key driver in the company’s global product expansion, Goldstar said.

An 18-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Smartt rose through the ranks of Polyconcept, eventually becoming director of category management at PCNA – the No. 3 supplier in the PPAI 100.

Before joining Goldstar in 2023, she previously served as global director of product development at National Pen.

Sustainability Efforts

A supplier of writing instruments, drinkware and bags, Goldstar has been enhancing its green focus.

In 2023, the company continued its efforts toward FSC, RCS and GRS certifications, with plans to fully achieve those designations this year.
It’s also working on testing to provide Scope 3 emissions on all products and digital passports for its premium goods.

Product-wise, Goldstar and its newly formed Green Team introduced 57 new “Made Better” items last year, created with recycled and thoughtfully sourced materials. That included a Coastal Collection made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, released in North America in November and across Europe in February 2024.

More eco-friendly products are ahead, with Goldstar announcing earlier this year a partnership with Ocean Bottle. The company also plans to launch 70 new products in 2024, including 30 “Made Better” designs.

Written By: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Authentic Brands Group Officially Acquires Champion From HanesBrands

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:28:53 GMT

HanesBrands (PPAI 191138, Gold) – the No. 66 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – which operates in the promotional products industry through the Hanes, Champion, ComfortWash and Alternative Apparel brands– has officially signed an agreement on the acquisition of its Champion brand by Authentic Brands Group. It was first reported in April that Authentic Brands had won a bid for the Champion.

According to HanesBrands, the deal involves a transaction value of $1.2 billion.
Ultimately, the deal has the potential to reach $1.5 billion contingent on meeting certain performance thresholds.
Authentic Brands Group is an intellectual property management company. Champion would be joining a host of other well-known brands under its umbrella, including Barney’s New York, Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer and Nine West.

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of significant effort by our teams to position all of our brands on the optimal path for the future,” says HanesBrands CEO Steve Bratspies. “Over the past three years, we have taken necessary actions to enhance the Company’s operations and financial performance – returning to historical gross margins, reducing our cost structure, lowering our debt levels, and generating consistent cash flow.”

Champion’s global sales decreased 26% – down 35% in the United States and 17% internationally – in first quarter 2024, according to HanesBrands’ Q1 2024 earning report. Sales had fallen by 23% in the final quarter of 2023.
HanesBrands has been seeking a sale of a Champion since the fourth quarter of 2023.
The apparel giant finished last year with a net debt of $3.1 billion, making the sale of Champion a much-needed financial boost.

“Following a thorough review of options for the global Champion business with the support of our financial and legal advisors, we are pleased to have reached this agreement with Authentic Brands Group that we believe maximizes value for Champion and best positions HanesBrands for long-term success,” says Bill Simon, chairman of the HanesBrands board.

“Importantly, we believe this transaction will enable the Company to accelerate its debt reduction while positioning HanesBrands to deliver consistent growth and cash flow generation through a focused strategy on advancing its leading innerwear brands and optimizing its world-class supply chain.”

What’s Ahead For Champion

For Authentic, the acquisition is part of a strategy to expand its portfolio of sports, lifestyle, entertainment and media brands and will increase its system-wide annual retail sales to more than $32 billion worldwide.

“Our successful efforts igniting Reebok’s momentum in sports have created a playbook to achieve a similar feat with Champion,” said Nick Woodhouse, president and chief brand officer of Authentic. “With expansive reach, differentiated channel strategy and a balanced strength across its women’s and men’s businesses, Champion has profoundly influenced sports culture.

“This is the perfect time for the brand to make a significant impact as women’s sports continue to broaden their presence and fandom worldwide.”

Authentic has said that it plans to leverage its platform of consumer verticals to convert the Champion business into a licensed model. It is reportedly in discussions with several existing and potential operators in key regions to manage the manufacturing, physical retail, e-commerce and wholesale operations of the business and maintain the brand’s global footprint.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

‘Pen-fluencer’ Tours Koozie Group Facility After Viral Promo Pen Post

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:26:37 GMT

Last month, Sam Hart – also known as TikTok user @thesam_show – posted a video about the best pen she’d ever used. Hart had used the BIC Intensity Clic Gel Pen (ICLGEL), which Koozie Group is the exclusive supplier of, to sign the lease on her new apartment and subsequently convinced her employer to buy them in bulk when she discovered it was only for sale as a promotional product.

The post garnered over 10 million views on the social app, causing a viral sensation for Koozie Group’s exclusive pen – Hart refers to herself as a pen enthusiast.

Koozie Group was named the No. 9 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100, earning a high mark in Online Presence.

Not one to miss a full-circle opportunity, the supplier invited Hart to be a guest at its headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. Meeting with Koozie Group’s marketing, product and manufacturing teams, Hart also received a tour of the facility. Leah CarrowSherman, the company’s category manager for writing instruments gave Hart the specifics behind what goes into ink systems, considerations and “the anatomy of a pen.”

CarrowSherman says that the company has adjusted its inventory in order to account for increased demand as a result of Hart’s viral post.

The supplier created a special moment as something of a thank you to Hart, whose followers have deemed her a “pen-fluencer.” On the factory floor, Hart saw the creation, at every stage, of a unique white version of the ICLGEL imprinted with the slogan, “Thanks For Helping Us Write Our Love Story.” Along with custom can coolers, the pens will be souvenirs at Hart’s upcoming wedding.

“We saw Sam’s visit as an educational opportunity to spread the word about how we make and imprint writing instruments,” says Rachel Rosario, Koozie Group’s director of marketing and communications. “Having Sam highlight the impact that quality promo products can make on brand awareness was a good chance for us to explain the industry to a broader audience.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

SAGE® ANNOUNCES NEW FEATURES IN THE VIRTUAL DESIGN STUDIO

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:54:44 GMT

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions for the promotional products industry, proudly announces the launch of its latest updates, set to revolutionize the way users design and implement their customer’s branding through the Virtual Design Studio. With a focus on versatility and innovation, these new additions empower users to push the boundaries of their imagination and inspire their customers.

The Virtual Design Studio in SAGE Total Access allows distributor users to create virtual samples for their customers using their brand colors, logo, and messaging. Additionally, distributors with a SAGE Website can offer their clients the same easy-to-use experience, enabling their website visitors to create their own virtual samples. Distributor users can also utilize the Virtual Design Studio directly on supplier websites if they have a SAGE Website or if they have the sampling tool integrated on their site. The ability to create custom virtual samples not only allows distributors to help their customer better visualize what their final product will look like, but also to inspire their customers with a visual representation of the numerous promotional opportunities available to them.

One of the most eagerly anticipated updates is the introduction of the new curved text function. Now, users can effortlessly add curved text up to a full circle, opening up a world of possibilities for creating captivating logos and custom designs.

Additionally, the Virtual Design Studio now puts the power of customization directly into the hands of its users with the ability to design their own paths for text. Whether it's following the contours of a logo or creating unique typographic compositions, the ability to apply text to freeform paths and modify their curves enables users to bring their vision to life with unparalleled precision and creativity. The option to save custom shapes for future use further streamlines the design process, ensuring efficiency and flexibility in every project.

In response to user feedback and evolving design trends, SAGE has also introduced the new brand colors feature as part of the color picker in the Virtual Design Studio. This enhancement automatically supplies the brand colors for any logo in addition to the standard color options to pick from when choosing a design color. This feature simplifies the process of matching HEX and PMS colors across products and designs, ensuring consistency and cohesion in user’s branding efforts. With an expanded palette of options at their fingertips, users can effortlessly create visually stunning designs to inspire their customers and show them exactly what their final product will look like.

"We're so excited about these new features in the Virtual Design Studio” said Eric Natinsky, Chief Executive Officer of SAGE. "Being able to add curved text, freeform text, and especially having the brand colors to pick from right in front of you when creating virtual samples for your customers makes the distributor’s job that much easier! It will definitely help create a more successful sales pitch and let end-buyers better visualize their final results.”

These features are available now through the Virtual Design Studio in SAGE Total Access and on SAGE Websites. Experience the future of design and unlock limitless creative possibilities today!

For more information on the Virtual Design Studio, visit www.sageworld.com or contact your Account Advisor.

Goldstar Names New Global Leader Amid Restructuring

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:49:49 GMT

Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum) – the No. 16 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – has announced that Heather Smartt has taken over as global leader of the San Diego-based firm.

Cubberly’s Impact

Cubberly tells PPAI Media that it was a great 10 years growing Goldstar with an amazing team.

Under his leadership, Goldstar developed new product categories, expanded throughout North America and Europe, received multiple awards and launched its Simplicity campaign, which signifies the company's commitment to simple pricing and an easy-to-work-with business culture.

“We’re deeply grateful for Howard's vision and leadership, which was foundational to our success over the past decade. His commitment to fostering a great team environment, vibrant brand and entrepreneurial spirit is engrained into our legacy. He’ll be deeply missed but wish him nothing but the very best in his future endeavors,” Goldstar’s management team said in a joint statement.

Goldstar reported $78.9 million in 2023 revenue and has grown sales by 102% over the past three years.
The firm is owned by Cimpress, whose other companies include VistaPrint – the No. 36 distributor in the PPAI 100 – and National Pen – the No. 40 distributor in the PPAI 100.

"Thank you, Howard, for your time with Goldstar," says Charles Duggan, MAS, Goldstar's vice president of sales, North America. "As we grow to the next level, we're excited to have Heather leading us into the future and driving the mission of Global Simplicity."

Smartt’s Background

Before joining Goldstar in 2023, she previously served as global director of product development at National Pen.

Sustainability Efforts

A supplier of writing instruments, drinkware and bags, Goldstar has been enhancing its green focus.

In 2023, the company continued its efforts toward FSC, RCS and GRS certifications, with plans to fully achieve those designations this year.
It’s also working on testing to provide Scope 3 emissions on all products and digital passports for its premium goods.

Written by John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Authentic Brands Group Officially Acquires Champion From HanesBrands

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:28:34 GMT

According to HanesBrands, the deal involves a transaction value of $1.2 billion.

Ultimately, the deal has the potential to reach $1.5 billion contingent on meeting certain performance thresholds.

Authentic Brands Group is an intellectual property management company. Champion would be joining a host of other well-known brands under its umbrella, including Barney’s New York, Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer and Nine West.

Champion’s global sales decreased 26% – down 35% in the United States and 17% internationally – in first quarter 2024, according to HanesBrands’ Q1 2024 earning report. Sales had fallen by 23% in the final quarter of 2023.

HanesBrands has been seeking a sale of a Champion since the fourth quarter of 2023.

The apparel giant finished last year with a net debt of $3.1 billion, making the sale of Champion a much-needed financial boost.

What’s Ahead For Champion

"Our successful efforts igniting Reebok's momentum in sports have created a playbook to achieve a similar feat with Champion,” said Nick Woodhouse, president and chief brand officer of Authentic. “With expansive reach, differentiated channel strategy and a balanced strength across its women’s and men’s businesses, Champion has profoundly influenced sports culture.

“This is the perfect time for the brand to make a significant impact as women's sports continue to broaden their presence and fandom worldwide.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

June Shipping Prices Shoot Up Due To Red Sea Crisis, Tariffs

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:48:39 GMT

The price to ship goods out of Asia is on the rise in June, reminding importers across many industries of the skyrocketed shipping rates during 2021’s nightmare supply chain circumstances.

The rate to send a 40-foot container from China to the U.S. East Coast is at approximately $6,000 and rising. That is up nearly 200% from May 1 when the rate was $2,772.
The same shipment from China to Northern Europe is currently $4,600, up more than three times its May 1 rate.
Separate from these rates carriers are offering premium/priority rates to Northern Europe for as much as $10,000.

“Anytime you see ocean freight increasing this quickly it’s a concern given impact to the product cost,” says Bruce Barnet, chief operating & financial officer at Charles River Apparel. “It’s important to monitor this situation over the next few months to see if it’s going to be a short- or long-term impact to the industry in 2024 and 2025.”

Chaos in the Red Sea causing disruption to global supply chain logistics is a primary cause of the rising prices. Additionally, tariff exclusions on certain Chinese imports expire in the middle of June. This is also increasing short term demand for shipping as importers race to get goods in under the wire.

Chart provided by Bloomberg

According to Bloomberg, carrier rates from China to the U.S. peaked around $20,000 in September 2021.

Barnet notes that the current confluence of global conditions means that importers should temper their short term expectation for shipping prices.

“While overseas freight demand is still down, it’s certain in the short term you will see price increases through GRI (General Rate Increases) due to container shortages, longer transit times, weather issues and less sailings out of key ports in Asia,” Barnet says.

The Red Sea Crisis Continues

The current political conflict at the Red Sea has had an effect on the global supply chain similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since late 2023, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the maritime trade route between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Roughly 12% of world trade goes through the Suez Canal, according to the New York Times.

As a result, many container shipping lines and tanker owners have stopped transiting the Red Sea and are rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding an additional two weeks to the supply chain and reducing global container capacity, according to Reuters.

“We have experienced cost increases related to the Red Seas but have also worked around other issues with our freight forward partner through different sailing routes,” Barnet says.

The ripple effect of not only the longer route but also the ships that have circled back to ports due to the dangers of the Red Sea cannot be overstated. It has led to congestion in ports in Singapore and Shanghai. Without improvement in the viability of transportation through the Suez Canal, shipping conditions and rates are liable to worsen before they get better.

Frank Carpenito, CEO and president of Gemline says that a very preliminary look at June shipping prices has shown that moderate increases are being felt and port pressure has seemed to mostly be concentrated in Northern China, where Gemline has limited traffic.

Chinese Tariff Exclusions Increasing Demand

To make matters more complicated, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the expiration of 233 exclusions to the 301 tariffs on Chinese imports as of June 1. However, the USTR has allowed a grace period through June 14 before tariffs on the affected products go into effect.

To read the full USTR report, including an exhaustive list of the affected products, click here.

With many businesses having relied upon importing these products out of China, industry observers have speculated that there might be a huge surge of demand to ship goods out one final time before the transition period ends.

The degree to which businesses scramble to import out of China during the grace period will be difficult to measure, but surging shipping rates are a possible indicator. Unlike the Red Sea crisis, this is a phenomenon that will manifest in the short-term, but both the congestion and rate increase, as well increased cost of these products, could have an ongoing effect into 2024.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Tariff Exclusions On 100s Of Chinese Imports Expire, Affecting Wide Range Of Products

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:42:03 GMT

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced the expiration of 233 exclusions to the 301 tariffs on Chinese imports. The exclusions expired on May 31, but a grace period will be in place until June 14, at which point products in these categories imported from China will be subject to tariffs.

To read the USTR’s notice on the expirations, click here (the full list of exclusions that have expired can be found in Annex D)
In late 2023, PPAI called for an extension of exclusions to these tariffs allowing promo companies to continue to import from China.

“Who’s really punished by tariffs?” commented Ben Zhang, president and CEO of Greater Pacific, PPAI 100’s No. 68 supplier. “American companies, not Chinese manufacturers.”

In 2023, the U.S. imported more than $427 billion in goods from China and exported nearly $148 billion to the world's second largest economy, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Why Did These Exclusions Expire?

In 2017, the USTR conducted an investigation concerning China’s trade practices, concluding that the country was guilty of several practices deemed suspicious or unfairly burden the U.S. This type of investigation and subsequent action is allowed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

As a result, tariffs were placed on products imported into the U.S. from China. The move raised the costs for U.S. businesses to bring these products into the country.

When the Section 301 tariffs were placed, businesses had a window in which they could request specific products be excluded from the tariffs. Assuming valid evidence was provided, those product categories were exempt from the tariffs. Regardless of evidence, such exclusions are not meant to be permanent.

“The pattern of making last-minute announcements regarding the tariff exclusions exacerbates uncertainty for U.S. companies who need to make business decisions months in advance,” a letter by Americans for Free Trade said at the end of 2023.

Exclusions have officially expired on 233 of 429 of the products with Chinese import tariffs with no extension granted.

Of those 233 expired exclusions, 102 of them expired due to nobody requesting an extension.
The rest have expired because importers did not indicate intent or did not show sufficient effort to ship out of China or because of evidence of domestic or third country production of such products.
For exclusions that were granted an extension, the extension will run through May 31, 2025.

Promo Perspective

The grace period before the tariffs kick in on the expired exclusions is a short window, so it is imperative that promo companies examine the USTR’s notice before June 14 to determine if it affects products they are currently importing from China.

The list of products that will now be subject to Chinese tariffs is long and diverse, but a few expired exclusions that may be relevant to promo companies include:

Certain styles of bags
Backpacks with hydration systems
Specific types of robes
Styles of blankets
Grills composed of steel wire at certain dimensions

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

‘Advanced’ Robots Optimize S&S Activewear’s Warehouse

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 17:51:55 GMT

S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum) has announced a deployment of hundreds of robots at its warehouses, a result of its growing partnership with German company Körber Supply Chain and Geekplus robotics. The robots are intended to increase efficiencies within the supplier’s processes and represent a big step toward automation within the promo industry.

S&S Activewear was recently named the No. 5 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100.

It has more than 4 million square feet of warehouse space.

Earlier this month, S&S named Josh Clark its new chief operating officer.

The announcement includes plans for robots to be implemented in three separate S&S warehouses, one of which – in Lockport, Illinois – has already commenced. The 750,000 square foot Lockport facility saw the deployment of 340 robots from Geekplus.

“Our customers deserve a seamless experience from order to fulfillment, and we’re excited about the increased efficiencies we’re already seeing through our collaboration with Körber,” says Brian Beale, chief technology officer at S&S.

Warehouse Process Optimization

The Geekplus robotic solutions are intended to create optimized processes within warehouses like ones that S&S operate out of. Geekplus’s PopPick machines facilitate inventory management by moving goods stored in totes to pick stations. The autonomous devices move and slot inventory, creating a streamlined flow to get products to their destinations.

This technology reduces the amount of near-constant walking by warehouse employees who otherwise would have to do this work manually.

“Our longstanding partnership with Körber has been crucial in bringing our revolutionary solutions to a wider audience,” says Randy Randolph, director of channel partner sales at Geekplus. “This deployment with S&S highlights the huge impact of our mobile robots in helping retailers meet the crush of e-commerce orders while improving quality and efficiency.”

S&S has already cited success and increased efficiency in the use of the robots, which are designed to support more than 4,500 lines per hour through 24 picking stations. The supplier is pleased with the order fulfillment and quality assurance capabilities of the systems in place through the partnership with Körber.

“Innovation is a core tenet of S&S’s decades-long history in the apparel industry,” says Beale. “Advancing our warehouse operations with Körber and Geekplus’s robotics and automation expertise has been a natural and impactful evolution in our technology journey.”

The robotics system is designed to scale with the business of the warehouse they are implemented within in order for the company to avoid being constrained by the investment in the technology.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Oermission from PPAI

Entire Gildan Board Abruptly Resigns; Chamandy To Return As CEO

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 24 May 2024 19:03:11 GMT

Citing "clear" shareholder preference, the entire board of directors of Gildan Activewear (PPAI 250187, Platinum) resigned Thursday evening along with sitting president and CEO Vince Tyra, the company said in a statement.

The mass resignations will remove all drama from the company's annual shareholder meeting on May 28, when the six-month leadership tug-of-war at PPAI 100's No. 10 leading supplier was expected to be resolved.

Glenn Chamandy, who was ousted as CEO late last year, will be reappointed as CEO of the company he co-founded in 1984.

Effective immediately, the outgoing board has appointed a new slate of board members proposed by activist investor Browning West, which owns just under 6% of Gildan shares.

Browning West's eight-person slate will comprise the entirety of the new board.

The outgoing board has also ceased discussions regarding a previously announced sale process, the statement said.

Tyra, previously the chief executive of alphabroder predecessor Broder Bros. and Fruit of the Loom, took over at the beginning of 2024. Meanwhile, the company's board continued its war of words with Chamandy.

Gildan also pushed back on Browning West, alleging that a large purchase of company stock by the company violated antitrust laws.

In March, Browning West sued Gildan and its board in Quebec to ensure that the May 28 shareholder meeting continue as scheduled and with the oversight of an independent chair.

"Our directors are eager to begin working toward their common goal of delivering enhanced shareholder value, which begins with reinstating Glenn Chamandy as CEO," a statement from Browning West said. "Glenn is a visionary leader with a track record of value creation, an unparalleled knowledge of Gildan’s manufacturing business, a deep connection with the Company’s employees and shareholders, and an impressive ability to foresee key industry shifts to keep Gildan one step ahead of competitors. He knows exactly what it will take to expand the Company’s already strong position alongside the newly reconstituted Board, including proven value creator Michael Kneeland, who the new Board intends to appoint as Chair."

The Browning West statement said preliminary voting results indicated that an overwhelming majority of shares had sided with its slate for the Montreal, Canada-based supplier.

“I’m extremely excited to return as Gildan’s CEO and am gratified for the incredible support I have received from both shareholders and employees over the past six months," Chamandy said. "I’m proud of our dedicated employees for their hard work and focus through a tumultuous period. The resilience of the team and the high quality of our newly seated Board give me great confidence that Gildan’s best days are yet to come.”

Gildan's Leadership Struggle

Resembling a Succession story arc at times, the battle over leadership of Gildan has been raging since Chamandy was ousted on Dec. 10 and immediately went public with his disagreement with the decision, claiming a misaligned vision with other board members, and describing his termination as without cause.

A revolt led by five institutional investment firms, including Browning West, began almost immediately.

The spat took a tabloid turn when Gildan’s board was accused of failing to perform its due diligence before naming Tyra to replace Chamandy. The New York Post reported that Tyra had recently hired to Gildan a senior leader with whom he held a romantic relationship while she was his direct report at at Broder Bros. more than two decades ago.

S&S Activewear Names New Chief Operating Officer

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 23 May 2024 18:21:04 GMT

Bolingbrook, Illinois-based S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum) has announced the hiring of Josh Clark to the role of chief operating officer. Clark has worked in operational and supply chain leadership roles for over 20 years.

Last week, S&S Activewear was named the No. 5 supplier in PPAI 100’s rankings.

In late 2023, the supplier hired Alaina Brooks as chief legal officer.

S&S and the promo industry are still regrouping from the tragic and unexpected loss of Stephan Baere, the company’s director of business development, who passed away suddenly earlier this year.

Clark will report directly to Frank Myers, CEO of S&S.

Vice president of operations at Keystone Automotive Industries.

Senior director of services and procurement at retail office equipment provider Grainger.

Senior vice president of operations at Integrated Supply Network.

Clark comes to the promo world most recently from WESCO Distribution, a B2B distribution logistics service and supply chain solutions company, where he was the senior vice president of supply chain-category management.

“I am thrilled to join S&S and excited to contribute to its reputable legacy of market leadership,” Clark says. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to further enhance our operational capabilities and drive significant growth.”

Operational Expertise

Clark’s operational experience goes all the way back to 2002 when he worked at Target in distribution operations for three years. He has also served leadership roles such as:

“Josh’s leadership qualities and proven track record make him the right choice to lead our operations,” says Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear.

In his new role, Clark will be tasked with oversight of S&S’s operational departments, ensuring that processes are in place to fulfill orders, meet safety standards and collaborate with the other members of the supplier’s leadership team.

“We are confident that Josh’s strategic vision will significantly contribute to our ongoing growth and that his leadership will shape our operations to help us deliver even more value to our customers,” says Myers.

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Delta Apparel CEO Pushed Out Amid Struggling Financials

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 23 May 2024 18:18:24 GMT

Robert W. Humphreys has resigned as CEO and chairman of Delta Apparel (PPAI 188431, Gold) – ranked the No. 69 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – at the request of the board of directors, according to a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Humphreys, who joined the Duluth, Georgia-based company in 1998 as CEO and became chairman in 2009, submitted his resignation on May 16.

His final day with the firm will be June 29.

Delta Apparel has appointed Tim Pruban as its chief restructuring officer, according to the filing.

Pruban is the founder of Focus Management Group, a national financial advisory and management consulting group.

His role at Delta Apparel will be to advise the board on succession planning.

Financial Struggles

Net sales from its retail stores segment – Salt Life Group – were $15.5 million in Q2, down about 22% from Q2 2023.

In the 2023 fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2023, Delta Apparel reported a loss of $33.2 million.

“Fiscal 2023 was undoubtedly a challenging year for our company and the industry given the reduced demand environment following last year’s post-pandemic seller’s market,” Humphreys said at the time. “However, it was also a transformative year for our company where we implemented a number of needle-moving initiatives across our business that set the stage for significant operational improvement.”

According to the company, its lenders have elected not to declare the principal and all other amounts owed to be immediately due and payable.

However, if the lenders do call such debt during the next 12 months, Delta Apparel says it won’t have readily available funds to repay the debt, raising “substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.” If the firm can’t address such concerns, it may seek relief under applicable bankruptcy laws, according to the quarterly report.

Additionally, the company says it was notified by certain suppliers in January that they would no longer extend credit in amounts or terms to the extent previously allowed, limiting Delta Apparel’s ability to obtain raw materials.

Two weeks ago, the apparel maker reported that its net sales for the fiscal second quarter were $78.9 million, down nearly 40% from the same period last year.

Delta Apparel also reported it’s been non-compliant with a financial covenant contained in its U.S. revolving credit facility that required its financial results to “improve at a rate faster than we experienced during the second quarter and at a faster rate than we expect to experience over the next 12 months.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

SAGE® ANNOUNCES REAL-TIME CUSTOM IMAGE GENERATION TOOL

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 22 May 2024 20:30:10 GMT

SAGE, the leading provider of software and solutions to the promotional products industry, is proud to announce the industry’s first real-time custom image generation tool as part of its popular website platform. The new image generation tool utilizes cutting edge artificial intelligence, further enhancing SAGE’s groundbreaking AI features aimed at transforming content creation and optimization.

Distributors and suppliers using SAGE to power their websites and company stores can now easily create completely custom and unique images on their website. All areas of the website that allow for custom rich text support the new feature. Creating an image is as easy as typing in a description and hitting the Generate Image button. In just a few seconds, the powerful AI engine will create an image that fits the exact description.

Additionally, SAGE provides a full detailed description of the created image. Users can use this description to further hone the image by adjusting the prompt text and resubmitting it to the AI engine to create a new image.

The new image creation tool not only allows users to visually enhance their website, but it also eliminates potential copyright concerns that can arise with using images found online.

One popular area for using this new image creation tool is the blogs area of the website platform. Earlier this year, SAGE introduced technology that will instantly create an entire blog article based on a given prompt. Now, with the image creation tool, users can easily add images to their blog articles as well.

"It used to take hours or days to create a blog article and find or create images for it that you had the proper rights to use. Now, with these new tools we’ve reduced that time to mere seconds, drastically improving the ability to easily create quality content on our customers’ websites” said Brian Pritchard, Vice President of Information Technology. “As the technology leader in the industry, our goal is to utilize all of these amazing new technologies to create tools that are actually useful to our customers. By doing so, we’re allowing our customers to not just stay competitive but also to be more efficient. It’s a complete win-win.”

4imprint CFO David Seekings To Retire

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 22 May 2024 20:23:28 GMT

4imprint (PPAI 107200, Platinum) – ranked the No. 1 distributor in the 2024 PPAI 100 – has announced that David Seekings, chief financial officer at the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based firm, is retiring.

Seekings, who joined the 4imprint Group in 1996 and was appointed CFO in 2015, plans to retire from his role and from the board of directors before the end of 2025, the company announced during its annual general meeting on Wednesday.

“David has served 4imprint Group plc loyally since joining in 1996,” says 4imprint CEO Kevin Lyons-Tarr. “Over the years he has played an important role in shaping many different aspects of the development of the company, in particular driving the growth of the direct marketing business. I see every day how much he cares about the company and all of its stakeholders, so it comes as no surprise to me that he is allowing ample time and making a full commitment to a successful transition.”

Seekings will “actively participate” in a recruitment process to determine his successor, the company added.

“In due course, I will have plenty of time to reflect on my 27-year career with the company and the amazing people that I have had the privilege to work with along the way,” Seekings says. “Right now, however, I remain completely focused on the business and doing all I can to ensure a smooth succession and to help 4imprint to continue its success for many years to come.”

Revenue Growth

In addition to Seekings’ retirement announcement, 4imprint also reported during the meeting that it achieved 6% revenue growth in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Paul Moody, chairman of 4imprint, says the increase was driven by a 4% rise in order intake and a 2% increase in average order values.

“Gross margins have remained strong, and the reshaped marketing mix has demonstrated the efficiency and flexibility that we expected,” Moody says. “As a result of these factors, the board expects a financial performance for the year within the current range of analysts' forecasts. The board remains confident in the group's ability to blend good near-term financial results with attractive prospects for significant further organic growth over the medium term.”

In 2023, 4imprint extended its lead over all other promo distributors after posting earnings just north of $1.3 billion – both a company and industry record.
The e-commerce giant’s digital-first approach and unprecedented advertising campaign has paid dividends: 4imprint received more than two million total orders in 2023, up 12% from 2022, and acquired 311,000 new customers, up 1.3% from 2022.

4imprint says it will announce its half-year results for the 26 weeks ending June 29 on August 7.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Promo Reacts To Biden's Tariffs On Chinese Goods

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 22 May 2024 14:50:32 GMT

Industry leaders anticipating relief from Trump-era tariffs had their hopes dashed on Tuesday, as the Biden administration announced tariff increases on $18 billion worth of imports from China, which is where most promotional products in the United States and Canada come from.

Additionally, Biden is maintaining the levies enacted by his predecessor on more than $300 billion worth of imports.

China’s commerce ministry responded by saying that Beijing opposed the tariff hikes and would take measures to defend its interests, Reuters reported.

Although the Biden administration claims that the tariff increases will ensure that American job creation isn’t “undercut by a flood of unfairly underpriced exports from China,” Ben Zhang, president and CEO of Greater Pacific – ranked the No. 68 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – argues that “tariffs just increase prices, create inflation and harm the U.S. consumer.”

“Who’s really punished by tariffs? American companies, not Chinese manufacturers,” Zhang says.

In 2023, the U.S. imported more than $427 billion in goods from China and exported nearly $148 billion to the world's second largest economy, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“This industry relies on significant manufacturing in China,” adds Thomas Goos, MAS, president of Image Source – ranked the No. 48 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100. “There will be increased costs from these new tariffs, and we could lose sales. It’s not good for our industry.”

What Items Are Impacted By The Tariffs?

The Biden administration said that the increased tariff rates will apply to:

steel and aluminum products (rising from 7.5% to 25% this year)
battery parts (from 7.5% to 25% this year)
electric vehicles (from 25% to 100% this year)
solar cells (from 25% to 50% this year)
ship-to-shore cranes (from 0% to 25% this year)
semiconductors (from 25% to 50% by 2025)
natural graphite (from zero to 25% in 2026)
other critical minerals (from 0% to 25% this year)
permanent magnets (from zero to 25% in 2026)
syringes and needles (from 0% to 50% this year)
personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators and face masks (from 7.5% to 25% this year)
rubber medical and surgical gloves (from 7.5% to 25% in 2026)

For the promo industry, the most notable tariff increase is for steel and aluminum products, which will climb from 7.5% to 25% this year. Those items are often used in industry staples, such as reusable drinkware and pens.

Cheron Coleman, vice president of private brand product development and global supply chain at alphabroder – ranked the No. 2 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – says the tariffs’ impact on promotional products will vary depending on specific product categories.

“Suppliers and distributors of multi-tools, drinkware (such as tumblers and travel mugs) and tech gadgets (such as USB drives and phone stands) made of Chinese aluminum or steel should closely monitor developments and make necessary adjustments, if needed,” Coleman says.

Although Trump-era tariffs had already played a significant role in several promo firms moving their production out of China, Zhang estimates that 90% of the industry’s drinkware still comes from the country. As an importer, Zhang says that tariff increases ultimately get passed onto the consumer.

“We have to build the tariff cost into our price and pass it onto our customers,” he says. “Suppliers pass it onto distributors, who then pass it onto end users.”

As of March 2024, $230 billion has been paid – half by American consumers and half by American businesses – in Section 301 tariffs since they have been implemented by the Trump administration, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The “Section 301” tariff exclusions on 352 Chinese import and 77 COVID-19-related categories are set to expire on May 31, 2024.

Matt Wagner, vice president of sales at Fields Manufacturing – ranked the No. 80 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – anticipates periodic price increases over the next 12 to 18 months.

“The bigger impact I see this having – and it’s nothing new – is that it forces suppliers to look at other areas to import from,” Wagner says. “Suppliers will continue to keep looking at other parts of the world to produce goods and at different types of materials to produce the same product. My guess is that all these changes will have some sort of increase on price, and it’s just how well certain suppliers are able to mitigate that.”

Despite the potential challenges brought on by the tariffs, Mark Gardyn, executive vice president at New York-based supplier Gordon Sinclair, considers it an opportunity to innovate and adapt.

“In the promotional products industry, particularly with drinkware, we'll continue to focus on delivering high-quality products while exploring alternative sourcing and materials to mitigate cost impacts,” Gardyn says. “This shift encourages us to be more resilient and creative in our solutions.”

Conflicting Views

Members of the Product Responsibility Action Group (PRAG) – a PPAI volunteer group – have different perspectives on the new tariffs.

“While both the Trump and Biden administrations have supported these tariffs, their political messaging is anathema to the economic reality that these tariffs are not only counterproductive, but worse, one of the primary factors in our ever-increasing inflation and a motivator of job loss,” says Angie Morelli, owner of Las Vegas-based distributor Customistic and a member of PPAI’s Government Relations Advisory Council.

“When domestic availability of ‘like’ products exists in the quantities needed, subverting cheaper Chinese competition, in theory, makes sense,” Morelli says. “The issue with the sweeping Section 301 tariffs is that much of what this is applying costs to can't be purchased U.S. made at all, or certainly not in the quantities that we’ve been importing them from China for decades.”

Rick Brenner, MAS+, president of business services provider Product Safety Advisors, notes that The White House claims that the Chinese government is undermining low carbon emission U.S. steel and aluminum efforts by subsidizing high carbon emission Chinese steel and aluminum at unrealistically low prices.

“If this is true, and it appears to be backed up by a four-year review by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tail,” Brenner says, “I would hate to see our industry complaining that we should be able to continue to buy cheap aluminum and steel that generates high carbon and is subsidized by the Chinese government to the detriment of American industries, just because we want to keep our costs low. It would also undercut our sustainability message – that we care about carbon emissions.”

Meanwhile, Brian Deissroth, director of national accounts at Edwards Garment – ranked the No. 19 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100 – argues that tariffs are “simply a tax on American companies and the American people.”

“We can pretty much guarantee that tariffs are here to stay,” says Deissroth, adding that the best business leaders can hope for is a “retroactive renewal” of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

GSP is the largest U.S. trade preference program that provides nonreciprocal, duty-free treatment enabling many of the world’s developing countries to spur diversity and economic growth through trade, according to CBP.

GSP expired on December 31, 2020, and is pending Congressional renewal under H.R. 7986.

“When Congress reasserts themselves and renews H.R. 7986, it will provide relief for small businesses by creating competition within the supply chain,” Deissroth says. “Reach out to your representative and ask them to support H.R. 7986.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Jeff Hall Retires After 14 Years As President And CEO Of iClick

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 22 May 2024 14:48:05 GMT

iClick (PPAI 254537, Platinum) has announced the retirement of Jeff Hall, who joined the supplier in 2010 as its president and took on the role of CEO in 2019. In the wake of his departure, Jeff Roberts, who had been serving as CFO, has been appointed CEO.

Last week, iClick was named the No.41 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100.
Hall had served in leadership roles with iClick, which launched in 2001, for more than half of its existence.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of this industry with so many great individuals and especially to work with the great team of people at iClick,” Hall says. “The last 14 years have been the most fun of my career, and I am grateful to all those who have helped to make it so.”

As noted in the Seattle-based company’s PPAI 100 ranking, the iClick recently strengthened its employee relations with monthly offsite, in-person company events paired with Friday morning meetings to recognize employee accomplishments.

Last year, under Hall’s leadership, iClick partnered with retail tech accessories brand Casely to bring an on-phone battery backpack to the promotional products industry.

Moving Forward

Roberts will step into the CEO role 11 years after joining iClick as VP of finance, eventually being promoted to chief financial officer in 2019. Having spent five years at Microsoft before transitioning to the promo world, his expertise is in sales operations and mobile technology products.

Roberts will lead the company as it prepares to launch a new suite of MagSafe-enabled products for smartphones.

“As I step into the role of CEO, I am deeply honored to build upon the incredible foundation laid by Jeff Hall,” Roberts says. “His leadership has propelled iClick to the forefront of innovation and set a high bar for service excellence. I am excited to lead our talented team as we continue to push the boundaries of mobile technology and create products that empower our customers and redefine the industry.

“Together, we will write the next chapter in iClick's story, one that is driven by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our customers.”

With much of their iClick careers having overlapped in positions of leadership, Hall is confident that the supplier will be in good hands.

“I am excited for Jeff Roberts to have the opportunity to lead iClick,” Hall says. “In our many years working together, he has proven himself to be exceptional and I have great confidence in his ability to continue to foster the care and support that iClick has for our distributors and our team.”

Gemline Reincorporates As Public Benefit Corporation

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 16 May 2024 22:31:07 GMT

Eager to further prove the intention behind its new purpose statement, “We Promote Community,” Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), has officially reincorporated as a public benefit corporation.

In the just unveiled 2024 PPAI 100, Gemline is ranked the No. 11 supplier, receiving a high mark for Responsibility.

One requirement of becoming a public benefit corporation is that the Massachusetts-based supplier will need to provide a bi-yearly report on the progress of its stated social goals. Last month, Gemline released its 2023 CSR report. To read the report in its entirety, click here.

Additionally, Gemline's board of directors is required to include considerations of those social and environmental goals into its fiduciary responsibilities.

“Gemline’s commitment to social responsibility has been a consistent priority of our company and me,” says Jonathan Isaacson, executive chair at Gemline. “Formalizing this commitment as a public benefit corporation aligns with the ethos that has guided both myself and the board for many years.”

What Is a Public Benefit Corporation?

By granting Gemline public benefit corporation status, the government is essentially recognizing the supplier as a business that is in the public interest. The designation intends to encourage for-profit organizations to be driven by more than just profit, and PBCs are legally required to pursue one or more environmental or social purposes.

Additionally, it is expected to operate within the best interests of stakeholders rather than just shareholders. Within this context, stakeholders include:

Employees
Customers
Suppliers
Communities in which the business operates.

Public benefit corporations are protected from liability if the business does not maximize shareholder value as long as it is in pursuit of the company’s social or environmental goals.

Gemline’s board of directors notes that the legal requirements of PBC status mirrors the company’s stance that profitability and positive social and environmental impact can be reached in tandem.

“We are proud to join the growing community of public benefit corporations that are driving positive change in the business world,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “By embracing this new legal structure, Gemline reaffirms its commitment to being a force for good and setting a higher standard for corporate responsibility.”

Gemline’s Betterway program is a corporate social responsibility initiative that focuses on “People, Planet and Product.”

In 2023, Gemline diverted 100% of waste from landfills.
It also donated nearly $1 million to charitable causes.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Carter Newman To Head Up Sporting Goods Sales At Cap America

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 15 May 2024 14:34:06 GMT

Cap America (PPAI 111597, Gold) – the No. 11 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has brought on Carter Newman as national sales manager for sporting goods.

He will oversee the external sales team and work closely with internal sporting goods personnel to ensure seamless operations and customer service. He will also collaborate with Tim Nixon to spearhead growth initiatives within the division to further enhance Cap America’s market presence.
Newman brings more than a decade of experience in the sporting goods sector managing large-scale headwear operations and maintaining pivotal accounts and partnerships.

“Carter joins us during a time of remarkable growth in our sporting goods division,” says CEO Mark Gammon. “His profound industry knowledge and extensive relationships are tremendous assets that will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing success and solidify our position as a market leader in decorated team headwear.”

Newman is equally excited about his new role. “Cap America has long been known as the industry leader in service and speed,” he says. “Their customer-focused approach and commitment to providing the best service in the industry are what sets them apart as a leader in the headwear space and I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to join such a dynamic and fast-growing organization.”

SnugZ USA Partners With 'Shark Tank'-featured The HYPE Company

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 15 May 2024 14:26:33 GMT

SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982, Platinum) has announced an exclusive partnership with The HYPE Company, a customizable, on-demand sandal provider, bringing the signature slides into the promotional products marketplace.

The HYPE Company was recently featured on an episode of Shark Tank.

Barbara Corcoran, one of the show’s “sharks” was impressed enough with the presentation to invest in the company.

“Co-founder Cheng Kue and I are incredibly excited to be launching our on-demand slides into the promotional products industry together with SnugZ,” says Marc Herzberger, CEO and co-founder of The Hype Company. “This strategic partnership leverages our extensive background in footwear development with brands like Adidas, Fila and most recently Crocs and together allows us to bring a product that the industry has been craving.”

‘Master Class Creative Innovators’

Herzberger says that The HYPE Company redefines what could be possible for the footwear market when it comes to brand promotion. The customizable option of the company’s signature slides creates a blank canvas that SnugZ can apply its promotional products experience.

“The team at HYPE has been an absolute dream to work with,” says Brittany David, MAS, SnugZ’s chief revenue officer. “They are master class creative innovators, and we are excited to expand their reach into our industry.

“We are always looking to add cool, high-quality products and brands to the promo world that people want to keep and work with people we like.”

The partnership will produce one-piece minimums, offering a true on-demand offering.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

SanMar Named A 2024 U.S. Best Managed Company

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 10 May 2024 01:34:31 GMT

SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum) – the No. 1 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has been recognized as a 2024 U.S. Best Managed Company, an award sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal.

The award recognizes the achievements of U.S. private companies and the successes of their management teams. SanMar has been a family-owned business since its founding in 1971 and is currently managed by the third generation of the Lott family.

The company’s longstanding investments in its employees, operations and sustainability efforts are key drivers for its selection this year.

Honorees are selected by an external panel of judges who evaluate applicants based on strategy, ability to execute, culture, and governance and financial performance.

“We are humbled to receive this recognition,” says Jeremy Lott, CEO of SanMar. “I'm motivated by our team’s unwavering dedication to doing right by each other, our customers and our values.”

Texas Spring Swing 2024: A Resounding Success!

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 07 May 2024 15:55:32 GMT

The Texas Spring Swing, a collaborative effort between the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) and the Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS), concluded its third annual event last week with resounding success. The week-long extravaganza, spanning across Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, brought together approximately 75 exhibitors representing 150 different factory lines and attracted about 800 attendees.

Reflecting on the event's success, Malik Hemani, CAS, President of HPPA, stated, "The Texas Spring Swing surpassed expectations. It brought together Suppliers, MLRs, and Distributors in a dynamic environment where connections were made and ideas flourished. What set this event apart was its inclusivity, allowing end buyers to participate alongside distributors fostering partnership and creativity. Walking the show floor, I couldn't help but be inspired by the plethora of products and creative displays. It was a testament to the power of face-to-face interaction in our digital age. Kudos to the trade show committee and all industry members for upholding a culture of respect and integrity, ensuring a productive and enjoyable experience for all."

Chad Rizzo, President of PPAS, remarked, "This was a fantastic week for PPAS and our Texas Spring Show. By all measures, participation from suppliers, distributors, and end buyers was at an all-time high. This is further evidence that the changes the previous PPAS boards have instituted are working. Regional engagement has become an integral part of the promotional product industry, and we are excited for what the future will bring."

The success of the Texas Spring Swing underscores the importance of regional engagement in the promotional product industry and highlights the value of collaborative efforts among industry associations. As the event continues to grow year after year, it serves as a beacon of innovation and camaraderie within the industry.

For more information about the Texas Spring Swing and future events, visit https://www.houstonppa.org/ and https://ppas.wildapricot.org/.

Melissa Ralston Is Leaving Koozie Group

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:26:13 GMT

Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum) – ranked the No. 10 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced that Melissa Ralston is stepping down from her role as chief revenue officer, effective May 31.

As part of the transition, Trish Daly, currently vice president of sales operations at the Clearwater, Florida-based company, will move into the vice president of sales role and join the executive staff.

Daly has been with Koozie Group for nearly 30 years in a variety of sales, marketing and product development roles.
She will take on responsibility for the entire sales organization and report directly to CEO Pierre Montaubin.
Koozie Group says there will be no changes to the senior leaders in customer operations and marketing, who will now report to the COO and CEO, respectively.

“The last several years have been a defining period for Koozie Group as we’ve made key investments in people, processes and technology; dramatically improved customer experience and satisfaction; launched a successful social impact and sustainability strategy; and greatly enhanced our product, service and retail brand solutions – all of which have helped to advance important growth targets,” Montaubin says.

“Melissa has been instrumental in steering many of these advancements, but, perhaps most importantly, in establishing an operational infrastructure that positions us exceptionally well to accelerate our growth trajectory. In many ways, we’ve only begun to scratch the surface in terms of the market opportunity ahead of us. As she moves on to her next personal and professional chapters, we’re grateful for all of her contributions.”

Ralston’s Impact

For nearly 20 years, Ralston has worked in the promo industry with global leadership roles across marketing, product management, sourcing and sales.

She has been with Koozie Group, formerly known as BIC Graphic North America, for nearly a decade, serving as chief marketing officer before becoming chief revenue officer in 2021.

Among her many contributions, Ralston spearheaded the launch and served as executive sponsor of the company’s “Keep It. Give It.” social impact and sustainability task force.

“I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to work with amazing teams and am proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Ralston says. “The right people and processes are in place, and as I step away, I’m confident that Koozie Group is well-positioned for continued growth and success.”

Ralston recently served two years as an at-large director on the PPAI Board of Directors that were defined by important board decisions on key investments as the Association worked to scale back up post-pandemic and pursue its new mission and vision.

A committed volunteer in the industry, Ralston has also served on the board of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) and was a two-time member of the Supplier Foresight Committee.

In Her Blood

Ralston’s roots in the advertising industry date back three generations, as her grandfather owned an ad agency (where her father also worked), which he later sold to a large firm.

While attending the University of Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s in international advertising and a master’s in international business, Ralston dabbled in public relations, communications and sales.

But years before working in the industry, her earliest brush with promotional products was with T-shirts she’d collect every year from an annual Thanksgiving run in which her family participated together.

This experience would come full-circle early on in her 20-year career when she was the marketing communications manager with Chris-Craft Corporation, a Sarasota, Florida-based powerboat manufacturer.
There she was responsible for working with a promotional products distributor to purchase branded products for Chris-Craft boat-owners and fans to buy on the company website.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

New Delivery Fees Go Into Effect In Certain U.S. Cities

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:17:02 GMT

In April, UPS and FedEx have added new delivery fees in a number the most populous cities in the U.S. Known as a delivery area surcharge (or DAS), the range of fees from both companies is between $3.95 and $5.85 with possibly higher rates for ZIP codes considered “remote” or “extended.”

The primary cities impacted are Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston.
In total, 82 ZIP codes have been affected.
Surcharges will vary depending on whether it is a ground or air transportation and whether it’s a commercial or residential delivery.

How To Avoid (Or Mitigate) Surcharges

With both shipping giants adding these DAC fees in the same month, it will be difficult for businesses sending goods into these large cities to avoid them.

Among other motivations, it is likely that both FedEx and UPS are attempting to offset the costs of tolls associated with tunnels or bridges that are common in more populated cities.

Whatever the reason, it can be an immediate headache for businesses that have grown used to being able to plan for increases in shipping costs based on annual rate adjustments.

DAC fees may represent a costly increase in the price of business depending on the number of packages a company is sending into affected area codes.

While it may take a reorganizing of logistics, it is worth considering consolidating packages heading to the same address into fewer shipments if and when possible.
This would require communicating with the recipient about the possibility of negotiating an agreed upon day to receive larger volume orders rather than splitting that amount over multiple shipments.

FedEx is a Business Services Member of PPAI and has been supporting the Association and its members since the early 2000s.

This partnership results in exclusive member discounts with the carrier, including 35% off residential and area surcharge fees, which will help offset the new DAC fees when shipping into the affected area codes.
PPAI Members interested in enrolling into the discount program should contact their account manager for enrollment information.
- Distributors
- Suppliers and Business Services

Published with Permission from PPAI

FTC Issues Ban On Employers Issuing Non-compete Contracts

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 22:20:26 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a ban on Tuesday barring employers from imposing non-compete clauses on their employees. The ban passed on a 3-2 vote, with both Republicans on the FTC voting against the ban.

The FTC’s ruling leaves existing non-competes with senior executives intact while banning future non-competes for top corporate officials.
The rule is intended to go into effect 120 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

In February, PPAI Media listed non-compete clauses as one of the key employment areas to watch in 2024 after the FTC proposed the legislation that this ban initially stemmed from in January. Last year, Joshua White – then the head of strategy and general counsel at BAMKO and a member of the PPAI Board of Directors – wrote a column for PPAI Media arguing against non-compete contracts as a practice in promo and predicting this week’s outcome.

‘Undeniably Impactful’

Maurice Norris, PPAI’s public affairs manager, states plainly that the ruling has obvious implications for companies in the industry that have non-competes baked into their standard hiring process.

“This new rule from the FTC is undeniably impactful,” Norris says. “It doesn’t just mandate communications to current employees, but additionally requires companies to eliminate most existing non-competes, with some exceptions. The 120-day effective date is also approaching soon.”

FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter issued a statement on the topic of non-competes, claiming that they put American workers in a position in which they cannot move freely within an industry they may excel at.

“It is so profoundly unfree, and unfair, for people to be stuck in jobs they want to leave [as a result of non-compete contracts],” Slaughter says.

The ruling that passed Tuesday reflects the draft that was proposed back in January with the exception that existing non-competes specifically with senior executives can remain in place. No future non-competes are allowed, for senior executives or otherwise.

The two dissenting voters clarified that their issues were with the agency’s authority to issue the ban, rather than the merits of the ban itself.

Not The Final Word

Non-compete contracts are unlikely to go away without a fight. It is expected that multiple lawsuits will be filed by business groups questioning the FTC’s ability to issue such a ban.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has already stated that it intends to sue in order to block the ruling.

“This decision sets a dangerous precedent for government micromanagement of business and can harm employers, workers and our economy,” says Suzanne Clark, Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “The Chamber will sue the FTC to block this unnecessary and unlawful rule and put other agencies on notice that such overreach will not go unchecked.”

Norris anticipates that a Congressional Review Act resolution will follow the FTC ruling in the near future.

The Biden administration has argued that non-compete contracts ultimately harm individual workers, lower wages and create negative ramifications on the U.S. economy.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Joins the Impressive List of Brands Available from VisionUSA

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:39:43 GMT

VisionUSA®, a leading innovator in the promotional products industry, proudly unveils its latest addition to the brand collection: Splitflask. This groundbreaking tumbler introduces a revolutionary design, featuring a dual chamber that allows users to carry both hot and cold liquids simultaneously.

In a world where versatility and convenience reign supreme, Splitflask emerges as a game-changer, offering a solution to the age-old dilemma of choosing between hot coffee or refreshing iced tea. With its innovative dual chamber construction, this tumbler empowers users to enjoy their favorite beverages without compromise, catering to their diverse preferences and lifestyle needs.

"At VisionUSA®, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering products that enhance everyday experiences," says Felix Soliz, President of VisionUSA®, "With Splitflask, we are excited to introduce a new standard of functionality and convenience to the promotional products space, offering our clients and their customers a unique solution that aligns with modern demands."

The tumbler boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, crafted from high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability. With its innovative double-walled, stainless steel dual chamber design, offers a seamless way to carry two beverages simultaneously, empowering users to indulge in their favorite drinks without compromise. (See the Splitflask in use, click Here)!

Whether it's enjoying a piping hot espresso alongside a chilled fruit-infused water or sipping on a steaming cup of cocoa while keeping an iced latte cold, Splitflask caters to the dynamic preferences of today's consumers. Perfect for on-the-go professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a versatile beverage companion, this innovative tumbler is set to redefine the way people enjoy their drinks.

"We believe that Splitflask will resonate with a wide range of audiences, from busy commuters to outdoor adventurers, offering them unparalleled convenience and enjoyment," adds Soliz. "As we introduce this exciting addition to the VisionUSA® brand collection, we look forward to empowering our clients to make a lasting impression with their promotional campaigns."

Whether used as corporate gifts, event giveaways, or promotional merchandise, Splitflask promises to leave a lasting impression, reflecting the quality and innovation synonymous with the VisionUSA®, brand.

For more information about Splitflask and other products offered by VisionUSA®, please visit www.vision1usa.com.

Industry Vets Join L.E.A.D. To Advocate For Promo

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:21:21 GMT

Chris Babiash, MAS, president and CEO of Minnesota-based distributor Booshie, will be attending PPAI Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) for the seventh time this year.

“During my time with L.E.A.D., I’ve seen and learned so much about how Washington, D.C. works and how important it is for our industry to have face time with the leaders running the country,” Babiash says.

On May 13-14, Babiash will join fellow PPAI members and staff to once again meet with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill to discuss pending legislation and issues relevant to the promotional products industry.

As L.E.A.D.’s name suggests, the first objective is always to inform legislators and their staffs about the size and importance of the promo industry, which represents a $26 billion sales market in the United States and employs roughly half a million Americans.
Last year, during the first in-person L.E.A.D. since 2019, more than 60 promo pros held over 80 meetings designed to make connections and educate lawmakers on the branded merchandise industry and four key points important to it today.

Being Informed And Involved

Babiash, who also serves as president of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP), believes many promo pros are like he used to be – unaware and uninterested in the issues impacting the industry unless (or until) they directly impact them.

“For too many years, I had my head down and only focused on myself and my career, but I’ve evolved and believe we should be doing everything we can to expose, teach and educate people about our industry and its issues,” Babiash says.

Nowadays, he’s most concerned about sustainability, compliance and importing costs, particularly carriers’ ability to “nickel and dime” customers with fees and “emergency charges.”

Although Babiash has become a familiar face on Capitol Hill through L.E.A.D., he doesn’t consider himself a political junkie. “I neither love politics, nor do I like to engage with and discuss it,” he says.

“But I like L.E.A.D. because it allows me to push myself in my comfort zone of seeing and understanding the movement and happenings while staying in the bipartisan world, which is how it should be. I like to see and understand both sides and make decisions based on what is best for everyone.”

Promotional Products Work!

As in years past, one of the main points that 2024 L.E.A.D. participants aim to get across to lawmakers is that promotional products are the most cost-effective, memorable and longest-lasting form of advertising.

According to PPAI’s most recent Consumer Study, nearly three quarters agree that promo products are a good way to learn about sales and events, and 72% agree that they’re helpful for learning about new businesses in the area.

“If used correctly, promo is powerful,” says Patricia Dugan, MAS, vice president of sales and marketing at Massachusetts-based supplier BUDGETCARD and a 2023 recipient of PPAI’s Women of Achievement Award.

Dugan, who says she attended a previous incarnation of L.E.A.D. several decades ago, will be attending this year to represent the New England region. “L.E.A.D. is very important, especially regarding Prop 65,” she says. “We need to know about and fight for certain issues. Look how long we worked on the independent contractor issue!”

Throughout her nearly half century in the promo industry, Dugan has served in dozens of board positions within PPAI, as well as Promotional Products Education Foundation chair from 2015-2017, leading the nonprofit through a defining period of change that ultimately led to increasing scholarships.

Under her guidance, PPEF increased scholarships from $25,000 to $150,000, the highest dollar amount ever awarded in a single year at the time.

So, it should be no surprise that education on the importance of promo products is important to her. “Government shouldn’t limit the sale or use of promo products because they do solve problems, especially with getting people to vote,” Dugan says.

Written by John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Meg Erber’s Role At Proforma Expands

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:17:08 GMT

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum) – the No. 5 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced that Meg Erber’s responsibilities have expanded to leading sales, coaching and recruitment efforts at Proforma’s Worldwide Support Center.

A 25-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Erber joined the Ohio-headquartered company as director of sales in February.

Her fingerprints are all over the promotional products world. Coming to the industry after a career in the U.S. Navy, Erber has made her mark by creating or contributing to promo channels beyond just the scope of her official job title.

She is a perennial member of PPAI’s #Online18.
Erber was also the former co-host of PromoCorner’s Industry Insider podcast, which has since evolved into Branding Banter.
She is a sitting member on the PromoCares Board of Directors.

Proforma Promotions

Erber will be keeping her title even though her role has expanded due to Greg Armstrong, formerly chief sales officer at Proforma, being promoted to president of Proforma GPS (PPAI 176728, Standard-Plus), a Nevada-based distributorship owned by Steve and Donna Raucher.

“It has been incredible to serve alongside the dedicated team at Proforma’s Support Center,” Armstrong says. “As I embark on this new role, I’m grateful for the support and camaraderie that defined my journey there and that will undoubtedly continue as I pivot to a new position within the Proforma family.”

Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo adds that “Greg's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Proforma's success, and I’m confident that Proforma will continue to flourish under Meg's leadership. We congratulate Greg on his new role and look forward to a continued partnership as we forge ahead in our mission to empower businesses worldwide.”

Written by John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

ePromos Names Industry Vet Vice President Of Sales

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:34:18 GMT

ePromos Promotional Products (PPAI 212648, Platinum) – ranked the No. 19 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced that Heather Sanderson has joined the St. Cloud, Minnesota-based firm as its new vice president of sales.

With more than 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry, Sanderson cited ePromos being a certified Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) company as one of the reasons she joined.

“The benefits of being a female-owned business are immense,” Sanderson says. “Women entrepreneurs have access to federal contracts, networking, educational opportunities, new clients and business partners, and significant roles in transforming industries, contributing to the economy and empowering communities across America.”

Sanderson’s Background

Sanderson was one of the three founding members of Overture Promotions –ranked the No. 15 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – where she worked in sales and operations before becoming CEO.

During her tenure, she helped grow the company to 150 employees and $60 million in sales.
At Overture, Sanderson spearheaded a strong mentorship program supporting team growth and development.
Like ePromos, Overture is a WBENC-certified business.

“We couldn’t be more excited for Heather to join the ePromos team,” says Adam Rosenbaum, president of ePromos. “Heather is a perfect fit for our culture and her success scaling the sales team and company during her tenure at Overture speaks to our commitment of providing best-in-industry leadership for our sales team and the expansion of our business development efforts.”

“ePromos continues to be uniquely positioned in our industry to service enterprise, mid-market and e-commerce clients,” Rosenbaum adds, “and Heather’s depth of experience will be instrumental in achieving our omnichannel growth plans.”

Sign-Zone Makes Major Acquisition

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:57:48 GMT

Sign-Zone, the parent company of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota-based supplier Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, Platinum) – the No. 14 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – announced today that it has acquired AAA Innovations (PPAI 110972, Standard-Plus). The Orangeburg, New York-based supplier offers products such as umbrellas, coolers and outdoor recreational products.

A source close to the deal says AAA's annual sales are roughly $40 million. The new business is expected to push Showdown's revenues north of $150 million per year.
Showdown Displays has a track record of investing in its operations, procedures and the larger promotional products community.

Earlier this month, Showdown was recognized for its customer service with a 2024 People’s Choice Stevie Award.
In May 2023, the supplier received a 2023 silver medal from EcoVadis for its achievements in sustainability and overall efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Kevin Walsh, president of Showdown Displays, is currently Immediate Past-Chair of the PPAI Board of Directors, after serving as Board Chair in 2023.

The two organizations expect to be able to leverage the operational resources and geographical locations of each in order to create new opportunities.

The acquisition combines what Showdown considers "similar but unique" product lines that will continue to be sold only through authorized reseller partners.

"Joining the Sign-Zone [the parent company of Showdown Displays] family provides limitless possibilities for our business and team of professionals," says Nanus. "The entire AAA team is excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates, including accelerated growth from additional investment."

The two organizations will have a combined production and fulfillment space across North America of approximately 400,000 square feet with additional operations in Europe.

"AAA Innovations’ unique products and branding solutions have helped them build strong reseller partnerships in the promotional products industry," says John Bruellman, CEO of Sign-Zone. "The company has a deep commitment to delivering a memorable customer experience. We’re extremely excited to bringing additional production capacity, expanded geographic presence and tremendous expertise and talent into our organization."

Similar But Unique Product Lines
The two companies will continue to operate on a standalone basis, with AAA Innovations retaining its brand name and customers.

Jeff Nanus, owner of AAA Innovations, will remain with the organization as president, a role he served prior to the acquisition.

Showdown Displays will remain in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. AAA Innovations is currently moving to a new facility located in Orangeburg, New York.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Hit Promotional Products Elevates Jon Norris To Chief Strategy Officer

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:03:48 GMT

Almost exactly six months after joining Hit Promotional Products (PPAI 113910, Platinum), Jon Norris has been promoted to the role of chief strategy officer. The C-suite position shift will likely provide Norris, an industry veteran with an expertise in technology standards, with a more direct influence over the supplier’s direction going forward.

Norris previously held the title of vice president of business process improvement.
Hit Promotional Products ranked as the No. 4 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100.

Norris’ Promo Pedigree

Norris may have just a half year under his belt at Hit Promotional Products, but he is a 20-year veteran of the promo industry.

Prior to joining Hit, Norris spent more than 19 years at Starline, where he was chief operating officer upon his departure.
He’s also a co-founder and current leadership team member of PromoStandards, a group of industry IT professionals who focus on the development of technology standards to enable system-to-system communication in an effort to reduce the cost of business between suppliers and distributors.

CJ Schmidt, president of Hit Promotional Products, said that bringing Norris to the supplier was “a testament to our commitment to lead, innovate and excel in the promotional products industry.”

Norris was named a PPAI Rising Star in 2014.
He was named to the #Online 18 in 2020.

Norris’s track record of volunteerism in the promo industry includes time on PPAI’s Technology Committee, where he was lauded for “his passion for what he does in every respect.” As an Association volunteer, he was recognized for the ideas he brought to the table, his collaborative spirit, results-oriented outlook and being a “great leader and role model for others.”

Norris has called his colleagues at Hit Promotional Products some of the hardest working members of the industry.

“[I] couldn't be happier to continue to work hard with my Hit crew and amazing ownership, who continues to invest into what this impressive organization is capable of,” Norris says. “New role, new responsibilities, same great company, amazing customers and ever-changing industry.”

Changing Scenery At Hit Promotional Products

The news of Norris’ promotion to chief strategy officer comes only two months after the announcement of Eric Shonebarger stepping down from his role as president, who had been with the company for two decades. Schmidt, the company’s CEO, moved into the role of president.

The company’s 2022 revenue exceeded $600 million.
From 2019-2022, Hit Promotional Products grew in revenue by 23%.
The 2023 PPAI 100 rankings awarded the supplier High Marks in Revenue, Growth, Online Presence, Innovation and Professional Development.

Norris joining Hit last year was part of a trend of adding senior level talent with industry experience in recent years.

In late 2022, Hit Promotional Products added Kim Brockschmidt as VP of business development.
Last year, Tiffany Tarr joined the supplier as VP of eCommerce.

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

FEY PROMO Welcomes TJ Garrett, MAS to Sales Team

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 15:29:10 GMT

Fey Promo is excited to welcome TJ Garrett, MAS to our Sales Team!

TJ joins the team as a Senior Account Executive. With over 30 years of experience in the promotional product industry, TJ has had the opportunity to work both on the distributor and the supplier side. TJ has exceled in the industry and has been a recipient of the Bess Cohn Humanitarian Award.

“This industry has always lifted me up. Every day I discover something exciting and learn something new”, states TJ. She hopes to bring her diverse experience, knowledge and love of promotional products to her clients.

TJ is based in her favorite state of Texas where she loves spending family time with her two sons and grandson or watching football. “Her core values align with Fey Promo”, states Shelley Sake, Director of Strategic Growth. “TJ is a welcome addition to our team and is a day brightener to her customers with the excitement she brings forth on any project”.

HALO Hacked: Data Breach Impacts More Than 7,000 People

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:55:10 GMT

There's a new reminder for promotional products companies to take the threat of cybercrime seriously; attacks can happen to anyone.

HALO (PPAI 106462, Platinum) – ranked the No. 2 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – suffered a data breach in November 2023 that affected 7,305 people, according to a report filed this week with the Office of the Maine Attorney General.

The Sterling, Illinois-based company reported that it was hacked on November 22, 2023, resulting in unauthorized access to some of its computer systems.

“We immediately took steps to contain the incident and engaged federal law enforcement and leading cybersecurity experts to investigate the matter,” HALO told PPAI Media. "It wasn't until February 2024 that our investigation discovered that the data we reported to the state of Maine was impacted."

What Happened?

In a notice to impacted clients sent on March 28, HALO CEO Marc Simon said that some computer systems were accessed by a “sophisticated threat actor” who evaded detection by HALO’s information security defenses.

The threat actor stole private information, such as names, birthdays and Social Security numbers of some of its current and former employees, as well as independent contractors, HALO said.

That information was provided to HALO’s human resources department for tax or benefits purposes, according to the notice.

“Upon discovering the situation, we promptly took these systems offline, notified law enforcement and engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate," Simon said, adding that HALO has recovered the files.

“To our knowledge, we’re not aware of any actual or attempted misuse of personal information as a result of this incident,” Simon said.

Next Steps

“Since early December, HALO has been operating normally and is confident the incident has been contained,” the firm told PPAI Media.

Ongoing efforts since the data breach include HALO working with external cybersecurity experts to investigate what happened, strengthening its computer network and monitoring the “dark web” for information relating to the company, Simon said.

HALO is offering affected clients the option to enroll in an identity protection solution from Cyberscout free of charge for 12 months.

In the notice, HALO also included an Identity Protection Reference Guide that includes information on general steps you can take to monitor and protect your personal information.

“Please know that we’ve taken a number of steps to address this situation, and that we’re committed to doing the right thing for everyone involved,” Simon said.

HALO earned PPAI 100 High Marks in the Innovation category in 2023.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Taking It To the Streets: How One Apparel Supplier Launched Its Own Merch Tour At SXSW

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:39:13 GMT

A T-shirt that tells a story. That’s the goal of California-based supplier Lane Seven Apparel (PPAI 630869, Standard-Base). Lane Seven kicked off a series of interactive experiences designed to engage customers and end users at South by Southwest, the annual mid-March festival focused on creative pursuits including film, interactive media and music.

Meghan Brazzelle, senior sales manager for Lane Seven, lives in Austin, Texas, where SXSW takes place, and she knew the festival would be a great way to connect with and support emerging artists. “It’s more than just a music festival, or TV and film,” she adds, “so you really reach all creative types.”

Milissa Gibson, L7 sales director, agrees. “I don’t think that there is a more organic and central point anywhere in the current market that you can bring a brand to and then have it blow up immediately after that,” she says. “You’re reaching and engaging with everyone from Porsche all the way down to a garage band.”

The Road To SXSW

Shortly after she joined the team at Lane Seven last May, Brazzelle reached out to a friend who also happens to be the merchandise manager for SXSW to secure the company’s spot as the official T-shirt sponsor for SXSW 2024.

A big part of the deal and its appeal was the SXSW merch truck, which made its debut in 2023. Social media posts alert followers to its location as it travels to different SXSW events across the city, adding the excitement of a scavenger hunt.

Lane Seven partnered with Supacolor (PPAI 820922, Standard-Base) to bring on-the-spot, live decoration to the merch truck to further engage customers. Once a buyer purchased an official SXSW shirt, they could add their choice of L7’s art via heat transfer for free, and they were invited to post photos with the hashtag #L7SXSW.

Lane Seven also solicited artwork via social media to adorn a free-with-purchase tee that was given out at SXSW. “The idea with that was to piggyback on the innovation that takes place at South by Southwest and hopefully inspire our customers [with] the opportunity to have their artwork to prominently displayed on South by Southwest merch,” says Alexis Shubin, marketing manager for Lane Seven.

“We’re showing off what we do, but what we really love is showing off what our customers are doing,” says Gibson. “There’s so much creativity and ingenuity in this industry. … I’m awestruck by what people come up with.”

Lessons For The Road Ahead

Brazzelle says the SXSW activation proved to be a great way to showcase Lane Seven merchandise, as well as make a lasting impression – both on the shirt and in the customer’s mind.

“It’s more than just printing or decorating a shirt or a hoodie,” she says. “It’s also being able to create those unique and memorable moments that someone can take home to build a deeper connection with our brand.”

As official sponsors, the L7 team was able to set up not only next to the merch truck but also in the SXSW official merch booth, putting them at the heart of the action where they were able to engage in valuable conversations. “Engaging with up-and-coming artists about the significance of merch in building their brand was not only enlightening but also incredibly rewarding,” says Brazzelle.

And SXSW was only the beginning, adds Shubin. “We plan to have the tour keep going to trade shows, so hopefully it takes on a life of its own,” she says. By the end of March, the team had already completed two more activations: one at a decorators’ trade show and another during a large distributor’s internal conference.

“We’ve learned a lot, and we are so excited to explore where this tour is going to take us,” says Gibson. “Being at SXSW and seeing firsthand the engagement people had with the art and garment was a great reminder of the power of merch and how much it can tell a brand story.”

Written by: Rachel Zoch

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Pyramid Awards: The Supplier Stars Are Best In Class

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:35:20 GMT

The relationship between distributors and the suppliers they work with is fundamental to success in the promotional products industry. Some suppliers go the extra mile to make that relationship run smoother, respond more efficiently and be more fruitful for all involved. PPAI’s Supplier Stars award recognizes those suppliers who have gone above and beyond.

The 24 companies recognized here have been chosen by industry distributors for the quality of their communications, customer service, products, decorating and packaging.

The Supplier Star is one of four PPAI Pyramid Awards, the industry’s pinnacle of achievement, now in its 66th year. Distributors cast their votes for one supplier in each of 12 categories. This annual competition is open to all PPAI supplier members in good standing who update their sales volume every two years as required and maintain a SAGE supplier rating of A or higher.

New Supplier Member

Supplier Star

Stellar Lanyards North America
Miami, Florida

With over a decade in business as a leading dye sublimation textile manufacturer in Mexico, Stellar Lanyards specializes in producing lanyards, wristbands, hats and drawstring bags. Stella Lanyards is now entering the U.S. promotional market, offering fully in-house production, which eliminates overseas sourcing dependencies. The company operates as an audited facility, ensuring compliance with international and labor standards for the manufacturing of licensed merchandise.

Supplier Award of Merit

Sweeter Cards
St. Louis, Missouri

Sweeter Cards, a WBENC certified business, merges the worlds of greeting cards and gourmet chocolate bars into one. The company is committed to ethical practices, exclusively using fair-trade certified chocolates. The chocolates are crafted using clean ingredients free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and hydrogenated oils. Sweeter Cards is also dedicated to sustainability, using recyclable card packaging and vegetable-based inks. Beyond their product, the company embodies inclusivity, employing adults with disabilities.

$50,000-$250,000

Supplier Star

Totally Bamboo
San Marcos, California

Totally Bamboo’s journey began as a different company – Hollywood Chairs in North Hollywood. Seeking to enhance their foldable chairs, the company turned to bamboo for its strength and lightness. Inspired by its eco-friendly properties, the company pioneered the first bamboo cutting board, marking the birth of Totally Bamboo. The company showcases its commitment to sustainability and ingenuity by introducing groundbreaking products like the first laminated bamboo salad bowl and dishwasher-safe bamboo cutting board.

Supplier Award of Merit

GMG Works
Lakewood, New Jersey

From designing and providing free customized virtuals and samples to delivering products promptly, GMG Works ensures that clients stay ahead in the promotional producst market and top of mind for their clients. With a history of selling more than 1 billion pens, the company boasts a commitment to fast turnaround and competitive pricing. GMG Works offers a comprehensive line of drinkware, notebooks, mugs, clips, poker chips, highlighters, magnets and other promotional items.

$250,001-$500,000

Supplier Star

YM Labs
Clearfield, Utah

Founded in 1993, YM Labs introduced high-intensity flavored lip balms to the promotional products industry when basic flavors dominated the market. Today, the company goes beyond lip balms, now producing hand sanitizers, lotions, gels, sunscreen products and more in its Utah factory, which handles compounding, filling and labeling in house. Operating as an FDA-compliant facility following cGMP guidelines, the company now offers over 30 stock lip balm flavors.

Supplier Award of Merit

Illinois Glove Company
Northbrook, Illinois

Illinois Glove Company is a fourth-generation family business, offering custom-imprinted gloves tailored to every promotion and budget. The company handles in-house printing using high-quality methods and equipment to ensure that client logos and safety messages look their best on its gloves. Illinois Glove Company gloves have safeguarded workers in oilfields, utilities, factories and mines, as well as American soldiers in four wars.

$500,001-$1 Million

Supplier Star

WOWLine
Syosset, New York

WOWLine, a third-generation family-owned business, has been in business for more than 50 years. Previously known as Many Mini Toys, the company is known for toys, games, puzzles and novelties, but more recently branched out to add practical items for the kitchen, health and wellness, pets and much more. The CPSIA-compliant company has also made significant strides in promoting eco-friendly materials, with products made from materials such as bamboo, recycled paper and recycled plastic.

Supplier Award of Merit

EMT
Indianapolis, Indiana

For over 40 years, EMT has delivered exceptional brand and recognition experiences through a variety of custom-made products. The trusted supplier of lapel pins, patches and emblematic jewelry remains committed to a singular vision, “to delight, unite and inspire the world, one emblem at a time.”

$1,000,001-$2.5 Million

Supplier Star

imprintID
Lorton, Virginia

With an initial focus on lanyards and ID products, imprintID has expanded its product lines to include tech accessories, drinkware, apparel, headwear, office supplies and more. ImprintID also offers a variety of decorating methods, including die cut, screen print, heat press, color/full-bleed sublimation, embossing, embroidery and more. The company strives to provide the best customer experience without hassle and instill confidence in every order.

Supplier Award of Merit

Bentcil Company
Indianapolis, Indiana

Originally focusing on bent pencils and bent pens, Bentcil Company has been a presence in the promotional product industry for over 40 years. Originating with American-made bent pencils and later introducing bent pens, the company’s creative product line has continually evolved. Its original creations include Smashlights, Gato Clips, Dateline Calendars, Bentcils and Inkbend. Most of Bentcil’s products are designed in the USA.

$2,500,001-$5 Million

Supplier Star

Jornik Manufacturing
Stamford, Connecticut

Jornik Manufacturing is a family-owned and operated supplier. Jornik offers a vibrant, wide range of products across all categories and stands out for its emphasis on product responsibility practices. In support of its responsibility goals, the company works to ensure that its core products are not just designed but engineered, manufactured, tested and inspected to exceed expectations.

Supplier Award of Merit

AZX Sport
Tonawanda, New York

AZX Sport offers a blend of domestic production on both the East Coast and West Coast, coupled with overseas sourcing. Having been in business for over 20 years, AZX has built a reputation for quality and customer service, reflected in their several industry awards. The company operates facilities in New York, California and Canada and upholds a strong commitment to product responsibility and ethical conduct.

$5,000,001-$10 Million

Supplier Star

Raining Rose
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

A full-service manufacturer, Raining Rose specializes in personal care products such as lip balms, sunscreens and lotions. The company is guided by its core values encapsulated in ASPIRE: Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship and Evolve. With regular third-party audits, their FDA-registered facility is certified for USDA organic production. Raining Rose is also a certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to high standards of accountability.

Supplier Award of Merit

Towel Specialties
Baltimore, Maryland

Towel Specialties is a family-owned business that began in 1985 with a goal to provide innovative products and unsurpassed customer service. Many of the company’s employees and outside sales reps have more than 20 years of service, providing continuity and product knowledge to keep customers coming back year after year. Its lineup of products includes beach and golf towels, beach accessories, blankets, robes and more. In addition, Towel Specialties facilities have been audited for product safety, product quality, social accountability, environmental stewardship and supply chain security.

$10,000,001-$20 Million

Supplier Star

Pro Towels
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pro Towels – the No. 42 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 – has built a varied product line encompassing beach, golf and sport towels. The company offers in-house screen printing and embroidery services, along with domestic manufacturing capabilities. Based in Pittsburgh, the company also operates facilities in Camarillo, California; Abbeville County, South Carolina; and Richmond, British Columbia.

Supplier Award of Merit

Fields Manufacturing
St. Cloud, Minnesota

Fields Manufacturing was established more than 30 years ago to bring a selection of branded merchandise to the promotional products industry, from lanyards and drinkware to die-cast vehicles. It is the parent company of the American Greenwood, Better Life Line, Sprout Tyme and TargetLine brands and offers a diverse range of products.

$20,000,001-$35 Million

Supplier Star

Goldstar
Shelbyville, Tennessee

Goldstar – the No. 16 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 – manufactures customized writing instruments, drinkware and bags, and ships from locations in California, Tennessee, Ireland and the Czech Republic. The company offers full-color decoration, large imprint areas and high-capacity laser engraving in addition to free creative, on-demand sales and marketing tools.

Supplier Award of Merit

Starline USA
Grand Island, New York

Starline USA – the No. 13 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 – specializes in delivering quality, high-end gifts and awards from name brands like uniball, Stanley, Pelican and more. Starline prides itself on its patented and award-winning TruColor digital decoration technique, a technology with the capability of printing standard one-color or multi-color logos, photographs, tight registration and logos with half-tones or gradients. The company emphasizes a commitment to innovative design, with 90% of last year’s sales comprising products introduced within the past five years.

$35,000,001-$50 Million

Supplier Star

Gold Bond
Hixson, Tennessee

Gold Bond has evolved from a small pencil company to the No. 22 supplier in the PPAI 100, operating out of three facilities on two continents. The company supplies hard goods, apparel and accessories and prides itself on being large enough to handle demanding orders while small enough to be flexible in accommodating customer requests. Gold Bond says its greatest asset is its ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of its partners, and each team member strives to exceed customer expectations.

Supplier Award of Merit

BAG MAKERS
Union, Illinois

BAG MAKERS – the No. 23 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 – is a supplier of printed bags, specializing in a diverse range including non-woven, PET non-woven, paper, plastic, polyester, laminated, cotton/jute and mesh bags. The company delivers quality imprints, products and service and offers custom design capabilities, free artwork services and rush options. BAG MAKERS prides itself on its on-time shipping performance and customer satisfaction and is certified as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise.

$50,000,001-$100 Million

Supplier Star

Ariel Premium Supply
St. Louis, Missouri

With an initial focus on stress relievers, Ariel Premium Supply has evolved to design and decorate thousands of products across dozens of categories. The No. 15 supplier in the PPAI 100 and celebrating its 30th year in the industry, Ariel Premium Supply has grown to be a global operation with production and sourcing offices in five countries. The company has now shifted its focus toward sustainability, actively pursuing the development of more eco- friendly products.

Supplier Award of Merit

Gemline
Lawrence, Massachusetts

Founded in 1958, Gemline – the No. 5 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 – supplies bags, business accessories, stationary, drinkware, gifts and writing instruments to the promotional products market. Its diverse product portfolio includes offerings from multiple house brands such as Aviana, Gourmet Expressions and Vertex, alongside trusted consumer brands like Moleskine, Samsonite and Igloo. Headquartered in Massachusetts with a presence in southern China, Gemline employs over 500 professionals worldwide.

More Than $100 Million

Supplier Star

SanMar
Issaquah, Washington

SanMar is the largest supplier of wholesale imprintable clothing and accessories in the United States, earning its place as the No. 1 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100. Founded more than 50 years ago with a core philosophy of “Be Nice and Tell the Truth,” the family-owned company operates eight distribution centers nationwide and represents over 30 brands. SanMar offers service on a wide range of retail and private-label imprintable apparel and accessories.

Supplier Award of Merit

alphabroder
Trevose, Pennsylvania

With a portfolio of more than 6,500 styles from more than 80 brands, alphabroder – the No. 3 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 – offers classic and trending apparel, along with an array of products like drinkware, bags, journals and technology items. The company’s 10 distribution and production facilities strategically cover 99% of the U.S. population with one- to two-day shipping and operates under the vision statement, “Be the most trusted and valued partner for branded products and services.”

Written by: Sarah Luna

Published with Permission from PPAI

Baltimore Bridge Collapse A ‘Major Impact’ On Supply Chains

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:50:17 GMT

Early Tuesday morning a massive container ship struck Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a significant portion of it to collapse into the Patapsco River. As of Thursday morning, the bodies of two construction workers who had been performing repairs on the bridge's roadway have been recovered, while four more are missing and presumed dead.

As immediate safety concerns are addressed, various industries are left to speculate over how shipping logistics will be affected by the closure of the Port of Baltimore for an undetermined period.

Most promo suppliers are unlikely to feel any direct impact from the immediate closure of the Port of Baltimore, but there are a number of factors that could see promo’s supply chain affected by it in the coming weeks or months.

$80.8 billion in trade.

7 million tons of general cargo.

3 million tons of roll-on/roll-off farm and construction machinery.

847,000 cars and small trucks

Other automakers, like BMW and Volkswagen, that utilize the port only anticipate temporarily delays.

Other East Coast ports in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Virginia will likely absorb the shipments that Baltimore would have taken on, which will require careful logistics to avoid a strain on any given port.

Nearby ports’ ability to absorb additional cargo could affect promo firms’ operations.

Congestion in any given port could also lead to delays in shipping. Industry companies will likely need to coordinate with partners along their individual supply chains for up-to-date freight timeframes.

Much of 2023 saw the West Coast ports contending with labor issues. They ultimately avoided prolonged labor stoppages, but many companies opted to reroute through the East Coast.

That dynamic reversed at the end of 2023, as drought affected the Panama Canal’s viability as a cargo passage, sending many shippers back to the West Coast.

A labor strike at East Coast ports remains a possibility ahead of a September 30 contract deadline. Disruption in the ports, or overwork among any given East Coast port because of the Port of Baltimore closure, will likely not help these dynamics, which past events have shown can become tense quickly.

“There is no question that this will have a major and protracted impact to supply chains,” says Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Life Without The Port Of Baltimore

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Port of Baltimore is the 20th largest port in the country. Approximate logistical numbers for the port in 2023 include:

The port is somewhat unique in that a significant portion of its cargo is made up off “roll-on/roll-off” shipments including passenger cars, farm equipment and large construction materials. It’s the country’s busiest port for car and light truck shipments, and industry observers speculate that prolonged closure could push automobile prices higher in the coming months.

Currently, there is no official estimate on when vessels will be able to enter and leave the port, as stated by the port’s social media accounts. Some estimates suggest fully clearing the bridge debris could take as long as three months.

Ford and GM have already diverted shipments away from the port, with Ford’s CFO publicly stating the closure will “have an impact” on the company.

The port has 12 private and five public terminals from which vessels can enter and depart.

Replacing the bridge could take several years, with the condition of its existing foundational structures a major factor in shaping the ultimate timeline. President Joe Biden has stated that he does not plan on waiting for an investigation that could hold the ship responsible for collapse in order to pay for the rebuilding process.

“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect Congress to support my effort,” Biden says. “This is going to take some time. We’re not leaving until this job is done.”

Promo Perspective

It is unlikely that promo is among the industries to face any immediate pressure due to the port’s closing.

Shawn Kanak, president of Towel Specialties, based in Baltimore, said that he does not expect any slowdowns in production or shipment caused by the bridge’s collapse.

“The Francis Scott Key bridge is 10 miles away from Towel Specialties and didn't impact any employees,” Kanak says. “We are fully operational and preparing for our busiest spring/summer season ever. We don't anticipate the accident and rebuild affecting our business as we have always utilized multiple ports of entry for our products for nearly 40 years. We are, of course, mournful of the loss in the community and appreciate everyone's concerns.”

However, in the macro sense, promo companies should monitor the situation, as well as their logistics, carefully. The aftermath of the collision risks disrupting an already precarious freight-based supply chain, both for industry companies and their clients.

Even further into the future, the events could change or accelerate trends in how freight enters and moves through the U.S.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

PCNA Welcomes Doug Mitchell as Chief Growth Officer to Drive Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:48:55 GMT

Polyconcept North America (PCNA), the leading supplier of promotional products, is proud to announce the appointment of Doug Mitchell to the role of Chief Growth Officer, a new position within the company's Executive Leadership Team. Mitchell is tasked with spearheading strategic initiatives focused on high growth and driving innovation throughout PCNA's operations in North America.

With a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing teams and products throughout his 15 years of experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and advertising, Doug Mitchell is exceptionally positioned to contribute to PCNA’s mission. Most recently, he was the Vice President of Performance Marketing at Chewy, where he enhanced the online customer acquisition and retention programs for the leading pet retailer. Prior to that, Mitchell was the General Manager of Supplier Advertising and Retail Media at Wayfair, where he further solidified his expertise in building and growing a cross-functional business unit that created impactful advertising solutions for Wayfair's suppliers and partners.

"I am incredibly excited to contribute to PCNA's market leadership by advancing the company's growth and innovative endeavors, especially through Givee Select, PCNA's pioneering gifting solution,” expressed Mitchell. “The demand for a streamlined, personalized gifting experience is significant, and I am dedicated to ensuring Givee Select not only meets but exceeds distributor expectations."

Launched in January 2024, Givee Select is a centralized online store solution that streamlines personalized gifting, offering a seamless gifting process for any occasion, such as conferences and corporate events. The all-in-one platform empowers distributors to handpick from a curated collection of high-quality gifts, facilitating the option for unique personalization, transparent pricing, no inventory obligations, and reduced waste. To date, Givee Select is nearing 1,000 store set ups, highlighting the platform’s growing demand in the industry.

Mitchell is no stranger to the Promotional Products industry, having led the team that created Vistaprint’s wholesale business as Vice President of Partner Development for seven years. His entrepreneurial spirit is also demonstrated through his co-founding and leadership as CEO at OfferLogic, which aligns exceptionally with PCNA's innovative drive.

“We are thrilled to welcome Doug to the PCNA family,” stated Neil Ringel, CEO of PCNA. “Doug's entrepreneurial mindset and proven track record in driving growth make him an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that he will help us achieve our vision of becoming the leading provider of personalized and customized products in North America.”

Doug Mitchell attended the US Naval Academy, earned a bachelor’s degree at Brown University and his MBA from The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.

Evan's Manufacturing proudly announces the addition of Tanner Pittman as the new MidWest|MidSouth Sales Account Executive

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:55:30 GMT

Evans Manufacturing (ASI #54280) proudly announces the addition of Tanner Pittman to their team as the new MidWest|MidSouth Sales Account Executive. With four years of experience in the promotional products industry, Tanner brings his expertise and passion, making him a valuable asset to the company.

In expressing excitement about the new role, Tanner shared, "I am thrilled for the opportunity to become one of the ‘Avengers of Promo’ and develop under the guidance of Alex Symms, who has made tremendous headways in the industry. My love for this industry has been overwhelming- I’ve realized my closest friends and the people I talk to the most frequently are within the industry! I’m so excited and grateful for the opportunity to further deepen my knowledge of this industry with Evan’s and HPG!"

Pittman comes from 4 years of experience with Outdoor Cap, a supplier of blank and decorated caps and headwear. I anticipate new challenges, Tanner expressed, "I'm excited to learn a new side of the industry, meet new customers, reconnect with existing customers, and live out the Evan's and HPG mission of providing quality product and service to their distributors."

Tanner is currently focused on immersing himself in the new role and environment. He emphasized commitment to bringing innovation and dedication to the MidWest|MidSouth Sales Account Executive position.

"We are delighted to welcome Tanner to the HPG and Evans Manufacturing family," said Alex Symms, Director of Sales for West Coast Operations at HPG. "His addition to our team reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of service and expertise to our clients. With Tanner on board, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering innovative solutions and exceeding our customer expectations. We couldn't be more excited about Tanner's arrival and his future here."

Logomark Introduces Table Covers Made From Recycled Materials

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:10:06 GMT

Logomark (PPAI 110898, Platinum) – the No. 19 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has launched the first DisplaySplash product under its Eco-Lifestyle product line. The initial release features stretchy table covers made from recycled water bottles.

The open- and closed-back table covers come in three sizes featuring full color dye sublimation decoration. They are fire-retardant and machine washable. Later this year, the company will expand the line to include flags and tents.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Eco-Lifestyle DisplaySplash line as a sustainable solution for businesses looking to have a positive impact on the environment,” says Maggie Wheeler, senior vice president of new product development. “With the increasing focus on sustainability, our rPET table covers offer a compelling way for brands to elevate their marketing efforts while demonstrating their commitment to eco-conscious practices.”

Koozie Group Raises More Than $26,000 For 4 Paws For Ability

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:08:27 GMT

Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum) – the No. 10 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – generated $26,667.23 for 4 Paws for Ability through its 2023 plush giveback program.

The program, which began in 2022 by IMAGEN Brands, donated 1% of plush order sales referencing a specific code to 4 Paws for Ability. IMAGEN Brands was recently integrated with Koozie Group.

Since 1998, 4 Paws for Ability has placed over 1,500 highly specialized service dogs with those in need. Their dogs help veterans, children, and other individuals with autism, diabetes, epilepsy, mobility issues and more.

Koozie Group will continue the giveback program this year.

Melissa Ralston, chief revenue officer with Koozie Group, says, “As part of our Keep It. Give It. vision, we strive to do business in a way that benefits our people, our customers, our communities and our industry. Givebacks are one of the many ways we accomplish this goal, and we are so proud to support amazing organizations like 4 Paws for Ability.”

Cap America Promotes Sarah Burgin To COO

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:31:22 GMT

Cap America (PPAI 111597, Gold) – ranked the No. 11 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced the promotion of Sarah Burgin to the role of chief operating officer.

Burgin becomes the first woman in the history of the Fredericktown, Missouri-based company to hold a chief officer role.

Mark Gammon previously served as COO before becoming CEO in 2021.

“In light of Cap America’s impressive growth, the appointment of a COO became essential,” Gammon says. “Sarah’s extensive experience and business acumen will be extremely advantageous to our continued success.”

Burgin’s Background

According to the company, Burgin will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation and longevity of the company, collaborating closely with Gammon and other C-suite executives to lead a dynamic and effective leadership team.

Burgin, who joined Cap America in 2015 as the director of human resources, most recently held the position of vice president of finance.

Her background includes retail business management; she holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Central Methodist University, where she also served as an adjunct business instructor, and an MBA from Southeast Missouri State University.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Premission from PPAI

Brandy Mason Elevated to Vice President of Sales Operations at Bob Lilly Promotions, Marking a New Era of Leadership and Innovation

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:28:39 GMT

Bob Lilly Promotions (BLP) is thrilled to announce the promotion of Brandy Mason to Vice President of Sales Operations, effective immediately. With over 19 years of extensive experience in the industry and a decade of dedicated service at BLP, Brandy has been an integral part of the company's success and growth.

In her previous roles as Director of Client Services and Senior Sales Account Manager, Brandy has consistently demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities and commitment to excellence. She has managed the sales support team with unwavering dedication, leading the charge in providing unparalleled service to BLP’s clients. Her impressive track record includes managing the company's top two accounts and achieving over $1 million in sales for seven consecutive years, a testament to her sales acumen and unwavering dedication.

Brandy's innovative approach to business solutions is evident in her development of BLP’s eLearning portal, which has significantly enhanced the company's training and development offerings. Her efforts have not only contributed to the growth of BLP but have also set new standards for excellence within the industry.

Her outstanding contributions have been recognized on numerous occasions, as evidenced by being voted Account Manager of the Year four times and receiving the Leadership of the Year award from her peers six times. These accolades reflect Brandy's exceptional leadership skills, her ability to inspire those around her, and her unwavering commitment to BLP’s values and objectives.

As Vice President of Sales Operations, Brandy will leverage her vast experience and strategic vision to drive BLP’s sales operations to new heights. She will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the company, fostering innovation, and ensuring that BLP continues to deliver exceptional value to its clients.

Bob Lilly, Founder of Bob Lilly Promotions, expressed his enthusiasm about Brandy's promotion, stating, "Brandy Mason is the epitome of leadership, dedication, and innovation. Her remarkable journey with BLP is a source of inspiration to us all, and I have no doubt that she will excel in her new role and help propel our company to even greater success."

Please join us in congratulating Brandy Mason on her well-deserved promotion to Vice President of Sales Operations. We look forward to her continued leadership and contributions to Bob Lilly Promotions.

Bob Lilly Promotions Announces Andrea Weston as New Vice President of Strategic Partnerships to Forge Ahead with Innovation and Industry Excellence

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:50:37 GMT

Bob Lilly Promotions is excited to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to lead with innovation and strengthen industry connections. Andrea Weston, formerly the Director of Program Operations, has been promoted to Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, effective immediately.

Andrea Weston's illustrious career spans over two decades in the promotional product industry, with the last eight years dedicated to Bob Lilly Promotions. Her journey with the company has been marked by remarkable achievements and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Andrea's expertise in new business development, especially with enterprise e-commerce platforms, has been instrumental in expanding the company's reach and capabilities.

In her new role, Andrea will continue to build on her success, focusing on strengthening supplier partnerships and leading internal branding and marketing initiatives. Her strategic vision and innovative approach are set to propel Bob Lilly Promotions into new realms of success, fostering impactful connections throughout the industry.

This promotion is a testament to Bob Lilly Promotions' commitment to innovation, exceptional service, and client satisfaction. Andrea's leadership qualities and her ability to drive strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of the promotional products industry.

Bob Lilly, Founder of Bob Lilly Promotions, expressed his enthusiasm about Andrea's promotion, stating, "Andrea Weston's promotion to Vice President of Strategic Partnerships is a significant milestone for Bob Lilly Promotions. Her expertise, passion, and visionary leadership are exactly what we need as we embark on this next chapter. I am confident that Andrea will continue to make an indelible impact on our company and the industry at large."

The team at Bob Lilly Promotions is thrilled about Andrea's new role and the direction in which the company is headed. We are committed to continuing our tradition of excellence and look forward to the innovative and strategic initiatives that Andrea will lead.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the Bob Lilly Promotions team as we continue to forge ahead, creating impactful connections and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Zoku Joins the Impressive List of Brands Available from VisionUSA

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:53:32 GMT

VisionUSA®, the Dallas-based trailblazer in the promotional products industry, is thrilled to announce its exclusive, groundbreaking partnership with ZOKU, a renowned innovator in lifestyle and promotional items. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies and is poised to revolutionize the promotional products landscape. In addition to Bodum, Rocketbook, JBL, Weber, and BlendJet we will now offer the brand to distributors, allowing companies to feature their own logos and messages on these trending products.

"We are delighted to join forces with ZOKU, a brand known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation in drinkware, frozen treats and food-to-go products. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide our clients with top-tier promotional products that not only represent their brands effectively but also enhance their customers' experiences." says Felix Soliz, owner of VisionUSA®. Soliz continues, “Our partnership with ZOKU is not only about delivering exceptional products but also about promoting sustainability. ZOKU's “1 bottle = 1 tree planted” on it’s stainless steel bottles policy resonates deeply with VisionUSA's commitment to environmental responsibility. By aligning ourselves with ZOKU's sustainability initiatives, we reinforce our dedication to offering eco-conscious promotional solutions that make a positive impact on the planet."

HPG Partners With TerraCycle On Sustainable Products

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:12:00 GMT

Massachusetts-based supplier HPG (PPAI 110772, S11) has announced a partnership with TerraCycle, an established recycling firm that has operated in the environmental space since 1978.

Out of the collaboration, HPG is producing a version of TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box for pens, pencils and markers.
HPG will host a livestream with more information about the partnership and the new product featuring Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility, on February 29.
In last year’s inaugural PPAI 100, HPG ranked as the No. 8 supplier.

A Sustainable Duo

By partnering with an experienced recycling firm, HPG’s Zero Waste Box is intended to “act as a promotional product that diverts waste from landfills,” an effort to provide ecologically responsible options and fight the “brandfill” label that promo has at times been saddled with.

“We're proud to join forces with TerraCycle, offering a sustainability solution that redefines our industry,” says Jing Rong, HPG’s VP of supply chain & sustainability. “We recently launched the Pens, Pencils & Markers Zero Waste Box at Hub and we're eager to offer more waste stream products in the near future.”

Wimbush notes that it is the type of collaboration that PPAI encourages, allowing experts in sustainable operations to guide suppliers through proven methods of recycling.

“TerraCycle's innovative approach aligns with the industry's increasing focus on sustainability,” says Wimbush. “We're thrilled to see partnerships like this driving positive change in the promotional industry.”

An Opportunity To Learn More

Wimbush will join Nick Lateur, HPG’s brand director, and Rhandi Goodman, TerraCycle’s SVP of business-to-business and direct-to-consumer for a livestream detailing the Zero Waste Box and significance of the partnership.

Goodman is expected to explain how TerraCycle can convert waste that municipal recycling centers cannot, and, in the process, turn it into new product like playgrounds, benches and shipping pallets.

“We're excited to share insights into our collaborative efforts,” Goodman says. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity for positive environmental impact within the promotional industry.”

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Meg Erber Joins Proforma As Director Of Sales

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:05:08 GMT

Proforma (PPAI 196835, D13) – ranked the No. 5 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced that Meg Erber is joining the company as director of sales.

A 25-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Erber has spent the past eight years as outside sales account manager at S&S Activewear – ranked the No. 2 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100.

“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to be part of this dynamic team,” says Erber. “I feel as though Proforma's vision aligns perfectly with my own professional values – so I am eager to make my mark and contribute to the continued success of the company.”

An Example of Promo’s Possibilities

Erber’s fingerprints are all over the promotional products world. Coming to the industry after a career in the U.S. Navy, Erber has made her mark by creating or contributing to promo channels beyond just the scope of her official job title.

She is a perennial member of PPAI’s #Online18.

Erber was also the former co-host of PromoCorner’s Industry Insider podcast, which as since evolved into Branding Banter.

She is a sitting member on the PromoCares Board of Directors.

Previous to joining S&S Activewear, Erber worked for Brynn Speaks Promo powered by HALO Branded Solutions, Pop! Promos and Jetline Promo and Gimmees.com.

Gibson, another industry veteran with a diverse set of experiences in the industry, claims that she has long considered the possibility of working with Erber in an official capacity.

Proforma’s Run Of Key Hires

Erber joins Proforma as the distributor has made a number of recent splashes with key hires, including Michael Dobozy as chief technology officer and Charity Gibson as chief marketing officer.

“Twelve years we’ve been waiting to find a way to work together,” Gibson says. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening. Meg and I met on Twitter in 2010. She invited me to crash her hotel room as a total stranger at a trade show in San Diego. Didn’t know if I was going to live or die. We’ve been best friends ever since. Planning Promotions East for the last three years has been awesome. We work so well together. She is a total super star. Can’t wait to show the world what we can do.”

Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo says that Erber is another strategic addition to play a crucial role in carrying out the company's vision.

"We are thrilled to welcome Megan to the Proforma family," says Muzzillo. "Her extensive experience in the print and promotional products industry, coupled with her proven leadership skills, will undoubtedly make her a valuable asset to our team."

Written by: Jonny Auping & John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

ASB Hosts Largest Sales Conference in Company History

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:17:16 GMT

American Solutions for Business hosted its largest national sales conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Held February 18-21^st, the event welcomed nearly 800 total attendees, a record high in the company’s 43-year history.

The four-day event featured a full agenda, including networking opportunities, professional development and workshop sessions, merch show, welcome kickoff, fundraising for two separate charities, memorial walk and tradeshow featuring over 200 vendor partners.

“I’m so proud of the event experience our team creates,” shared Dana Zezzo, ASB’s VP of Vendor Relations, Marketing & Events. “It’s powerful to bring together our sales associates, vendor partners and home office teams to create the collaboration needed to best serve our customers through product knowledge, new ideas and better processes. It’s hard work, but every ounce of planning is worth it!”

On Monday night, the group enjoyed a private rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum and dinner at Billy Bob’s in the Stockyards (sponsored by CFC Print & Mail). The following night Tuesday was spent at Texas Live, where ASB rented the entire second floor where attendees could mingle (sponsored by ASI).

Justin Zavadil, ASB’s President added, “We’re incredibly grateful to have the best salespeople in the industry and the most supportive vendor partners who empower us. To see this all come together is amazing. There’s already an overwhelming buzz about our next conference, happening in Palm Springs March 2025.”

AAkron Line Named Exclusive Supplier of A.T. Cross

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:01:30 GMT

AAkron Rule Corporation is pleased to announce that we have been named the exclusive Supplier/ Decorator of A.T. Cross Writing Instruments in the Promotional Products Industry.

Founded in 1846, Providence, RI based A.T. Cross Company is a global innovator of fine writing instruments. Effective immediately, please find A.T. Cross writing instruments available for laser engraving, full color decoration and one color screen printing available from the AAkron Line: https://www.aakronline.com/en_us/category-product-list/a-t-cross-1

Stan Dohan, MAS, MASI, AAkron Executive Vice President adds, “A.T. Cross is an iconic writing instrument brand, and the gold standard in pens for over 150 years. We are so excited to exclusively represent Cross in the promotional products industry. We cannot be more pleased to have the opportunity to add our award-winning, decorating, full color, and laser engraving to deliver a premium, packaged writing instrument line for our valued distributor customers.”

Uniting for Advocacy: L.E.A.D. 2024 Hosted by PPAI with Strong Representation from PPAS and HPPA Members

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 16:53:16 GMT

The Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) and the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) are excited to announce their active participation in the Legislative Education and Advocacy Development (L.E.A.D.) event for 2024, organized by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., this event signifies a crucial opportunity for professionals within the promotional products industry to engage directly with legislators to advocate for the industry's growth and address pressing issues.

This year, PPAS and HPPA proudly highlight the involvement of the Texas/Arkansas team, composed of Anthony Carpenter, Tommy Lewis, Steven Meyer, Dana Porter, Chad Rizzo, Matt Storlien, and Tanner Pittman. These individuals, as active members of PPAS and HPPA, embody the commitment and advocacy spirit both associations strive to promote. Their participation is a testament to the collaborative effort to ensure the promotional products industry's voice is heard at the national level.

The Texas/Arkansas team is slated to meet with an impressive roster of legislators, including Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Ted Cruz, and various Representatives from both Texas and Arkansas. These meetings have been thoughtfully arranged to reflect the legislative interests and committee affiliations relevant to our participants.

The joint announcement by PPAS and HPPA of their members' participation in PPAI's L.E.A.D. 2024 underscores the united front of the promotional products industry regional associations in advocating for beneficial policies. This collaboration showcases the industry's dedication to advancing its interests and the vital role of promotional products in the broader economy.

We eagerly anticipate the contributions of our Texas/Arkansas team and all industry members participating in L.E.A.D. 2024. Through collective action and informed advocacy, we aim to secure a prosperous future for the promotional products industry.

The Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) and the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) are key regional associations dedicated to supporting the promotional products industry. Through advocacy, education, and networking, PPAS and HPPA work to promote the interests of their members and the industry at large, ensuring its continued growth and success.

Kara Keister Takes Over Ownership Of Social Good Promotions

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 16:19:42 GMT

Roger Burnett, founder of Social Good Promotions (PPAI 758284, D3) has sold his interest in the Ohio-based distributor to Kara Keister, MAS. Previously, Keister held the role of Promise Keeper for Social Good Promotions, where she has worked since 2019.

Keister will take over leadership of the company as CEO.
In 2022, she was appointed as the Regional Relations Committee delegate to the PPAI Board of Directors.

“I am honored to take the helm at Social Good Promotions and continue the impactful work that we, along with our team, have started,” Keister says. “Our young but mighty team plans to build on the foundation of excellence, sustainability and social responsibility to bring even greater value to our clients and the community.”

A Passing Of The Torch

Burnett founded the company to make the world a better place by prioritizing clients “in search of greater meaning for the dollars they spend.”

Keister shared with PPAI Media that she and Burnett coordinated the transition of leadership to continue what Social Good Promotions has always stood for.

“Roger and I were super clear on the direction and purpose of Social Good Promotions as a distributor from the onset,” Keister says. “We always knew what we wanted it to be when it grew up, so we designed it as such. The team we have in place understands the goal and lives the mission every day. So, while you may see a few new tricks up our sleeves, the story of soGOOD will live on as intended.”

Prior to joining Social Good Promotions in 2019, Keister spent nearly 10 years working at City Apparel. Burnett says that the company will be in good hands with her at the helm.

“I am thrilled to pass the torch to Kara, who shares the same passion for promoting social good through business,” Burnett says. “Her expertise and dedication make her the ideal leader to guide Social Good Promotions into its next phase of growth.”

According to Keister, the foundation that Burnett laid at the company means his presence will continue to be felt after his departure.

“Roger’s legacy will live on in the DNA of Social Good Promotions,” Keister says. “He’s been a force for the industry and the reason that we even exist. Whatever he has up his sleeve next will be nothing short of epic, because that’s how Roger rolls.”

Maple Ridge Farms Receives Shining Star Award for 2023 United Way Campaign

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:08:45 GMT

United Way of Marathon County has recognized Maple Ridge Farms with a Shining Star award for its 2023 United Way campaign. Shining Stars are awarded to companies whose employees ran campaigns that have shown participation growth, leadership growth, overall dollars raised, corporate gifts, and volunteerism as true advocates for United Way.

Maple Ridge Farms’ 2023 campaign included many different activities in which employees could participate, including a visiting gelato cart, a white elephant sale, and the crowd-pleasing raffle for department-created gift baskets, coveted parking places, and other prizes. The campaign raised a total of $8,911 to benefit United Way of Marathon County, an increase of 5% over 2022’s campaign.

In receiving this award, Maple Ridge Farms campaign manager, Shana Gardner, remarked: “We are proud to partner with United Way of Marathon County. Our dedicated committee is always diligently looking for ways to add opportunities for team members to participate and contribute, and it’s an honor to be recognized for those efforts. We plan to add more events throughout 2024 and are excited to continue to develop and grow our support.”

Boundless Acquires $50M+ Distributor

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:56:37 GMT

Boundless (PPAI 267078, D11) – ranked the No. 14 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced the acquisition of Mason, Ohio-based distributor Touchstone.

In recent years, Touchstone has consistently reported sales north of $50 million. Already one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, Boundless won High Marks for Growth in the 2023 PPAI 100, its revenue expanding by 70% since 2019. The acquisition could bring Boundless’s top line to north of $200 million.

According to Boundless, Touchstone has established an agency-style creative services offering, invested in a warehouse fulfillment operation and implemented cloud-based NetSuite ERP software across its organization, all of which attracted the Austin-based firm.

“The acquisition of Touchstone deepens Boundless’ competency and expertise in three core areas: creative services, warehousing and fulfillment and enterprise technology systems,” says Charley Dean, chairman of Boundless. “Boundless’ clients and sales partners will benefit from Touchstone’s expertise in these areas as Boundless strives to be the industry’s leading distributor partner.”

Touchstone’s Signature Methodology

The BrandEQ System is Touchstone’s unique approach to collaborative brand building and merchandise curation. The system incorporates creative services, webstores and fulfillment operations to provide a seamless brand merchandise solution for enterprises.

“I’m energized by this growth opportunity,” says Touchstone President Andrew Backen. “We’re especially excited to continue growing the BrandEQ system in partnership with Boundless Network.”

Boundless – named one of the Greatest Companies To Work For in 2023 and 2022 – has grown substantially over the past two years, announcing the acquisition of a Minnesota-based distributor and several high-profile executive hires in early 2023, and a new CEO in July 2022.

Touchstone’s Origin

In 1996, Derek Block founded Touchstone, originally named The Aztec Group, and has grown the firm into one of the largest distributors in the promotional products industry with 21 offices across the United States.

“We’ve gotten to know Boundless over several years and are thrilled with this fit,” Block says. “Touchstone and Boundless are both team-oriented cultures where high-performing individuals with specialized skills can thrive. I’m excited about what this combined team will accomplish together.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission by PPAI

Eric Shonebarger Stepping Down As President Of Hit Promotional Products

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:31:18 GMT

Eric Shonebarger is stepping down as president of Hit Promotional Products (PPAI 113910, S14), effective immediately.

Shonebarger announced on Tuesday that he will transition to a board seat for the St. Petersburg, Florida-based supplier. He is expected to pursue an opportunity in ecommerce outside of the industry.

CEO CJ Schmidt will take on the added title of president, at least in the interim. The change could set off a series of other C-level moves to realign its leadership structure in response.

Shonebarger had served as president of Hit Promotional Products since 2022 and has been with the company for just under 20 years.
Hit Promotional Products was ranked as the No. 4 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 rankings.

Leaving On A High Note

In a statement, the company said, "Eric has been an integral part of our company's growth and success over the last 20 years. His strategic vision, strong leadership and unwavering dedication have helped us achieve many milestones. We will always be grateful for his guidance and the impact he has made on our company culture."

Hit Promotional Products saw continued growth during Shonebarger’s tenure as president.

Its 2022 revenue exceeded $600 million.
From 2019-2022, Hit Promotional Products grew in revenue by 23%.
The 2022 PPAI 100 rankings awarded the supplier High Marks in Revenue, Growth, Online Presence, Innovation and Professional Development.

“As I reflect on the last 20 years, I am incredibly grateful for the trust and opportunity that the Schmidt family has given me,” Shonebarger said. “To the Hit Promotional Products Team, you are the most talented and hardworking people I know. I am honored to call you not just coworkers but friends.”

Shonebarger has a long history with the company spanning two decades, and he worked his way up to the role of president while serving the supplier in different capacities along the way.

He joined Hit Promotional Products in 2004 as a network administrator and reached senior leadership in 2012 with a promotion to chief information officer.
In January 2021, coming off of the initial year of COVID-19, he was named chief operating officer.

What’s Next For Hit?

Schmidt is no stranger to the president title in the company his father, Bill Schmidt, founded. He held the role for nearly four years before taking on CEO duties in 2018.

In April of 2022, Schmidt told PPAI Media that he expected to see double-digit growth from Hit Promotional Products in 2023.

The company has made a priority of adding senior level talent with industry experience in recent years.

In October, Jon Norris, co-founder of PromoStandards and formerly of Starline, was brought to the company as VP of business process improvement.
In late 2022, Hit Promotional Products added Kim Brockschmidt as VP of business development.
Last year, Tiffany Tarr joined the supplier as VP of eCommerce.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Josh Pospisil Joins AIA As VP of Business Development

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:52:31 GMT

AIA Corporation (PPAI 101364, D12) has hired Josh Pospisil, MAS, as vice president of business development.

Pospisil joins the Wisconsin-based distributor after most recently working with Houston-based supplier HIRSCH as a national account manager.

“I’m truly honored to step into this role and embrace the opportunity it presents,” Pospisil says. “AIA’s dedication to its distributor community and core values align perfectly with my own values, and I look forward to contributing to its growth.”

AIA was named the 29 supplier in last year’s PPAI 100.
The company recently went through a rebrand of its logo and website.

‘An Avid Enthusiast Of All Things Promotional’

A 10-year veteran of the promo industry, Pospisil has seen what growth looks like from different angles of the promotional products world.

He began his promo career as marketing associate for Houston-based supplier KTI Promo and quickly elevated to the role of marketing manager.
In 2021, he joined HIRSCH and remained with the supplier for nearly three years.
He also served as a “Sous Chef” for PromoKitchen from January 2020 until late 2022.

Those who have not interacted with Pospisil in his roles with those organizations may still know him for his social media presence.

Pospisil was named to the PPAI’s 2023 #Online18 for his enthusiasm and promotion via Facebook and LinkedIn.
He is known for regularly updating his followers with a pink wardrobe on what he deems PINK Day Wednesdays, which AIA says, “reflect his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unique approach to industry engagement.”

In his new role as vice president of business development, Pospisil is expected to “play a pivotal role in shaping and executing business development strategies.”

Under his direction, the company hopes to grow AIA’s distributor community with new, innovative strategies.

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh as our new vice president of business development at AIA Corporation," says Rich Berg, AIA’s senior VP of business development and owner success. “He is a force to be reckoned with within the promotional products industry and with a strong background in sales, accounts management and marketing, Josh brings valuable expertise to our team.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Danny Rosin, CAS, Appointed To The PPAI Board Of Directors

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:24:59 GMT

Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of North Carolina-based distributor Brand Fuel (PPAI 277900, D8), has been appointed to the PPAI Board of Directors to fill the remaining term of Joshua White.

In January, White announced he would take a reduced role at BAMKO to focus on entrepreneurial pursuits and resign from the PPAI Board.
PPAI bylaws stipulate that a mid-term replacement must come with previous Board service. Rosin previously served a full term on the Board from 2017-2021.

“I was both surprised and knocked over smiling,” Rosin says of the opportunity to rejoin the PPAI Board. “I am honored to be asked back to help PPAI with its exciting strategic plan and volunteer at the highest level to support our members.”

By stepping in for White, who joined the Board in 2023, Rosin will serve the entirety of White’s remaining term through The PPAI Expo 2027.

PPAI Board Chair Andrew Spellman, CAS, vice president of corporate markets at Therabody, expressed his enthusiasm to be able to work alongside Rosin in such an important capacity.

“I am so excited to appoint Danny to the vacated board seat,” Spellman says. “Danny had served previously on the board and completed his term as I was coming on. I was disappointed that we were not going to be able to serve together. Now we get that chance.”

A Familiar Face To The Board

In Rosin, the PPAI Board has appointed a known industry advocate, who has been a public facing voice for Brand Fuel, PromoKitchen and PPAI. In 2023, he was named the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award winner for his philanthropic efforts.

“Danny is well known for being kind and giving while being a leader at a successful distributor,” says Dale Denham, MAS+, president and CEO of PPAI. “He also pushes the people around him to think differently. I had the pleasure of serving with Danny during his first term on the PPAI Board and am thrilled to have him back in a formal leadership role with PPAI.”

Co-founding Brand Fuel in 1998, Rosin was a primary force in growing it into one of the more recognizable distributors in promo. In 2023, Brand Fuel earned PPAI 100 High Marks in Growth and Responsibility.
Rosin also co-founded PromoKitchen out of his desire to promote and mentor rising voices in the industry.
In 2023, Rosin was named to PPAI Media’s #Online18 for his personal social media presence. Brand Fuel was named the list's No. 1 organization.
He also served as one of four distributor judges on The Pitch in 2023 and 2024.

Having already served a full term on the PPAI Board, Rosin believes his experience will help him jump right in and contribute, but understands that the promo landscape has continued to evolve.

“It is not lost on me that PPAI is a very different organization, led by an incredibly talented staff and committed board,” Rosin says.

Between his experience and industry reputation, Rosin made for an easy choice to step in and take on the responsibility of sitting on the PPAI Board.

“His familiarity with the Association, his alignment with our strategic plan, his unmatched philanthropic efforts and his strong industry business acumen make him the ideal candidate,” Spellman says.

Unfinished Business?

Asked about the time commitment required for yet another term on the PPAI Board of Directors, Rosin expressed his desire to see the promo industry through the path it is currently on.

“I am bullish on the value of promotional products and PPAI’s role with the industry’s growth, safety and reputation,” Rosin says. “But we have a lot of work to do. I want to be a part of leading that work to help members with education, advocacy, new resources, collaboration, how to be a force for good and even injecting some fun along the way.”

His initial tenure on the PPAI Board went from 2017-2021, meaning he oversaw an exciting period of growth followed by a sudden moment of complete uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I served on the board during some of PPAI’s best and worst times,” Rosin says. “The pandemic put many initiatives like corporate social responsibility, that I think we should care deeply about, on hold. Being able to ‘giddy up and go’ again on that pillar, in particular, is like a mulligan.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

SnugZ USA Writes Six-Figure Check To Wounded Warrior Project At The PPAI Expo

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:07:22 GMT

SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982, S12) made a splash on The PPAI Expo 2024 trade floor with the mechanical bull the supplier placed in the middle of its exhibit booth for any attendee passersby to ride, if they so dared.

More quietly, however, SnugZ made an even bigger impact in Las Vegas when they took the opportunity of The PPAI Expo to present a check to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for $107,329.82.

“We are so proud to be a part of the Wounded Warrior Project family and provide continuing support to an organization that means so much to us,” says Brittany David, MAS, chief revenue officer at SnugZ. “We also love that it continues to give an opportunity for our industry to give back to those who desperately need it and want to thank our distributor partners who make all of this possible.”

A Continued Partnership

The Wounded Warrior Project’s mission is to honor and empower veterans “who incurred physical or mental injury, illnesses or wound co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001.”

Like SnugZ, the charitable organization is based out of Utah, and in 2015, the supplier asked Dan Nevins, a “wounded warrior,” to speak at an event.
That began a partnership between WWP and SnugZ that has continued ever since.

Now, SnugZ has a publicly stated its commitment to donate 1% of SnugZ Basecamp sales (with a minimum of $100,000) per calendar year to “support [WWP’s] mission to honor and empower wounded warriors.”

For 2023, that resulted in more than $107,000 presented to WWP by the SnugZ team in front of the mechanical bull they had brought to The PPAI Expo.

“The support we receive from SnugZ helps fuel Wounded Warrior Project’s life-changing programs and services for veterans and their families,” says Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP’s vice president of business development. “We’re grateful for their consistent generosity. Together, we ensure no warrior, caregiver or family member ever feels alone.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

ORBUS NAMED BEST PLACE TO WORK BY ASI COUNSELOR MAGAZINE

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 01:45:43 GMT

Orbus Visual Communications® has been named a 2024 Best Place To Work by ASI Counselor Magazine. Orbus is North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments and workplace interiors.

ASI Counselor Magazine identifies itself as “The Voice of the Promo Product Industry.” The Best Places to Work list is a mix of top-rated suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry throughout the U.S. and Canada. The winners are chosen through in-depth employee surveys that rate the company in categories such as management communication, workplace culture, and work/life balance.

Orbus was named to this list because of its commitment to employee happiness and recognition. Orbus is proud to have built a workplace culture where diversity is fostered, employees feel they are heard, and a work-life balance is of upmost importance. Our employees are our greatest asset and keep our business successful year after year.

“We are honored to be recognized as a 2024 Best Place to Work by ASI Counselor Magazine,” said Todd Papendick, Director of Human Resources at Orbus Visual Communications. “At Orbus, we take pride in creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrives, and where employees feel happy to call it home.”

PPAI 100 Returns In 2024 With Significant Changes

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 16:53:56 GMT

From the very spark of the idea, PPAI 100 has been about leading change.

Its goals are to recognize the promotional products firms pushing the industry toward a better future, clarify what those trailing them must do to compete, and in the long run to alter narratives about our medium as a whole.

It should come as no surprise that PPAI 100 itself will evolve in 2024.

SEE MORE:

The Association’s most ambitious research project has been designed to serve as a leading edge for promotional products, meant to evolve with the times and the marketplace. The evolution from Year 1 to Year 2 was always likely to be the most substantial of all.

This year, the changes may have the potential to yield a fairly significant shakeup in the rankings.

RELATED: PPAI 100: 2023

As soon as our findings for the inaugural list were released in June 2023, our focus shifted to listening to the feedback of our members on how to make PPAI 100 more fair and impactful. It will be impossible to please everyone in a community with perspectives as diverse as ours, but the large shifts in 2024 are our response to this feedback.

Here’s what we’re doing differently with the 2024 PPAI 100 – and why.

The list’s size will double.

Rather than identifying 50 leading distributors and 50 leading suppliers for a total of 100, we will now expand to 100 and 100. We found that, too often, the 50+50 model led to confusion of people looking for the rest of a list that promised them 100.

All 100 suppliers and 100 distributors will be unveiled first to attendees of PPAI’s North American Leadership Conference, as in 2023. The industry's premier event for executive networking, leadership development and strategic foresight, this year's NALC is slated for May 5-7 in Salt Lake City.

International firms will be eligible if they are PPAI members.

The I in PPAI is meant to stand for something, after all. This is a global industry, and PPAI’s vision is that promotional products are universally valued and essential to every brand.

That means we should recognize the companies in our member community who are positively impacting clients overseas, as well. Likewise, all companies’ revenue will account for international sales, not just those made in North America.

Recognition is limited to those firms who are PPAI members as of the eligibility date, March 10, 2024.

The survey period for all companies, large and small, will be open at the same time (Feb. 26-March 10).

In 2023, we believed it was important to introduce PPAI 100 by unveiling the companies that made the inaugural list and later rolling out the ways the program was built to drive value to even the smallest firms. Once they took the same surveys as larger revenue competitors in July, we bestowed High Marks on deserving firms who missed the cut for PPAI 100, including many of promo’s smaller businesses, for their Responsibility, Innovation and Growth.

SEE MORE:

We used the information companies of all sizes shared to create market-wide benchmarking research on these important topics. We’ll do the same in 2024, but the surveys will be open to every member company during the same two-week window.

The scoring criteria for several categories will change in important ways.

These are the changes that could trigger the most substantial movement among competitors, up or down the list.

The Growth category, which is divided for scoring into two parts (total dollars and percentage growth), will be based on the 2023 revenue of the overall parent company as it exists now compared to the 2020 revenue of all of the companies that are now part of the parent company. The goal is to reward companies for new revenue brought into the industry. Business acquired through mergers and acquisitions is already accounted for in the 2023 Revenue category.
A bonus and penalty structure will be applied to firms’ 2023 Revenue score based on the level of validation provided. Companies reporting their revenue through the PPAI 100 business fundamentals survey or giving estimate guidance will receive no scoring bonus or penalty. Companies reporting revenue and submitting verifying documentation will receive a score bonus. (Verifying documentation may include tax documents, communication with auditors, etc.) Companies not offering guidance of any kind will suffer a score penalty.
Also for the 2023 Revenue category, no company will have its revenue estimated – or be scored – above the recommended earnings range for its PPAI membership tier.
Two-thirds of the Employee Happiness category will now be based on average employee tenure, and just one-third on workplace recognition – PPAI Greatest Companies to Work For or equivalent – earned within the last three years.
For the Industry Faith category, distributor scoring will be based first on PPAI Credit Profile, powered by Forius. In 2023, a different model was used as the primary.

The scoring rubric will evolve slightly, too.

The same eight scoring categories return in this year's PPAI 100, but just like in 2023, they aren't all worth the same amount of points. Revenue remains the most important category in any company's total score, but the overall weighting mix changes a little in 2024.

We'll reveal what's different once all of the results are released.

Want to be the first to see the 2024 PPAI 100 results?

Visit this page to learn more about NALC and let us notify you when housing and registration open.

Written By: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

Stanley Responds To Viral Lead Rumors

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:45:27 GMT

Social media fueled the Stanley Quencher’s rise in popularity, and now it’s questioning the ubiquitous tumbler’s safety.

Over the past week or so, many customers have taken to TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to share stories about using at-home tests to determine whether there’s lead in any of their Stanley products.

Although they’re receiving mixed results, the drinkware company has responded to viral concerns.

Stanley’s Response

Although lead is used as part of the tumbler’s vacuum insulation, it’s covered by a stainless steel layer that protects consumers from lead exposure, according to Pacific Market International, which manufactures Stanley drinkware.

“Our manufacturing process currently employs the use of an industry standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base of our products; the sealing material includes some lead,” a Stanley spokesperson told CNN. “Once sealed, this area is covered with a durable stainless steel layer, making it inaccessible to consumers.”

If the stainless steel barrier comes off – which a Stanley spokesperson told TODAY.com is “rare” – then consumers would come into contact with the lead. Meanwhile, the spokesperson added that Stanley’s engineering and supply chain teams are making progress on innovative, alternative materials for use in the sealing process.

“Rest assured that no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes into contact with the consumer nor the contents of the product,” the Stanley spokesperson said.

Promo Suppliers Weigh In

Multiple suppliers in the promotional products industry who carry Stanley drinkware are well aware of the recent controversy.

“Stanley has passed safety and compliance tests – all compliance documents are accessible on PCNA’s asset portal and our product pages,” says Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer at PCNA – ranked the No. 7 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100.

“Transparency is key to trust, and we ensure that our customers have unimpeded access to all relevant product safety information. We’ll continue to listen to feedback from the industry and investigate all safety concerns across our assortment of products.”

“This was a case of social media gone a little wild, as it can do from time to time,” says Brian Porter, chief revenue officer at Starline – ranked the No. 13 supplier in the PPAI 100. “At the end of the day, the safety risk is between non-existent and extremely low.”

Starline says it began manufacturing with a lead-free sealing process for vacuum drinkware in 2017, becoming the first promo supplier to implement the technology.

“When you start talking about lead in anything, it resonates a certain way, as it should,” Porter says. “So, you have to go to the next level and understand where the lead is and why it’s used. This manufacturing process has never been a concern as far as the safety of the consumer.”

How Did The Stanley Quencher Become So Popular?

The Stanley Quencher was arguably the hottest promotional product of 2023.

After all, drinkware (mugs, tumblers and bottles) is always in SAGE’s monthly list of top 10 product categories, and this past December, the 30-oz. and 40-oz. Stanley Quenchers took the No. 1 and No. 4 spots, respectively. Several suppliers offer a variety of brandable Stanley drinkware.

NBC’s Today show reported that a 2017 post by “a popular mommy blogger” – followed by a swift and savvy response by Stanley to release the product in new colors and appeal to new markets – sparked the current craze.

Word spread like wildfire online, spawning countless TikTok videos and billions of views. Forbes reports that #stanleycup has more than 6.7 billion views on TikTok alone. And the company’s revenue has increased tenfold in the past four years.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with permission from PPAI

White Scaling Back Role At BAMKO, Resigns From PPAI Board

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:24:11 GMT

Joshua White, head of strategy and general counsel at BAMKO (PPAI 242148, D11) – promo’s fourth leading distributor in the PPAI 100 – is taking a step back from the promotional products industry to pursue some long-standing entrepreneurial ambitions.

His last day working full time in his current capacity will be Friday, February 2.

“It’s time,” White says. “I’ve spent a full decade at BAMKO and accomplished everything I could’ve ever wanted here. I’ve loved every minute of it, am incredibly proud of what we’ve built and have been so fortunate to learn so much along the way.”

Although he’ll no longer serve the Los Angeles-based company on a full-time basis, White says he’ll remain involved with BAMKO at the highest strategic levels “for as long as humanly possible.”

He’ll continue to work with BAMKO on its most high-impact strategic initiatives while using the newfound free time for his own business pursuits.

“By continuing to work with BAMKO, I hope it gives me the opportunity to stay involved in the industry more broadly,” White says. “I’ve obviously made a ton of friends and connections over the years, so I’ll still be answering every call I get and helping those people out however I can.”

PPAI Board Vacancy

A member of the PPAI Board of Directors since January 2023, White will also be vacating his seat on the board.

Andrew Spellman, CAS, current PPAI board chair and vice president of corporate markets at Therabody, will be leading the process and relying on the full support of the board to determine the replacement.

“Josh has been a great board member for PPAI,” Spellman says. “We can only thank him for his contributions and wish him well in his new endeavors. I’m happy he’ll still be working with BAMKO, as I believe talents like his are welcomed and needed in our amazing industry.”

What’s Next?

White, an attorney, plans to launch not one, but two law firms. With the first, Apex Action Advisors, he’ll be working with a select roster of private clients providing strategic guidance in high stakes opportunities and disputes.

He will simultaneously be launching a second law firm, the details of which he is keeping under wraps for the time being.

“I love the fact that law firms can only be owned by lawyers. I’m betting that I can put into practice everything I’ve learned in the world of business to build better companies than the competition,” White says.

White’s Impact

White was working as an attorney in private practice and counted BAMKO among his clients when then-president Phil Koosed recruited him to join the company in 2013.

Since then, BAMKO has grown from around $20 million in annual sales to nearly $400 million.

During his tenure, White has helped lead BAMKO’s M&A efforts and brought on the majority of the company’s sales force.

White has spearheaded the distributor’s strategic growth and brand strategy initiatives, development of key partnership opportunities, corporate communications strategy and a number of other focuses.

Additionally, he has overseen BAMKO’s legal department, handling the many compliance and regulatory issues that arise from working in the promo industry.

He was named one of PPB’s 2018 Rising Stars and the Los Angeles Business Journal's Rising Star General Counsel of the Year in 2016.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

New Products, Team Members Signify HPG’s Progress In 2024

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:41:39 GMT

Known for scooping up fellow suppliers, HPG (PPAI 110772, S11) kicked off The PPAI Expo 2023 by announcing its latest (and arguably most high-profile) acquisition: Evans Manufacturing.

In recent months, however, the No. 8 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 has shifted its acquisition strategy to focusing on talent, recruiting some of the most recognizable names in the promotional products industry.

In December, the Braintree, Massachusetts-based firm hired Jenna Quaranta as director of sales training and development.

In November, Kate Plummer, MAS, was brought on as director of sales for two of HPG’s subsidiaries: Debco (PPAI 317015, S4) and Beacon Promotions (PPAI 113702, S10).

HPG isn’t just cherry-picking renowned industry veterans; it’s also grooming top talent and giving them opportunities to grow.

After joining in June as director of sales for Evans, Alex Symms, MAS, saw his role expand just four months later to cover HPG’s additional West Coast brands: Handstands (PPAI 111285, S7) and Origaudio (PPAI 421483, S7).

Nick Lateur has also flourished at HPG and was promoted in December into the newly created role of brand director.

Internally, it’s been said that Trina Bicknell, chief revenue officer at HPG and the driving force behind this aggressive talent acquisition strategy, is assembling the “Avengers of promo.”

Ironically, Plummer had tried to sell Clearmount to HPG, but was told that the company was “too small.”

In December of 2022, St Regis Group acquired Clearmount, and Plummer stayed on as vice president of sales and marketing.

She has also served in a variety of volunteer roles, including current vice chair of PromoKitchen, co-chair of the Women's Empowerment Event for Promotional Products Professionals of Canada (PPPC) and past chair of the Women's Leadership Conference for PPAI.

She’s also a certified personal trainer, and has written numerous columns for PPAI Media, including on how weightlifting helps you make more sales.

“I joined HPG because Trina and [HPG CEO Chris Anderson] immediately recognized the value of my sales academy,” Quaranta says. “They’ve embraced it and are committed to empowering the sales team. It’s the ideal organization to foster this innovative approach.”

As of December, the program had a waitlist of more than 40 people, says Quaranta, adding that HPG is going to “blow the top off of it.”

“It’s my passion to one day be the next Zig Ziglar, taking sales reps and helping them become the best version of themselves,” Quaranta says. “It’s exciting, but I can’t do this alone. I need collaboration. Kate, Nick, Ben [Pawsey, HPG’s vice president of marketing], Mel [Bettua, HPG’s director of sales], all these people are my dear friends. I now get to sit in the trenches with them and strategize and dominate.”

PPAI 100 suppliers said less than a quarter (24%) of the products they sold in 2022 were marketed as sustainable, according to The State of Responsibility 2023.

Anderson credits two key drivers for the company increasing its sustainable products offering this year: distributor feedback and an obligation to corporate social responsibility.

Roughly 89% of Gen Z consumers believe sustainability to be important and about 82% consider environmental impact to some degree when using promo products, according to PPAI’s upcoming Consumer Study.

“HPG has many sustainable products under the individual brands, but we haven’t done a good job of showcasing them to our customers,” Rong says. “We’re in the process of re-categorizing our sustainable products into search-friendly categories on the HPG website so that customers can find them more easily based on key features.”

Recycled Content: Products made from the re-processing of materials to create new products, thus reducing the demands on creating new virgin materials.

Eco-Certified: Products made of certified eco-friendly materials or processes.

Natural Materials: Products made from natural fibers and sources.

Giveback Programs: Products where a percentage of revenue will be donated to support worthy causes.

Made Close to Home: Products made in North America rather than shipped thousands of miles on a container ship.

“The promo industry has an image problem,” Rong says, “as most of the products given away most likely end up in a landfill. As an industry, we have to shift our thinking from selling anything to offering higher quality products of daily use that recipients would want to keep and re-use. The upside is clear for brands giving away promotional products as their investment will have a longer-lasting impression.”

“I believe we have some of the best of the best,” Bicknell says. “If you’re going into battle, these are the people you want with you. And since 2020, the macro economy and its headwinds have been one very long battle. We’re hopeful for a further resurgence in 2024, but there is definitely economic uncertainty. So, these are the people we want on our team: knowledgeable, industry experts who have great relationships and will do anything to help our customers succeed. They have energy and passion for what they do, which is the HPG culture and mentality.”

Bicknell says that the human resources department loves/hates her because she never goes to them and says, “I need a person for this role.” She does all of her own recruiting, keeping tabs on promo’s movers and shakers through social media, listening to customers and industry events.

“I’ve always felt that, especially since 2020, we’ve had an awesome and incredible team,” Bicknell says. “But that doesn’t mean that I don’t recognize great talent out there. When the time is right, I’d love to have that person on the team.”

Canadian Expertise

In Plummer’s case, timing was everything.

A 16-year veteran of the promotional products industry, she’s the daughter of the late David and Rosalind Plummer, co-founders of Canadian-based supplier Clearmount Plastics Limited.

When HPG’s strategic plan called for Debco to have a director of sales, Bicknell says that Plummer was at the top of her list. “Kate is an industry expert who has great relationships in both Canada and the U.S.,” Bicknell says. “She’s a great leader and is really involved in the industry. She already has the trust and love from distributors, and she’s perfect for that role.”

Plummer says she took Bicknell’s call to be polite, but ended up impressed with the opportunity.

“I could see her big plan for the company and how well positioned everything was,” says Plummer, who compares Bicknell to Nick Fury rallying the Avengers together. “I felt that she would be so open to collaboration. She’s bringing in the star players and working off of people’s recommendations. If Trina believes in you and partners with you, you’re going places.”

Having the platform to grow Beacon and Debco also appealed to Plummer, whose father was friends with former Debco owner Stan Gallen.

“I’ve heard these companies described as the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the industry,” Plummer says. “They’re reliable and have what you need. Well, reliable doesn’t mean boring. Consistent doesn’t mean out of date. It means we’re good partners to have and that you can trust us. There’s potential for growth and market share. I’m hoping to achieve what’s already been achieved, but on a grander scale. We’re looking to spread the message even wider that Beacon and Debco are dependable, reliable and trusted.”

Shaping The Future Of Promo

Following Quaranta for the past couple of years, Bicknell has been wowed with her Field Training Academy, a six-week program that teaches tools and techniques to sales professionals.

“To have that ‘powered by HPG’ is something I’ve wanted for a while,” Bicknell says. “We really think about how we can make life easier for our distributors, helping them sell more products and be more successful. Jenna has that mindset, too. She really cares about what she’s doing, and people love her.”

A nearly 15-year industry veteran, Quaranta has held senior leadership roles at KNOSS Apparel, DSG International and alphabroder.

Starting in January, Quaranta will begin instructing the HPG sales force on her program, getting their skill sets up to speed with her field training. Eventually, she says, the company will open up her program to other companies, helping their sales reps sell more promo products.

“If you look at our leadership roster,” Quaranta adds, “it’s fair to say HPG has a very influential presence with high-profile characters who are super deadly in the field. Ultimately, I aspire to cultivate the strongest salesforce in the industry.”

Investing In Sustainability

HPG has also made some personnel changes outside the sales division, such as promoting Jing Rong to vice president of supply chain and sustainability.

For the past seven years, Rong had served as supply chain and compliance leader at the company. But this new, expanded role signifies HPG’s commitment to prioritizing sustainability, an increasingly important issue in the industry.

“Promoting Jing to this new role gives her not just permission, but a mandate to improve HPG’s sustainability performance,” says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG. “She has been part of PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group (PRAG) for the past two years, so she possesses a strong understanding of where the industry is today and needs to go. I have every confidence in her that results will follow in the months and years ahead.”

Rong hopes to formalize HPG’s sustainability strategy, pillars and targets, which align with not only the company’s mission and core values, but also the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“I would like to drive sustainability improvements across HPG through people, processes and technology,” Rong says, “making sustainability not another box to check off, but a commitment to improve the long-term interest of our associates, customers, shareholders, suppliers, communities and planet in everything we do.”

New Sustainable Products

As part of HPG strengthening its commitment to sustainability, the supplier is launching 250 new products in the first part of 2024.

Fifty-three of those new items feature recycled or renewable materials, which represents more than four times as many sustainable products as HPG released in 2023, according to Aaron Irvin, vice president of product development at HPG.

“It’s a dramatic improvement for us and shows that we’re building momentum behind more sustainable products,” says Irvin, adding that 22 of the new items are made or assembled in North America.

“It’s clear from listening to distributors that the demand for sustainable products is on the rise, and HPG is doing what it takes to meet that demand,” Anderson says. “It’s also the right thing to do. As a society, we’re more aware of the potential impact our decisions and activities have on the environment. While we can’t flip a switch overnight, we can’t sit idly by either. For HPG, leveraging our product development talent to find innovative product solutions is one important step as part of our larger, long-term sustainability strategy.”

Expanding HPG’s North American manufacturing capabilities is part of that strategy. Currently, those capabilities include brands like BCG producing wood products in Montreal, Evans Manufacturing injection molding recycled plastic products in California and Mixie blending its own beeswax lip balms in Minnesota.

“You’ll see additional growth in our offerings of items both made of lower-impact materials and reduced transportation-related carbon footprint,” Anderson says. “That strategy, combined with a strong and experienced global sourcing team executing our sustainability game plan, will keep HPG ahead of the pack.”

Meeting Customers’ Demands

Rong says that the new generation of consumers takes sustainability more seriously, expects their favorite brands to reduce their environmental impact and, in turn, will reward them for it.

“We need to make a collective commitment as an industry to protect the environment and precious natural resources for future generations,” Rong adds, “while remaining financially sustainable as well, of course.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Lucash, Szymczak Unveil New Company, Promise To Disrupt Industry

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:09:15 GMT

The biggest open secret in the promotional products industry is a secret no more: Jason Lucash and Mike Szymczak are officially back in business.

This time they know what they couldn’t have known through the co-founding, scaling and exiting of their previous supplier, Origaudio, which they sold to HPG in 2018.

They have reputations they didn’t have the first time around. Connections. Capital. Vision for a bigger impact.

The products still have to be sold, and the orders have to be fulfilled. But Lucash and Szymczak believe their new venture is destined to succeed in a major way. They see the project as part of a movement that will redefine and disrupt the industry.

That’s why they’re calling it Rupt (PPAI 826757, S1).

Promo’s Newest Supplier

As of this article’s publishing on Monday morning, setup is underway on The PPAI Expo trade show floor. After the floor opens on Tuesday, booth #1019 is likely to be of particular interest for curious distributors. The first line of Rupt products will be on exhibit.

The launch includes 30 industry staples spanning technology, drinkware and backpacks. The entire line is made from recycled materials, marking a first for an industry company. Recycled plastic, recycled stainless steel, recycled polyester and more come together in futuristic designs.

The packaging is also engineered for sustainability, as each product box is created to transform into something useful unto itself. The Jouncer isn’t merely an 80-watt speaker, but a “gateway to audio euphoria,” as Rupt’s catalog puts it, and its packaging can transform into a desk clock. The company calls the Spiglo not just a 750 ml stainless steel drinkware piece, but “the pinnacle of sophistication in hydration,” and its packaging converts into a bird feeder.

Everything is carbon neutral, with promises of supply chain transparency; in another industry first, Rupt vows to disclose the full build of materials and the total recycled percentage by weight for every product.

Rupt also says it will achieve an impressive 48-hour turnaround for U.S. orders, less than a week in Central Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, and the minimum order is one.

There’s quite a bit more.

There’s Rupt Ventures, a side play that will pour VC money into a stable of other suppliers. Two deals have been cut already and are expected to be announced in early 2024.

There’s the plan to buy an actual forest, an asset on the books and a place to plant trees, maybe in Virginia or Tennessee, to achieve true carbon offsetting rather than rely on the purchase of carbon credits. Rupt aims to become a Certified B Corporation when it is first eligible in 2025.

There’s a full five-year financial roadmap, developed with help from a big four accounting firm, to support expanded staffing, more new products and investments.

It keeps going, and it’s all been laid out just so. To think, Lucash and Szymczak were supposed to be retired.

Free To Compete

Nobody really believed the guys would take up oil painting.

Lucash’s time as HPG’s chief development officer ended in February 2022. Szymczak remained in his development and sales management role there until last August. Their five-year non-compete agreements with HPG expired in September 2023, which is when Rupt was officially founded.

“I wanted to just spend time and figure out what was next,” Lucash says. “And, ironically, Rupt is next.”

HPG CEO Chris Anderson was among the first to hear about it from Lucash, who resigned from his position on HPG’s board of directors.

“I was stressed going into the conversation because I have a ton of respect for Chris and care a lot about HPG. I care about my investment in HPG, still in privately held stock, and most importantly I care about my first baby, you know. I care deeply about what Mike and I built at Origaudio.”

Anderson, a PPAI board member, declined to comment for this article.

“HPG is a dominant force within the industry and I hope they continue to grow and succeed.… I don’t want to directly compete against anyone at HPG,” Lucash says. “I am going to, by nature, because I’m doing something that no one has ever done in the promo space. So, by nature, I’m going to compete with everybody, and everyone is going to feel threatened because I’m doing something completely different.”

Lucash had everything pretty well mapped out by the time Szymczak came on board. It’s Lucash’s brainchild, but they’ll build it together, and appear impervious to the jealousies and division that can ruin business partnerships. They are best friends. Szymczak was the best man in Lucash’s wedding. They have worked together in different spots for the last 18 years ever since Szymczak served as an intern under Lucash in a position at Major League Soccer.

Lucash is the CEO, Szymczak is the chief revenue officer. But the two describe Szymczak’s role with an acronym: MSHADED, for Make [Stuff] Happen All Day Every Day.

“Out of the gates we know who’s going to be responsible for what, who has strengths in each business category as well,” Szymczak says. At Origaudio it took them a while to learn how to divide and conquer.

“After like two years, it was definitely separation of responsibility. Let’s stop working on the same thing, and get efficiencies in place, and just trust. Obviously trust is through the roof when you have a business partner in a business the size of which we’re attempting to grow again and that we already did have. So, we just have to trust each other that we’re all rowing the boat in the same direction,” Szymczak says.

Starting From Scratch

Trust is vital not just between Lucash and Szymczak, but in the earliest hires. They’ve recruited Quinn Bui, a 2023 PPAI Rising Star, to close his multi-line rep company and come on as the national sales manager. Monday is his first official day on the job.

“What drew me to Rupt was Mike and Jason,” Bui says. “I have followed them through my career and observed their inspiring journey and success. After a hiatus, seeing them come back with a mission to disrupt and redefine the industry standards excites me.”

Wayne Matthews, the operations manager of the duo’s former Origaudio facility In California, has been hired as general manager of Rupt’s production site in Austin, Texas (the company is also launching with decoration facilities in Portugal and Hong Kong). Others from the industry joining the company include Shacori Valentine, most recently of Makers Garments, to handle East Coast accounts, Allison Theisen, previously of Zing, for the West Coast. Kia Robson, also of Zing previously, will be Rupt’s account experience manager.

Hiring is expected to ramp up significantly in the coming weeks and months.

For most of Rupt’s infancy to this point, the only staffer was Buenos Aires-based Ignacio Tomas Vera Salama, Rupt’s design director, who oversaw the creation of products, starting with sketches, then virtual prototypes and finally physical prototypes. But like everything else at Rupt, these early activities were made with a long-term vision front and center.

“As I looked ahead, planning for scalability and potential expansion was also a key aspect of my role, keeping in mind the long-term growth and impact of our brand in the industry,” Vera Salama says. He cites creativity, practicality and strategic planning as crucial to developing products that give Rupt a chance to establish a unique presence in the market.

The small team’s effort just to get to this week, to have the chance for a splashy debut at the industry’s most important trade show, have clearly been Herculean. Whether it’s staffing, design, marketing, hunting for real estate to establish the facilities, or 1,000 other things, Szymczak and Lucash have both been MSHADEDing.

“People don’t understand the magnitude of it,” Lucash says. “Especially – we’re not just a startup – we’re trying to launch at like a mid-tier kind of business level, as well, from a revenue standpoint.”

Before the products could even be conceived of, there was the period of trying to define what the brand should be. Lucash created a consumer deck to identify the target buyer, where that person shops, their lifestyle, even where they go on vacations. That informed the marketing development, the color scheme, the logo, the website and on and on. Lucash says, “It’s kind of like a polished industrial hipster that has great taste and cares about product quality, is how you’d probably summarize the actual brand voice.”

Although Szymczak says the startup hustle has him “in my happy place,” it’s been a grind. “I’ll work hard and so will Jason,” he says. “There’s just not enough hours in the day.”

The aggressive timeline was defined by the desire to launch at The PPAI Expo. “It’s way less time than I would have liked from September to now,” Lucash says. “But we said, you know, let’s at least get this done on the biggest stage, the Super Bowl of promo at The PPAI Expo, and it get in front of everyone that we know on a grand scale. Some stuff will be held together with Scotch tape and glue behind the scenes, but we at least want to have stuff ready so we can take orders and start having product ready to sell and market.”

Motivating Factors

It should go without saying that Lucash and Szymczak have a lot on the line here – not just the effort and time away from their families, but “millions and millions of dollars” of their own money, hard earned through the journey and sale of Origaudio, which they launched on a budget in the tens of thousands back in 2009.

They aren’t alone. Some of the work in recent months has been to court seed investment from friends and family, venture funds and private investors both inside the industry and outside of it. Rupt keeps its investor information private, but it does seem that a lot of people are betting on the new company to achieve a breakthrough.

Competitive allegiances and unwritten rules of the supply chain will be difficult for some traditionalists in the industry to put aside. Not everyone is going to like it. But it’s arguable that the promise of Rupt and companies like it could be a force for positive change across the promotional products industry. It could mean good things for the planet.

In terms of sustainability and transparency, the guys are thinking about it on the scale of a revolution.

“Rupt emerged from the recognition that change is imperative,” Lucash says in a statement announcing the company’s launch in Las Vegas. “Rupt is not just a response to existing gaps; it’s a deliberate stride toward a more dynamic, forward-thinking promotional industry.”

Buyers, of course, will need to pay for having this level of eco consciousness so wound into everything the company does. As evidenced by their immediate commitment to Europe and the Asia-Pacific markets, Lucash and Szymczak believe the world is ready for promotional products that aren’t the cheapest options.

“Rupt isn’t just a choice; it’s an investment in a future where innovation goes hand in hand with sustainability,” Szymczak says in the statement. “Partnering with Rupt isn’t a transaction; it’s a profound alignment with impactful values and a genuine commitment to the planet’s well-being. Each product we’ve built is a testament to the belief that we can disrupt the norm and redefine the standard.

“With Rupt, you’re not just buying into a brand; you’re becoming part of a movement and most importantly aligning yourself for the next generation of the promotional products industry.”

The grandiose claims would be easy to chalk up as hype, but Lucash and Szymczak have already disrupted the industry once. A decade ago they made Origaudio the fastest growing supplier in the industry by pushing the bounds of production capabilities. They offered no minimums, five-day turnarounds and more.

“When we did it, we were first,” Lucash says. “No one else was doing it. People thought we were crazy. We were printing one at a time in really funky retail packaging. People turned their heads, but as more and more suppliers kind of latched onto that model, it caused the industry to kind of push the limits of speed and decoration even further.”

The investments Lucash and Szymczak will make through Rupt Ventures – the VC play – reveal part of the wider vision. They’ll help up-and-coming suppliers that have likeminded vision. Lucash refers to the fund as a potential “guiding light” in the industry.

“A lot of these companies have tremendous untapped potential,” Szymczak says.

And the ability to share knowledge and resources with the leaders behind those businesses creates some advantages, and potential product bundling opportunities. There are layers.

Rolling The Dice

Speaking to PPAI Media in November, Szymczak alluded to a six- or seven-year run with Rupt. Lucash acknowledges the potential of acquisitions as well. It’s early, considering they have yet to record their first official sale.

If everything goes according to their plan, this will grow into a PPAI 100 caliber business quickly and earn a spot in the top 50 suppliers by revenue in five or six years. And will they rinse and repeat with another lucrative exit? Wait out their non-competes and come back to do it all again with another new concept?

Again, too early for all that.

There are risks here, obviously. “The economic uncertainty is the big one,” Lucash says. “I’m coming into rough global economic waters and selling higher price-point goods, which to my knowledge in down economies, higher priced goods don’t typically sell well, so that’s a big risk. People, economic uncertainty, World War III, a soft market, losing a lot of money… as an an entrepreneur you have to roll those dice, man. That’s why I love playing craps.”

Rupt may succeed, or it may not. No one can say. But it seems destined to make its impact felt.

It might push competitors to meet its impressive production promises. It might encourage more to lean further into sustainability and transparency. Whatever happens is bound to be loud and intense.

It’s going to be a big show.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

PCNA Launches Givee Select™, the Ultimate Solution in Personalized Gifting

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:23:14 GMT

Polyconcept North America (PCNA), the leading supplier of promotional products, is proud to announce the launch of Givee Select. This all-in-one platform revolutionizes the gifting process, offering a seamless experience both for those giving and receiving.

Givee Select streamlines personalized gifting with its centralized online store platform, designed to simplify the gifting process for any occasion, such as conferences and corporate events. The platform empowers distributors to handpick from a curated collection of high-quality gifts and offers the option for unique personalization. This innovative approach ensures a rich variety of choices while minimizing waste.

With the ability to create a gifting storefront quickly and easily, coupled with the convenience of fast drop shipping for a single flat fee, Givee Select simplifies gifting from start to finish. The easy-to-use platform ensures transparent pricing without hidden fees, eliminates the need to store inventory, and is bolstered by the dependability and expertise of PCNA.

Key Features of the Givee Select Platform:

User-Friendly Interface: An easy-to-use platform enabling distributors to build custom stores in under five minutes.
Fulfillment With No Hidden Fees: Pay only for your store, product, and shipping for complete order fulfillment. No middlemen, aggregators, third parties, or hidden fees.
Personalization Powered by Print-On-Demand: Provide a memorable and unique experience where guests can add their name to elevate gifting experience.
Centralized Solution: Access a curated catalog with a wide range of products, control guest access, manage billing, and track shipments all in one place.
Flat Rate Shipping: One price for fast, direct-to-recipient drop shipping for all gift orders.
More Choice/Less Waste: Enabling guest choice without commitment to inventory delivers products guests will want and not leave behind.
No Inventory Commitment: No up-front inventory helps eliminate excess caused by overproduction.

"We're empowering our distributors to offer personalized, meaningful gifts with ease," states Neil Ringel, CEO of PCNA. "Our goal is to equip distributors with a sophisticated tool that facilitates appreciation, builds relationships, and leaves a lasting impression, all while upholding our commitment to sustainability."

How Givee Select Works:

Create An Event Store: Quickly and easily create a storefront. Configure the look and feel with your customer’s brand colors, logos and more.
Pick & Design Your Products: Select gifts from PCNA’s curated Givee catalog of high-quality products including products offering personalization.
Launch Your Store: Once a store is live, invite guests to choose and personalize their gifts.

The platform provides complete fulfillment, empowering distributors to configure a store in minutes without wasting time on lengthy intake forms, complicated coding, or confusing digital technology. Once a store is launched, distributors can rest assured that they only pay for what is ordered by guests, eliminating overbuying and guesswork with the power of Givee Select.

“Our dedication to innovation shines with Givee Select,” said Holly Brown, Chief Revenue Officer of PCNA. “Listening to and understanding the needs and challenges ofdistributors is the inspiration for this solution. It is a time-saver innovation focused on the power of choice, and a total reinvention of the personalized gifting experience. By blending a diverse array of high-quality products with personalization, we're enabling our clients to focus on gifting without the worry of order logistics or any other fulfillment hurdle. Givee Select reinforces what really matters - creating gifts that are cherished and inspire pride.”

Explore the future of gifting at pcna.com/givee.

SAGE® UNVEILS NEW FEATURES AND ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2024

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:57:22 GMT

SAGE announces several exciting updates to its flagship service, SAGE Total Access, as well as SAGE Websites and SAGE Company Stores. These brand-new features will allow distributors to access more information about their customers at-a-glance, view in-depth sales reports, automatically track website inventory, easily build custom site pages, plus implement turnkey product collections and starter stores.

“Our development strategy continues to prioritize streamlining the cross-functionality of our services and building new, innovative solutions for our customers to help them stay ahead of trends and maximize their efficiency,” said Eric Natinsky, SAGE CEO. “This release is particularly exciting because we’ve introduced several new features that are going to really revolutionize the way our customers do business.”

In the latest release, a notable achievement is the introduction of a CRM Client Overview dashboard in SAGE Online and SAGE Web. This feature utilizes aggregate data from various SAGE Total Access modules, offering distributors high-level insights into each client's order volume rank, sales potential, and recent activity. It also provides a snapshot of interactions, like the number of quotes, presentations, or email campaigns within a specified date range.

Distributors can now create client logins for websites and online stores via the CRM module. The integration of CRM with SAGE Websites enables distributors to effortlessly establish and oversee client access in a centralized location. Additionally, to enhance workflow efficiency

through SAGE Total Access, carts from Websites and Company Stores are seamlessly integrated into Order Management.

In addition to the previously announced release of the new SAGE Company Store Standard in Q3 2023, SAGE has introduced even more developments in its Company Store suite. The newest updates incorporate advanced features like the ability to duplicate a store and a new in-depth reporting module to see sales over time, sales by product, showroom or promo code, and sales by client.

Another major update for Company Stores and Websites is the inclusion of inventory management. This new functionality allows distributors to monitor various product variations (size, color, etc.) with distinct inventory levels. Users can efficiently manage bulk inventory through spreadsheets, establish custom thresholds for each item, receive notifications for low stock levels, and enable automatic updates to deduct items during order fulfillment. Inventory management is accessible with SAGE Website Professional or SAGE Company Store Premium and higher tiers.

While a large portion of this latest release focuses on streamlining processes, SAGE has also announced three completely new additions to its Websites and Company Stores that distributors can utilize to drive more traffic to their sites and secure more business.

The introduction of Starter Stores as part of SAGE Company Stores allows users to present fully customizable theme-based stores at no additional charge. This serves as an effective way to illustrate the adaptability of company stores to clients or serves as a quick launchpad for setting up clients' stores.

SAGE Website Professional Plus now incorporates the all-new Curated Product Webpages, featuring theme-based webpages with curated content and products, enhancing SEO and driving website traffic.

And finally, SAGE introduced its revolutionary Page Builder module in SAGE Websites as a way to design pages visually using drag and drop functionality. The Page Builder allows distributors to quickly and easily custom-build a page from scratch with a tailored column layout and widgets such as text blocks and product groups that incorporate featured product selections.

All updates are available now. To learn more about SAGE Total Access, SAGE Websites, or SAGE Company Stores, visit www.sageworld.com or contact your Account Advisor today.

ORBUS ENHANCES AND EXPANDS PRINT CAPABILITIES

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:43:14 GMT

Orbus Visual Communications® invests in market-leading, state-of-the-art print equipment to ensure display graphics are the best in the industry. Orbus is North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments and workplace interiors.

Newly acquired dye-sublimation and UV print equipment marks a significant improvement in capacity and helps Orbus ensure consistent color and output across facilities.

New equipment increased Orbus’ dye-sub printing capacity by 10%, a remarkable jump from 15,400 sq. ft. per hour to 23,000 sq. ft. per hour. This enhancement is the result of the adoption of four Durst P5 TEX iSub printers, bringing the total count of dye-sub printers from seven to nine.

Orbus increased its UV print capacity by 60% with the addition of a Digitech TruFire UV LT/X2 printer and an EFI VuTek Q5R Ultradrop printer with inline cutting capability. This pushes the hourly output from 9,500 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft. and further distinguishes Orbus from its competitors.

Continued investments in state-of-the-art print and finishing equipment emphasize Orbus’ commitment to providing the highest print quality that exceeds industry standards. Orbus’ print capabilities can be reviewed here: https://www.orbus.com/services/graphic-services/print-capabilities

“The advancements in our printing capabilities reaffirm our dedication to excellence and position Orbus as the place to go superior displays graphics,” said Jaime Herand, Vice President of Graphic Operations at Orbus. “We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the latest technologies that enable us to offer the best solutions to our clients.”

SAGE Announces Major Update To PDX Capabilities

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 18:18:23 GMT

SAGE – the official technology partner of PPAI – has announced a new development in the capabilities of Promo Data eXchange (PDX), the formula behind PPAI’s mission to eliminate unnecessary phone calls and emails.

Already integrated into the systems of suppliers using PDX, real-time updates on inventory levels and order status are now able to be integrated into the backend systems for:

Distributors
PPAI business service members

This allows distributors and member service providers to perform a single integration to access data from every participating PDX vendor.

PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham, MAS+, notes that this accessibility of crucial data is a step forward in eliminating industry friction.

“This enhancement is particularly valuable for order status, as many firms rely on order status in their back-end system, and we have many software companies in the industry providing those back-end systems to distributors,” Denham says. “PDX continues to be a free benefit for PPAI members in conjunction with our official technology partner SAGE.”

PDX’s Path To Industry Efficiency

PPAI continues to focus on improving the industry’s efficiency as part of its commitment to driving digital transformation, and PDX is a core component of the effort.

The program can eliminate thousands of unnecessary phone calls and emails every day as 45,000 SAGE users have access to inventory levels and order status.
PDX is free to PPAI members, and the PPAI Technology Committee is playing a significant role in improving the PDX standard.

“In the journey towards industry efficiency, the collaboration between PPAI and SAGE in advancing PDX represents a significant stride,” says CW Karstens, PPAI’s director of digital transformation. “By providing real-time updates on inventory levels and order status, PDX, in conjunction with SAGE Connect, streamlines operations for distributors and business service providers.”

This new development, which incorporates business service providers into the integration process, is possible through SAGE Connect, which many suppliers have seen the benefit of integrating with in order to broaden the distributors they can work with as well as save time for all parties.

“SAGE Connect has seen a lot of growth over the past six months from suppliers integrating their backend systems,” says Dana Porter, MAS, vice president of information services at SAGE. “Adding the ability for distributors to integrate this information into their backend systems with a single integration is huge for the industry and our ongoing path towards digital transformation by increasing distributors efficiency even more.”

For more information on how to get connected visit https://www.sageworld.com/connect.php or contact your SAGE Account Advisor or PPAI Digital Transformation Manager Nick DiNicola (Nickd@ppai.org).

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

STORM CREEK ANNOUNCES NEW SALES LEADERSHIP TO START 2024

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:25:28 GMT

Storm Creek (ASI #89879/ PPAI #438091), a leading supplier of sustainable lifestyle apparel, welcomes Stephanie Maday as Director of Sales and Customer Experience. With over 20 years of invaluable experience in the promotional products industry, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge and supplier experience to her role at Storm Creek.

Stephanie started her career in Promotional Products with 3M Promotional Markets in 2000. During her 20 years there, she worked her way up to National Sales Manager. Prior to joining Storm Creek, Stephanie served as the Executive Vice President of [Wholesale] Sales at industry supplier, Crystal D. She played a pivotal role in driving sales growth and fostering lasting client relationships. Her extensive experience in the promotional products sector has equipped her with a deep understanding of marketing trends, customer needs, and effective sales strategies.

Maday’s onboarding comes at a strategic time for Storm Creek as the company continues to expand its presence in the promotional products market as a leading sustainable apparel supplier. Storm Creek is confident that Maday’s leadership and industry insight will contribute significantly to the company’s continued growth and success.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the Storm Creek family as our new Director of Sales,” said Teresa Fudenberg, CEO. “Stephanie’s passion for growth, industry knowledge, and desire for customer excellence makes her the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to work together to take Storm Creek to the next level!”

In her new role, Stephanie will lead the sales team, driving business development and fostering partnerships with clients. Her focus will be on expanding Storm Creek’s market presence, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional products and services to clients at every step in the customer journey.

“I am honored to join the Storm Creek team! The company's core values align strongly with my own. I am excited to marry my passions for relationship building, sales development, and customer service with their incredible product and brand story.”

SAGE® EXPANDS CAPABILITIES OF SAGE SHOWLINK, ITS LEAD RETRIEVAL SERVICE

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 14:55:58 GMT

SAGE continues to revolutionize exhibitor lead retrieval with the launch of SAGE ShowLink 8.0, a cutting-edge application built exclusively for the promotional products industry. Using an iOS or Android device, suppliers can scan badges or business cards at industry tradeshows to collect leads and schedule follow-ups.

The latest release, version 8.0, introduces new functionality for associating photos with individual leads. Suppliers can conveniently capture photos of products within SAGE ShowLink that pique a lead's interest and seamlessly link them to the respective lead, facilitating a more efficient process for booth management and post-event follow-up tasks.

"SAGE ShowLink 8.0 is a testament to our commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions for the promotional products industry. These enhancements, added just in time for The PPAI Expo in Vegas, mean our supplier customers can go into any show confidently knowing they are equipped with the lead retrieval they need to stay on top of their leads.” said Blake Bozeman, MAS, VP of Sales at SAGE.

Further enhancing the app’s functionality, SAGE ShowLink 8.0 incorporates the latest business card scanning technology. In cases where show badges are not scannable, exhibitors can scan a business card to automatically fill in the lead fields. Furthermore, business cards can be scanned offline and will update the lead information once a connection is re-established, allowing for seamless lead capture even in the absence of an internet connection.

Finally, an updated and revitalized interface, along with a redesigned lead list, prioritizes userfriendly navigation. This encompasses additional sorting options and the ability to easily identify hot prospects effortlessly. Following a user-centric design philosophy, suppliers can now promptly retrieve their show statistics and reports directly from the primary lead page.

SAGE ShowLink 8.0 is available in the Apple app store and Google Play store. Look for the refreshed app icon to experience the future of efficient lead retrieval.

For more information about SAGE ShowLink, please visit https://www.sageworld.com/showlink.php or contact your Account Advisor today.

Latisha Marshall: Bridge The Divide Between Perception And Reality

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 18:32:09 GMT

Ever felt misunderstood? Have you experienced being unfairly judged? Has someone’s perception overshadowed who you truly are and what you offer?

During an education session at PPAI’s Leadership Development Workshop, “Characteristics of Successful Leaders,” these questions flooded my mind. It made me wonder, how do successful leaders handle situations where perception conflicts with reality? The issue weighed on me so much that I asked the session’s moderators for their perspectives. Their response resonated with me, as they illustrated that many people are dealing with this same challenge.

It can be tough when colleagues have a different perception of you than who you truly are. In my view there are no fail-safe methods to permanently overcome this sort of misconception. However, here are five tips I personally use to navigate these situations and potentially win over people.

1. Seek constructive feedback.

Ask for honest feedback from people you trust. They can help you identify if there’s any truth to what others think about you. Don’t just assume “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

Trustworthy colleagues can provide insights into how you are perceived versus who you are. Their constructive criticism can help you understand any discrepancies and work on them. This can be an opportunity for growth.

2. Be clear.

Misunderstandings often occur due to a lack of communication. Encourage feedback and actively listen to understand how others see you. Express your thoughts and intentions in a way that resonates with your true self. By expressing yourself clearly you provide others with a better understanding of your nature and what you’re trying to get across. Constructive conversations can correct misinterpretations and bring perception closer to reality.

3. Begin by understanding.

This is an ePromos core value that has never failed me professionally or personally. Understanding is key! Try to understand why they see you in a certain way. Empathy can help you see things from their perspective. It allows you to form some common ground. Sometimes, people’s perceptions are based on their own experiences and biases. Understanding this can help navigate misunderstanding and bridge the gap.

4. Don’t talk about it, be about it.

Actions speak louder than words and they are more persuasive. Show individuals who you are rather than telling them. ‘Step and repeat’ – it’s an oldie but a goodie. Repeat the actions and behaviors that show the real you, not what people perceive.

Remember, most things do not happen overnight. Over time, this consistency will foster trust and credibility. You will reshape others’ perceptions and show the reality of who you are.

READ MORE: Latisha Marshall: My Best Advice For Any New Manager

5. Accept that you can’t please everyone.

You just might not be everyone’s cup of tea. How others see you isn’t entirely within your control. Despite your efforts, people may continue to view you differently from how you see yourself. Make a choice to filter the external noise and focus on what you can control.

While moments like these can seem defeatist, lean into them. Discomfort creates profound things. Embrace that fact that not everyone will perceive you accurately, and that’s okay as long as you stay genuine to who you are. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of authenticity. Or as Joshua White – head of strategy and general counsel at distributor BAMKO and member of the PPAI Board of Directors – so eloquently said “Just be Normal.” Authenticity shines through and helps align perceptions with reality over time.

***

By practicing these tips, you can work toward bridging the gap between how people perceive you and the reality of who you truly are. Over time, this can lead to a more accurate understanding of your character and intentions by those around you. Or maybe not, and you may have to learn to be OK with that as well.

How do you combat perception versus reality scenarios?

Marshall is the vice president of operations at distributor ePromos Promotional Products (PPAI 212648, S11). The No. 19 distributor on the 2023 PPAI 100, ePromos was also named one of promo’s Greatest Companies To Work For in 2023 by PPAI Magazine. A self-described “operations fanatic,” Marshall originally joined the company as a pre-production coordinator in 2004.

Written by: Latisha Marshall

Published with Permission from PPAI

iPROMOTEu Naming Bauer CEO; Silverstein To Retire

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:21:49 GMT

iPROMOTEu – ranked the No. 13 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – is soon to have a new leader for the first time.

Ross Silverstein, president and CEO of the Wayland, Massachusetts-based firm, is retiring effective January 31, 2024. Lori Bauer, senior vice president of affiliate sales and support at iPROMOTEu, will be taking over as CEO.

Launching iPROMOTEu in 1999, Silverstein has been at the helm for nearly a quarter century.

“iPROMOTEu started as nothing but an idea, and it has evolved into one of the largest and most successful distributor organizations in the industry,” Silverstein says. “Presently, iPROMOTEu is in the strongest and best condition in its 24-year history. This is a melancholy moment for me, but the time is right to make this transition, for me and for the company.”

New Era For iPROMOTEu

“Ross has led iPROMOTEu through remarkable growth and he will be greatly missed,” Bauer says. “The extraordinary iPROMOTEu community is a testament to his vision, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Ross is a great leader who has always been invested in setting up his team and iPROMOTEu’s Affiliates for tremendous success. I sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence he has in me to lead iPROMOTEu into the future.”

Bauer, who has been appointed to a two-year, at-large director position on the PPAI Board of Directors beginning in January 2024, joined iPROMOTEu in 2021.

Previously, she spent 23 years at Koozie Group, where she was an integral part of the supplier’s success with responsibilities spanning across sales and marketing. Named a PPB Rising Star in 2010 and honored with the PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015, she has long been a supporter of PPAI’s Women’s Leadership Conference, serving on the WLC Advisory Group for multiple years.

Bauer has also served as president of the Promotional Products Association of Florida (PPAF) and as board chair of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF).

Distributor Network

iPROMOTEu is a network of more than 1,100 independent distributor affiliates and salespeople across the United States and Canada.

The company provides extensive support to its affiliates, from back office support and secure tech tools to ongoing education and suggestions on how to reduce environmental impact.
The company and its affiliates have earned PPAI Pyramid Awards annually since 2010, and in 2023, iPROMOTEu ranked among PPAI’s #Online18 for its posts full of useful stats, resources and story links.
Since 2008, the company also brings the industry together online each March with DunkFest, a friendly competition open to anyone working in the promotional products industry.

“With iPROMOTEu’s stature in the industry, its incredible staff that is committed to the company’s core values, and its outstanding Affiliate network that is second to none, iPROMOTEu is poised for continued excellence and success,” said Bauer. “The future is bright at iPROMOTEu, and I look forward to continuing our mission to provide the best economic and lifestyle opportunity for promotional products distributors and salespeople.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Pantone Picks ‘Peach Fuzz’ As The 2024 Color Of The Year

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:56:10 GMT

Pantone continues a warming trend with its 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz (PANTONE 13-1023), a “velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul,” the company announced.

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

PPAI members receive discounts on color solutions from Pantone, a PPAI Affinity Partner.

The pastel hue, nestled between pink and orange, echoes the earth tones that have been surging in popularity in the past year as people emerge from the pandemic looking for warmth, connection and optimism. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, says that, given the turmoil of the past few years, Pantone sought a warm, inviting color that would evoke community and togetherness.

She describes Peach Fuzz as “a heartfelt peach hue bringing a feeling of kindness and tenderness, communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration. A warm and cozy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others or for enjoying a moment of stillness and the feeling of sanctuary this creates.”

Pressman adds that Peach Fuzz also suggests nurturing, calm, comfort and peace, yet “evokes a new modernity” as “a quietly sophisticated and contemporary peach with depth.” Pantone has also released five palettes of complementary colors dubbed “color harmonies for mind, body and soul.”

IMAGE: Pantone

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute carefully selects a hue that reflects worldwide trends in design, fashion, current events and more.

This year’s announcement marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year program, created in 1999 to spark conversation around color and culture.
The Color of the Year for 2023 was Viva Magenta, a “brave and fearless” animated red “expressive of a new signal of strength.”

“It is our hope that we have inspired you to look at color in a different way – that color and its connection to emotion and the expression of human feelings will take on a new significance, causing your eye to linger a little longer throughout the day on the tints and tones that surround you, as history unfolds from moment to moment,” says Pressman.

The promo industry keeps a close eye on color trends, including the annual Color of the Year announcement, as suppliers and distributors apply those ideas to future product and marketing plans.

Attendees at The PPAI Expo 2024, January 15-18 in Las Vegas, will receive Pantone 2024 Color of the Year bags produced by Promo PSI (S4, 256002) when they purchase products at the Pantone booth. The white non-woven shopping totes will be decorated with a design reflecting the warmth and togetherness that the Peach Fuzz hue suggests – carefully matched to Pantone standards.

Written by Rachel Zoch

Published with Permission by PPAI

Their Time Is Now

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:51:55 GMT

In late October, PPAI brought together a hand-picked group of young industry talent for the first ever Emerging Leaders Conference, held in conjunction with the annual Leadership Development Workshop.

Among the attendees of ELC 2023 were this year’s PPAI Rising Stars, who were selected from a record field of 170 deserving nominees. While the professional development content for the Rising Stars was distinct from the content for LDW, holding the two events in parallel was more than purposeful, and LDW attendees – mostly regional association executive directors and board members – were challenged to tap these young leaders and others like them to help steer the industry toward its brightest future.

This year’s 12 honorees, selected for their accomplishments, leadership and service, join nearly 200 industry Rising Stars named through the program since its beginning in 2010. Many past recipients have gone on to claim C-suite roles in their companies and serve the industry as key volunteers.No doubt, this year’s Rising Stars will continue to make the promotional products industry stronger.

Quinn Bui, 35
Owner/Multi-line Rep
n9ner Marketing
Riverside, California

Get To Know Quinn

Emily Codner, 40
Director, Affiliate Services
iPROMOTEu
Millbury, Massachusetts

Get To Know Emily

Mykayla Goodwin, 33
Vice President of Strategy
OrderMyGear
Dallas

Get To Know Mykayla

Katie Grimes, 31
Account Executive
Red Promotions
Temecula,California

Get To Know Katie

Maddie Hardy, 30
Senior Account Manager
Whitestone Branding
San Diego

Get To Know Maddie

Simi Kasakwe-Welsch, 29
Public Relations Specialist
American Solutions for Business
Starbuck, Minnesota

Get To Know Simi

Alex Paschal, 27
President
Warwick Publishing
St. Charles, Illinois

Get To Know Alex

Kathryn Peach, 28
Senior Account Manager
Promotional Source
Toronto

Get To Know Kathryn

Nadav Raviv, 40
Senior National Account Executive
GBS
Nashville, Tennessee

Get To Know Nadav

Tori Thomas, 32
Director of Marketing
BELLA+CANVAS
Costa Mesa, California

Get To Know Tori

Katie Whitehead, 39
Director of Marketing
HALO
Sterling, Illinois

Get To Know Katie

Chelsea Williams, 32
Owner & CEO
Spark Branded Solutions
Nashville, Tennessee

Get To Know Chelsea

BDA Appoints Matt Ferrari As COO

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:39:24 GMT

Bensussen Deutsch & Associates has added Matt Ferrari as chief operating officer. He will oversee the distributor’s global operations, fulfillment centers, supplier partners and sales support.

Ferrari has more than 15 years of experience in supply chain management with global brands, including 10 years with VF Corporation – most recently as VP, global supply chain for The North Face brand. Prior to that he held operational roles with Johnson & Johnson and was with Timberland.

“Matt is completely dialed into the best practices of managing a worldwide network. As we accelerate efforts to globalize our supply chain and grow our international footprint, Matt’s experience will be instrumental in expanding our client offerings,” says Jay Deutsch, CEO and co-founder of BDA.

“I was drawn to BDA by the company’s culture of continuous innovation, the massive portfolio of iconic brands they are entrusted with and their forward-looking approach on behalf of their clients and team,” says Ferrari. “I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of category leading brands; that experience has instilled in me the ability to maximize strategic partnerships and effectively manage a global supply chain. I look forward to leveraging that expertise to further position BDA for ongoing success.”

Magellan Promotions Named 2023 Future 50 Winner

Magellan Promotions (PPAI 288676, D6) has been recognized as one of BizTimes’ 2023 Future 50 winners. The award celebrates the fastest-growing companies in southeastern Wisconsin.

To qualify, companies must have been in business for at least three years, be privately owned and show significant revenue and employment growth.
Magellan, which also won the award in 2019, was honored along with other winning companies at the annual Future 50 Luncheon and was featured in an issue of BizTimes Milwaukee magazine.

“We’re excited to recognize this year’s group of Future 50 winners. These companies are creating jobs and fueling the growth of our region,” says Dan Meyer, publisher and owner of BizTimes Media.

Rustico Ceases Operations

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:36:38 GMT

London, Utah-based Rustico has gone out of business.

The supplier of premium handcrafted leather goods has announced on its website that it “must reluctantly close its doors and cease all operations at this time.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve fought hard to try and make it through a large financial struggle and unfortunately haven’t succeeded. We’re truly heartbroken to share this news. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who have loyally supported us over the past 22-plus years. Thank you for believing in Rustico,” the company said in a statement.

The Industry’s Loss

In October, Rustico reportedly stopped taking orders from distributors through the end of the holiday season.

Since the company has made its decision, industry members have taken to social media to lament the closure. “So sad to hear this from Rustico…a great supplier with a fantastic product,” posted Walter Kurt, MAS, president of Houston-based Three K Consultants (PPAI 260216, D2).

CEO Isaac Childs co-founded Rustico with friends following a backpacking trip through Europe in 1998.

According to the company website, Childs wanted more durable journals to write about his travels in.

The supplier also offered portfolios, belts, wallets, wristbands and travel tags.

Rustico has urged distributors interested in its products to purchase them through online retailers listed on its website. “Get them quick because when they sell out, they're gone,” the company said.

SAGE Announces Promo’s Highest-Rated Suppliers And Decorators

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:16:19 GMT

PPAI technology partner SAGE has announced that 1,073 supplier and decorator companies have earned A+ and A rating awards for 2024 based on an aggregate of their distributor ratings collected through SAGE Total Access, the company’s product management and business management solution.

This Year’s Honorees

The SAGE rating system was developed to empower distributors to make well-informed decisions about the companies they work with.

This year, 883 companies received SAGE’s A+ rating, while another 190 earned an A rating.
These suppliers and decorators comprise a total of 45% of all active Advantage or Decorator Members in the SAGE database.
As part of the relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE A+ and A ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry's annual renowned PPAI Supplier Star Awards competition.
Likewise, SAGE ratings comprise a portion of the scoring for PPAI 100, serving as the basis for the Industry Faith category for suppliers.

"We are so excited to recognize and celebrate our supplier and decorator partners that continuously go above and beyond to provide exceptional service and raise the bar for the industry's standard of quality and integrity each year," says Dana Porter, MAS, SAGE's vice president of information services.

To view the complete lists, click here:

Earning The Awards

Through SAGE Online and SAGE Web, distributors can view a supplier or decorator's real-time ratings and comments, as well as a comprehensive overview of their award information, including any additional industry accolades.

Distributors can also now utilize AI-powered, consolidated review summaries to gain these important insights at a glance.

Ratings can be submitted through SAGE Total Access or via the "Rate Us" link provided by both suppliers and decorators.

Distributors score factors such as customer service, delivery and problem resolution, as well as leave a detailed comment.
They can only rate each company once to provide their unique perspective; however, they may update their ratings at any time, ensuring the most precise depiction of their experience.

Written by: James Khattak

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Announces Its 2024 Pyramid Award Finalists

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:46:23 GMT

PPAI has named the finalists of the Association’s 2024 PPAI Pyramid Awards. The annual awards honor creative excellence in the promotional products industry and recognize dependable suppliers, outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship by PPAI members.

This year, 66 companies have been named finalists

Industry companies’ work is recognized in five categories, with most broken out into several subcategories. Learn more about the categories and look back at the 2023 Pyramid Award winners:

Client Programs showcase distributors’ effective use of promo in creating creating programs and campaigns for their customers and end-users.
Open to all PPAI members, the Marketing Programs categories recognize creative branding activities that deliver information about company identity, products or services to customers and prospects.
The Supplier Decorating Categories celebrate the craftsmanship, successful delivery and creative service of promotional products suppliers.
Technology Programs categories recognize industry members’ work in developing creative and effective websites and mobile applications.
The PPAI Supplier Star competition allows PPAI member distributors to vote for their top supplier companies.

The PPAI Pyramid Award has stood the test of time and continues to advance the awareness and prestige of the industry’s talented companies and individuals. The 2024 winners include:

A+ Wine Designs
alphabroder
Arid Zone
Ariel Premium Supply
Artistic Toys & Promotions
Artwork Services USA / AWS
AZX Sport
BAG MAKERS
BAMKO
Bentcil Company
Brand Blvd.
Brand Fuel
commonsku
Concepts & Associates
Corporate Specialties
CounterPoint
Doug Fregolle Promotions
Dunstan Group
EMT
EPromos Promotional Products
Eversole Run
Eyevertising
Fields Manufacturing
Fullarton Group
Gemline
GMG WORKS
Gold Bond
Goldstar
HALO
Hillarys
HPG
IICON Creative Strategies
Illinois Glove Company
IMAGEN
imprintID
Indiana Metal Craft
INM Marketing Group
Jornik Manufacturing Corp.
Koozie Group
Nadel
Opti Print and Fulfillment
Orbus Visual Communications
PCNA
PowerStick.com
Pro Towels
PromoCorner
Raining Rose Promos
SanMar
Showdown Displays
Six Twenty Six, LLC
Sonic Promos
Spector & Co
Starline USA
Stellar Lanyards North America
StoneyCreek
Stouse
Sweeter Cards
The MRL Group
Thumbprint
Totally Bamboo
Towel Specialties
Vantage Apparel
Visions
Whitestone
WOWLine
YM Labs

Written by: James Khattack

Published with Permission by PPAI

SanMar’s ‘Futurist’ Is An Industry Differentiator

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:44:11 GMT

What will be fashionable in the fall of 2025? Vicki Ostrom’s job is to have that answer today.

A 12-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Ostrom is a “futurist” at SanMar (PPAI 110788, S16) – promo’s leading supplier in this year’s PPAI 100. Her role is to supplement the research and knowledge that the Issaquah, Washington-based firm’s merchandising, design and product creation teams obtain from vendor partners, customers, shopping and other sources.

“You want to design something that will be in our line for at least five years, but of course, fashion does change,” Ostrom says. “How do you design a universal style that’s not only trendy for now and five years from now, but also super durable and for potentially a range of ages and ethnicities? You have to really think it through and put a lot of factors into play to decide what that garment should look like.”

Passion For Fashion

The Montana native has always been drawn to making something from scratch.

The daughter of a wheat farmer, Ostrom initially wanted to be a chef. Mixing colorful ingredients sparked her creativity, fueling her interest in the arts. Although she went to college for acting, costume design truly resonated with her.

“You have to learn about every character, understanding the minutia of who’s around them, what’s the setting they live in and how does that affect what they wear,” Ostrom says.

Graduating from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in technical theatre, she spent seven years as a costume designer and seamstress on Broadway in New York City.

Envious of friends who had a stable career with healthcare coverage and a 401(k) plan, she relocated with the intention of earning a master’s in costume design at the University of Washington. However, Seattle Central College offered a similar education for a shorter amount of time and a lot less money, so she earned an associate of applied science in apparel design and went on to work for high-profile brands, like Eddie Bauer, Tommy Bahama and JCPenney.

So, she produced editorial pages with images of product designs and matched them with trends happening in the world.

The sales team quickly took notice and wanted to show their customers.

The content was so valuable that she transitioned into her current full-time role as trends editor at SanMar.

While apparel trends are certainly related to the latest wearable fashions, most folks don’t consider that what we choose to wear comes from larger influences from the world around us, according to Shelley Renning, vice president of merchandising at SanMar.
Indeed, Ostrom aims to bring macro-level observations of generational shifts, economic factors, health and wellness movements, climate change, how other industries are moving and anything else existential like a pandemic or war that could create opportunities – either for new products or for enhancing products, categories and brands that SanMar currently designs for.

The biggest trend Ostrom is seeing right now is companies selling their products through the lens of education.

“People are really into learning right now – they want to understand things,” she says. “So, companies are teaching their customer something, and the customer appreciates that they’ve just learned something valuable.”

“I was mainly designing apparel for men,” Ostrom says. “You have to be extremely good with your research because men don’t mess around when it comes to clothing. If they love it, they’ll buy a lot of it. If they don’t, you’ll never see them again.”

Entering The Promo World

In 2011, Ostrom joined SanMar as a senior designer.

“We were just starting to really do a deep dive focus into women’s clothing,” she says. “Up to that point, if you had a woman on your team, probably a small men’s shirt would be fine. But then Instagram and Pinterest were coming into play, so women everywhere were starting to see and be able to buy clothing from outside their region with ease. We readdressed all the fits we had in women’s product and examined new styles.”

Comparing SanMar’s women’s apparel to that of popular retail brands, Ostrom was impressed at the quality, and thought others would be, too.

“One of Vicki’s contributions to SanMar’s team of designers and merchandisers is to share those macro trends in a way that can be translated into functional and trend-right products that resonate with end users,” Renning says.

“I love the social anthropology of trend reporting,” Ostrom says. “It’s all about researching your customer. As a designer, it’s already a full-time job keeping track of your production while hoping you can keep up with the trends. My role is to be that extra helping hand and present what’s happening in the world that we should be aware of.”

Connecting The Dots

Predicting the next big thing in fashion requires endless research. Working from home, Ostrom’s daily routine includes reading both the digital and print version of The New York Times, poring through global trend resources that SanMar subscribes to, conversing with colleagues about what they’re reading, seeing or hearing, watching The Today Show and even studying the commercials.

“As a marketer, it’s a difficult job to get someone’s attention and present something that would be informative and captivating enough to have them actually watch a commercial,” Ostrom says. “I see what colors and images they’re using and what stories they’re choosing to tell.

“Over the years, I’ve been able to see different aspects of things I read from different sources and make more connections to understand what’s a true trend we’re pursuing as a society rather than a really strong advertorial that some company is putting out.”

SanMar values Ostrom’s creative way of communicating relevant trends to its customers and understands that it’s a differentiator in the promo industry. “SanMar’s goal is to share the ‘why’ behind the products we create,” Renning says. “By making trend education approachable, Vicki helps ensure our customers are seen as the experts in finding solutions to any customer’s wearable needs.”

Ostrom attributes her success to her innate curiosity and her penchant for always paying attention to the world around her.

“Because everybody is so busy in their lives maybe they’re not sitting down and making those connections the way I do for my job,” she says. “What makes me successful is the volume of places I look: museums, TV shows, movies, economy stories, etc. Seeing a volume of different types of sources of information and then making your own conclusions about where you’re seeing these threads come together gives you confirmation that you’re following the right path.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Rob Watson Returns To Vantage Apparel As CEO

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:42:08 GMT

Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, S10) – ranked the No. 17 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has announced that Rob Watson has returned to the Avenel, New Jersey-based company as CEO.

Ira Neaman, MAS, founder and president/CEO of Vantage Apparel, is transitioning to the role of president/executive chairman to focus on the company’s vision, strategy and continued business development.

“Rob's return to Vantage Apparel as CEO is an exciting development for our company,” Neaman says. “Rob’s extensive industry experience, combined with his prior contributions to our organization, positions him to lead Vantage to new heights. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to provide our customers with the highest-quality promotional apparel and new, innovative services.”

Global Expansion

With more than 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry, Watson has held leadership roles at several firms, most recently serving as vice president at Tempe, Arizona-based Zing Manufacturing (PPAI 517185, S7).

“Vantage has a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation and exceptional decoration services, and I'm committed to building on that legacy,” Watson says. “We have an exciting journey ahead, and I look forward to collaborating with our team and our distributor partners to drive our company forward in the industry.”

Under Watson’s direction, Vantage's global footprint – through its 2021 acquisition of Lynka, a full-service European corporate apparel supplier – will be a major strategic focus for the company.

John Lynch will continue as president of Lynka and “help strengthen the vision of continued international programming for the network of companies.”

Watson’s Background

"Rob brings the unique skill sets of both technological prowess and a deep knowledge of our industry, as well as superb leadership and communication skills," Neaman says.

In his previous role at Vantage as chief experience officer, Watson played a pivotal role in enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations and driving business development initiatives.

He has also served as:

managing director at Holland, Ohio-based The Image Group (PPAI 103424, D10) – ranked the No. 41 distributor in the PPAI 100;
chief marketing officer at New York City-based Axis Promotions, which was acquired by HALO (PPAI 106462, D15) – promo’s second leading distributor in the PPAI 100 – in 2020;
president at Parsippany, New Jersey-based MediaTree (PPAI 192068, S6);
managing director at U.K.-based distributor Outstanding Branding;
and senior vice president of marketing and user experience at the Advertising Specialty Institute, a Trevose, Pennsylvania-based business services firm.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

OrderMyGear Acquires DistributorCentral

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 20:24:10 GMT

OrderMyGear has acquired DistributorCentral, the Kansas-based technology provider for suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry.

Dallas-based OrderMyGear, an online platform for selling custom-branded merchandise, announced the acquisition today.
DistributorCentral will continue to exist and operate under its current name while owned by OMG.

OMG Continues To Grow

The news comes almost exactly one year after the announcement that OMG had acquired BrightStores, another provider of online stores for promotional products.

Combining the resources and abilities of Distributor Central with OMG creates a single technology partner to sell, manage and order promo merchandise across sales channels.

The company anticipates the deal to bring several benefits to the promotional product distributors, apparel decorators and team dealers it works with. These include:

One platform to discover products, generate sales and manage orders across sales channels.
Access to additional technology solutions, including product search, eCommerce websites and order management.
Access to high-quality, order-ready product data that eliminates costly order errors and reduces order turnaround times.

Additionally, OMG expects supplier benefits to include:

One platform to manage and distribute high-quality product data to the entire industry.
Ability to promote and advertise products to promotional product distributors, apparel decorators and team dealers across all channels, including product search, online stores and eCommerce websites.
Technology to transform raw, unstructured product data to the industry standard PromoStandards without any technical expertise or resources.

As a result of the acquisition, DistributorCentral, which was founded in 1999, is now independent of promotional product supplier TradeNet, allowing all suppliers to utilize the company’s full suite of business management technology.

PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham notes the important role that companies like OMG and DistributorCentral play in the industry and how a move like this can play a part in shaping the future.

"The growth of OMG since committing to the promotional products industry has been impressive," Denham says. "When business service providers make a commitment to solving industry-specific challenges, they win and the industry wins. This acquisition should create more opportunities for success. I’m particularly hopeful about the commitment from OMG to support PDX inventory and order status with this acquisition."

PDX – Promo Data Exchange – an open standards formula supported by PPAI is designed to make it easy for suppliers to share order status and inventory with distributors with a single integration which will eliminate thousands of hours of wasted effort, friction and unnecessary phone calls.

Hear It From OMG

Leonid Rozkin, CEO of OMG, says that product data management is a core element of what OMG is now able to provide suppliers because of combining with Distributor Central.

“Product data is at the core of OMG online stores,” Rozkin says. “It’s also a difficult element of the tech stack to get right. Suppliers often don’t have the resources to manage their product data across countless channels or to become PromoStandards compliant, so their data is available in the industry standard format.

“With DistributorCentral, OMG will be able to provide the best technology paired with the highest quality product data.”

Much like the BrightStores acquisition in 2022, Rozkin says that the move was motivated by the possibility of combining two strengths and addressing a need by looking toward a reliable name in the industry.

“DistributorCentral’s deep expertise in supplier product data complements our strength in online stores, allowing us to address a critical pain point for stakeholders on both sides of the equation: accurate, up-to-date product data,” Rozkin says. “DistributorCentral provides high-quality product data to numerous players in the industry, including OMG and other service providers, which is the top request we hear from clients who partner with OMG for online stores. Together, we are uniquely positioned to eliminate the friction of selling branded merchandise for all parties while driving innovation for the entire industry.”

Industry Veteran Dawn Olds, MAS, Announces Retirement From HALO

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:47:16 GMT

Dawn Olds, MAS, immediate past chair of the PPAI Board of Directors and senior vice president of industry relations and DEI at HALO – ranked the No. 2 distributor in this year’s PPAI 100 – is retiring.

A 35-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Olds has spent her entire career at the Sterling, Illinois-based distributor. She’s been in management for more than two decades, overseeing accounting, IT and general operations functions.

“It has been an honor to contribute to our company’s success and to witness the incredible growth and innovation that has taken place over the years”, Olds says. “I’m grateful for the friendships, the challenges and the countless opportunities to make a difference.”

Olds has also volunteered in the promo industry for several years and joined the PPAI Board of Directors at the beginning of 2020. Her time in the Association’s leadership tracked along considerable changes and challenges in the organization and industry at large, and she was instrumental in helping PPAI navigate the pandemic, leadership changes and revitalizing The PPAI Expo.

Olds plans on staying with HALO through 2023 and will end her tenure at The PPAI Expo 2024 in Las Vegas.

Kevin Mullaney Joins SnugZ USA As National Sales Manager

Cassondra Franze — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 01:50:44 GMT

SnugZ USA has made a strategic addition to its sales team with the hiring of industry veteran Kevin Mullaney as an additional national sales manager effective November 1. This position will add to SnugZ’s strong and dedicated sales team providing sustained success and innovation moving forward.

Mullaney has been in sales for more than 17 years. For the past 12 years he has been vice president for distributor Brandito, LLC, in Richmond, Virginia. He also served as a member of the VAPPA Board of Directors from 2019-2022.
In 2016, Mullaney was recognized as a PPB Rising Star, in 2018 he was named an ASI Sales Rep of the Year Finalist, and in 2019, 2020 and 2021 he was honored as Distributor Sales Rep of the Year by Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA). His “work hard, play hard” motto also earned him the Randy Shippam Award at the 2023 Facilis Group TASA awards.

Goldstar Names New Global Director Of Merchandising

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 22:03:32 GMT

Goldstar – ranked the No. 16 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has hired Heather Smartt as its new global director of merchandising.

In her new role, Smartt’s top objectives include advancing the San Diego-based company's commitment to manufacturing alternatives, expanding product categories and enhancing global product design. Currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, Smartt’s talent for bridging the North American and European markets is a key driver in Goldstar's global product expansion, the company says.

Under her leadership, the company will unveil a four-piece Coastal Threads bag collection designed in Europe, crafted with REPREVE Our Ocean Recycled Plastic.

Smartt’s Background

A 17-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Smartt rose through the ranks of Polyconcept, eventually becoming director of category management at PCNA (PPAI 113079, S15) – the No. 7 supplier in the PPAI 100. She most recently served as global director of product development at National Pen (PPAI 107176, D12).

“I’m deeply honored to lead Goldstar's global product development efforts,” Smartt says. “My goal is to leverage my experience in both North America and Europe to create products that meet the needs of our diverse customer base and align with our commitment to sustainability. Together, with our talented team, we’ll help expand how the world perceives promotional products.”

SAGE® ANNOUNCES 2024 RATING AWARD WINNERS

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:01:09 GMT

Each year, SAGE proudly presents industry suppliers and decorators with A+ and A rating awards based on an aggregate of their distributor ratings collected through SAGE Total Access, the industry's most popular product research and business management solution.

This year, 883 exceptional companies received the coveted A+ rating, while another impressive 190 earned a top A rating. These award-winning supplier and decorator companies comprise a total of 45% of all active Advantage or Decorator Members in the SAGE database. As part of the relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE A+ and A ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry's annual renowned PPAI Supplier Star Awards competition.

"We are so excited to recognize and celebrate our supplier and decorator partners that continuously go above and beyond to provide exceptional service and raise the bar for the industry's standard of quality and integrity each year." said Dana Porter, MAS, SAGE's Vice President of Information Services.

Widely known within the industry for having the most robust, accurate, and truly representative supplier reviews, the SAGE rating system empowers distributors to make well-informed decisions with invaluable data.

Through SAGE Online and SAGE Web, distributors can view a supplier or decorator's real-time ratings and comments, as well as a comprehensive overview of their award information, including any additional industry accolades. With SAGE's latest innovations, distributors can also now utilize AI-powered, consolidated review summaries to gain these important insights at a glance.

Ratings can be submitted through SAGE Total Access or via the "Rate Us" link provided by both suppliers and decorators. Distributors can score factors such as customer service, delivery, and problem resolution, as well as leave a detailed comment. They can only rate each company once to provide their unique perspective; however, they may update their ratings at any time, ensuring the most precise depiction of their experience.

Award-winning supplier and decorator companies will have access to a variety of marketing collateral to promote their A+ or A-rated status, including logos for their catalogs, websites, and email signatures. For more information, award recipients should contact their SAGE Account Advisor at 800.925.7243.

Click below to view the complete lists:
A+ Supplier Ratings
A Supplier Ratings
A+ Decorator Ratings
A Decorator Ratings

HPG Promotes Alex Symms, Nick Lateur

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:20:56 GMT

HPG – ranked the No. 8 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has announced that Alex Symms, MAS, will expand his director of sales role to cover all three of the Braintree, Massachusetts-based company’s West Coast brands: Evans Manufacturing, Handstands and Origaudio.

A 20-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Symms joined HPG in June after previous roles at suppliers PowerStick, Chameleon Like, Admints & Zagabor and KTI Networks / KTI Promo.

“We already knew Alex would be an excellent addition to the team and he proved us right even faster than expected,” says Trina Bicknell, chief revenue officer at HPG. “I’m excited to expand his influence even further within the HPG enterprise and consolidate our West Coast sales leadership for our customers.”

Brand Evangelist

As a result of Symms’ expanded responsibilities, Nick Lateur – director of sales at HPG – has transitioned into the newly created role of brand director.

Entering the promo industry in 2015, Lateur worked in national sales for suppliers AP Specialties and IMAGEN Brands before joining HPG at the end of 2020 as director of national accounts for HPG’s specialty channel.

In August, Lateur assumed a development and sales management role at Origaudio after co-founder Mike Szymczak announced his retirement.

“HPG is the fastest-growing supplier in the industry with the top talent in the industry,” Lateur says. “We’re constantly launching exciting new products and impactful sales tools like Storyboard+. The formula for success in promo is: be top of mind, be easy to work with and maintain strong human relationships. This new role, with the support of the HPG marketing team, will allow me to truly evangelize our brand, our superior products, our unique services and our incredible people; all of which enable our customers to win more business.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Koozie Group Announces IMAGEN Brands Consolidation

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 21:56:18 GMT

Starting in 2024, Koozie Group and IMAGEN Brands are consolidating under the Koozie Group brand.

Koozie Group acquired IMAGEN Brands in December of 2020.

Since then, the two suppliers have operated as stand-alone businesses.

Koozie Group was named the No. 10 supplier in the PPAI 100 list.

The Integration Process

Combining the sales and services teams under the Koozie Group brand – IMAGEN Brands will no longer be used once the integration is complete – as well as the support teams and technology of the two businesses, is expected to create efficiencies and a better customer experience.

There will be no immediate change to either supplier for the rest of 2023.

Customers will see a slow transition into one single ordering process and website beginning January 1.

That transition is expected to go into effect by the end of Q1 of 2024.

By the end of the integration process, the Koozie Group website and ordering process will have a more complete set of offerings than either business currently presents. That is expected to include:

An expanded assortment of items with full-color decoration.

More items available at 48-hour standard.

Products with a sustainability stance.

Additional free services and waived fees.

No facilities under the Koozie Group umbrella will close as a result of the integration.

Under this umbrella, pricing will default to Koozie Group’s current structure.

The IMAGEN Brands website will be in operation through Q1 of 2024.

FedEx will become the standard carrier option.

"After three years of working together, this seemed like the right time to align common and best practices from across our sites and functions to deliver impactful products and best-in-class service to our distributor partners.”

What They’re Saying

Recently promoted Koozie Group CEO Pierre Montaubin says that careful deliberation had led to the conclusion that this integration will most benefit the company’s distributor partners.

“This integration will bring our customers a thoughtful assortment of best brands and products all in one place,” says Montaubin. “We will combine our sales and service teams, which allows us to increase our support coverage, provide easier order management via the Koozie Group Tracker and deliver faster lead times, improved flexibility and additional value-added services.

While the company will take the time and care to make sure the integration process goes smoothly, Chief Revenue Officer Melissa Ralston says that plenty of factors are already in place for this to be a natural and organic transition.

“Many of our back-of-house teams were already supporting both Koozie Group and IMAGEN Brands and have been working hand in hand since 2020,” says Ralston. “We’re excited to be able to leverage the strengths of both companies to provide increased coverage and enhanced tools to help our customers grow their business. We’ll be here to help customers through the transition and know they’ll be encouraged by the new benefits we are now able to offer.”

Proforma Ranks #126 On Franchise Times Top 400 List

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:42:23 GMT

Proforma has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 126th position on the prestigious Franchise Times Top 400 list. This marks a substantial leap from the company’s 2020 ranking at #158.

The Franchise Times Top 400 is an exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global system-wide sales. The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort that leads to the most credible and objective franchise ranking available.
Proforma's impressive growth trajectory, increased sales and strategic planning have helped solidified its standing surpassing household names such as Steak ’n Shake, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Dale Carnegie Training. Proforma's sales surged from $540,000,000 in 2021 to $620,000,000 in 2022.

“As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we are not resting on our laurels. We are actively engaged in the strategic planning stages for business development in preparation for 2024,” says Vanessa Edwards, director of business development. “Our focus remains on empowering our distributor owners, sales professionals and their team members, and expanding our network.”

Promo Firms Supporting Israel, Humanitarian Efforts

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:38:50 GMT

The recent terrorist attacks in Israel hit close to home for many in the promotional products industry.

Some colleagues have found themselves near harm's way, and many others have family members and friends in Israel left to pick up the pieces following unconscionable violence perpetrated by Hamas. Countless more industry professionals are praying for peace and healing.

Suppliers, distributors and business services alike are rallying to the cause, and PPAI Media is committed to amplifying their efforts so that we all may have the opportunity to contribute and ease the suffering of innocents.

If your promotional products company has established a humanitarian response, click here to share details if you would like to be included.

Hirsch

PPAI 100's No. 12 supplier, Houston-based Hirsch (PPAI 221823, S10) has announced that it "stands unwaveringly with Israel" and made donations of support to Friends of the IDF and American Friends of Magen David Adom.

Advertising Specialty Institute

Pennsylvania-based business services firm Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) has announced that, in conjunction with the family of its chairman, Norman Cohn, it will offer matching donations for contributions to organizations helping the victims of violence in Israel.

For every $2 donated, ASI and the Cohn family will donate $1. Qualifying donations must be made to either of two organizations:

United Hatzalah, an organization provided urgent, free medical aid

IsraAID, an international humanitarian aid organization

Contributions should be made directly to one of the organizations, with receipts sent to ASI President and CEO Tim Andrews (tim.andrews@asicentral.com). ASI will match up to $50,000 in donations.

SAGE® EMPOWERS THE PROMO INDUSTRY WITH MORE AI FEATURES

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:12:31 GMT

SAGE, the industry’s leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions has introduced yet another AI-powered feature to help distributors leverage the power of recent advancements in artificial intelligence. The latest AI-based development to come out of SAGE’s labs gives distributors a real-time summary by consolidating supplier’s reviews, and allowing them to save time and gain valuable insights at a glance.

“SAGE is recognized throughout the industry as having the most robust, accurate and truly representative supplier rating and review system,” said Dana Porter, MAS, SAGE’s Vice President of Information Services. Porter continued, “While many distributors enjoy the details provided by each specific review comment, we also know that it’s extremely helpful in many cases to get a general idea of what people are saying about a supplier. In order to provide that capability, we leveraged the power of the latest AI technologies to help us create real-time summaries of all of our customers’ supplier reviews. The result is more time saved and more information available for our customers, and that’s exactly the type of thing we’re always hoping to provide.”

Supplier review summaries are now available in both SAGE Online and SAGE Web, both of which are available to SAGE’s distributor customers with a Total Access subscription. All PPAI distributor members automatically receive a one-user license to SAGE Total Access as part of SAGE’s relationship with the association.

After checking out the new supplier review summaries, Tricia Williams of My Tribe Print & Promo LLC said, "I am thoroughly impressed with the AI-powered Review Summary feature within SAGE. Its accuracy and efficiency in summarizing complex information are truly remarkable. This tool not only saves time but also ensures that businesses can quickly grasp the essence of customer feedback. It's a game-changer for anyone seeking meaningful insights. Well done!"

Supplier review summaries are the latest AI-powered feature to be introduced by SAGE. In recent months, the technology company has introduced a number of features that leverage the newest AI technology in different ways. Earlier in the year SAGE introduced the Idea Wizard, a powerful tool for distributors to get ideas for specific client events, as well as a number of tools for writing custom content for presentations, project thank you notes, and websites.

“We’re doing a massive amount of research in AI and other new technology areas. While we’re looking into all sort of interesting things, our main focus continued to be on finding ways to increase our customers’ productivity, efficiency and information accessibility,” said Eric Natinsky, SAGE’s CEO. He continued, “All of the new features that we’re releasing out of our labs fit that goal. We’re so pleased to be able to bring these amazing new technologies to the promo industry in a useful and productive way.”

For more information about SAGE Total Access, please visit https://www.sageworld.com/try-SAGE.php.

STORM CREEK LAUNCHES 2024 “EVERYDAY ECO” COLLECTION

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:02:23 GMT

Storm Creek (ASI #89879/PPAI #438091/SAGE#50007), a leading supplier of eco-made and lifestyle apparel is proud to announce the release of its highly anticipated 2024 catalog, featuring an array of highest quality, sustainably made products. The catalog launch is accompanied by an enticing range of fall arrivals that are set to capture the attention of the promotional products industry.

With dedication to quality, sustainability, and timeless style, Storm Creek has established itself as a trusted supplier for businesses looking to make a lasting impression through branded merchandise. The 2024 catalog is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and quality.

[2024 Everyday Eco Catalog]

What’s new in the 2024 Catalog

All Eco-Made: Storm Creek is committed to sustainable practices and offers an expanded selection of eco-conscious products. By the end of 2024, the company will upcycle upwards of 45 million plastic bottles into sustainable apparel. Storm Creek is one of the few promotional products apparel suppliers with a deep, all-eco product line.

PFAS: In accordance with the PFAS regulations starting in 2024, Storm Creek removes all PFAS coatings from outerwear and performance wear.

No Price increases: Contrary to assumptions that buying sustainable costs more, Storm Creek held 2023 prices heading into 2024, while introducing more sustainable fabrics.

Fall 2023 Arrivals

Storm Creek’s fall arrivals are focused on trending silhouettes, versatility, and comfort. For example, the Artisan Shirt Jacket, Aviator Bomber Jacket, and Summit Fleece Jacket combine style and sustainability using up to 37 plastic bottles per garment. Founder and President Doug Jackson, remarks “We are excited to introduce our fall arrivals and 2024 collection to the promotional products industry. We believe that our new designs and eco-conscious fabrics will inspire distributors to sell sustainably and educate their customers on the impact they can have. There is no need to sacrifice style for sustainability or sustainability for price.”

The 2024 catalog and fall arrivals are available for viewing and ordering on distributor.stormcreek.com.

Tekweld Takes Over Sales For Pioneer Balloon

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:45:08 GMT

Tekweld – ranked the No. 26 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has announced it will be taking over the sales and marketing for Pioneer Line products within the U.S. promotional products industry.

Under the arrangement, Pioneer Balloon will continue to produce and print balloons sold by Tekweld while focusing on manufacturing and distributing balloons through its other sales channels.

“Tekweld is a recognized leader in customized promotional items for trade shows, including sanitizer, drinkware, bags, acrylic items and more,” says Scott Slade, CEO of Tekweld. “We can now improve the customer experience by also offering table covers, tents and other promotional products our customers need not only for indoor and outdoor events, but also for advertising at car dealerships, festivals and more. In addition, we’ll further increase market share by offering custom printed AdRite and Qualatex latex and Qualatex Microfoil balloons throughout the promotional industry.”

“This alliance capitalizes on the strengths of both companies going forward,” Dan Flynn, CEO of Pioneer Balloon. “We’re truly excited to be part of this great partnership with Pioneer Line powered by Tekweld. This team will ensure the highest quality products and service to our promotional products distributors.”

Ray Rodriguez, who stepped down as vice president of sales and marketing for Tekweld in June and launched supplier consultancy 5P Promo in July, was instrumental in bringing Tekweld and Pioneer Balloon together.

“I feel like I have come full circle as Pioneer Line was one of the first lines I picked up to represent when I had my repping firm back in the ‘90s,” Rodriguez says. “I'm truly excited about bringing these two premier lines together to form a strong sales and marketing one-two punch in the promotional industry.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Promo Veterans In Israel Experience Hamas Terrorist Attack

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:41:05 GMT

Industry veteran Harvey Mackler arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday ahead of a scheduled dedication of an 1,100-year-old bible.

But he hasn’t left his floor at the Tel Aviv Hilton since early Saturday morning, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, in which more than 700 people were killed, CNN reported.

“We can hear the Iron Dome missiles intercepting the Palestinian missiles,” says Mackler, MAS, former owner of promotional products supplier GEMPIRE, which was acquired by Massachusetts-based supplier Pin Machine in July. “For the last two nights, we’ve experienced air raid sirens. We evacuate to the stairwell and wait for the ‘all clear.’ My Israeli friends who aren’t in the reserves won’t drive under the current conditions. The beach has been empty, as has the vehicular traffic.”

Hamas fighters are holding more than 100 Israeli hostages in Gaza, a spokesperson for the militant group said on Sunday, CNN reported. Mackler’s flight home is scheduled for Thursday, and Israel’s national airline El Al is still operating as of Monday morning.

“One of the objectives of terrorism is to influence one’s life,” Mackler says. “As the national airline of Israel, [El Al] has to keep flying.”

In spite of this weekend's Hamas attacks, Harvey Mackler, MAS, on Monday attended the dedication of a historic bible at Tel Aviv's ANU Museum of the Jewish People. The 1,100-year-old text is the world's oldest known nearly complete copy of the Hebrew Bible. Mackler says: "Our Bible tells a story, but what an extra story this one has!"

Asked what industry friends and colleagues could do to offer support on a humanitarian basis, Mackler asked for donations and prayers, but also to remind legislators of the atrocities committed by Hamas.

Hostile Situation

Anne Kleinman and Chaim Jaroslawicz of the nearly 40-year-old distributor Ad Infinitum moved to Israel a couple years ago. Their company continues to bill from New York.

Located about 20 minutes outside Jerusalem in a town surrounded mostly by Arab villages, they heard two sirens and saw the interceptions of a few missiles on the first morning of the war. Anne says they fear that the residents of the surrounding villages will get restless and try coming into all the surrounding Jewish areas to perpetrate their own terrorist incidents.

“We want people to see the images and videos of the brutal treatment of civilians – none of whom were off-limits to kidnapping by these animals,” Kleinman says. “Everyone around the world needs to understand that this isn’t a war of armies, it’s the war of terrorists for whom no one and nothing is off limits and the Israeli army, who is trying to minimize civilian casualties on the other side.

“I hope in the coming weeks when this war is continuing people will remember who started this war and the brutality with which they started it, and that there won’t be calls for Israel to sign a cease-fire.”

With an office set up in their safe room, Kleinman and Jaroslawicz will remain working as long as they have power and an internet connection. Although they’re appreciative of colleagues’ concerns, they’re focused on operating as usual. Anne recalls the disruption to their business in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, in which Chaim was injured during the terrorist attacks.

“I would like to ask all our supplier partners to please treat our call as if we were sitting in Florida, Texas or Wyoming,” she says. “Help us process our orders and take care of our clients. We’ll tell you if we need something special or some special help.”

Fallout Of The War

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip and the cutting off of food, fuel, electricity and water supplies, the BBC reported.

Nine U.S. citizens are confirmed dead as of Monday morning, according to a National Security Council spokesperson.

American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have all suspended flights in and out of Israel, as the U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for the region, The Associated Press reported.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Jon Norris Joins Hit Promotional Products

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:45:42 GMT

Hit Promotional Products – ranked the No. 4 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has announced the hiring of industry veteran Jon Norris as vice president of business process improvement.

“Welcoming Jon is a testament to our commitment to lead, innovate and excel in the promotional products industry,” says CJ Schmidt, CEO of Hit.

Norris’ Background

A former PPB Rising Star and a 2020 #Online18 honoree, Norris has spent nearly 20 years at Starline – ranked the No. 13 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – most recently serving as chief operating officer.

He’s also a co-founder and current leadership team member of PromoStandards, a group of industry IT professionals who focus on the development of technology standards to enable system-to-system communication in an effort to reduce the cost of business between suppliers and distributors.

“Jon brings a unique blend of expertise in technology, operations and the promotional products industry,” says Eric Shonebarger, president of Hit. “This synergy is anticipated to foster efficient workflows, increase operational capacity and reduce quality challenges. His depth of knowledge introduces a fresh perspective and enhances our already dynamic and dedicated team.

“With Jon on board, we’re poised to elevate our operational excellence and offer an even more outstanding customer experience.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

BAMKO Names New Vice President Of Business Development

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:04:22 GMT

BAMKO – ranked the No. 4 distributor in this year’s PPAI 100 – has announced the hiring of Brad White as its vice president of business development.

In the newly created role, White will play a critical part in the Los Angeles-based company’s global business development. He’ll be heavily involved with the development and support of BAMKO's sales personnel, particularly in talent acquisition and enterprise sales efforts.

“We’re beyond thrilled to add Brad to the team,” says Jake Himelstein, president of BAMKO. “This is a statement about our willingness to invest in the industry's best talent as a way of supporting the growth and success of our sales team. Beyond being an optimal culture fit for our action-oriented, dynamic philosophy of being a sales-first company, Brad is going to play an important role in upholding our core commitment to our salespeople: the promise that BAMKO will do everything in our power to maximize their success.”

White’s Background

With more than 25 years of experience in the promotional products industry, White has worked as director of promotional marketing at Taylor Promo Marketing (PPAI 103553, D12) – ranked the No. 11 distributor in this year’s PPAI 100 – and vice president of business development at Boundless (PPAI 267078, D11) – promo’s 14th leading distributor in the PPAI 100. He most recently served as senior vice president at casino merchandise specialist Gander Group.

“I've been a long-time admirer of the BAMKO team and their approach to growth,” White says. “There just isn't a better collection of high-level talent anywhere else in the industry and it's a dream come true to have the opportunity to be a part of that team. What the BAMKO team has built the last few years is unlike anything I've ever seen in my time in this industry. My plan is to be the best teammate I can possibly be and I'm eager to be a part of the success that we get to have together.”

Proforma Promotes C-Suite Exec, Welcomes Another

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:26:12 GMT

Proforma – ranked the No. 5 distributor in this year’s PPAI 100 – has announced the hiring of Mike Dobozy as its new chief technology officer and the promotion of former CTO Brian Carothers to chief information officer.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Mike Dobozy, who is a proven technical visionary and leader with a wealth of experience and innovative technical expertise,” says Vera Muzzillo, CEO of Proforma. “We’re also thrilled to recognize Brian Carothers, who is the best of the best for his accomplishments. Together, their business acumen and hands-on management styles will be critical to Proforma’s industry-leading technology initiatives as we continue our expansion and innovation in automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence.”

Tech Prowess

With more than 20 years of technical experience, Dobozy comes to the promotional products industry from software development firm Red Hat, where he served as principal architect.

“Having worked with Fortune 25 clients, I’m very impressed with the software, team and processes that Proforma has developed,” Dobozy says. “I look forward to adding my expertise and experience to the development of seamless automation, efficient workflow and intelligent decision making in the ProVision platform.”

“I’m thrilled to help welcome Mike into the Proforma family,” Carothers adds. “His deep expertise in artificial intelligence and platform automation at scale make him the perfect addition to accelerate our industry-leading technology.”

Acting as CTO at Proforma since 2015, Carothers has overseen the Independence, Ohio-based distributor’s IT department and managed all development, analysis and project management resources.

Named the 2023 PromoStandards Distributor of the Year, Carothers has contributed his experience to the creation and implementation of standards for the utilization and advancement of data in the promotional products industry.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

ORBUS NAMED “BEST AND BRIGHTEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN THE NATION” FOR THE 9TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:21:13 GMT

For the ninth consecutive year, Orbus Visual Communications®, has been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation. Orbus is North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments, and workplace interiors.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation competition determines companies that implement exceptional human resource practices and commit to their employee’s health and happiness. Companies are rated in categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, and retention.

This recognition reaffirms Orbus’ commitment to fostering an environment where employees thrive personally and professionally. Orbus is proud to be included in the list of 385 winners out of 2,700 nominations for 2023. Along with an employer questionnaire, Orbus employees were surveyed as a part of the selection process.

“Our continued recognition as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible employees,” said Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus Visual Communications. “An empowered and fulfilled workforce is the cornerstone of our success and we commit to providing an environment that nurtures personal growth.”

Perry Ellis Partners With NFL Star

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 19:21:19 GMT

It’s “Tua Time” for Perry Ellis International (PPAI 255232, S8) – ranked the No. 36 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100.

The global fashion house has announced a partnership with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, in which the NFL star will serve as a global brand ambassador.

“We're incredibly excited to unveil a long-term partnership with Tua,” says Oscar Feldenkreis, president and CEO of Perry Ellis. “As a remarkable talent, both on and off the field, Tua is the quintessential Perry Ellis man. In his position as a star quarterback, it's all about performance, and he is ‘Always Ready to Make the Play,’ which complements our brand ethos ‘Always Ready.’ We're proud to welcome Tua to our own team as an ambassador and creative inspiration.”

Product Launch

The partnership also extends to a product collaboration inspired by Tagovailoa’s Hawaiian-Samoan heritage. Using elements like earth and water for inspiration, the collection emulates the lush mountains, oceanic horizons, bright florals and textual foliage of the islands. The collaboration is set to launch in the summer of 2024.

“This is a fun project for me,” Tagovailoa says. “I appreciate the versatility, optimism and inclusion that Perry Ellis values through its designs and business. I'm excited to be working so closely with the Perry Ellis team and to have the full support of an iconic American brand.”

The Doral, Florida-based firm is also partnering with the Tua Foundation to focus on youth initiatives, health and wellness programs and various charitable causes. Currently, the Tua Foundation is actively dedicating its resources to assist Maui families affected by the devastating wildfires.

Written by John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Announces Icon Award Winners, New Plans To Honor Them

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 19:13:37 GMT

PPAI has announced the recipients of its 2024 Icon Awards: PPAI Hall of Fame inductee Dave DeGreeff, MAS, and PPAI Distinguished Service Award recipient Bill Petrie.

These awards celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities.

Honoring The Icon Award Recipients

Traditionally, recipients of the Association’s most prestigious awards have been recognized at the Chair’s Leadership Dinner at The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. Beginning in 2024, Icon Award recipients will be recognized with two distinctly special events to bring more significant awareness to their accomplishments.

As part of The PPAI Expo Conference on January 15, recipients will receive official on-stage recognition and be guests of honor during a networking luncheon. Additionally, each recipient will be part of a panel discussion during the luncheon, allowing them to share stories and wisdom with the audience.

Anyone can sign up to attend the luncheon when they register for The PPAI Expo. Those who have already registered can return to their confirmation page and add a ticket to the luncheon.

That evening, the Chair’s Leadership Dinner will be held as a private, “invitation only” experience at an extremely memorable location: Rivea, atop the Delano Hotel overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. The night will kick off with a reception, followed by dinner, as recipients enjoy a high-end, unique experience for themselves and their guests.

The PPAI Hall Of Fame

Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated monumental and selfless efforts and devotion to the promo industry, induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to those whose creative spark and tireless dedication have helped the Association and industry prosper.

DeGreeff’s 40-plus-year career in the promotional products industry began in the late 1970s as a regional sales manager for Hazel, Inc. In 1984, he launched DCD, a multi-line rep company that he ran for two decades. In 2003, he became president of Asgard/Flagship Promotional Services. Over the next 10 years, he also served as special assistant to the CEO of AIA Corporation and senior vice president of U.S. markets at BigBang Corporate Apparel.

Always looking to give back to the industry and make a difference in the community, DeGreeff has served on many PPAI committees, including being on the PPAI Board of Directors from 2011 to 2013. In addition to serving on the board of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), he has also been executive director of both the Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) and the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA). In 2016, DeGreeff was named a PPAI Fellow, and in 2018, he was inducted into the HPPA Hall of Fame.

Peter Hirsch, MAS, founder and president of HIRSCH, credits DeGreeff with being the first to volunteer for the Hurricane Katrina relief program in 2005, working tirelessly for almost two weeks helping with the collection and distribution of donations. In 2017, after Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area, DeGreeff was back again to help with the effort.

“His list of volunteering positions speaks volumes about this dedicated man and his love and support of the promotional products industry,” says Hirsch, recipient of the 2022 PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award. “His exemplary record in the business arena and his volunteer commitments to this industry put him shoulder to shoulder with past recipients of this prestigious award.”

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award

With 23 years of experience in promo, Petrie, founder and creative director of brandivate – a business services agency based in Hendersonville, Tennessee – has been a long-time advocate for the industry.

Currently a PPEF trustee and incoming vice chair for 2024, Petrie has served in various roles on the boards of both the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS) and the Regional Association Council and has volunteered with many PPAI committees. He’s also been a Legislative Education and Action Day participant on Capitol Hill and a frequent speaker at PPAI and regional events.

A devoted educator within the industry, Petrie contributes content for Promo Marketing and regional association newsletters. He’s also a former chef and board member with PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer organization that provides mentorship in the industry. In 2016, he was named a PPAI Fellow.

“Bill Petrie is a giver and leader in the promotional products space,” says Kirby Hasseman, CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications and Petrie’s co-host on the “Promo UPFront” podcast.

“Bill works tirelessly to elevate the industry through creating valuable content and through mentoring. In addition, Bill is a leader who’s willing to say the challenging thing in order to make things better. While that can be a thankless role, it’s imperative. The promotional products space is lucky to have Bill Petrie and I am honored to call him my friend.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

CPSC Approves Mandatory Safety Standard For Button Cells, Coin Batteries

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:12:25 GMT

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to approve a mandatory standard to reduce button cell and coin battery ingestion hazards to children six years and under.

Both suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry should be aware that these batteries are used in many types of products, such as a variety of toys, wireless video game controllers, musical greeting cards and keyless entry remotes.

“Now that CPSC has finalized Reese’s Law, and has adopted ANSI/UL4200A-2023 as the mandatory standard for consumer products powered by button cell batteries and not covered by the ASTM F963- The Toy Safety Standard, it is urgent that all members of the promotional products industry comply,” says Rick Brenner, MAS+, president and CEO of Product Safety Advisors and long-time co-chair to PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit.

Legislation

Enacted August 16, 2022, Reese's Law mandates that the CPSC implements federal safety requirements for button cell or coin batteries, as well as consumer products containing such batteries.

These requirements don’t apply to toy products for children under 14 if the products comply with the Toy Standard.

Additionally, the law requires that any button cell or coin battery offered for sale, manufactured for sale, imported into the U.S. or included separately with a consumer product, meet the child-resistant packaging requirements in the Poison Prevention Packaging Standards after February 12, 2023.

Consistent with Reese’s Law, the mandatory standard – ANSI/UL 4200A-2023 – requires either the use of a tool, such as a screwdriver or coin to open the battery compartment, or the application of at least two independent and simultaneous movements to open by hand.

Additionally, such consumer products must pass a series of performance tests simulating reasonably foreseeable use or misuse. The standard also includes labeling requirements for consumer products containing button cell or coin batteries, and labeling requirements for consumer product packaging.

Safety Hazard

According to the CPSC, the consequences of a child swallowing a button cell or coin battery can be immediate and deadly. The tiny batteries can burn through a child’s throat or esophagus in as little as two hours if swallowed.

From 2011 through 2021, the CPSC is aware of 27 deaths and an estimated 54,300 injuries treated in emergency rooms associated with ingested or inserted button cell or coin batteries.

The movement to promote child safety regarding button cell and coin battery ingestion was spearheaded by Trista Hamsmith, whose 18-month-old daughter Reese Hamsmith died from injuries sustained when she swallowed a coin cell battery in December 2020. Since that time, Hamsmith has worked tirelessly to protect other children from similar hazards.

“I thank Trista Hamsmith and the congressional champions of this legislation for all of their work to provide the commission with expedited authority to address this safety hazard,” wrote CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric. “I also want to thank the CPSC staff for providing the necessary support and analysis to bring us to this important moment. With these changes, we’ll help reduce the number of deaths and injuries from these consumer products.”

Promo’s Next Steps

The new law will take effect 180 days from the date that it is published in the Federal Register, which has not happened yet. Promo industry suppliers have an opportunity to evaluate their product line and determine if their non-toy button cell powered products already meet the standard or will have to be redesigned.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is presenting at this year’s Summit on Reese’s Law. The event will be held October 8-10 in Alexandria, Virginia. Click here for more information and to register.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Starline Names Jeffrey Hassler President

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:07:55 GMT

One of promo's largest family-owned companies has appointed a new leader that was not born into the business.

New York-headquartered Starline, the No. 13 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100, on Wednesday announced the promotion of Jeffrey Hassler to the role of president. Hassler joined Starline in 2012. He had most recently served as chief financial officer.

Previous president Mason Lapsker will take on the role of CEO.
The company was founded in Canada more than 50 years ago by Joshua Lapsker, Mason Lapsker's grandfather, who passed away at age 79 last year.

"Our family's deep-rooted belief in the importance of a corporate family itself has been the heartbeat of our organization for over 50 years," says Mason Lapsker. "Jeff started his Starline career as a cost accountant, and in the span of a decade, he's become an indispensable part of our company. With unwavering support and unshakeable dedication, his commitment to Starline, and most importantly, our people, embodies the very principles upon which Starline was founded."

Hassler had climbed to CFO by 2018. Previous career stops prior to Starline came from outside of promo, including stints in the banking and insurance industries.

“Jeff’s guidance has already proven to be invaluable in our steady sales growth and innovative decoration offerings,” says Starline CRO Brian Porter. “I have no doubt that with his experience and knowledge of the industry, it will continue our long-standing reputation for top-tier service and innovation.”

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

Arch Promo Group Acquires HOWW Manufacturing Company

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:10:31 GMT

Saint Louis-based Arch Promo Group has announced its acquisition of HOWW Manufacturing Company in Barrington, Illinois. Terms of the sale weren’t disclosed.

As a result of the acquisition, Mike Kalamaras, former owner of HOWW Manufacturing, will support Peter Kalamaras’ transition from vice president to general manager of HOWW Manufacturing.

“I wanted to ensure HOWW would be in good hands, and I’m very glad we found Arch Promo Group,” says Mike Kalamaras. “Arch shares our commitment to delivering innovative products at a great price. Our customers will benefit from a larger partner with a wider product range, and our employees will continue to enjoy working for a growing leader in the industry. I see a bright future for HOWW Manufacturing and Arch Promo Group.”

Welcome To The ‘Family’

Formed in 2022, Arch Promo Group was developed to bring together a family of brands with a common goal of providing promotional products sold through its trade-only suppliers.

In addition to HOWW Manufacturing, those brands include Gemini Industries, TKCups-Sorg’s, ProRose, F&H Ribbon, Drum-Line, StrombergBrand Umbrellas.

Arch Promo Group’s expanding line of products includes key tags, air fresheners, magnets, award ribbons, cups, napkins, reusable barware, calendars, journals, umbrellas, wristbands and more.

Founded in 1984, HOWW Manufacturing specializes in custom printed promotional drinkware, such as shot glasses, beer mugs, multi-use cups and more.

“We’re excited to grow our portfolio of products and services with the addition of HOWW’s industry-leading drinkware,” says Steve Ehlert, national general manager of Arch Promo Group. “For nearly 50 years, HOWW Manufacturing has been known for helping to build its customers’ brands throughout North America and beyond with innovative drinkware. We’ll invest in making our combined company stronger while offering a broader product line to our customers.”

PPAI Media previously spoke with industry leaders on their best practices for mergers and acquisitions.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Les Love joins Arch Promo Group

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:33:51 GMT

Steven Meyer, MAS, Arch Promo Group National Sales Manager announced the appointment of Les Love, CAS as Midwestern Sales Manager. Love’s responsibilities include meeting and supporting regional distributors throughout the Midwest, introducing the Arch Family of Brands to all and attending industry events. “Meeting our distributor friends on their turf, doing everything possible to support their position as creative resources for their customers and helping them grow their business and profits is at the top of my list,” says Love.

Meyer reports that Love’s new responsibilities are another example of change and growth with Arch. “His 17 years of experience as a distributor sets him apart from most supplier reps and his understanding of the distributor side of the business makes his voice valuable,” Meyer adds.

“As we continue to grow, adding new suppliers and focusing on US made/decorated product yet happily NOT mashing everyone into one way of doing business, we’re finding out that both our new brands as well as their long time loyal customers appreciate and feel great about joining or working with Arch,” Meyer states.

SAGE® UNVEILS ENHANCED COMPANY STORE STANDARD

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 01:56:34 GMT

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its upgraded SAGE Company Store Standard. This latest release introduces a multitude of features designed to elevate user experience and site functionality to new heights. With these updates, SAGE continues to revolutionize the way distributors manage their online presence.

SAGE Company Store Standard, the introductory company store solution in SAGE’s company store offerings, now includes more of the advanced features and functionality within SAGE’s higher-level company store options, SAGE Company Store Premium and SAGE Company Store Premium Plus.

This all-new, enhanced version has an innovative and fresh user interface. The clean and modern layout seamlessly incorporates distributors’ existing branding, colors, custom navigation, product selection, and settings allowing an effortless transition for their customers while delivering a more visually appealing experience. Moreover, the fully responsive design enables distributor clients to enjoy flawless viewing across all devices, be it desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.

SAGE Company Store Standard continues to include SAGE's trusted web hosting services, promising seamless performance and maximum uptime for distributors' e-commerce stores. To further strengthen site performance and reliability, advanced security updates, including full-site 2 SSL encryption, have been implemented to safeguard sensitive customer data, fostering trust among site visitors.

Another exciting new feature included in the upgraded SAGE Company Store Standard is the addition of a product matrix. This intuitive new component simplifies the process of inputting multiple sizes and colors in an order, eliminates multiple additional steps, and streamlines the ordering experience for distributors and their customers alike.

Another addition to the new SAGE Company Store Standard includes multiple image support. This enables distributors to showcase their offerings from various angles or show multiple color options to help customers better visualize their final product and increase engagement.

The enriched customization options within the new SAGE Company Store Standard allow distributors to create compelling content and promotional offers by adding text, specials, or links, ultimately driving more sales. And with the ability to add multiple auto-rotating and linkable homepage banners, distributors can easily highlight their featured products, seasonal promotions, or any message they wish to convey right at the top of their page.

Plus, distributors can provide their customers with two additional custom webpages. Some great examples of this would be a size chart page or FAQ page. The user-friendly rich text editor empowers distributors to format and style their website content seamlessly, while the expanded file library allows for the storage and management of a greater volume of digital assets, including images, logos, and marketing collateral. Additionally, the new language support toggle supports clients with internationally located employees.

For advanced users seeking even more customization options, SAGE's upgraded Company Store Standard offers JS & CSS support, allowing the addition of their own JavaScript and CSS code to further personalize their e-commerce stores.

“Here at SAGE, our steadfast commitment is to help our customers thrive and provide them with the latest in what SAGE has to offer. And this upgrade is a big step up for our current 3 Company Store Standard customers” said Chris Sumpter, Vice President of Web Development. “We’ve modernized the design, but we’ve also incorporated several customer-requested features to make the site more efficient and effective for both our distributors and their customers.”

The upgraded SAGE Company Store Standard is available now. All existing Company Store Standard customers will be automatically upgraded to the new version prior to September 30, 2023, and will receive an email once the upgrade is complete.

Despite the significant enhancements, SAGE remains committed to delivering value to its clients. Effective October 1, 2023, all new Company Store Standard subscriptions or renewals will be available at the rate of $295 per year or $29 per month.

To learn more about the updated capabilities of SAGE Company Store Standard or to request a free demo store, visit https://www.sageworld.com/companystore-standard/.

Proforma Names Charity Gibson Chief Marketing Officer

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:29:46 GMT

Proforma, PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor, has added a new member to its executive team. Industry veteran Charity Gibson has been hired in the role of chief marketing officer.

The Hire

Gibson comes to Proforma from Peerless Umbrella where she spent six years as a national account coordinator.

Previous to her role at Peerless Umbrella, Gibson was a founding chef of PromoKitchen, where she has volunteered for over 10 years. She hosted the podcast Badass Women of Promo.
Her prior experience include president roles at Swag on Demand and Green Banana Promos.
Gibson has also volunteered on several committees for PPAI and regional associations. In 2017 she was named a PPAI Rising Star and she has been a regular member of PPAI Media's #Online18 listing of promo's best on social media.

“It is no secret that Charity is one of the industry’s top voices as it pertains to marketing and is well respected as a thought leader and innovator,” says Vera Muzzillo, Proforma CEO. “She brings with her an unrivaled passion and vision for brand development and storytelling, and we are confident that her leadership and strategies will propel our distributors, sales professionals, and end-buyer customers to an entirely new level of success.”

In her role as chief marketing officer, Gibson will oversee Proforma’s marketing department. This will include areas such as:

Brand positioning
Communications
Market analysis and research
Industry recruitment
Customer acquisition and growth
Design input for implementation of artificial intelligence, machine learning and algorithmic marketing initiatives.

“With more than 20 years in this industry, my experience now spans across nearly all channels of the industry,” Gibson says. “There is no one who does technology, training, leadership development, sales growth, supplier relations and community building better than Proforma. I couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity to bring my knowledge, skillset, and passion for our medium to this organization full of true champions.”

Peerless Umbrella ranked as the No. 21 leading supplier in the promotional products industry in the inaugural PPAI 100 list.

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI Launches Promotional Products Work! Day Sweepstakes

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:27:31 GMT

In honor of Promotional Products Work! Day on August 24, PPAI is launching a sweepstakes that celebrates the effectiveness and impact of promotional products in driving brand awareness and fostering meaningful connections.

Beginning August 21, the Promotional Products Work! Day Sweepstakes will give end buyers the opportunity to enter for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize of a $5,000 voucher towards their next promotional products purchase. Additionally, nine other winners will be selected to receive $500 vouchers each.

“This sweepstakes aims to highlight the value of promotional products in marketing strategies, while providing participants with the chance to enhance their brand presence and engage with their target audience in a memorable way,” says AJ T. Cole, CAS, manager of the Promotional Products Work! Initiative. “It will be a remarkable opportunity for businesses and individuals to experience firsthand the power of promotional products in driving success.”

What Is Promotional Products Work! Day?

On August 24, PPAI, together with its members and other industry professionals, will actively recognize and promote the value, impact and effectiveness of promotional products – the most memorable form of advertising.

More than three quarters (78%) of consumers enjoy receiving free swag from companies and brands they love, and nearly 73% want to receive promo products more often, according to PPAI’s 2023 Consumer Survey.

On Promotional Products Work! Day, industry professionals are encouraged to thank customers, promote the power of branded merchandise and spread awareness of the important role industry professionals play in all aspects of advertising, marketing and business.

In addition to the sweepstakes, here are other ways industry firms can celebrate Promotional Products Work! Day.

What role do distributors play in the Promotional Products Work! Day Sweepstakes?

Below are several ways that distributors can promote the sweepstakes to their buyers and what they should expect to see within the PPW Toolkit on August 21, the official sweepstakes launch date.

Email Campaigns

Distributors can send out dedicated email campaigns to their buyers, using the compliant language approved by sweepstakes provider US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Co.

Social Media Promotion

Distributors can utilize their social media platforms to share the approved graphics and language.

Blog Promotion

Distributors can create a blog post on their website about what a $5,000 voucher could do for a lucky buyer, linking to the sweepstakes.

Personalized Outreach

Distributors can reach out to their key buyers individually via phone, discussing the sweepstakes and expressing the value of participation. Plus, this gives distributors a nice reason to make a cold call ahead of the busy holiday season.

In addition to sharing the approved graphics and language that will be found within the PPW Toolkit, distributors should use the #PPWDAY2023 hashtag and engage with the Promotional Products Work! Initiative’s social media pages for the latest buyer-safe content resources:

Caution: Distributors should only use what is being provided to them when promoting the sweepstakes. These materials have been approved by PPAI’s sweepstakes provider US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Co. and will be located within the PPW Toolkit.

How can end users enter the Promotional Products Work! Day Sweepstakes?

Distributors will send invitations to eligible individuals who may enter by clicking the URL link provided in the invitation to visit the sweepstakes website. End users must follow all instructions to complete the online entry form in its entirety, including, but not limited to, providing their name, email address, name of the company they work for and name of the distributor* they consider purchasing their promotional products from. End users must submit the completed form to receive one entry into the sweepstakes. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes ends on September 30, 2023, and is subject to Official Rules.

*Distributor must be a member of PPAI to qualify as an entry.

CleggPROMO Promotes Brett Cutler To President

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:09:05 GMT

CleggPROMO is under new leadership with the promotion of Brett Cutler to president of the Gardena, California-based supplier.

Meet The New President

Cutler joined the custom manufacturing arm of CleggPROMO in 2021.The company focuses on specialty packaging, tech merchandising and digital signage solutions.

Cutler brings more than 30 years of promotional products and incentives experience to his new role.
Prior to CleggPROMO, Cutler held senior leadership positions at distributors HH Global and HALO, as well as supplier Greater Pacific Industries.
Cutler’s background also includes product line development, sales and marketing.

What They’re Saying

“I’m very excited to join the CleggPROMO team as we grow our company as a valuable supplier to promotional products distributors by expanding our product lines and services and building upon our fast, personal, high-quality service,” says Cutler. “CleggPROMO is a great company with very special innovative skill sets, and I look forward to working with this talented team and with the Clegg brothers.”

Timothy Clegg, CEO and founder of CleggPROMO says, “Brett is a knowledgeable and well-respected industry member, and he fits well with our leadership team. We are happy to have him focus his talents on growing CleggPROMO, and his unique combination of product knowledge and marketing will create growth and market expansion of our audio logo and audio branding line, our tech offerings, as well as our specialty and premium packaging, digital displays and custom manufacturing capabilities. We are excited about supporting Brett and the vision he has to take CleggPROMO to the next level.”

Founded in 1987 in Southern California, CleggPROMO introduced the promo industry to its original ringing sound card and has since evolved into a full line of custom designed audio-logo greeting cards and interactive sound products.

“One of the first products I sold as a distributor was the fantastic Clegg TRC 1000 ringing sound card, followed up by the first Clegg voice chip talking brochure,” Cutler says. “I sold thousands and thousands of the Clegg sound and voice chip brochures over the years. There’s always been a culture of innovation and inventiveness at CleggPROMO, and I am thrilled to be part of a team of great product designers and innovators.”

Written by: James Khattack

Published with Permission from PPAI

9 Ways To Celebrate Promotional Products Work! Day

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:04:39 GMT

We’re one week away from Promotional Products Work! Day, which PPAI has designated as a special occasion to celebrate the power of promotional products and the value they bring to businesses and organizations.

On August 24, PPAI – together with its members and other industry professionals – will actively recognize and promote the value, impact and effectiveness of promotional products – the most memorable form of advertising.

More than three quarters (78%) of consumers enjoy receiving free swag from companies and brands they love, and nearly 73% want to receive promo products more often, according to PPAI’s 2023 Consumer Survey.

So, how can industry companies join in the fun? Below are nine ideas for making the most of Promotional Products Work! Day.

1. Host an Open House

Invite customers and prospects to visit your showroom, meet your team and learn about new products and services. If you haven’t welcomed anyone to your showroom since the COVID-19 pandemic, this would be an ideal time to open your doors.

2. Create a Social Media Campaign

Use Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), Snapchat or whichever social media platform you have to share stories and images of successful promotional products campaigns, emphasizing the impact they’ve had on your clients. Encourage your followers to share their own success stories, too. You may also use any of the other social graphics provided within the PPW Toolkit.

3. Offer Special Discounts

Incentivize customers to make purchases and get ahead of the busy holiday season by offering special discounts on popular products or services. A one-day-only deal could be the extra push that a prospect needs to finally invest in promotional products.

4. Donate to a Charitable Organization

Partner with a local charity and donate a portion of your sales on Promotional Products Work! Day to that organization. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to giving back to the community.

5. Host a Networking Event

Organize a networking event for local businesses and organizations to connect and learn about the latest trends in promotional products and marketing. Perhaps you could hold the open house in conjunction with the networking event as an added incentive for clients and prospects to participate.

6. Launch a New Product or Service

What better time to introduce a new product or service than Promotional Products Work! Day? Offer a special promotion or discount for customers who place an order for the new product during the event.

7. Conduct a Survey

Distributors should engage with their customers on a consistent basis to not only identify areas for improvement, but also better understand customer needs. Take advantage of Promotional Products Work! Day to send clients a survey about their favorite products, what challenges they’re currently facing and how you can help solve their problems.

8. Host a Webinar

Plan and host an educational webinar for customers and prospects to learn about the latest trends, best practices and newest promotional products. However, don’t let the webinar turn into a commercial – make sure you provide valuable content that can improve some aspect of your attendees’ business.

9. Give Prizes

To create a fun atmosphere, host a raffle or giveaway for customers who make a purchase during Promotional Products Work! Day. It’s an opportunity to showcase multiple products or services in an exciting way.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Origaudio Co-founder Mike Szymczak To Retire

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:24:16 GMT

Mike Szymczak, co-founder of Salt Lake City-based supplier Origaudio, is retiring from the promotional products industry.

A Change In Leadership

Origaudio, a subsidiary of HPG – ranked the No. 8 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has announced that Szymczak will step down from his development and sales management role at Origaudio, as well as his vice president of business development role at HPG, on Aug. 18.

He will also see out the remainder of his tenure on the board of American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) – ranked the No. 9 distributor in the PPAI 100 – through the end of 2023.

“This industry is the absolute greatest to be a part of and I’m thankful for all the people I’ve met because of it,” says Szymczak, who will remain an HPG investor. “I’m proud to have worked alongside the HPG family as we’ve collectively grown the Origaudio brand and have every confidence they’ll continue to in my absence.”

In a video, Szymczak announced that Nick Lateur, director of sales at HPG, will assume his development and sales management role as it relates to Origaudio.

Entering the promo industry in 2015, Lateur worked in national sales for San Clemente, California-based supplier AP Specialties and Mason, Ohio-based IMAGEN Brands (PPAI 114197, S10) before joining HPG as director of national accounts for HPG’s specialty channel.

“Mike Szymczak is a true innovator and someone I deeply admire,” Lateur told PPAI Media. “While I’m (selfishly) a little bummed out about his decision to step away from the day-to-day work at HPG/Origaudio, I’m also extremely happy for Mike and his family for having the ability to continue to blaze his own path in life. He’s earned that privilege.”

“I humbly accept the fiery-hot Origaudio torch he is now passing to me,” Lateur adds. “I’ll continue to instill creativity and innovation to the unique brand that he and Jason Lucash built 14-plus years ago, and I consider it one of my top professional honors to be the one to carry Origaudio successfully into the future.”

Origaudio History

In 2009, Szymczak and Lucash launched Origaudio, which has earned numerous accolades inside and outside the industry for its cutting-edge products, innovative packaging and clever go-to-market strategies.

In 2011, the duo appeared on Shark Tank, accepting an offer from investor Robert Herjavec, who offered the exact $150,000 for 15% deal that they hoped for.
In 2018, Origaudio was acquired by HPG, which was formerly named HUB Promotional Group.

“The HPG team wishes to congratulate Mike on his success and thank him for his wonderful contribution to the entire enterprise,” says Trina Bicknell, chief revenue officer at HPG. “He has earned his stellar reputation through hard work, ingenuity and genuine kindness toward those around him. I’m delighted he won’t be far away as he remains an investor and look forward to his input in the future as we grow both Origaudio and HPG.”

Written by John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Proforma Franchisee Selected For RNC Merch

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:35:19 GMT

A franchisee of Proforma – promo’s 5th leading supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has been selected to handle all merchandising needs for the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee.

Local distributor Proforma ScoutPromotions – a woman-owned, small business – will be providing RNC-logoed apparel, mugs and other promotional products for the political gathering next July.

“It’s still unreal to me,” says Candace Lillund, principal of Proforma ScoutPromotions in Milwaukee. “I can’t believe how many people have reached out, like friends from college and associations. My family is on cloud nine. But I also feel that if it’s going to happen to someone, why not me? I’m hoping it opens the door to more business not only for us, but also others in my position who are small business owners in Milwaukee.”

The Cream Rises To The Top

A native of “The Cream City,” Lillund earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in marketing and finance from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

She went on to spend 20 years at Xerox, beginning as an account representative in the office products division and climbing up the company ladder to regional manager.

In 2003, she joined the now-defunct jeweler Silpada Designs as senior sales representative.
In between tenures, she and her husband welcomed their baby girl into the world.

“I love being a mom, but I knew there had to be more,” Lillund says. “After working for different companies, I wanted my own business. I figured I can do just as good, if not a better job than these folks.”

After spending half of her career working with print, Lillund decided to dive into the promo space, launching ScoutPromotions in 2009 and joining Proforma two years later. She initially targeted the construction market, meeting the constant need for safety items, and has since expanded to manufacturing and “quasi-government,” such as economic development corporations.

Last year, she won the bid to help rebrand the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. “In order to win the bid, I had to get my WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) certification, which has opened up a tremendous number of doors,” Lillund says.

Even before her bidding hot streak, business was booming for the three-person operation, which Lillund attributes, oddly enough, to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the rise of e-commerce during the lockdowns, ScoutPromotions pivoted to providing customers with their own online company stores. Additionally, the firm began kitting, creating personalized, printed packaging and adding customized items.

“We still have some really nice bulk orders, but a big portion of our business now comes from stores compared to just three years ago,” Lillund says. “The pandemic created that demand for us.”

Proforma’s Support

Despite receiving the biggest opportunity of her career, Lillund says she hasn’t had time to celebrate because the work has already begun.

On August 23, she’ll be displaying several products at the Convention Partner Fair, in conjunction with the RNC’s Summer Meeting and the first Republican Party presidential primary debate of the season. The fair allows up to 300 vendors to present their services and products to prospective customers, such as state delegates and the 168 executive committee members.

With such a quick turnaround time, the pressure’s on for the 14-year industry veteran.

“My stomach has been in knots. I’ve got spreadsheets on top of spreadsheets,” Lillund says. “Proforma has its most valuable preferred vendors, and I’ve leaned on them. Thanks to them not hurting me financially, I’m filling my booth with high-end quality products with the RNC logo. This fair could easily have cost me $5,000 to put together.”

Michelle Dalton, vice president of strategic partner development at Proforma, says, “We take immense pride in Candace’s accomplishments and are thrilled about the opportunities this will bring to elevate her business. We’ve worked diligently to expand and strengthen our supplier relationships for the Proforma Network, and with these unique partnerships, we’re confident she will be able to deliver solutions that will wow the customers.”

Even though the RNC is a little less than a year away, you won’t catch Lillund resting on her laurels. She’ll be making the most of her big break, which she encourages fellow distributors to do as well.

“Take advantage of every opportunity provided to you,” she says. “Don’t say you’ll do it tomorrow, act on it now.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Joshua Pospisil: Promo's Most Underutilized Productivity Hack

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:34:05 GMT

Put yourself first. Yes, you.

Simple, yet powerful, right? Those of us in the promotional products industry know how draining the grind can be, especially during this busy travel season many of us on the supplier side have just experienced. My distributor friends, who are just now wrapping up the back-to-school push and are already focused on holiday sales, know what I’m talking about, too.

You are selling. You are facilitating orders. You are traveling. You are running meetings. You are a parent. You are a friend. You are a relative. You are everything!

And truth be told, you probably need a break. The good news is, it'll make you better at your job when you return.

In this fast-paced world we live in, and especially in this busy industry that requires so much, it is too easy to lose sight of yourself, your needs and the fact that you matter. We go at breakneck speeds to close deals, and to execute everything life throws at us. We are so busy taking care of everything and everyone else that we forget to do the most important thing, the thing that allows all of those plates to keep spinning – taking care of ourselves.

This may seem odd coming from a guy who some know for creating a personal brand on social media, but I am often way too guilty of putting me last.

It was recently brought to my attention that I had not taken a day for just myself in over six months. Now, I’d taken a few vacation days for taking care of my kids, for visiting family, and for spending time with close friends. But truly those were all focused on them and their experiences, happiness and well-being.

As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It took a loved one pointing out to me that my cup was bone dry to even realize how spent I actually felt. Initially I was in denial, but when I sat back and reflected on that conversation, I knew that they were right.

I actually had not had a taken a “me day” in forever, and it was long overdue. I’m proud to say that I made full use of last week’s vacation to recharge myself and refill my cup.

That doesn’t mean I spent it alone in some yoga pose chanting self affirmations. But I did what I wanted: I spent quality time with my kids. And we did fun kid stuff. Of course they enjoyed it, because we went to an amusement park. But because I left all my work concerns behind and allowed myself to truly unwind and just enjoy the time with them, it was the perfect way to refresh myself after a busy summer. It's what I needed.

A full week off is great, but you can fill your own cup in even less time than that. Take the day off – I don’t mean a Saturday or Sunday filled with the usual house work or hustle to games and recitals – but an honest off day during the regular workweek, and disconnect.

No work calls, no emails, no social media; just spend time doing something you love. It could be family time. But it could also be a guilt-free spa day, or sleeping in and taking yourself to lunch and a movie. Maybe it’s just laying in bed all day doing nothing.

Whatever it is, you owe it to yourself. And because it will make you better once you’ve done it, you honestly owe it to your clients and colleagues, too.

Never lose sight of yourself, who you are, the things you enjoy and care about. After all, there is just one you.

No matter how much we may want to clone ourselves to be even more productive, that’s not happening. The good news is that refreshing yourself is a productivity hack of the highest order.

As hard as it may be, make a promise to yourself that you will take time for yourself. I challenge you to mark it on the calendar – maybe even make it a monthly or quarterly routine.

More importantly, I challenge you to be honest with yourself about your empty cup, before someone else notices first.

You matter.

Pospisil, MAS, is a national account manager at supplier Hirsch, ranked as the No. 12 supplier on the 2023 PPAI 100. He made his debut on the PPAI #Online18 list of the industry’s best follows on social media in 2023.

Written by Josh Pospisil, MAS

Published with permission from PPAI

Amy Mazur Now National Sales Manager In Perry Ellis Corporate Sales

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:28:07 GMT

Perry Ellis International has promoted Amy Mazur to national sales manager within the corporate sales division.

Mazur, who has been with the company for two years, has consistently exceeded sales targets, fostered strong client relationships and contributed to the growth and success of the company, says a news release.
In her new role, she will oversee the strategic development and execution of sales initiatives across the country, represent the company at regional and national trade shows, forge strategic partnerships and expand the brand’s reach to new markets. Additionally, she will work on all national accounts and will lead and mentor Perry Ellis’ team of 30-plus independent sales reps.

“Amy’s promotion to national sales manager is a testament to her hard work and remarkable contributions to Perry Ellis,” says Jeff Smith, vice president of sales at Perry Ellis Corporate. “Amy brings a tremendous amount of passion and apparel knowledge to the team. We are confident that she will excel in her new role, continue to educate our customers on current trends and opportunities, and help us reach even greater heights in the competitive apparel market.”

Tekweld Adds Tom Kronberger As National Accounts Director

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:27:06 GMT

Tekweld has hired Tom Kronberger as national account director.

His primary responsibilities include developing business for large accounts through strategic meetings and the use of Tekweld’s extensive product line, global sourcing, packaging solutions and advanced decorating techniques.
Kronberger brings experience on both sides of the industry. He was previously in a similar role at supplier Lanco and most recently was vendor relations manager and marketing coordinator at distributor Fully Promoted.

“Tom will be an incredibly powerful asset for us,” says Scott Slade, Tekweld CEO. “His deep experience in the industry and strong ability to build relationships with customers in order to develop unique product solutions will help Tekweld maintain the solid growth trajectory we have experienced in recent years.”

LAX Bottle Ban Highlights Value Of Promo Drinkware

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:24:34 GMT

At the end of June, during peak travel season, Los Angeles International Airport announced a ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles, making it the second U.S. (and California) airport to do so, following San Francisco in 2019.

So far, the LAX ban applies to water containers only – not sodas, sports drinks, etc. – but SFO expanded its policy in 2021 to prohibit the sale of any beverages in plastic bottles.

Once past the security checkpoint, travelers can still buy water in recyclable containers – or better yet, refill their own reusable containers at the hydration stations that have popped up in airports throughout the country over the past decade.

These filtered water stations started to appear in airports around 2011 and began to spread in 2017. LAX first announced its water bottle refill stations in 2018, and the airport has installed more over the past two years to meet increased demand.

Many refill stations feature a counter that tallies how many bottles each dispenser has saved. In a 2022 Facebook post, the Nashville International Airport in Tennessee reports that its stations have kept more than a million bottles out of landfills.

Overall, Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month (roughly one every other day) for every person in the United States. That means one person switching to a reusable water bottle has the potential to save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually.

Promo is here to help. With hundreds, if not thousands of brandable drinkware options, there’s something for every taste and budget, and PPAI research shows that drinkware is one of the best ways to promote your client’s brand because it’s kept longer than other promo items, yielding more than 1,400 impressions for the average item’s lifecycle.

According to PPAI research, drinkware was the second highest-selling product category for distributors in 2021.
Brand names matter. Contigo is the most used brand, followed by Coleman and Yeti.

Here are just a few of the drinkware possibilities, from coveted prestige brands to more practical pieces for travel – including two bottles rated as top performers by Travel + Leisure magazine:

Named best stainless steel bottle by T+L, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth With Flex Sip Lid is soft to the touch with a comfortable drinking lip and an easy-to-hold handle. Its 20-oz. capacity offers plenty of hydration without getting too heavy. Available in five colors (Pacific shown).

PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15

Another T+L favorite, the Yeti Rambler 26-Oz. Bottle with Chug Cap makes it easy to steal a sip without slowing down. It keeps beverages cold all day, plus it’s shatter-resistant and dishwasher safe. Available in six colors (black shown), laser engraving included.

Buckeye Incentives / PPAI 786878, S1

This ultra-portable 17-Oz. Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle is a great travel item because it shrinks from 8 inches tall down to about 4.5 inches. Made from food grade silicone, this bottle is dishwasher and microwave safe (except for the lid) and safe for liquids up to 140 degrees. Available in five colors (red shown), laser engraving of the metal cap included.

High Caliber Line / PPAI 205801, S10

The Contigo Chug Chill, a 20-oz. double wall stainless steel bottle with vacuum insulation, one-touch push-button spout and carrying handle with carabiner, is ideal for staying hydrated on the go. For cold beverages only, this bottle comes in stainless (shown), white or black, with one-color imprint included.

ETS Express / PPAI 135148, S11

This white stainless steel, double wall insulated RTIC 26-Oz. Water Bottle keeps your drinks ice cold longer with no sweat on the outside. Price includes laser engraving with optional upgrade to digital/four-color process print. Gift box included.

Hirsch / PPAI 221823, S10

The BPA-free Cupanion Bottle is made sustainably in New York of durable Tritan plastic and comes in 15 lid colors. The carbon emissions generated in production are offset after only two uses, and each bottle connects to an app through the QR code printed directly on the bottle so users can track the social and environmental impact of each reuse.

Fill it Forward / PPAI 792815, S1

Written By: Rachel Zoch

Published with Permission from PPAI

Koozie Group Promotes Pierre Montaubin To CEO

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:31:51 GMT

Koozie Group – ranked the No. 10 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100 – has named Pierre Montaubin the new CEO of the Clearwater, Florida-based company, as well as its sister company IMAGEN Brands.

Montaubin, who was a member of the PPAI Product Responsibility Advisory Group (PRAG), was named the company’s first chief product and sustainability officer in January.

“I'm excited for the future – the sky is the limit," Montaubin told PPAI Media. "We have the team in place to grow. This market is fairly big, and we have a small market share. If we’re delivering the services, products, brands and technology that our customers are looking for, we should grab more market share.”

With its SAGE Rating improving to an A, Koozie Group is laser focused on achieving an A+ with Montaubin prioritizing customer experience improvements, according to Melissa Ralston, chief revenue officer at Koozie Group.

“Pierre brings 14 years of experience across multiple functions,” Ralston says. “He knows our business and how to make those continuous process improvements work cross-functionally to deliver that better experience for our customers.”

Leadership Transition

In July, Koozie Group announced that former CEO David Klatt had stepped down to serve as an advisor to the supplier’s board of directors.

Klatt was also a board member of H.I.G. Capital, the private equity firm that acquired Koozie Group (formerly known as BIC Graphic North America) in 2017.
Koozie Group told PPAI Media that Klatt made a “planned transition in March” after his five-year term as CEO and board member ended.

Since Klatt’s transition, the executive team has been working directly with the executive chairman of the board to “continue implementing strategic improvements” for the benefit of customers.

A company spokesperson told PPAI Media that Koozie Group's strategy and focus will remain the same, nodding to the board's belief in the importance of a seamless leadership transition and continuity with customers.

Koozie Group's Next Biggest Challenge

In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting business, as it did for every firm in the promotional products industry, Montaubin blames the labor shortage for causing issues for distributor customers.

"It was hard to go back into the rhythm of standard lead times and offering what was consistent with what our customers were expecting," Montaubin says. "For the last six-to-nine months, we’ve been back. We don’t want to make waves or big announcements, we just want to be consistent day in and day out, delivering products on time to our customers. The next biggest challenge for our company is having to prove ourselves to our customers."

The first task on Montaubin's packed agenda is meeting with Koozie Group employees at all of the company's locations. Then, he'll be hitting the road, accompanying Ralston and her team as they meet with distributors they believe they can bring value to.

"Distributors have grown tremendously over the past couple years," Montaubin says. "Frankly, Koozie Group hasn’t grown that fast. We need to understand what we should do to be better partners to our distributors. I want to listen to them and remove the roadblocks.”

Montaubin's Background

Montaubin entered the promotional products industry in 2009, when he took over the Hong Kong-based sourcing operations of BIC Graphic and Norwood Promotional Products. In 2017, he moved to the United States, where he'd assume several roles at BIC Graphic North America, such as vice president of global support services and senior vice president of product management and sourcing.

Prior to joining the promo industry, Montaubin held operational and financial project management roles with BIC, Neuf Telecom and Unilog Management Consulting, with clients such as Louis Vuitton, Gerflor and Riso. He received his BA from the University of Provence and a Master of Management from the NEOMA Business School.

Recent Developments

BIC Graphic rebranded to Koozie Group in 2020. That same year, Koozie Group acquired fellow high-profile supplier IMAGEN Brands.

Since then, the company has been working with a third party to conduct impartial end-user surveys to identify what it calls KG Factor items – products designed to lessen environmental impact through longevity.

The initiative is part of Koozie Group’s product strategy around its sustainability commitment called “Keep It. Give It.”
Today, 77% of its product assortment – a total of 1,944 items – has earned the KG Factor designation. The company’s goal was originally to reach the 50% mark by 2024.

In a recent article in PPAI Magazine, Montaubin said of the company’s spend in Asia, 90% of it is still coming from China. In comparison, in 2016-2017, it was 97%.

Over the past few years, some production has been moved from China to Vietnam, Bangladesh and India, and the company has considered Mexico as an alternative source.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with permission from PPAI

SAGE® RELEASES SAGE MOBILE™ 11.2

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:15:51 GMT

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, announces the release of SAGE Mobile 11.2. The app, available for iOS and Android devices, allows industry distributors easy access to all their critical research and business management operations while on the go.

This update introduces over 200 new features and enhancements to search features, supplier information, presentations, CRM, project management, and order management. SAGE Mobile 11.2 users will see more fields and filters to align with the recently updated capabilities of SAGE Online™ and SAGE Web™, enabling Total Access customers to manage their business across platforms from anywhere effortlessly.

"Our industry is always on the go. Because of that, we are committed to providing our customers with a seamless experience whether they are using SAGE Online, SAGE Web, or SAGE Mobile to give them the flexibility they need to run their businesses so they may focus on what matters most, their clients," said SAGE President David Natinsky, MAS.

The SAGE Mobile 11.2 update brings a number of new features to the mobile app, including the ability to view recent product searches from your dashboard and further refine your product search results by color, price, or other features.

Distributors can view whether a supplier is available to chat online right in the supplier’s profile. This will help speed up communication and make it easier for distributors to get answers when they're needed most.

Distributors will also be able to view distributor comments and supplier responses on the supplier’s rating details page. Supplier’s general information, geographic market, order change information, cancellations, and more are now also accessible in SAGE Mobile. Additionally, distributors can quickly view what type of art formats each supplier accepts, as well as set up or proof charges, all while on the go.

Updates to the presentation area now allow distributors to adjust pricing in their presentations, translate a presentation into French or Spanish, and even share a presentation via URL or email directly from their mobile app. No more waiting until you get back to the office when your customer needs information right away!

Another highly anticipated addition is the ability for distributors to add projects to their client’s profiles as well as a project field in the tasks area to make it easier to create new projects and stay on top of others even when not in the office.

SAGE also enhanced the order management area, giving distributors the option to automatically send office copies of their order forms. The order forms will now show the subtotal price, subtotal cost, and profit fields for easier itemization.

SAGE Mobile 11.2 is available now. Current SAGE Total Access subscribers can download SAGE Mobile free from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Amazon App Store. The update will download automatically for users who have their app updates turned on.

STORM CREEK CEO RECOGNIZED AS PROMO INDUSTRY’S “HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR”

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:52:32 GMT

Storm Creek, a leading supplier of eco-made and lifestyle apparel celebrates female owner and CEO, Teresa Fudenberg as one the recipient of ASI’s prestigious Counselor awards- Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year.

[ Counselor Award announcement ]

[ video interview with Teresa ]

Committed to Better

Teresa is recognized for her bold commitment to donating at least $5 million to charity by 2030. What started out as an internal goal, quickly became a pillar of Storm Creek’s mission to Seek Better. “Our commitment to giving back has become front and center in conversations with our customers, employees, and partners,” Fudenberg explains. “One of the benefits of stating this boldly is that we’re accountable to it and making business decisions around it.”

Storm Creek is well on their way to reaching the stated goal. To date, the company has donated over $1.3 million to local and national charitable organizations. See more about the impact they had in 2022 here.

Teresa accepted the award at ASI’s Annual Counselor Awards ceremony in Chicago Wednesday evening, stating, “This isn’t a me thing. It’s a we thing. Our team shows up every day with a ton of passion and ton or purpose. It’s an honor to have that passion and purpose recognized by ASI on such a prestigious stage.”

The Other Pillars of Storm Creek

In addition to philanthropic efforts, Strom Creek is also committed to sustainable sourcing, which includes to upcycling plastic bottles into garments. By the end of 2023, the company will have prevented over 30 million bottles from ending up in oceans and landfills. “Given the pollution issues related to the fashion industry, we are absolutely responsible for producing our apparel in the most sustainable way possible and ensuring high-quality garments that last and last versus filling landfills,” stated Fudenberg. “Nearly 1 million garments leave our building every year,” she says. “If there’s an option to make it better, we can’t not do it. Plus, our market is corporations and resorts that logo their apparel for brand building. The vast majority of these organizations value and measure their environmental impact, so we do everything we can to align with their values.”

ASB Names New Senior Director Of Marketing And Vendor Relations

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:41:14 GMT

American Solutions for Business, ranked the No. 9 distributor in this year’s PPAI 100, has announced that Taylor Borst has been promoted to senior director of marketing and vendor relations.

In this new role, Borst will be responsible for leading, creating and executing short and long-term strategic direction of the marketing, events, public relations, vendor relations and product support departments.

"I’m excited and honored to take on this new role and work even closer with our dynamic, talented teams,” Borst says. “My mission has always been to create connectivity and add value for our sales associates, home office, vendor partners and end-user customers. I look forward to learning from our vendor relations team and exploring ways to contribute to our already outstanding efforts.”

Joining the Glenwood, Minnesota-based distributorship in 2015 as a strategic operations support specialist, Borst has worn many hats during her eight-year tenure.

Some of her roles have included strategic operations support specialist, promotional product specialist, and communications and public relations.
For the last two and a half years, she’s served as director of marketing, events and public relations.

“I’m excited to continue to work closely with Taylor,” says Dana Zezzo, vice president of marketing, vendor relations and events at ASB. “She has been instrumental in many of the positive changes of our team, and I have full confidence in her ability to continue to be a leader at ASB.”

Ranked No. 3 on PPAI’s 2023 #Online18 and a 2019 PPB Rising Star, Borst also serves as the current president of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products Professionals (UMAPP).

Logomark Introduces Exclusive Pelican Line Of Drinkware

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:39:06 GMT

Logomark is now the exclusive supplier of the 58-piece Pelican Hydration collection of tumblers, mugs and water bottles to the promo industry.

Crafted of 90 percent recycled 18/8 stainless steel, the colorful, fashion-forward, multi-functional collection features vacuum-sealed technology and leak-resistant lids.

The new collection features five inspiring signature styles including the 22-ounce Pelican Traveler Tumbler, the 40-ounce Pelican Porter Mug, the 18-ounce Pelican Ridge Mug, the 26-ounce Pelican Pacific Water Bottle and the 22-ounce Pelican Cascade Grip Tumbler, all available in 25 limited-edition colors.

“Pelican has always been synonymous with exceptional quality, performance and customer satisfaction,” says Logomark President Clive Goldberg. “Customizability is built into the collection, providing distributors with ample space for showcasing their clients’ logos and branding. Pelican Hydration’s superior quality and on-trend designs enable distributors and their clients to easily incorporate drinkware into their marketing mix.”

He adds, “We are proud to embark on this journey with Pelican Hydration drinkware and set new standards of excellence in the promotional products industry.”

Industry Veterans Return To Vantage Apparel

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:37:12 GMT

Vantage Apparel, ranked the No. 17 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100, has announced that Fred Durand and Christopher Alfano have returned to the Avenel, New Jersey-based organization.

As chief operating officer (COO), Durand heads up all production, sourcing, IT, customer service and digital operations teams. His first tenure with the company lasted from 1999 to 2008, and he held several leadership roles, including director of customer service and vice president of e-commerce.

Durand has spent the past 15 years outside of the promotional products industry, acting as vice president of operations at Galanz Americas Limited Company, a home appliances manufacturer, and COO at GAR Products, which specializes in commercial seating.

“Fred has a strong technology background, experience running large-scale manufacturing operations and a passion for fostering excellence throughout an organization,” says Ira Neaman, MAS, founder and president of Vantage Apparel. “In his first six months, he implemented significant process enhancements to give our service and operations teams more visibility to real-time information, access to technology benefits, and ultimately an overall better order experience.”

Alfano has returned as chief digital officer (CDO). His first tenure with Vantage Apparel lasted from 2012 to 2020, and he served as director of information technology and then chief technology officer. He’s credited with modernizing the company’s ERP system and spearheading the shift toward more effective and efficient digital processes.

After leaving Vantage, he worked for Triangle Home Fashions as director of information technology and AIA Corporation (PPAI 101364, D12), ranked the No. 29 distributor in the PPAI 100, as senior vice president of business technology.

“I'm incredibly excited to return to Vantage Apparel and contribute to the ongoing digital transformation,” Alfano says. “I aim to use my experience and expertise to enhance our e-commerce capabilities, deepen our partnerships, and support our distributors with more robust and seamless integrations. It's an exciting time for Vantage, and I'm thrilled to be part of it."

“Chris' experience and innovative leadership will now be channeled into enhancing Vantage's e-commerce platforms, streamlining distributor integrations and cultivating strategic partnerships through their newly established digital sales operations team,” Neaman adds. “The recent hires are in line with Vantage's commitment to bolstering its digital capacities in response to the evolving needs of the industry.”

Hullinger Named President At BELLA+CANVAS; Blakeslee Takes Retail Job

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:34:42 GMT

Apparel supplier BELLA+CANVAS has appointed industry veteran Norm Hullinger, CAS, as its new president.

Hullinger, who had been the Beverly Hills, California’s chief operating officer since April 2021, was previously the CEO at alphabroder for 18 years. He now slides into the role vacated by Chris Blakeslee, who has been appointed president and CEO of retail women’s lifestyle apparel brand Athleta.

Blakeslee had been president of BELLA+CANVAS and its sister brand Alo Yoga since 2017.
Athleta, a $1.5 billion certified B Corporation, is owned by Gap.

Hullinger is a former member of the PPAI Board of Directors. In his previous role at alphabroder, he led the firm through several key milestones, including its late 2017 acquisition of supplier Prime Line. Before joining the promotional products industry, he served in executive roles for Fortune 500 retailers and online enterprises.

In a statement released first to Graphics Pro, BELLA+CANVAS said, “With a remarkable record of accomplishments during his tenure as chief operating officer, we are confident that Hullinger’s leadership will drive our company to new heights and further solidify our position as a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium blank apparel.”

Both BELLA+CANVAS and Alo Yoga have been on a growth trajectory with Blakeslee in the president role and Hullinger as COO.

BELLA+CANVAS unveiled two new distribution centers this spring, in Las Vegas and Maryland, totaling nearly 1.5 million square feet and supported by more than 700 employees and 300 production robots.
Alo Yoga, meanwhile, grew to more than $1 billion in sales in 2022, according to the announcement from Gap.

BELLAS+CANVAS has co-CEOs in co-founders Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge.

“As we embark on this exciting new chapter with Hullinger as our president, we are confident that BELLA+CANVAS will continue to innovate, grow, and exceed expectations,” Harris said in the statement. “Hullinger’s leadership and strategic direction will undoubtedly lead toward new achievements and strengthen our position as an industry leader.”

PPAI Names Its 2024 Board Officers

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 22:01:05 GMT

PPAI has announced officers for the Association’s 2024 Board of Directors.

Chris Anderson has been named vice chair, financial services. Meanwhile, Denise Taschereau, who currently holds that role, will serve as incoming chair. Andrew Spellman, CAS, the Association’s 2023 chair-elect, will assume the role of chair and current Board Chair Kevin Walsh, CAS, will serve as immediate past chair.

The one-year terms will begin immediately following The PPAI Expo 2024, which will run January 15-18.

“The future of our Association is brighter than ever with talented and caring volunteer leaders such as Andrew, Denise and Chris,” says Walsh. “Andrew’s industry experience and brand-forward approach are timely as the PPAI team moves forward with the next phase of our strategic plan. Denise has been an excellent vice chair of finance services, whose passion and knowledge in key areas such as sustainability will make for an outstanding incoming board chair. Chris is an incredibly talented leader who brings financial management and investment prowess to the executive committee.”

“Overall, a fantastic collection of talent,” Walsh continues. “As the current board chair and a veteran of the Association, I’m delighted by these selections and excited for what the future has in store for our members.”

PPAI Board Officers’ Backgrounds

A 30-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Spellman is currently vice president of corporate markets at Los Angeles-based supplier Therabody (PPAI 794574, S1).

He spent more than 14 years as vice president of sales for Victorinox Swiss Army (PPAI 113873, S8) and was senior vice president and general manager at The Magnet Group (PPAI 338534, S11) before joining Therabody in 2021.

Taschereau is CEO and cofounder of Fairware (PPAI 262992, D2), a Vancouver-based distributor that specializes in sustainable merchandise.

Taschereau spent seven years leading the corporate social responsibility efforts of Canada’s largest outdoor retailer before founding Fairware.

She is also a board member of Promocares, a group working to support actionable strategies to encourage social and environmental responsibility in the promotional products industry.

Anderson is CEO of HPG (PPAI 110772, S11), promo’s No. 8 leading supplier on this year’s PPAI 100.

Involved in the industry for more than 20 years, Anderson previously served as CEO of supplier HandStands.

Under his leadership, HandStands expanded its distribution into 138 countries and closed multiple strategic acquisitions, including the sale of the business to HPG (then HUB Promotional Group) in 2018. Anderson took the helm of HPG in 2019.

Current board chair Walsh, president of supplier Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, S11) in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, has been with the company – ranked No. 14 in this year’s PPAI 100 – for more than 10 years and has held escalating roles with the organization leading to his presidency.

His background includes leadership positions with numerous industry suppliers, including New Buffalo Shirt Factory, Lee Printwear, VF Imagewear and Wrangler Jeans and Shirts.

PPAI board officers are selected by the PPAI Board Officer Nominating Committee and voted on by the PPAI board.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Orbus Intros Two New Modern, Retail-Focused Displays

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:23:37 GMT

Orbus Visual Communications expands its display system product options with two new lines: MODify Retail Merchandising System and Blaze SEG Light Box.

The MODify Retail Merchandising System is a collection of one-of-a-kind retail displays that incorporates SEG push-fit fabric graphics, enabling organizations to brand, promote and merchandise with ease. This flexible display system allows for easy modification with graphics, accessories and furniture. Kits feature single-sided, double-sided, gondola and four-sided options and accessories include shelves, hooks, hang bars and more. Optional furniture pieces, including risers, nesting tables and counters enhance the overall presentation.
The Blaze SEG Light Box collection is a cutting-edge series of fabric light boxes available in wall-mounted, freestanding and hanging variations. Setting itself apart with its sleek six-inch depth frame (four-inch for wall-mounted), the Blaze SEG Light Box effectively eliminates unwanted shadowing while evenly dispersing light.

Koozie Group Enters Exclusive Supplier Partnership With GoGo By Shed Rain

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:21:32 GMT

Koozie Group has partnered with GoGo by Shed Rain, a retail brand that includes affordable products backed by 75 years of expertise in the umbrella market.

Koozie Group will be the exclusive supplier of GoGo umbrellas in the promo industry. IMAGEN Brands, Koozie Group’s sister company, will continue to be the exclusive promo supplier of the Shed Rain brand.
The collection is launching with 12 umbrellas, including compact, stick and inverted models, and all will be made from RPET, with an average of six to eight 16-ounce plastic water bottles used in each umbrella depending on the arc size. Three versions of the VORTEX, which can withstand wind gusts up to 75 mph, will also be offered. The umbrellas carry GoGo’s lifetime guaranty.

Pierre Montaubin, chief product and sustainability officer at Koozie Group, says, “The GoGo brand shares many of our core values, including offering products with sustainability in mind. Their approach to making the fun moments more comfortable, no matter the weather, aligns with our goal of leaving a lasting, positive impact with the solutions we provide. We’re excited to bring GoGo umbrellas to the promo market.”

BamBams LLC Acquires Visual Promotions

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:19:43 GMT

BamBams, in Manassas, Virginia, has acquired Sealy, Texas-based supplier Visual Promotions.

The Visual Promotions staff will continue their current operations while the BamBams team adds the company’s products and services to their offerings.
Industry veteran Louie Massaro becomes BamBams’ general manager, bringing his vast experience in coolers.
Jeff Brandes, owner and president of Visual Promotions, will assist with the transition while growing his industry-based software business Schedule Key.

“The opportunity made sense because of the meaningful synergies, adding significant production capacity and new products to our business,” says Dan Taylor, president and CEO of BamBams.

Brock Taylor, COO of BamBams, adds, “With Visual Promotions’ Print on Demand [POD] capabilities, which are fully integrated with Schedule Key software, BamBams can accelerate its growth in the POD company store market. After expanding in on-demand products in 2022 with our Bolt Line, this acquisition moves us toward our goal of becoming an industry leader in POD.”

Toddy Gear Promotes Viktorya Kooistra To Marketing VP

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:16:08 GMT

Toddy Gear has named Viktorya Kooistra its vice president of marketing. Kooistra first joined the Bolingbrook, Illinois-based supplier in 2013, and brings 20 years of marketing communications, branding and product management experience to the new role.

"We are thrilled to welcome Viktorya Kooistra as our vice president of marketing," says Jason Emery, president and CEO of Toddy Gear. "Her unparalleled expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in shaping our marketing vision and strategy. We have full confidence that her insights and innovative approach will drive Toddy Gear's continued success in the ever-evolving promotional products landscape."

During her time with Toddy Gear, Kooistra’s expertise in marketing communications, creative development, social media, public relations, trade shows, and events has been instrumental in driving brand awareness and boosting sales.

She has played a pivotal role in shaping Toddy Gears’ brand positioning and spearheading its marketing initiatives.
She has overseen every aspect of the company's marketing operations.
Under her guidance, Toddy Gear has achieved growth in lead generation and witnessed substantial engagement across various social media platforms.

Last month, Toddy Gear went through an ownership change, with Emery and his business partner Isaac Delgado acquiring the remaining shares of the supplier from company founder Todd Gabel. The company was also was recently announced as one of Promo’s Greatest Companies To Work For In 2023 by PPAI.

St Regis Group Names New CEO

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:13:01 GMT

The St Regis Group has announced the appointment of Mark Waisbrod as its new CEO, effective July 19. Richard Firkser, founder of the Markham, Ontario-based supplier, will remain as company president.

“Mark is a proven leader with the ability to bring people together,” Firkser said in a press release. “His vision, business acumen and wealth of experience is exactly what St Regis needs as we enter the next chapter of expansion, innovation and growth. We’re fortunate to have someone of Mark’s caliber and track record to implement our strategy, take advantage of market opportunities and lead St Regis into the future.”

Acting as COO at St Regis since 2011, Waisbrod has been part of the executive team overseeing several key acquisitions:

the 2016 merger with New York-based supplier K&R New York
the 2020 acquisition of The Book Company’s journal division, a Florida-based supplier of published books and journals
the 2022 acquisition of fellow Canadian-based supplier Clearmount

“Under Richard’s leadership, St Regis has grown to be one of the world’s pre-eminent suppliers and manufacturers of prestigious awards, corporate recognition and promotional gifts,” Waisbrod said.

“I’m honored to be given the mandate to lead this exceptional group. St Regis is where it is today due to the incredible efforts of all St Regis team members. The growth opportunities ahead for St Regis are vast and to seize them, we must move fast, embrace innovation and continue to transform in order to bring our distributor partners the best value, quality products and unmatched service.”

Founded in 1999 as a small awards company, St Regis has grown to having more than 500 employees in North America with manufacturing and warehousing in Chicago and Markham.

Stormtech Partners With Hit Promotional Products

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:08:43 GMT

Canadian supplier Stormtech Performance Apparel has announced a strategic partnership with St. Petersburg, Florida-based Hit Promotional Products, promo’s No. 4 leading supplier in this year’s PPAI 100.

Born in British Columbia, Stormtech – ranked the No. 34 supplier in the PPAI 100 – is gearing up for substantial growth in the United States, including the opening of its first U.S. distribution center, located just outside of Dallas.

This partnership will continue to grow Stormtech’s presence in the U.S., as distributors currently selling Hit products will now have access to Stormtech’s top-selling apparel and bags – all available for decoration through Hit.
Through its website, Hit is currently offering roughly 50 Stormtech products.

“We’re excited to partner with Hit Promotional Products,” said Blake Annable, CEO of Stormtech, which made it on PPAI’s 2023 Greatest Companies To Work For list. “Their extensive infrastructure and dedication to delivering exceptional service align perfectly with our commitment to providing top-quality products to our customers. This partnership will allow us to enhance our services and deliver our brand to a much larger U.S. audience.”

While Stormtech will continue to maintain its own customer list and service these U.S. distributors directly, customers now have the option to purchase from Stormtech and ship to Hit’s production facilities for on-demand decoration, kitting, drop-shipping and fulfillment.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Stormtech Performance Apparel to our growing family of premium brands,” said C.J. Schmidt, president and CEO of Hit. “Stormtech's commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation aligns perfectly with our core values. Their dedication to environmentally sustainable practices makes them a perfect fit as a partner.”

Coming off a very strong 2022, Schmidt told PPAI Magazine in its April’s cover story, that he’s expecting double-digit growth this year.

Hirsch Announces New Leadership

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 19:32:27 GMT

Hirsch, No. 12 on the PPAI 100 ranking of the industry’s leading suppliers, has named a new CEO. Paul Hirsch will serve as chief executive officer of the Houston-based company, while his father, Peter, will retain his role as president.

Leadership Changes

Hirsch, recognized for its innovation leadership in PPAI 100, has a strong background in applying technology to its operations. The company says this strategic move highlights its commitment by leveraging technology to increase performance and provide tools to benefit its distributor partners.

“Paul’s elevation to CEO further places him in the leadership role for the continued growth of Hirsch, Inc.” says Peter Hirsch. “He has served the organization in many capacities with great skill over the years – including his most recent role as vice president. This has given him a keen understanding of both the organization and the amazing people who truly make Hirsch special.”

Keeping It In The Family

The promotional products industry is replete with successful family-run businesses, with succession preserving organizations’ strengths and focus. This week, 129-year-old distributor Kaeser & Blair also announced that the next generation had taken the reins.

“It is with great pride that I step into the role of CEO,” says Paul Hirsch. “I’ve been beyond fortunate to work with Peter and our team at Hirsch for over 20 years. I look forward to continuing Hirsch’s path of successfully bringing premium retail brands to the branded merchandise industry and helping our distributor partners grow their respective businesses.”

What's Ahead

Paul Hirsch's tenure with the company and former role as vice president has equipped him for his new position, and informed his initial focus as CEO. He says, "As we move into our busiest time of year, my initial focus remains the same as it was in my VP role – ensuring that our value proposition is better than ever. We must have the right product in our line that resonates with our customers and end users, with the proper infrastructure in place to support quick and efficient turnaround times."

Technology and corporate responsibility will also continue to play a role in the company's advancement.

"We will continue to focus on technology and automation advances, as our team's ability to adapt to these processes is what I attribute our substantial growth to," he says. "In addition, we've come a long way in the past few years in our sustainability and ESG initiatives. We'll start highlighting these initiatives better to our customers so that they're as proud to sell our brands and products as we are."

Written by: James Khattak

Published with Permission from PPAI

Kaeser & Blair Names Co-CEOs; Kaeser Brothers Split Ownership With Father

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 19:29:25 GMT

Kaeser & Blair has announced that the fourth generation of Kaesers has taken the helm of the 129-year-old company.

Mitch and Brad Kaeser, both named PPAI Rising Stars in 2022, have been appointed to the roles of co-CEO of the Batavia, Ohio-based firm. Their father Kurt Kaeser will be transitioning from CEO/president to chairman of the company, which was ranked the No. 42 distributor on this year’s PPAI 100. Along with their father, the two brothers now share one-third ownership in the firm. PPAI has confirmed that the ownership change went into effect last year.

“We’re incredibly excited to take the reins of Kaeser & Blair,” Mitch says. “Kaeser & Blair has always been led by incredible people. Being fourth generation, we know we have massive shoes to fill, and we’ll continue to run this company with integrity, respect and professionalism.”

“I look at this amazing opportunity as a huge honor,” Brad adds. “I'm incredibly grateful to the K&B family around us for trusting me and Mitch to take over. Our father, Kurt, has had amazing success as CEO, as did our grandfather, Dick. So, we definitely have some work cut out for us. But Mitch and I are ready for anything that comes our way. Plus, Kurt will still be here as chairman. His knowledge and experience will still play an important role as we continue to grow Kaeser & Blair.”

It’s A Family Affair

In 1894, the company was founded in Cincinnati as the Cincinnati Printing and Paper Products Co. The name changed when Dutch Kaeser and Bill Blair acquired the firm in 1923. Representing the third generation of family leadership, Kurt Kaeser became CEO/president in 1996.

Involved in the industry for as long as they can remember, Mitch and Brad both went to college and gained professional experience in other areas before committing to the family business.

Mitch, who graduated from Otterbein University with a bachelor’s in graphic design, formally joined Kaeser & Blair in 2016 as a business development executive. Coining himself the “chief officer of fun,” he’s been instrumental in event planning, including organizing the company’s annual Sales Leader Summit.

Brad, who graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s in marketing, formally joined Kaeser & Blair in 2011 in order entry. He worked his way up to business development, connecting with new business owners and assisting with the startup process.

“The position of co-CEO is very fitting,” Brad says. “We work really well together and are always bouncing ideas off one another. We have our own strengths and weaknesses, but when working together, those weaknesses cancel out and let both our strengths really show. We also have an open-door policy. Kaeser & Blair has always been a family business and we extend that sense of family to all of our team. We want to welcome everyone's voice at K&B – the best way to be successful is by truly working together. With everyone at our side, the future looks really good.”

Mitch adds: “Brad and I believe in the motto of ‘honoring the past and reinventing the future.’ We hope we can lead the Kaeser team into a progressive and successful future, but we can't do it without our amazing team behind us: our sales leaders, the leadership team and our home office team members. We hope this brings some fresh energy to K&B and the industry.”

With more than a century in business, Kaeser & Blair and the independent salespeople it supports have built a strong reputation in the promotional products industry. In fact, the firm’s attitude towards career education helped the company earn high marks in the PPAI 100 for its professional development.

Written By: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Orbus Adapts With The Times In Strategic Branding Decision

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:02:10 GMT

Orbus Visual Communications just has a more modern ring to it.

The Illinois-based supplier formerly known as Orbus Exhibit & Display has officially changed its name, effectively immediately.

According to Orbus, the new name “reflects the company’s expanded capability, offering and commitment to meeting the evolving visual communication needs of its valued clients in events, interiors and retail.”

“Exhibits & Displays” was not exhaustive enough a description for what Orbus had become. In recent years, Orbus has made a number of growth acquisitions that have allowed the company to evolve its mission to encompass a “dedication to delivering comprehensive visual communication solutions that go beyond exhibits and displays.”

In 2020, the company acquired the fabric architecture design firm Fabric Images.
Two years later, it would acquire SEG Systems & Services, which specializes in the engineering, design and manufacture of lightboxes, merchandising and display systems.

“Visual communications is essential for organizations to effectively convey their brand and message creatively and visually,” says Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus Visual Communications. “The name change reflects our commitment to being at the forefront of this dynamic industry, providing clients with a wide range of innovative visual solutions to meet their community needs.”

If the old name suggested offerings specifically tailored for trade shows, “Visual Communications” is meant to include workplace interiors, retail environments and other non-traditional events.

The name change will not affect operations in regard to all clients’ orders and customer service.

For years, the Orbus company vision has been, “To be the leading innovator of impactful visual solutions.” That led to the development of new products – along with the acquisitions detailed above – and, according to Natalie Whited, vice president of marketing, that vision began to lend itself to endless possibilities and offerings. It was decided recently that the name must better reflect that.

“’Visual Communications’ also aligns with the evolving nature of the display industry,” Whited says. “It positions Orbus as a company that can adapt to modern trends.”

A name might not tell the whole story, but it leads ahead of everything else, which is why it is a huge decision for any company. There’s a trickle down, and marketing must ensure every department is aligned with the ethos of the new name.

“While changing signage, logos and appearances of our name on our website and buildings are expected, what you might not consider is messaging and communication changes,” Whited says. “We needed to rewrite and re-phrase our key message that can tell our story and align with our brand identity.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Pin Machine Acquires GEMPIRE

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:58:29 GMT

Massachusetts-based supplier Pin Machine has acquired GEMPIRE. The move bolsters Pin Machine’s product offerings and fortifies its position as a leading supplier of emblematic jewelry.

Effective immediately, GEMPIRE is now operating under the umbrella of Pin Machine.

GEMPIRE CEO Harvey Mackler, a former recipient of PPAI’s H. Ted Olson Humanitarian of the Year accolade, says the partnership came out of a shared vision for both companies.

“Pin Machine met all of our requirements – they are a perfect complement to what we have accomplished for almost 28 years,” Mackler says.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pin Machine has been in the emblematic jewelry business since 1939.

Mackler will remain with GEMPIRE through the acquisition as an “integral asset in day-to-day operations.” Mackler says he is not retiring.

Tommy Romero, partner of Pin Machine, says the two companies will combine into something that can accomplish more than either could on its own.

“By combining our expertise and product offerings, we feel we can continue to deliver excellent quality and great value to our customers,” Romero says. “Both companies have been built with an emphasis on customer service, and we look forward to this next chapter together.”

Existing GEMPIRE customers should not expect any changes in terms of customer service and will be assisted by a broader range of production capabilities.

“The values of Pin Machine align perfectly with what we have attempted to do at GEMPIRE,” Mackler says. “Communicate, empathize and humanize with the stakeholders – our employees, customers and vendors.”

Written by: Johnny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Showdown Displays Opens Its Doors To WLC Attendees

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 15:26:43 GMT

PPAI officially concluded the 2023 Women's Leadership Conference in Eagan, Minnesota on Tuesday evening, but the experience didn't end there for many attendees. With the event conveniently located near the headquarters of many key suppliers and distributors, a significant number of the women traveling for the conference were able to pay a visit to key business partners.

The supplier hosting the most visitors was Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, S11), which on Wednesday morning threw open the doors at its Ramsey, Minnesota production facility and nearby Brooklyn Center corporate headquarters for roughly two dozen industry professionals, including PPAI staff, to tour and ask questions.

Visitors saw the company's unique processes and printing capabilities, and got to ask questions to leaders including CEO John Bruellman and president and PPAI board chair Kevin Walsh, CAS. Later, the team even had the opportunity to pose for photos with "Dash," Showdown's ninja mascot.

Walsh explained that the company chose a ninja because it seeks to be a "a silent partner" to its clients, moving swiftly and quietly to fulfill their needs. Showdown's operation in many ways is focused on making the complex looks easy. Consider:

Roughly half of the orders Showdown fulfills are for quantities of one.
The company is able to create displays in every color across the spectrum rather than being limited to dozens or even hundreds.
Ninety-nine percent of orders are shipped on-time, beating the PPAI 100 supplier average, and less than 2% are flagged with printing errors.

Showdown is the No. 14 supplier on the recently-released PPAI 100 list of industry leaders. It brought in $103 million in 2022 and has seen its business grow 13% since 2019, owing those results in part to the industry's faith in the company to deliver on its promises, for which it earned PPAI 100 high marks. Showdown has an A+ SAGE rating.

Walsh said Showdown's success is not by accident, emphasizing the key processes and metrics that have created success in every aspect of the business.

"Keep the welders welding," he says of the philosophy that each job function, whether on the factory floor or in customer service, is clearly defined so that team members can focus on their expertise and deliver for clients through standard operating procedures. The culture has been engineered to incentivize customer satisfaction by rewarding employees, following a formula Walsh calls EX=CX2 which relates employee experience to magnified customer experience.

"Our team truly is the difference," Walsh says.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

Starline Expands Key Accounts Team

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:18:54 GMT

Starline has added Molly Wright to its Key Accounts sales team as inside sales representative for national accounts.

She will be working alongside National Accounts Director Brian DeBottis, and Inside Sales Representative Krystal Holstrom.

No stranger to promo, Wright grew up around family members who are actively involved in the industry. She resides in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and was recently married to her best friend Tyler. In her free time, Wright enjoys hunting, fishing and being on the lake.

“Starline is well known for our personal service, and we’ve seen explosive growth in our key/strategic accounts over the past three years. The addition of Molly to our current Key Accounts team is the next natural progression,” says Starline CRO Brian Porter. “Her background in promo, along with a firm understanding of these large distributor partners’ needs, will allow us to continue to do what we do best: deliver amazing products in a stress-free environment.”

PPAI 100 2023

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 17:20:47 GMT

The future starts now. For the first time ever, PPAI is unveiling its ranking of the leading suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry through the research-backed, statically driven PPAI 100.

As a nonprofit, member-driven trade association with a mission to be the voice and force the advance the marketplace, PPAI is committed to highlighting the best in the business and in the process shedding a light on the practices that make promo's leading companies so strong.

Unlike other industry rankings, PPAI 100 considers far more than revenue. While 2022 sales make up the largest share of the scoring matrix, other key factors include revenue growth since 2019 and the industry's faith in each company (SAGE Rating for suppliers, credit rating for distributors. Crucial elements for industry progress, responsibility and innovation are also included. The strength of firms' workforces is taken into account through professional development participation, as is employee happiness, and each company's marketing clout is scored through its online presence.

The program's full findings will be revealed in the coming days, weeks and months as we roll out benchmarking data on how the leaders measure up to business key performance indicators, as well as their technology and corporate social responsibility tactics. PPAI 100 aims to help businesses of every size understand what they need to do to compete at the highest level and create progress for the branded merchandise medium as a whole.

SEE MORE:

Read on to see which industry suppliers staked a spot on the first annual PPAI 100, and click through to each company to see what makes it strong, as well as the categories for which it earns high marks – a ranking among the best of the best. The 50 distributor companies earning a spot on the first annual PPAI 100 will be unveiled on June 27 in PPAI Newslink.

Supplier No. 1 | SanMar
2022 Revenue: $3.7 Billion (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +51%

Supplier No. 2 | S&S Activewear
2022 Revenue: $2.15 Billion
Three-Year Trend: +62%

Supplier No. 3 | alphabroder
2022 Revenue: $2.0 Billion
Three-Year Trend: +18%

Supplier No. 4 | Hit Promotional Products
2022 Revenue: $611 Million
Three-Year Trend: +23%

Supplier No. 5 | Gemline
2022 Revenue: $151.5 Million
Three-Year Trend: +63%

Supplier No. 6 | Next Level Apparel
2022 Revenue: $340 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +51%

Supplier No. 7 | PCNA
2022 Revenue: $857.3 Million
Three-Year Trend: +5%

Supplier No. 8 | HPG
2022 Revenue: $269 Million
Three-Year Trend: +31%

Supplier No. 9 | SnugZ USA
2022 Revenue: $112.5 Million
Three-Year Trend: +96%

Supplier No. 10 | Koozie Group
2022 Revenue: $319.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +3%

Supplier No. 11 | Cap America
2022 Revenue: $76.8 Million
Three-Year Trend: +73%

Supplier No. 12 | Hirsch
2022 Revenue: $44.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +83%

Supplier No. 13 | Starline
2022 Revenue: $57.9 Million
Three-Year Trend: +68%

Supplier No. 14 | Showdown Displays
2022 Revenue: $103.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +13%

Supplier No. 15 | Ariel Premium Supply
2022 Revenue: $90.4 Million
Three-Year Trend: +27%

Supplier No. 16 | Goldstar
2022 Revenue: $57.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +12%

Supplier No. 17 | Vantage Apparel
2022 Revenue: $79.7 Million
Three-Year Trend: +187%

Supplier No. 18 | NC Custom
2022 Revenue: $77.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +27%

Supplier No. 19 | Logomark
2022 Revenue: $106.7 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +8%

Supplier No. 20 | Edwards Garment
2022 Revenue: $99.6 Million
Three-Year Trend: +8%

Supplier No. 21 | Peerless Umbrella
2022 Revenue: $36.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +50%

Supplier No. 22 | Gold Bond
2022 Revenue: $50.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: -9%

Supplier No. 23 | BAG MAKERS
2022 Revenue: $61.1 Million
Three-Year Trend: +7%

Supplier No. 24 | Innovation Line
2022 Revenue: $95.3 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +54%

Supplier No. 25 | Outdoor Cap
2022 Revenue: $65.1 Million
Three-Year Trend: +14%

Supplier No. 26 | Tekweld
2022 Revenue: $48.2 Million
Three-Year Trend: +23%

Supplier No. 27 | OTTO International
2022 Revenue: $52.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +70%

Supplier No. 28 | BEL Promo
2022 Revenue: $46.0 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +12%

Supplier No. 29 | Terry Town
2022 Revenue: $31.5 Million
Three-Year Trend: +32%

Supplier No. 30 | Garyline
2022 Revenue: $64.7 Million
Three-Year Trend: +20%

Supplier No. 31 | Sun Coast Merchandise
2022 Revenue: $109.5 Million
Three-Year Trend: +12%

Supplier No. 32 | ADG Promotional Products
2022 Revenue: $68.4 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +31%

Supplier No. 33 | Powerstick
2022 Revenue: $13.2 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +17%

Supplier No. 34 | STORMTECH
2022 Revenue: $57.1 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +21%

Supplier No. 35 | BamBams
2022 Revenue: $18.6 Million
Three-Year Trend: +2%

Supplier No. 36 | Perry Ellis International
2022 Revenue: $30.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +12%

Supplier No. 37 | Ball Pro
2022 Revenue: $19.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +46%

Supplier No. 38 | Gildan Activewear
2022 Revenue: $251.2 Million
Three-Year Trend: +12%

Supplier No. 39 | Incentive Concepts
2022 Revenue:$45.7 Million
Three-Year Trend: +12%

Supplier No. 40 | 3M Promotional Products
2022 Revenue: $98.2 Million
Three-Year Trend: +11%

Supplier No. 41 | Staton Corporate & Casual
2022 Revenue: $159.1 Million
Three-Year Trend: -7%

Supplier No. 42 | Pro Towels
2022 Revenue: $15.7 Million (estimate)
Three-Year Trend: +12%

Supplier No. 43 | The Magnet Group
2022 Revenue: $99.6 Million
Three-Year Trend: -19%

Supplier No. 44 | Charles River Apparel
2022 Revenue: $45.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: Flat

Supplier No. 45 | Moderne Glass
2022 Revenue: $31.7 Million
Three-Year Trend: Flat

Supplier No. 46 | Maple Ridge Farms
2022 Revenue: $11.2 Million
Three-Year Trend: +20%

Supplier No. 47 | Spector & Co.
2022 Revenue: $47.1 Million
Three-Year Trend: -5%

Supplier No. 48 | Greater Pacific
2022 Revenue: $38.7 Million
Three-Year Trend: +34%

Supplier No. 49 | Admore
2022 Revenue: $19.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +25%

Supplier No. 50 | Cutter & Buck
2022 Revenue: $72.0 Million
Three-Year Trend: +6%

Published with Permission from PPAI

New Gold Bond Line Plants Trees For Every Order Received

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:13:24 GMT

Gold Bond introduces a new Green Gallery line of sustainable products designed to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability. Plus, for every order received from the line, one to 10 trees will be planted through its partnership with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit organization that plants trees around the world.

“We are proud to support One Tree Planted’s remarkable reforestation efforts through our Green Gallery line,” says Britney Godsey, chief revenue officer. “By partnering with One Tree Planted, we are taking a significant step towards fulfilling our commitment to life on land and promoting a greener future. We encourage our distributor clients and their customers to join us in supporting this worthy cause.”

OrderMyGear Renews Multi-Year Partnership With Sports Inc.

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:11:23 GMT

OrderMyGear has teamed up with Sports Inc. in a multi-year, renewed partnership, making it the official technology provider of the sporting goods buying group.

Under this agreement, OMG remains Sports Inc.’s preferred provider of online team stores and group ordering for members, offering a seamless platform to streamline team gear ordering processes. This extended collaboration will enable team dealers within the Sports Inc. network to leverage OMG's cutting-edge technology, empowering them to expand their digital presence and provide unparalleled convenience to their customers.

With its vast network of Sporting Goods Retailers and Team Dealers, Sports Inc. is the largest team buying group in North America. From humble beginnings at seven outdoor stores, Sports Inc. now has more than 200 accounts with OMG.

Phil Gergen Becomes CIO At Koozie Group

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:09:02 GMT

Koozie Group has promoted Phil Gergen to chief information officer, effective June 1.

Gergen has been with Koozie Group for 20 years, most recently as senior vice president of technology. Under his leadership, the company has introduced industry-leading technologies that support first-in-class customer service.

In his new role, Gergen will lead the digital, technical and IT systems teams to continuously improve the customer service experience, increase the company’s integrations with its customers and align the organization’s digital tools and presence.

He has also been involved with PromoStandards since its inception and currently serves as treasurer.

Promo’s 4 Messages To Congress During L.E.A.D. 2023

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:21:55 GMT

The resumption of in-person interactions with congresspeople was a welcomed return on Thursday during PPAI’s Legislative Education and Action Day, held live on Capitol Hill for the first time since 2019. But the industry’s talking points on the day also had a familiar feel.

As LEAD’s name suggests, the first objective is always to inform senators and representatives about the size and importance of the promo industry. It represents a $25 billion sales market in the U.S. and employs roughly half a million Americans. Of the industry’s 38,000 companies in the U.S., some 98% are considered small businesses.

Beyond those important figures for representatives to understand, the industry’s advocates drilled down on four primary talking points that have been vital to the industry going back to L.E.A.D. 2022 and earlier. Along with reading material on PPAI’s positions, volunteers left sample products with representatives and their staffs, including Promotional Products Work branded tumblers, hand sanitizer and more.

A mix of regional association representatives from industry companies of all sizes and types, as well as PPAI staffers, L.E.A.D. participants brought up the same key messages in each meeting.

Promotional Products Work

Promotional products are the most cost-effective, memorable and longest-lasting form of advertising, participants told their representatives. The same marketing medium legislators use as part of their election campaigns can make a profound difference in the lives and businesses of constituents. Included in the message:

Promotional products are ranked the No. 1 most effective form of advertising to prompt action across all generations.
According to PPAI’s most recent Consumer Study, 88% of people remember the advertiser on a promotional product, and 85% of recipients do business with the advertiser on a promotional product.

Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL) Online Act

The nature of this industry’s complex supply chains and quick orders make compliance with the COOL Online Act (S. 1421) practically impossible. PPAI understands the importance of traceability. The Association has numerous resources available to help its members conduct their own supply chain mapping. However, adhering to these requirements poses challenges relating to dual sourcing, diversifying global supply chains, and fluctuating supply chains.

It is common for a single SKU number to be applied to multiple products found in different countries, especially in the case of apparel where the same shirt may be dual sourced based on various size or color preferences.

The Industry’s Ask: We appreciate the bipartisan spirit and Congress’ intent to increase visibility into supply chains. PPAI understands and supports transparency as well. We have been educating our members about supply chain mapping and traceability. However, PPAI asks Congress to provide for the flexibility to identify multiple countries of origin for unfinished products sold online.

Independent Contractors

In this industry, salespeople willingly and intentionally choose to be independent contractors instead of employees. Promotional sales consultants have the ability to be their own boss, run their own business, and control their own destiny.

We’re not in the gig economy and we take no issue with a majority of the PRO Act (H.R. 20). Our only concerns with the bill involve the ABC test and the broad definition that classifies all workers as employees. Unlike the members of the gig economy on which similar labor law proposals have focused, the relationship between independent contractors in the promotional products industry and their distributors is mutually beneficial for both parties.

The Industry’s Ask: Uniformly applying the worker reclassification provisions, or ABC test, will have a devastating impact on tens of thousands of jobs and businesses in the promotional products industry, depriving them from earning an income. Our industry is not the focus of the proposed policy change, therefore, we request an exemption.

Global Value Chains

Most of our products’ value is added domestically in pre‐production and post‐production

Production overseas of the base inputs is where the least amount of value is added. Although some promotional products are manufactured overseas, once in the U.S., these products are decorated and sold by American workers, and used to promote American goods and services.
At least half of the value of our products is added in the U.S. by American workers. A recent study commissioned by the S. Global Value Chain Coalition found that the U.S. adds as much as 75% value to the final retail price for apparel made overseas.

The Industry’s Ask: Please keep the unique needs and interests of the promotional products industry in mind when considering legislation that impacts the success of our industry, for example trade policy that unintentionally raises costs for small businesses and consumers.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

Facilisgroup Hosts Platinum Elite Trip In Mexico

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:31:48 GMT

Facilisgroup recently hosted its highly anticipated Platinum Elite Trip at the luxurious Secrets Moxché resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

The event brought together nearly 70 exceptional salespeople, several top suppliers and members of the Facilisgroup staff and their guests for five days and four nights in tropical paradise.
The gathering of top performers (who combine for over $150 million in annual sales) created an environment of shared knowledge and collaboration, empowering participants to take their businesses to new heights.

Published with Permission from PPAI

IMAGEN Brands Continues Sponsorship Of 4 Paws For Ability

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:27:50 GMT

After donating more than $17,000 to 4 Paws for Ability in 2022, IMAGEN Brands announces that it is continuing its sponsorship through the end of 2023.

One percent of stock plush sales will be donated to the organization when customers use reference code PLUSHGB23.
4 Paws for Ability is an organization that has placed more than 1,500 highly specialized service dogs with those in need since 1998. Their dogs help veterans, children and other individuals with autism, diabetes, epilepsy, mobility issues and more.
As a result of its ongoing support, IMAGEN Brands was able to sponsor and name a litter of puppies born on April 28 that will become highly trained service dogs for the organization.

Published with Permission from PPAI

Distributors Can Now Source TUMI Products From St Regis Group

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:25:45 GMT

In a new partnership between The St Regis Group and TUMI, St Regis will become a supplier for a select range of TUMI premium bags, backpacks and luggage in Canada and the U.S.

“TUMI is a cherished international brand, and we are thrilled to introduce their line of products to our customers,” says Richard Firkser, president and CEO of the St Regis Group. “TUMI brings exceptional quality and high-performance products to our growing collection of bags, backpacks, and now luggage.”

Published with Permission from PPAI

HALO Draws 600-Plus To National Sales Meeting

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:23:56 GMT

HALO hosted its national sales meeting – Breakthrough Summit 2023 – on May 21-24 at the iconic Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

More than 600 industry professionals attended the event. Highlights included small group Impression Sessions with key HALO preferred suppliers, training on HALO’s exclusive sales tools and a trade show with 166 of HALO’s Preferred Suppliers exhibiting.

HALO CEO Marc Simon, says, “This was a highly successful week, where our sales team, suppliers and staff came together to celebrate, renew our sense of community, and grasp the power of HALO’s tools and services. Whether they were one of our first-time attendees, some of whom were brand-new to HALO, or one of the 149 million-dollar plus producers with decades of HALO experience, attendees left energized and prepared for a big second half of the year.”

Published with Permission from PPAI

Kaeser & Blair Announces Leadership Team Promotions

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:22:30 GMT

Kaeser & Blair has announced promotions within its leadership team to propel the company for future growth.

Scott Baker has been appointed chief operating officer. Baker began his career at Kaeser & Blair in 1998 and has been responsible for building and managing the technological infrastructure of the systems. Baker has been instrumental in developing operational policies and has been involved in all internal departments with a vision for the future state of the operation.

Liza Sachs has been appointed chief revenue officer. Sachs has been in the promotional products industry with suppliers and distributors since 1996. With her extensive background, she has the ideal vision of what is needed to ensure a successful partnership for the future growth of Kaeser & Blair. She began her career with Kaeser & Blair in 2022 as director of sales and has expanded the role and will now oversee all sales, marketing, publications and supplier relations.

Published with Permission from PPAI

VisionUSA and URBANISTA Partner Up to Bring Branded Solar Powered Technology into the Promotional Product Space

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:05:18 GMT

With summer just around the corner, VisionUSA, a leading provider of promotional products, has announced its latest partnership with URBANISTA, a Swedish technology company that specializes in “lifestyle” audio technology including the world’s first self-charging, SOLAR POWERED wireless headphones and earbuds. As part of this collaboration, VisionUSA will be adding the Los Angles Headphones and the Phoenix Earbuds to its impressive list of brands, offering a premium, sustainable, and reliable choice for enjoying music and podcasts.

The partnership between VisionUSA and URBANISTA combines the expertise and experience of two industry leaders to provide a unique offering to customers in the promotional product industry. With a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable technology, this collaboration aims to deliver exceptional audio products that align with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions.

The Los Angeles solar powered headphones and Phoenix solar powered earbuds by URBANISTA are designed to revolutionize the way we experience audio while reducing our carbon footprint. These products harness the power of the sun, featuring integrated solar panels that efficiently convert solar energy into extended playtime, making them an ideal choice for those seeking environmentally conscious audio solutions.

"We are thrilled to partner with URBANISTA and introduce their exceptional solar powered headphones and earbuds to our valued customers in the promotional product industry," said Felix Soliz, President of VisionUSA. “URBANISTA's commitment to sustainable technology, combined with their reputation for delivering outstanding audio experiences, perfectly aligns with our mission to offer innovative and eco-friendly products. We are confident that this partnership will provide our customers with a unique opportunity to promote their brand while demonstrating their commitment to sustainability."

For 20 years, VisionUSA has been providing high-quality, branded merchandise to clients across the country. VisionUSA has become a trusted name in the promotional product space with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, VisionUSA offers customized solutions that help businesses effectively promote their brands.

URBANISTA is a renowned audio brand known for its stylish and high-quality headphones and earbuds. Combining Scandinavian design with advanced audio technology, URBANISTA creates products that enhance the audio experience and reflect the latest trends in fashion and culture. With a focus on sustainability, URBANISTA strives to minimize its environmental impact by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features into their products.

The Solar Powered Headphone and Earbuds will be available through VisionUSA starting June 2023, just in time for the summer event season. For more information about VisionUSA and their line of promotional products, visit www.vision1usa.com.

HPG Hires Alex Symms as Evans Manufacturing’s Director of Sales

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:16:39 GMT

Top 8 promotional products supplier HPG announces the onboarding of industry veteran Alex Symms as Director of Sales of their Garden Grove California subsidiary Evans Manufacturing. Symms joins HPG and Evans with a combined twenty year management background with promotional products suppliers such as Chameleon and most recently PowerStick.com.

“I’ve had the good fortune of partnering with all functions of the manufacturing sector throughout my career, including R&D, sales and marketing and leadership and management,” says Symms. “I am excited to join an incredible team of forward-thinking leaders that take corporate branded merchandise to an enhanced level with industry leading products and award-winning service.”

Evans Manufacturing is the latest addition to HPG’s line-up of brands, and Symms plans to incorporate the latest technologies, such as AI, in his sales strategies. “I learned a long time ago that you either adapt to change, or get left behind, and that mindset pushes me to always be aware of new trends and identifying what might be coming up in the future.”

HPG CRO Trina Bicknell says, "I am very excited to add Alex to the HPG award-winning sales team and know that with his vast experience he will lead the Evans sales team to further success!"

Symms, his wife and two sons, nineteen and fifteen years old, are based in the Houston area. “My weekends usually consist of either being on the sideline of a rugby pitch or along a fence line at a baseball tournament as both my sons are very active in sports,” he says. “You can usually find me outdoors enjoying the fresh air. I am always game for a spontaneous adventure!”

Fossa Apparel Clarifies Structure, Promotes Michelle Chen To President

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 30 May 2023 20:01:11 GMT

Fossa Apparel, has clarified and formalized its executive structure to manage the growth of its in-line and custom business segments.

Judy Chen, founder and owner, will continue to lead all product development and merchandising for both business segments.
Michelle Chen, formerly director of sales, becomes president and takes on a more strategic role to leverage her experience, knowledge and industry visibility to position Fossa for long-term growth. She will be supported by an increased internal sales support team.
Eric Chen will continue in his role of CEO/GM managing all production, distribution, IT and training.
Will Tang will continue in his role of CFO overseeing the financial aspects of the business.
Tim Mason will continue as VP of sales overseeing the sales organization and the direction and management of all national accounts.

PPAI Honors Two Industry Dynamos As 2023 Woman Of Achievement Recipients

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:56:42 GMT

The 2023 PPAI Woman of Achievement honor is twice as nice. The Association on Monday announced two winners: Brittany David, MAS, and Patricia Dugan, MAS.

For 14 years, PPAI has awarded women who’ve spurred the industry forward. Their outstanding leadership, dedication and talent have impressed peers, empowered other women and energized entire communities. For David and Dugan, their impact is undeniable and deserving of praise.

During a special ceremony, David and Dugan will be recognized Sunday, June 25, at the opening of the 2023 PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, Minnesota.

David is chief revenue officer for SnugZ USA and an 18-year veteran of the promotional products industry, the last 13 years with SnugZ. David is an advocate for the industry and completed a five-year term on the PPAI Board of Directors, serving as Chair in 2019.

Upon hearing the news, David said, “Wow! Thanks to the committee and the Board. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing people in this industry.”

A proven and driven leader, David serves on several advisory groups and committees. She is a PPAI Fellow and recently, was presented with the Supplier Visionary award by A Woman’s View, an organization dedicated to supporting women in the promotional products industry, and named to one of the most influential people in the industry. David’s creative star power and engaging personality have landed her numerous industry recognitions, and she has been a panelist, guest speaker and keynote for many industry events. She currently volunteers for Adopt A Native and has a passion for the Wounded Warrior Project.

In David’s application, nominator and PPAI Hall of Fame recipient Teresa Moisant, MAS, calls her the “jewel of the industry.”

Moisant says, “In today’s world, role models are more important than ever. Women increasingly play a crucial role in the advancement of our industry. With an aging industry demographic, our future success depends on not only women, but Millennial business executives within our ranks. Both represent fresh faces with new perspectives, limitless energy, creative innovation and unparalleled passion for the sales and marketing solutions we deliver.

“Brittany David is one of these role models and the way she lives shows others ‘if they see it (her), they can do it (lead), too!’ Brittany is authentic in every sense of the word. Her energy is contagious and sustained. Brittany believes attitude counts and her positivity inspires others. She leads everyone she meets to seize the day.”

Dugan is vice president of sales and marketing for BUDGETCARD and has worked within the promotional products industry for almost 50 years. Dugan has served in dozens of Board positions within PPAI as well as Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) chair from 2015-2017, leading the nonprofit through a defining period of change that ultimately led to it increasing scholarships to the highest dollar amount ever awarded in a single year at that time.

When she heard the news, Dugan said, “Huge ‘wow!’ I can say without hesitation that I was not expecting this!”

Dugan earned the distinction of receiving the New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA) Person of the Year in 1987, is a PPAI Fellow and a recipient of the PPAI Distinguished Service Award. She has been a dedicated volunteer and board member for two regional associations, NEPPA and Caribbean Advertising Specialties Association (CASA), and is a well-respected role model within the promo industry. Dugan is also actively involved in her community, serving on committees for nonprofits like Linden Place and Manton Avenue Project and in her church, St. Alexander Church.

In her application, Carol Boutwell, executive director of NEPPA, describes Dugan as a “true champion.” PPAI Hall of Fame member Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, says she was “flabbergasted” that Dugan hadn’t already been recognized.

In a letter, Sokalski says, “Here is a superstar volunteer and fundraiser for over 43 years who should be on one of our industry’s highest pedestals, but she continually dodges the limelight.

“When I first met her over 40 years ago, I watched her from afar, noting the lines of raving fans and friends who waited to speak to her, to be helped by her. Always smiling, always a solutions provider, Pat built an army of customers and competitors as friends and supporters.”

Solaski says Dugan can no longer shun the spotlight. “Since our time on the Board, Pat continues to volunteer, mentor, help, support and cheerlead for everything PPAI and her regional associations, CASA and PRASA, especially as an advocate for women. Without ever asking for recognition, or saying ‘no.’

PPAI invites the industry to join in congratulating and thanking these two women for their immeasurable contributions to our lives and industry.

Written by: Kristina Valdez

Published with Permission from PPAI

NC CUSTOM NAMES INDUSTRY VETERAN HEAD OF PROGRAM BUSINESS

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:53:17 GMT

NC Custom is excited to announce the addition of 30-year promotional products industry veteran Scott Anderson to its senior sales team as Program Business Development Specialist. Scott has joined the team targeting specific strategic accounts with a goal of expanding NC Custom’s product placement within corporate programs. The addition of Anderson furthers the company’s continued push to expand its reach and recognition within the industry.

“We are excited to add a top talent like Scott Anderson to our sales team,” said Lance Stier, NC Custom Chairman and CEO. “Scott has a proven track record of delivering growth in programs and key strategic accounts. We are excited for him to partner closely with our sales leadership across the US and Canada to drive strategic top-line growth.”

“Scott exhibits the same traits that are consistent throughout our organization… service and communication. He will dive into the program business of many of our distributor partners and assist them in supporting their client needs in every aspect.” said David Miller, NC Custom President

Scott brings to bear over 20 years of experience working at PCNA, where he served in multiple sales roles to help foster the growth in their apparel and hard goods business. He then went on to become a key member at Facilisgroup, helping to serve the promotional products industry with technology to build new solutions for over 5,000 users.

NC Custom has invested heavily in building a leading domestic, multi-category manufacturing operation in the past decade. Anderson’s focus will be driving sales across this platform, including two significant recent core initiatives: ACE USA and Creatively Kitted. ACE, which NC Custom acquired in 2020, is the largest resort merchandise collections supplier, combining apparel, hard goods, and accessories. The line, offered exclusively via NC Custom in the corporate markets, differentiates itself from current market offerings in bringing a resort vibe to classic basics, plus a give back to the National Park Foundation. Creatively Kitted is the company’s best-selling kitting line, which combines products across edible, hard goods, and apparel with thematic fun branding, and on-trend design, leveraging NC Custom’s parent company’s experience in the retail markets.

At NC Custom, Anderson plans to bring this wealth of knowledge to bear on the vast array of products being offered. “I am so excited to be part of the NC Custom team. With a product mix that addresses 85% of product sold in our space, including apparel, and a team that will do anything possible to support their customers, the sky is the limit.” said Anderson.

Next Level Apparel Confirms Positive Xinjiang Cotton Test, Quarantines Fabric

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 25 May 2023 20:30:45 GMT

Some inventoried fabrics from industry supplier Next Level Apparel have been shown to contain cotton originating in the Xinjiang region of China.

In recent months, the Los Angeles-based company has taken several steps to bring its sourcing closer to the U.S. and under greater scrutiny.

At Issue

Independent testing conducted on behalf of clothing brand Nine Line Apparel identified material in some Next Level Apparel T-shirts as being of Xinjiang origin. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signed into law in December 2021, bans all imports from China’s Xinjiang province under the presumption that all goods from the area are produced with forced labor.

“When Nine Line raised concerns, we took timely action to address them and protect the integrity of our products,” Next Level Apparel CEO Randy Hales tells PPAI Media. “We offered the company the opportunity to return its inventory and subsequently quarantined it. We conducted our own testing, discovered a very small amount of our fabric inventory tested positive and quarantined that inventory. We have also terminated our relationship with the supplier in question.

“This is an industry-wide challenge – and NLA continues to take action to help ensure our partners and their products align with our strong commitment to responsible sourcing.”

Sourcing Today

Many companies in the promotional merchandise market are reconsidering sourcing their goods from China. At the 2022 PPAI Product Responsibility Summit, more than 80% of compliance professionals in attendance signaled that they were looking to move production out of the country.

This year, Next Level Apparel has made several moves to bring its sourcing closer to home. It has transitioned all incoming fabric to 100% U.S. grown cotton, as well as initiated a partnership with Oritain to provide origin verification for its worldwide cotton program, and with GK Global and Grupo M to strengthen nearshore production accessibility.

“Responsible sourcing is one of NLA’s highest priorities and we will continue to take action to address this industry-wide challenge,” Hales says. “As company policy, we require all global fabric vendors to use 100% U.S. grown cotton for fabric purchase orders and, in partnership with Oritain, have implemented a robust testing program for additional verification.

“All our suppliers are required to sign affidavits to guarantee the fabrics they provide come from untainted sources, to continually update their sourcing information, and to undergo onsite inspections. We have also pursued partnerships to nearshore much of our fabric production in Latin America.”

China and the sourcing challenges are an ongoing topic of concern and discussion in the promotional products industry. The issue will again be part of the discussion at the 2023 PPAI Product Responsibility Summit.

Written by: James Khattak

Published with Permission from PPAI

In Memoriam: Dan Feldman

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:47:28 GMT

eLead Promo mourns the passing of Dan Feldman, senior account manager, on April 20 in Thousand Oaks, California.

Feldman joined the company in 2017 bringing his passion for navigating logistics, solving problems, hunting down products and providing his clients with honest service. The company’s news release says he had a calming voice and the best dad jokes, and will be greatly missed as a colleague, collaborator, mentor and friend.
Previously, Feldman owned a series of distributorships and a print shop.
He is survived by his wife Marcy, son Jake, daughter Emilia, granddaughter Olive and his dogs Athena and Mikey.

Kati Sportcap & Bag Tees Up New Brand With 20 Styles

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:45:00 GMT

Kati Sportcap & Bag, a seller of Sportsman Cap & Bag products, has paired up with Imperial Headwear, a major player in the headwear industry for more than a century.

Imperial's products can be found at 98 of the Top 100 and at more than 70 percent of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States.
The best-selling performance cap is the Original Performance X210P, along with trendy looks including the Night Owl 7055 and the Wingman 7054, plus cozy knits like the Mammoth 6015.

“Imperial’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship is second to none,” says Danny Spier, president of Kati Sportcap & Bag. “Not only are they a trusted brand with a long history in the industry, but Imperial is also the headwear choice for golfers. We’re excited to add such an in-demand brand to our roster.”

Published with Permission from PPAI

Indoff Acquired By Global Industrial

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:35:38 GMT

Distributor Indoff has been acquired for approximately $69.2 million by distributor Global Industrial Company, the two sides announced on Monday.

Founded in 1971, Indoff has a network of more than 350 sales partners.

It generated a revenue of approximately $180 million in 2022, according to the announcement.

Based in St. Louis, Indoff has been named among promo’s Greatest Companies To Work For by PPAI in multiple years, including as recently as 2023.

Global Industrial was founded more than 70 years ago, and shares its mission with Indoff of providing customers with the products and solutions to keep them operating and successful.

The acquisition makes Indoff a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Industrial.

Indoff will continue to operate under its current brand and leadership

“Indoff is a strong and growing company and provides a great strategic fit with Global Industrial’s business and multi-channel sales model,” says Barry Litwin, CEO of Global Industrial Company.

In outlining what the deal brings to the table, Global Industrial has cited strong product alignments in material handling, indoor and outdoor furniture, storage and shelving, appliances, and other core categories, as well as new service capabilities and project-related expertise.

“This is an exciting time for our employees and our customers,” says Jim Malkus, CEO of Indoff. “As part of Global Industrial, we will be in a stronger position to drive the value we provide our customers and support the continued expansion of the business.”

Litwin says, “We see a number of opportunities to enhance the value we collectively provide, including opening a new channel to deliver Global’s Exclusive Brand offering and national brand assortment and the broader utilization of B2B e-commerce platforms.

“We are excited to welcome Indoff’s employees and customers to the Global Industrial family and look forward to supporting their continued success.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

In Memoriam: Simon Perutz, Orbus Exhibit & Display Group Founder

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:31:49 GMT

Simon Perutz, founder of Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, has died. He was 64.

A statement from the company reveals that he died suddenly on April 19 while in England with his wife, Kim.

Remembered as a loving family man and a titan in the exhibit industry, Perutz lived a life of accomplishments before his sudden passing. Simon’s father, Gerald Perutz, founded Nimlok Limited in 1970 with Neil Nimmo, the inventor of the Nimlok lock and clip, an innovation for exhibition displays.

As the business grew, and Gerald relocated his family from the United Kingdom to the United States in 1977, a young Simon joined Nimmo and his father in establishing Nimlok in the U.S. in 1981. Simon would lead Nimlok’s product development, sales and marketing efforts, helping form Nimlok into a greater international presence in countries such as Canada, Italy and Australia.

Twenty years after helping bring Nimlok to the United States, Simon would establish Orbus Exhibit & Display Group in the U.S. in 2001. He led the Nimlok business in the U.S. until 2010, when Nimlok merged with Orbus.

Simon and his brothers, Tim and Gerald, established 15 exhibit and display-focused companies around the world and formed the P3 Group – representing the three Perutz brothers.

“Words cannot express what a truly incredible person Simon was,” says Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus Exhibit & Display Group. “We are deeply saddened, yet extremely thankful to have had such a wonderful founder, mentor and caring leader. Simon will be profoundly missed and honored.”

He is survived by Kim; his sons Andrew and Matthew; daughters Kate, Tessa and Lucy; granddaughter Daisy; and his siblings Tim and Sandie.

Published with Permission from PPAI

Joshua Pospisil: 4 Ideas To Improve Your Social Media Marketing

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 May 2023 18:02:04 GMT

‘Hey look,’ you must’ve thought before clicking on this article, ‘it’s that guy who’s always posting on LinkedIn about wearing pink on Wednesdays.’

Guilty. “Pink Wednesday” is a weekly reminder to spread love and kindness to others in our industry and beyond. Those posts helped me make a name for myself and put me on PPAI’s #Online18 ranking of the promo industry’s best follows on social media for 2023.

The odds are overwhelming that you don’t know me personally even though I’ve been in this industry for a decade. You might not even follow me on LinkedIn or Facebook – it’s not like I have millions of followers. But because of the way I use these platforms to market myself and the work I do for Hirsch, you’re still pretty likely to have seen my posts shared into your feed and have at least a vague awareness of who I am and what I do.

And in this industry, which is built on relationships, that means something.

We all recognize that our digital lives are a massive representation of ourselves and our businesses. You can no longer afford to handle your marketing in only print, or even through digital ads or email blasts. Social media is now the public square. Whether you’re a supplier or distributor, it’s where all of your customers go to hang out on a daily basis – especially LinkedIn.

But so many of us are still hesitant or unwilling to embrace this vital piece of the customer funnel.

In fact, that was me not too long ago, before coming into my own online and in my career within the last five years. If that’s your feeling about social media now, I hope that the lessons I’ve learned can be helpful for you.

Find A Purpose

How did I get here?

It started by allowing myself to fall in love with social media despite my previous feelings about it. Years ago, I had actually deleted all of my social platforms. I felt they were wasting my time and not doing me any good. Then, while volunteering for the Houston Promotional Products Association, I was put on the social media committee. This got me back on social with a new profile and an intention to get involved for work, but post nothing personal.

Once back on all the platforms, I started to see and appreciate them in a totally different way. I loved connecting with so many people in the industry and becoming friends before even meeting in person. I discovered a new purpose for the way I used social media, and the rest is history.

Recognize Your Audience

After rejoining social media and focusing my efforts on posts related to my work, I discovered that, despite what can sometimes feel like shouting into the void, people actually do listen and read what you put on social media.

Some come to know you through your posts, and truly care about your words. I started posting about wearing pink on Wednesdays as a way to bring positivity during the pandemic. I figured most people would find it annoying, but they did not. They embraced the insane positivity and let me do my thing.

Aim For Consistency

The Pink Wednesday posts are now a staple in my life. I make a point to stop what I am doing every Wednesday to make that post. People expect it now – it’s part of my online identity, which is something you have to purposely craft and be mindful of to market effectively on social media.

You can’t be spotty in your posts if you want to gain any sort of traction or following. You have to establish routines. Sometimes breaks are needed, and that’s OK. But overall, aim for consistent posting.

It’s not just once a week, either. Some experts say you should post daily. Some say three times a week. Do what works for you: Rarely do I post multiple times a day, because I feel people do not want one person or company monopolizing their feed. Remember, you do have an audience. There’s no need to oversaturate them.

Be Yourself, Fearlessly

Don’t be afraid to show your passion for your work and things that matter to you. Allow your expertise to shine. This will make your messaging meaningful to people.

You don’t want to take the audience for granted: This is about creating a mutual trust and friendship. Let everyone see the true you, and a lot of people will gravitate to it.

Every one of these social media platforms could tank and be gone tomorrow. But you will still be you. So own who you are, what you care about and what makes you great and what you do.

And run with it!

WRITTEN BY: JOSHUA POSPISIL, MAS - MAY 17, 2023

Published with Permission from PPAI

SanMar Named A US Best Managed Company

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 19 May 2023 17:59:37 GMT

The promo industry’s largest company is also one of the best run overall in the United States, according to Deloitte and The Wall Street Journal.

Washington-based supplier SanMar has been named by the two entities as a US Best Managed Company for 2023.

According to the Best Managed Companies program, a recipient of the honor has “demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic culture, as well as strong financials.”

Digital transformation, action toward sustainability and a commitment to DEI are all criteria to be given the designation.

Private U.S. companies with revenues of at least $250 million are considered.
Each company applicant is evaluated and ultimately chosen by a panel of external judges.
The four key areas that the panel evaluates are strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance.

More than 45 countries are represented tin the Best Managed Companies program. In the U.S., 56 companies earned the honor for 2023. It was SanMar's second time to make the list.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition for all the hard work and dedication of our team,” says Jeremy Lott, SanMar president. “As a family-owned company that empowers team members to drive positive change, we are always working to create the most dynamic workplace culture and invest in the long-term future of our employees.”

The company was founded by Marty Lott, Jeremy's father, in 1971. Jeremy Lott joined the family business full time in 2003.

"The only way I knew how to run the business was the way my dad ran the business; he's my mentor. That was to be really engaged and hands-on," Jeremy Lott tells PPAI Media. "I travel almost every week, because for me, being on-site in our warehouses or being with our customers or in our factories, that's how I gain a huge amount of knowledge."

SanMar continues to expand its reach. Earlier this year came word of a new SanMar distribution center in Ashland, Virginia. The 1.1 million square foot facility is SanMar’s ninth distribution center in the United States, and is expected to employ 1,000 people.

The company has evolved its brand positioning in recent years, shifting from the vision tagline of "A Canvas for Good" to, more recently, "Together for Good," meant to emphasize its efforts to improve the lives of SanMar workers across the world, particularly women, and create connections through its products.

"We made a really conscious decision as a company... to say it's not good enough for us to just not do bad things, and have an auditing program to make sure we're not doing bad things," Jeremy Lott says. "We need to make sure that we are doing good things in the world and that we are a positive influence in the communities of the people who make our products and for our customers and the communities that they're in."

Published with Permission from PPAI

Duggan, Baumgardner, Hokanson Promoted At Goldstar

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:54:39 GMT

Goldstar has promoted three North American sales and global marketing team members following the recent merger of its North American and European operations.

Charles Duggan has been named vice president of sales, North America, and will lead the development and execution of corporate strategic goals for the North American market field sales and national account teams.
Rob Baumgardner steps into Duggan’s previous role as national accounts manager, North America. He joined the company in 2018.
Lane Hokanson becomes global marketing manager after two years at the company as key account marketing coordinator.

HALO Achieves EcoVadis Silver Rating

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:52:34 GMT

HALO has earned an EcoVadis Silver Rating, signifying its dedication to sustainability, ethical practices and corporate social responsibility, and placing the distributor among the top-performing organizations in the industry.

EcoVadis, a globally recognized provider of sustainability ratings, evaluates companies based on their environmental, social and governance performance.
Attaining the EcoVadis Silver Rating required HALO to undergo a rigorous evaluation of its sustainability initiatives, policies and practices, and covered a broad range of criteria, including environmental impact, labor practices, human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.
The benefits and implications for HALO and its stakeholders include demonstrated sustainability leadership, enhanced reputation and market advantage, supply chain excellence and continuous improvement.

HALO CEO Marc Simon says, “This recognition validates our efforts to operate in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible manner. We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team members and partners whose collaborative efforts have made this achievement possible.”

iPROMOTEu Promotes Four To Key Leadership Positions

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:50:13 GMT

iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, D12) has announced four promotions within its executive and management teams.

Joe Hoffmann has been promoted to senior vice president of operations. Formerly of alphabroder, Prime Resources and Jetline, he joined iPROMOTEu in January 2021 as vice president of vendor management.
Dave Kneram is now senior vice president of software engineering. He had been vice president of information technology since joining in December 2020 and previously worked in IT with VistaPrint and Cimpress.
Emily Codner is the new director of affiliate services. A 10-year veteran at iPROMOTEu, she was most recently senior manager of affiliate services.
Mike Segal has been promoted to director of accounts receivable. He was previously senior manager of accounts receivable.

FedEx Announces Planned Consolidation Of Operating Companies

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:43:56 GMT

FedEx Corp., a PPAI Affinity Partner, recently announced at its DRIVE Investor Event that it will consolidate its operating companies into one organization, creating efficiencies that will enhance the company's ability to meet the evolving needs of customers and ultimately build a stronger, more profitable enterprise.

This phased transition, with full implementation expected in June 2024, will ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network under the FedEx brand.

This new structure will help facilitate the company’s DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, the multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which FedEx picks up, transports, and delivers packages in the U.S. and Canada.

Raj Subramaniam will serve as President and CEO of the combined organization.

“We are building a simplified experience for our customers, who are at the center of everything we do, so they can adapt to the market,” says Subramaniam. “This combination will allow us to provide customers with even greater value, offering the most advanced data-driven insights to help them make smarter decisions for their business.”

FedEx Freight will continue to provide less-than-truckload freight transportation services as a stand-alone company under Federal Express Corporation.

ORBUS NAMED ONE OF PPAI MAGAZINE’S 2023 GREATEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 15 May 2023 17:33:48 GMT

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments and corporate interiors, is thrilled to share that it has been named one of PPAI Magazine’s 2023 Greatest Companies to Work For. This is the third year Orbus has received this recognition, previously in 2019 and 2022.

The PPAI Magazine's Greatest Companies to Work For award recognizes companies that provide exceptional work environments, maintain employee engagement and satisfaction, and promote a positive company culture. Orbus was selected for the award based on its commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and community involvement.

The process for winning this recognition includes sending a questionnaire to employees who are asked to rank their employer on topics such as: “I am confident about my future at this company,” to “I have a good benefits package compared to other companies,” and “This company operates by strong values and ethics.”

On average, the employees from winning companies either agreed or strongly agreed with the positive questions about their employer and workplace. Orbus is honored to be included among 67 ither top promotional products suppliers, distributors, and business services firms.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from PPAI Magazine,” said Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus, “At Orbus, we believe our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are dedicated to supporting their personal and professional development.”

Alan Vaught, Evans Manufacturing Co-Founder, To Step Down

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:23:17 GMT

Alan Vaught is retiring.

The co-founder and president of Garden Grove, California-based supplier and HPG subsidiary Evans Manufacturing, announced that he is stepping down, effective June 30.

Industry Leader

Evans was founded in 1983 as an injection molding company with a focus on retail markets. In the company’s early days, Vaught would sleep on the factory floor to make sure the injection-molding machines ran through the night. He and Evans have come a long way. In 1992 it moved into promotional products.

Evans operates in many categories, including healthcare, household, office, drinkware, pet, writing instruments, travel, auto, golf, outdoor, tech, spirit, school and more.
It added a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nogales, Mexico in 2008.
Evans was named to PPAI Magazine’s Greatest Companies To Work For list as recently as 2021.

The company was acquired by HPG in December 2022. As part of the transaction, Vaught continued to lead Evans as division president.

"It has been an incredible journey working with the talented individuals at Evans Manufacturing,” Vaught says. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the company will continue to thrive and flourish in the years to come as part of the HPG family."

What’s Next

Vaught leaves an indelible mark on the company he co-founded. Credited with being an inspiring mentor and role model for numerous colleagues throughout his career, he is applauded for his willingness to share knowledge, provide guidance, and nurture talent.

After retiring, Vaught plans to focus on personal interests such as sailing and spending quality time with his loved ones.

“The HPG team wishes Alan a fulfilling and joyous retirement and expresses deep appreciation for his unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements during his tenure,” says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG. “Evans and HPG remain committed to upholding the legacy Alan leaves behind, as it continues to deliver high-quality products and frictionless services to its valued customers. That said, Alan remains a significant HPG shareholder, and a trusted advisor to the company, and to myself.”

How Koozie Group Is Streamlining, And Simplifying, Its Order Updates

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 09 May 2023 18:12:49 GMT

Like many industries, two of promo’s biggest daily challenges are cybersecurity and order management efficiency. Through a third-party vendor, Florida-based supplier Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, S13) is finding solutions to both areas on the journey to digital transformation.

The Florida-based supplier sends 300,000 order updates to customers per month, according to a case study by Bitly. The sheer volume of business is likely one reason Koozie Group became a client of the leading connections platform, which provides companies the use of branded links, custom QR codes and link-in-bio solutions.

Koozie Group’s 300,000 monthly order updates are sent through Bitly’s secure short link technology, giving customers a sense of security as well as a clear and streamlined communication process.

"With tens of thousands of orders being placed each month with Koozie Group, it's important to us that we create the best possible experience for our customers when they receive a communication from us," says Phil Gergen, SVP of Technology at Koozie Group. "With the Bitly Connections Platform, we are able to generate hundreds of thousands of trackable links for email and SMS messaging that are always stable, reliable and customizable. And because all of Koozie Group's shortened links are powered all in one place by Bitly, we can also continuously improve their performance and the overall customer experience."

Koozie Group is one of several companies spotlighted by Bitly’s “Imagine The PossiBITLYties” campaign that shows how customers are using its Connections Platform to engage with their audiences.

According to Bitly’s case study, Koozie Group uses Bitly short links to send customers directly to their orders through encrypted links without having to log in or receive other status updates, “which is a smoother user experience and still keeps their information secure,” Gergen says.

Koozie Group has always used encrypted links in email updates to customers, but those links could be over 100 characters long. The shorter links are both safe and more user-friendly, and will be “much more appropriate for updates via text, which is an option on the horizon,” the company said. Customers can still choose to bypass the link and log in to their Koozie Group account.

SAGE’s Quarterly Report Reveals Product Research For 2023 Q1

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 08 May 2023 17:41:02 GMT

SAGE has officially released its Global Statistical Report for the first quarter of 2023, using data obtained through SAGE Total Access. The Q1 report takes data of various distributor activities and compares it to previous quarters and years in an effort to get a glimpse of the state of the promotional products industry.

Overall, the results from the Q1 reports point to positive trends, which falls in line with what PPAI Research’s Q1 Survey had indicated about a strong start to 2023.

Notable Results

SAGE is a valuable tool for product searches, and so far in 2023, distributors are using it in this manner even more than they were in January, February and March of 2022.

In terms of total product searches:

January 2023 yielded a 20% increase over January 2022.
February 2023 yielded a 7% increase over February 2022.
March 2023 yielded a 1% increase over March 2022.

As is often the case, the new year saw a big increase in product searches from distributors who began searching for orders to be delivered later in the year, after the usual dip during the holidays.

There was a 30% increase in distributor product searches from Q4 2022 to Q1 2023.

When it comes to product category searches, bags are still king…

Bags were the most searched product category in January, February and March 2023, as they were in those months in 2021 and 2022.

...and pens have made a significant leap…

Pens were the second-most searched category in January, February and March 2023, despite not claiming that spot in any of those months the prior two years.

…which means shirts took something of a dip.

Shirts, which had been the second-most searched category in all months of Q1 in 2021 and 2022, dropped to the third-most searched product category in January, February and March 2023.

Meanwhile, distributors have been more commonly making sales presentations in early 2023, relative to Q1 of last year.

Total sales presentations by distributors in January 2023 were up 18% over January 2022.
Total sales presentations by distributors in February 2023 were up 9% over February 2022.
Total sales presentations by distributors in March 2023 were up 1% over March 2022.

^Total Sales Presentations Created By Distributors Q1 Year-Over-Year Comparison

A full list of the top-50 product category searches for Q1 of 2023 include many of the usual suspects.

Magnets made a leap into the top 25.
Phone accessories moved into the top 50.

View The Full Report

The SAGE Global Statistical Report is a snapshot of how the industry is using one of its most powerful search tools. Information about trends, habits and volume can be gleaned by looking at the collected information.

To view the full report for Q1 of 2023, click here.

PPAI Appoints Karie Cowden, MAS, To Open Board Seat

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 08 May 2023 17:38:57 GMT

PPAI has appointed Karie Cowden, MAS, to the Association’s Board of Directors with immediate effect. Cowden is joining the board to fill the remaining term of Noah Lapine.

Lapine is stepping down from the board to focus on his work as CEO, Americas of the UK-based adm Group, parent company of distributor Lapine Associates. Lapine Associates was acquired by adm Group in May 2022 and Lapine was appointed to his new role at the private equity-backed company in January 2023. Lapine was elected to the PPAI board in 2020.

Meet Karie Cowden, MAS

Cowden is the president and founder of Connect the Dots Promotions, LLC, based in Phoenix. Starting her business in 2008, Cowden has come to understand and appreciate the challenges the promo industry faces. She is also an active volunteer:

She previously served as president of the Regional Association Council.
She is active in the Arizona Promotional Products Association.
She is a director of PromoCares, a volunteer-driven group of industry members dedicated to corporate social and environmental responsibility.
She previously served as a PPAI board member from 2008-2012.

What They’re Saying

“So much has changed since I had the honor of serving on the board last time around,” Cowden says. “I look forward to digging in and seeing how we can continue to propel our industry association forward!”

PPAI Board Chair, Kevin Walsh, CAS, adds, “I am delighted to welcome Karie as a new board member to PPAI. Cowden brings the ‘solopreneurial’ perspective that comprises the majority of our member community, and I’m look forwarding to her greater involvement with the Association.”

Latisha Marshall: These 5 Basics Took Me From Entry Level To The C-Suite

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 08 May 2023 17:36:00 GMT

If you’ve been in the promotional products industry for very long at all, you’ve probably picked up on a trend: Your colleagues in this line of work were either born into it and shown the ropes by their family members, or they fell into promo by complete accident.

I’m the latter – a first generation American, the daughter of Caribbean-born parents from Trinidad and Tobago. They raised me in Brooklyn, New York, a long way from Houston, where I now live, or ePromos headquarters in Minnesota. I entered this industry by chance.

When I started my career at ePromos, I knew nothing of promotional products. I didn’t think anything of them except that they were free: the T-shirt you receive at a sporting event or the pen you use at the bank. I told myself that I would stay for six months and then get into something else.

Those six months have turned into 18 years and counting – the same length of time it takes for a baby to become an adult. I wasn’t born into promo, but you could say I’ve been raised by it. And just like your parents teach you common sense, this industry has taught me what I call the basics, which apply no matter how high you climb on your career ladder.

My knowledge of operations comes from years of working in the trenches. I’ve learned by osmosis mixed with being told no and a lot of trial and error. I worked my way up from an entry level role to a C-suite position, and along my journey I have learned and seen so many things. But I always come back to the basics. No matter how many books you read on management, at the core there are basics steps or tips that determine every outcome.

Let’s get back to the basics in running successful promo businesses. Here are five quick tips to achieve operational success.

1) Do The Work

Don’t skip steps in the process. Take time to do your research, vetting ideas and processes. Doing this will allow you to make better decisions that will directly affect what you are trying to accomplish. This preparation is essential to creating a solid plan. Slacking in this area can be costly and lead to the downfall of a project or process.

While working smarter rather than harder is commendable, executing the work remains paramount.

2) Listen And Solicit Feedback

Listen and trust people of tenure in the roles or positions closely tied to the process or plan. Solicit feedback and stay in constant communication. Involve all key players and eliminate silos. This will create understanding and alignment amongst the team. Alignment ensures all players are working in unison to accomplish the goal. Working in unison is a superpower often forgotten.

Having a team member out of alignment will derail what you are trying to accomplish. Having a pulse on the day-to-day and prevalent details will have you one step closer to securing a successful strategy.

3) Execute

It’s easier said than done, but always critical. Be clear about what you are wanting to accomplish. Set goals or milestones and be accountable.

Discipline will be notable, so you can avoid shiny things taking you off course or going down rabbit holes. It is easy to become overwhelmed, so execute each task in phases or steps. Break things down into bite size pieces, allowing a build up to completing the intended goals. It is important to know that the best plan can fall short, so be relentless and steadfast.

4) Measure

At this point you have done a sizable portion of the work. Too often, this is when fatigue kicks in. You have been working so hard that you neglect to measure the fruits of your labor, but the work is not over.

Retrospective meetings are important, but it’s also crucial to have tangible data to prove out and or support what you are trying to accomplish. You want to identify strength and areas of improvement. These calls outs will lead to better decision making that will enhance your success.

No matter the size of your company, you do not always need to break the bank to purchase tools to measure. Remember, it’s all about the basics. Re-use and recycle applies not only in sustainability, but in operations, too. Tap into the resources you already have in place. You will be surprised how many of your systems come with unused services apps or programs that can be taken advantage of. In addition, there are plenty of free tools online that can be tapped into.

5) Step And Repeat

Rome was not built in a day. Sometimes it takes more than one time for a process or task to stick. Do not get discouraged if what you laid out falls short the first time. Step and repeat – try and try again until you find a groove, and then watch what you have created bloom.

***

On top of their likelihood to increase your odds of success with any project or process, practicing these tips repeatedly will increase your own skill level, value and awareness. Operations is not a race but a marathon, and you will improve with time and practice.

If you can apply these tips, you are on your way to growth, scalability and operational success.

Marshall is the vice president of operations at distributor ePromos Promotional Products. A self-described “operations fanatic,” she originally joined the company as a pre-production coordinator in 2004.

ETS Express Partners With Veritree as Part of Sustainability Push

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:44:53 GMT

Drinkware supplier ETS Express has launched a new sustainability initiative.

The independent subsidiary of Top 40 supplier PCNA partnered with veritree, a restorative technology platform that partners with leading planting organizations around the world to provide evidence-based verification on their projects.

ETS Express has partnered with veritree to support verified restorative tree planting.

Once restoration efforts are verified, the impact data is published to a public blockchain to enforce traceability and transparency and to ensure that the data and evidence remain unaltered. As part of the new partnership, ETS Express has committed to supporting verified restorative tree (or kelp, in some cases) planting for every order placed.

“We’ve been a reusable drinkware company since day one, so sustainability is part of our DNA,” Adam Stone, vice president of sales at ETS Express, told ASI Media. “With that said, we need to do more.”

Partnering with veritree gives ETS Express the ability to work with reputable partners participating in restorative projects around the world; plus, the company provides verified data based on participation, according to Stone.

“I think it’s important for us and the industry to provide more transparency as it relates to giveback programs, and veritree gives us this ability,” Stone added.

Veritree was launched by the founders of Canadian sustainable apparel brand tentree, which has planted 10 trees for every one of its products purchased. Veritree CEO Derrick Emsley said in a Forbes interview last year that the company started as part of tentree’s efforts to verify and track its own sustainable impact. Emsley noted that tentree discovered projects where planting organizations didn’t fulfill their obligations – or years after a project, they’d go back and see there had been little long-term impact from their projects. “Poor planting practices, multiple organizations claiming the same trees, poor communication and more are all challenges we’ve wrestled with for the last decade,” Emsley added. “Veritree was created to help us solve these issues.”

Veritree, along with its brand partners, has set a goal to plant over 1 billion verified trees by 2030, and so far, it’s had more than 21 million verified trees planted, according to its website. ETS Express isn’t the only promotional products company to partner with veritree. In January, Social Imprints (asi/164607) announced a pledge to plant 40,000 mangrove trees in Mombasa, Kenya in 2023, through a partnership with veritree.

ETS Express has set a goal to plant 250,000 trees over the next few years. The supplier will be planting trees in the Forest Gardens of Tanzania and Rainy Bay in British Columbia. Thus far, according to its public veritree online dashboard, ETS Express has planted 7,000 total trees, which compares to planting 202 studio apartments full of trees; they’ve sequestered 305 tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 66 cars from the road for one year; and they’ve reforested 1.1 hectare of land, providing 140 workdays to local tree planters.

The partnership with veritree is part of a broader focus on sustainability as a company, according to ETS Express. The supplier shares details of its sustainability initiatives here.

ORBUS CELEBRATES RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:35:59 GMT

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments and corporate interiors, is excited to commemorate Earth Day and Earth Month by sharing that it has recycled an average of 75% of total waste each year for the past 10 years!

In the past decade, Orbus has also diverted over 10 million pounds of waste from the landfill. This milestone is a testament to Orbus’ long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and its ongoing efforts to reduce its impact on the planet.

As part of Orbus’ sustainability initiatives, we have built and maintained a comprehensive recycling program that includes separating recycled waste into categories such as cardboard, paper, aluminum, fabric, steel, and other.

Orbus has been ISO 14001:2015 certified since 2010 which recognizes our environmental management system that minimizes our impact on the environment in the design, manufacture, and storage of trade show displays and accessories.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Earth Day by reaching this significant milestone,” says Jim Concannon, Operations Manager & ISO Representative for Orbus. “We recognize the importance of taking care of our planet and are proud to do our part by implementing sustainable practices in our business operations.”

SAGE® ANNOUNCES INDUSTRY’S FIRST AI-POWERED RESEARCH AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FEATURES

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 19:18:43 GMT

Today, during day one of the two-day SAGE Conference, the industry’s largest online conference sharing practical, actionable takeaways for promotional products professionals, SAGE announced several new features and updates. Eric Natinsky, SAGE CEO, revealed new AI functionality in SAGE Online, SAGE Web, and SAGE Website Professional Plus, allowing distributors to instantly leverage the power of AI to provide fresh ideas, improve efficiency and effortlessly create dynamic content for their customers. Other notable releases include the addition of live order status and real-time inventory features in SAGE Web.

SAGE has developed technology that fine-tunes the AI model to yield customized results specific to the promotional products industry. The new SAGE AI functionality will be added to the product search area and the presentation and projects modules in SAGE Online and SAGE Web. It will also be added to SAGE Website Professional Plus.

In the product search area, the brand-new SAGE Idea Wizard AI assistant will help distributors brainstorm ideas relating to their project and generate search results based on the specified search criteria. After providing a plain English description of the event or promotion, the Idea Wizard will use SAGE’s vast information resources as well as the power of AI to identify creative and ideas based on the specific event or promotion. For example, if a client is looking for promotional items for a golf tournament with an eco-friendly theme, the Idea Wizard will take that information and respond with a variety of eco-friendly promotional items that relate to golf.

Eric Natinsky, CEO of SAGE, remarked “This is truly a remarkable point in time for technology in general but also for the promotional products industry as well. The Idea Wizard represents the first time that we as an industry are able to utilize the power of AI as a tool to enhance our own capabilities and provide the best service possible. And this is only the beginning!”

SAGE also announced the addition of AI-powered content creation in several areas within its Total Access distributor research and business management platform. For example, in the presentations area, distributors can now instantly create introductory text for a presentation that is based on the client, the client’s industry, the products in the presentation, and other relevant information.

In addition, within the projects module, distributors can now instantly create customized thank you notes, again based on the specific client and project information to make the note relevant and unique.

SAGE Website Professional Plus customers can now leverage SAGE’s AI functionality on their websites to help create new, dynamic content. With the click or tap of a button, SAGE customers can now create custom homepage text, blogs, and more by adding a prompt to the text box field and clicking the button for auto-generated content.

SAGE’s content creation technology will also create content in other languages and will even adjust for dialect in different countries. For example, it can easily create content in French for a client in Quebec, Canada, or will use a different dialect of English when creating content in English for a Canadian-based client as opposed to a US-based client.

Natinsky continued, “The biggest leap in AI that we’ve all seen recently with ChatGPT and other similar technologies is in language. Using these technologies to create a first draft of content is a huge timesaver and idea generator. Then you can always make changes from there to get it just the way you want it before you actually use the content.”

In addition, SAGE also announced that live inventory and real-time order status updates are now available in SAGE Web in addition to SAGE Online. Distributors using SAGE Web can now access real-time, live inventory information from participating suppliers. Real-time order status updates enable distributors to see the actual status of their orders at any time, as well as the option to receive notifications and alerts anytime the order status changes.

All of these new technologies announced at SAGE Conference will be available today in SAGE Online, SAGE Web, and SAGE Website Professional Plus.

David Natinsky, SAGE’s President, said, “As an industry, it’s important that we keep looking for ways to use technology to help our industry innovate, grow and provide the service that the public expects in today’s time. That’s our focus here at SAGE and today’s announcements are the next step in that continuous evolution.”

The recording of Eric Natinsky's keynote session, The SAGE 2023 Breakdown, announcing the industry's first AI-powered research and business management features will be available to view in the on-demand education area during day two of SAGE Conference. To attend day two of SAGE Conference, register now at www.sageworld.com/conference.

To learn more about SAGE Total Access, visit www.sageworld.com.

ORBUS EXHIBIT & DISPLAY GROUP ANNOUNCES LOSS OF HONORED FOUNDER, SIMON PERUTZ

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 15:11:50 GMT

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments and corporate interiors, sadly announces the sudden death of Simon Perutz, an extraordinarily revered, respected and honored founder of Nimlok, Orbus and 13 other exhibit and display companies around the globe.

Simon died suddenly while in England with his wife Kim on April 19, 2023, at the age of 64.

Simon was a remarkable man of inspiration, intelligence, wit, energy, tenacity and generosity. He was an entrepreneur, mentor, associate and friend to many. Simon was a titan in the Exhibit Industry and leaves a legacy of relationship-building, innovation, hard work, and enormous success. More importantly, he was a loving husband, son, brother, father, and grandfather and is survived by his wife Kim, sons Andrew and Matthew, daughters Kate, Tessa, and Lucy, as well as granddaughter Daisy, and his siblings Tim and Sandie.

Simon’s father, Gerald Perutz, and Neil Nimmo – inventor of the Nimlok lock & clip and the original modular display system – founded Nimlok Limited in the UK in 1970. The business grew rapidly and in 1977, Gerald relocated his family from the United Kingdom to the United States. In 1981, Neil, Gerald and Simon established Nimlok in the United States.

Simon led Nimlok’s product development, sales, and marketing efforts with wild success. He formed relationships with business leaders across the nation and the globe, which led to the creation of a network of Nimlok Dealerships in the US, the establishment of Nimlok Canada in 1985, as well as Nimlok Italy and Nimlok Australia, among others.

In 2001, Simon established Orbus Exhibit & Display Group in the United States. He continued to lead the Nimlok business in the US until 2010, when Nimlok merged with Orbus. Together, Simon, his brother Tim and Gerald established 15 exhibit and display-focused companies worldwide and formed the P3 Group (commemorating the three Perutz’s – Gerald, Simon, and Tim)

“Words cannot express what a truly incredible person Simon was,” Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus Exhibit & Display Group. “We are deeply saddened, yet extremely thankful to have had such a wonderful founder, mentor and caring leader. Simon will be profoundly missed and honored.”

Please visit www.nimlok.com/Simon-Perutz to see two videos that honor and revere Simon.

In Memoriam: David Lage, CAS

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 17:38:42 GMT

A dental floss dispenser. A double-edged envelope opener. A facial tissue dispenser.

These are among the dozens of patents filed by longtime industry pro David Lage. But to hear it from the colleagues who knew him well, they don’t begin to account for his contributions to the promotional products industry.

Lage, who passed away on April 4 at the age of 86, served on the PPAI Board of Directors from 1982-86. He spent more than 25 years leading Missouri-based supplier Quick Point (PPAI 114051, S5). He is the father of PPAI Hall of Fame member Paul Lage, currently a board member of California Tattoos and the former president of IMAGEN Brands.

In a Facebook post, the younger Lage called his father “a great man who was a positive influence for so many people. Needless to say, he was a wonderful father, a great friend, a mentor and my hero!”

David Lage served as a Marine and later supported the Corps with volunteerism and products. When he wasn't working, he loved to hunt, fish and play golf, his son says. He had battled dementia in recent years, and his wife Sandy passed away last July.

More than his innovative approach to building a product line, David Lage was known by promotional products colleagues as a willing mentor.

Wayne Greenberg, a former PPAI board chair, remembers him as the mentor to respected industry contributor and motivational speaker Phil Carney, also of Quick Point. His list of friends seems ripped straight from the PPAI Hall of Fame yearbooks, and includes industry heavy hitters the likes of Gene Geiger, MAS+; Margie Price, MAS; Mark Gilman, CAS; Chuck Pecher; and many others.

Price says she met David Lage when she was new to the industry and St. Louis. He was leading an education program for PPAMidwest. “For some reason he realized I was a newbie – probably because I asked too many questions,” Price says. “He taught me so many things beginning that day and never stopped answering my questions. He became a mentor and a friend and as years went by.

“I became more involved with PPAI and went on the board of directors, where I met Paul Lage and learned how much like his father Paul was. I will always appreciate what I learned from Dave and will remember him fondly forever.”

David Lage was named an honorary life member by the PPAI board in 2005, and in 2016 earned PPAI Fellow Recognition. His industry volunteerism included work on the Association’s Suppliers Advisory Council and Conventions Advisory Council, as well as its Strategic Planning Committee.

Greenberg says David Lage was the brains behind many innovative products at Quick Point, but what he remembers most is that he was a gentleman.

Geiger, who joined the PPAI board in the same class as David Lage, says the two formed a friendship that endured and deepened over the years.

“Others can talk about his business accomplishments as the leader of Quick Point. What I loved about him was his humanity – his elemental goodness,” Geiger says. “He was without pretense personally or rushed judgments about others. He cared deeply about his colleagues, friends and our industry. And he was so much fun! One could not be with him without being lifted by his quick laugh and joyful spirit.

“When we get to the end, all that matters is how we lived and how we impacted those we inhabit the world with. By that measure, Dave left this a better place and me a better person.”

Hirsch Partners With Six Retail Brands

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 22:19:14 GMT

Hirsch has recently formed strategic partnerships with retail brands Cuisinart, Victor, Gerber, Coleman, Flickr Fire, and a promotional products industry exclusive relationship with personal, portable blender creator, Blendi.

This strategic move highlights the supplier’s continued commitment to filling category gaps outside technology and drinkware by expanding merchandise offerings to new and underserved vertical markets.

Vantage Apparel Donates 1% For The Planet Pledge to Clean Ocean Action

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:07:35 GMT

Vantage Apparel, a leading provider of custom logo apparel and fulfillment, announced today that it has donated its 1% For The Planet Pledge from sales of the company’s sustainable Earthwise Collection to Clean Ocean Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting marine life and the ocean environment. In just three years, the Earthwise styles, made with premium Repreve® recycled fiber have accounted for keeping more than 1 million post-consumer plastic bottles from landfills and oceans.

"We are committed to doing our part to help protect our planet, and we believe that Clean Ocean Action is doing important work in keeping our oceans clean and healthy," said Ira Neaman, President of Vantage Apparel. "We're proud to support their efforts and to make a positive impact on the environment." To kick off Earth Day events, Neaman and Vantage associates, Eric Wukitsch, Senior VP, and Gina Barreca, Director of Marketing personally delivered the donation to Clean Ocean Action at their headquarters in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Clean Ocean Action has been working since 1984 to identify sources of pollution in the ocean and to promote long-term solutions to protect marine life and coastal environments. The organization has been recognized for its efforts by numerous environmental groups, government agencies, and other organizations.

"Vantage Apparel's donation makes a big splash to help our organization in our efforts to protect the world's ocean," said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action. "We're most grateful for their support and partnership in this important work."

Vantage Apparel's 1% For The Planet Pledge is a commitment to reducing the company's environmental impact through sustainable practices and initiatives. The donation to Clean Ocean Action is just one way that Vantage Apparel is working towards a brighter, cleaner future.

Hanes Launches Breakthrough Technology With Perfect Pre-treat Tee

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:05:19 GMT

Hanes Branded Printwear announced the launch of its breakthrough PrintNOW technology, a game-changing advancement in direct-to-garment (DTG) printing that makes the new Hanes Perfect Pre-treat Tee ready to print right out of the box.

PrintNOW technology cuts DTG production time by approximately 40%, eliminating the need for printers to apply pre-treat. It has several benefits for printers, including:

It eliminates human error – treatment is already evenly applied across the entire surface of the garment.
The tee comes ready to print anywhere on the garment – front, back, neck, sleeves.
It reduces overhead costs associated with pre-treating.
It trims three minutes per shirt from the traditional DTG process.
The savings and efficiencies allow printers to scale their output volume and grow their business.

The Hanes Perfect Pre-treat Tee (Style # 498PT) is available in sizes S-3X in black, white, navy, and smoke gray. For more information, contact HanesBrands Printwear at 800-685-7557 or hbi_service@hanes.com.

Next Level Apparel Transitions to Recycled Polyester Fabric

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:03:28 GMT

Next Level Apparel is transitioning its entire product line of polyester blended fabrics to recycled polyester. The Los Angeles-based supplier takes another step in advancing its commitment to ethical and responsible sourcing and reducing its environmental impact.

The transition was effective March 1, 2023, and will impact all incoming fabrics. Responsible sourcing and sustainability has been at the forefront of the supplier’s decision-making for some time now.

Earlier this year, NLA transitioned all incoming fabric to 100% U.S. grown cotton, as well as initiated partnerships with Oritain to provide origin verification for its worldwide cotton program, and with GK Global and Grupo M as it seeks to strengthen nearshore production accessibility.
In 2019, NLA launched its Sustainable Collection, made of an eco-friendly fabric made with 70% recycled material. Through that initiative alone, the company has repurposed more than 5 million recycled plastic water bottles through the products in that collection.
“Eliminating waste and reducing our impact on the environment is one way we continue to help support and improve the communities where we live and work,” says NLA CEO Randy Hales. “Our transition to recycled polyester marks a big step in our ongoing sustainability efforts – and we’re proud our company ethos is reflected in the products we produce.”
NLA Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Carly Gerstman says, “We recognize the responsibility that we have as a brand to find ways to mitigate our impact on the environment wherever possible. Though there is no simple solution, this is yet another opportunity for NLA to continue to set a high standard by implementing more sustainable practices throughout our supply chain.”

VisionUSA and Ball Corporation Partner Up to Bring the Branded Ball Aluminum Cup® into the Promotional Product Space

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:33:46 GMT

With summer just around the corner, VisionUSA, a leading provider of promotional products, has announced its latest partnership with Ball Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum packaging and supplier innovative and sustainable drinkware solutions. As part of this collaboration, VisionUSA will be adding the infinitely recyclable Ball Aluminum Cup® to its impressive list of brands, offering event-goers a premium, sustainable, and recyclable choice for enjoying their favorite beverages.

For 20 years, VisionUSA has been providing high-quality, branded merchandise to clients across the country. From sports teams and concert venues to corporate events and festivals, VisionUSA has become a trusted name in the promotional product space. With the addition of the infinitely recyclable Ball Aluminum Cup® to their portfolio, VisionUSA is now able to offer customers a premium and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic cups.

Ball Corporation is a leading supplier of aluminum packaging solutions, committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of packaging. The Ball Aluminum Cup® is made with 100% recyclable aluminum and can be easily recycled after use. The Ball Aluminum Cup® is lightweight, sturdy, cool to the touch, and made and remade in the United States of America, making them a perfect option for sports and entertainment, dining, and leisure events.

"We are excited to partner with Ball Corporation and bring their innovative, premium, and sustainable aluminum cups to our clients across the country," said Felix Soliz, President of VisionUSA. "Not only are these cups durable and stylish, but they are also infinitely recyclable unlike traditional plastic or compostable cups. We believe that this partnership will not only enhance the experience of event-goers but also promote sustainable practices at events."

The Ball Aluminum Cup® will be available through VisionUSA starting April 2023, just in time for the summer event season. For more information about VisionUSA and their line of promotional products, visit www.vision1usa.com.

SnugZ Announces Financial Leadership Change

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:56:42 GMT

Utah-based supplier SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982, S11) has announced a key leadership change to its financial team. Shelly Allred has joined the company as its new chief financial officer.

Allred joins the SnugZ team without any experience in the promotional products industry.

She previously worked in the auto and insurance markets.
Allred came to SnugZ from Asbury Automotive Group where she worked for just under 10 years, most recently as VP of financial systems.

The supplier's previous CFO, RaNell Lefler, will remain with SnugZ.

Lefler will transition to the role of chief processing officer.
Lefler had previously held the CFO role for seven years.

SnugZ recent growth led to the acquisition of Sweda in January of 2022.

SnugZ would later admit that the integration process led to a few speed bumps.
This led to an increased number of complaints from distributor customers, including some online chatter about inconsistent service, in the following months.
SnugZ President and CEO Brandon Mackay acknowledged the transition period led to a "tough" 2022.

Recently, SnugZ announced a number of moves that the company promised would lead to reduced lead times. These included:

Upgraded phone systems.
New customer service representatives.
Completely integrated systems and websites.

The hiring of Allred proves SnugZ was apparently not finished with significant moves and announcements.

"We couldn't be more excited to have Shelly join our team, and she fits in our culture perfectly," Mackay says. "She brings a wealth of knowledge, and we're excited to have her talents as we continue to experience growth."

Allred looks forward to being a part of the industry and the SnugZ team.

"I am really excited to be joining the team here at SnugZ," Allred says. "I can already tell how amazing the people and teams are and am thrilled to learn all about this new industry. I feel like the culture and values are a great fit, and I can't wait to dive into the numbers."

STORM CREEK NOW RECAPS UPCYCLED BOTTLE COUNTS; DISTRIBUTORS AND END USERS CAN EASILY MEASURE THEIR IMPACT

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:31:35 GMT

Storm Creek (PPAI #438091/ASI#89879/SAGE #50007), a leading supplier of eco-made outdoor and lifestyle apparel, announced today their ability to help customers quantify their sustainability efforts.

The company is supplying the number of upcycled bottle counts per order on both the invoice and the shipping notification email. The example invoice below shows 9,346 bottles upcycled with that particular order.

Distributors continually field end-user requests for sustainably made products and hear how important environmental responsibility and sustainable practices are to their company. Many companies also have written statements of these goals – and, in the case of B Corp Certification or similar, the company is accountable to environmental performance standards.

Storm Creek started a sustainable sourcing initiative in 2016 and quickly committed to converting the entire line to be eco-made. Since 2020, the company has upcycled more than 24 million plastic bottles into eco-friendly lifestyle apparel for all seasons. By the end of 2023, the company projects this number to be 30 million bottles.

“As an outdoor-inspired apparel company, we are proud of our efforts to protect and support the environment through product innovations and conscientious sourcing practices,” Fudenberg noted. “Being able to quantify and share with customers and end users how their Storm Creek purchases deflect plastic from oceans and landfills takes it even one step further.”

The world’s plastic problem is enormous, with plastic drinking bottles being the third most common type of item found washed up on shorelines, according to the Ocean Conservancy. Over 480 billion plastic bottles are used worldwide in a single year, and less than 9% of plastic is recycled.

Teaching Sustainability to the Branded Apparel World

Earth Month is appropriate timing for the bottle tracker update. Also this month, Storm Creek launched Sustainability School which offers education via webinars, speaking engagements, and content, as well as an Eco Quiz that companies can take to test the depth of their sustainability knowledge.

“More and more companies are seeking to offer their employees responsibly made, high-quality products that last longer and are actually worn by their teams, thus building brand awareness,” said Fudenberg. “But not all companies are aware they can easily take part in alleviating the massive ocean plastic problem and fast-fashion waste issues.”

VisionUSA and Ball Corporation Partner Up to Bring the Branded Ball Aluminum Cup® into the Promotional Product Space

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:10:47 GMT

PPAI Pyramid Awards: Supplier Stars

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:38:39 GMT

Each year, PPAI invites distributor members to weigh in on suppliers in the industry and vote for the best, based on quality of communication, customer service, products, decorating and packaging.

Despite the challenges of the past few years – especially supply chain breakdowns that delayed raw materials and finished goods – the industry persevered. In particular, these 24 companies continued to deliver quality products and service that impressed their clients, and their consistent excellence won them top honors as this year’s PPAI Supplier Stars.

The Supplier Star is one of four PPAI Pyramid awards, the industry’s pinnacle of achievement now in its 65th year and sponsored by Pacesetter Awards. Distributors cast their votes for one supplier in each of 12 categories. This annual competition is open to all PPAI supplier members in good standing who update their sales volume every two years as required and maintain a SAGE supplier rating of A or higher.

Voting for the 2024 competition will begin June 12. The nomination period for other Pyramid Awards categories is currently open through May 12. More information is available here.

Solo Stove
Grapevine, Texas

Fueled by the company mantra, “Create good,” the Solo Stove team creates smokeless fire pits, camp stoves, pizza ovens, grills and more. These outdoor recreation products are designed to help people have good moments that become lasting memories. The company introduced a host of new products in 2022 and contributes to organizations like One Tree Planted and the National Forest Foundation.

KNOSS Apparel
Burlingame, California

KNOSS Apparel offers innovative styles for the modern professional, created by an award-winning designer. KNOSS also offers a business bootcamp and takes a consulting approach for an authentic connection with customers. Founded by the Knoss family more than 50 years ago, the company’s roots go back to manufacturing school uniforms, premium sweaters and postal uniforms. Their timeless and trusted styles offer work-to-play balance with garments that are functional, comfortable and performance-driven.

Refresh Glass
Tempe, Arizona

Refresh Glass rescues hundreds of thousands of glass bottles destined for the landfill to create one-of-a-kind products. Refresh Glass products are made in the USA with style, function and purpose. As eco-friendly as they come, the company’s story combined with the products shows recipients that you are walking the walk when it comes to the growing need for sustainable promo products that can be used again and again.

Fossa Apparel
Fremont, California

Fossa Apparel is a family-owned, women-owned and minority-owned small business on a mission to bring innovative designs and carefully manufactured apparel to customers’ hands. The company is dedicated to making clothes that are comfortable, affordable and high-quality. Unlike many apparel companies, Fossa starts the design process with the woman’s version to deliver better-fitting apparel to women in the workforce. They also offer in-house laser engraving, embroidery and digitizing for unparalleled flexibility.

Liqui-Mark*
Hauppauge, New York

Liqui-Mark has been manufacturing quality writing instruments, school and office supplies for almost half a century. With many items Made in the USA, we are proud to be a 5 Star and A+ Supplier to the Promotional Products Industry. Many products are made in the USA, including pens, highlighters, dry erase, permanent and washable markers, crayons, pencils, coloring books, stylus pens and accessories. The company also offers custom packaging capabilities.

Wolfmark
Neenah, Wisconsin

Wolfmark manufactures and supplies stock and custom-made promotional apparel and accessories, from aprons, ties and scarves to hats, vests and blankets. The company has been in business for over 75 years and evolved from a small cut-and-sew shop into a company that stocks over $2 million in inventory, building a reputation for quality products with excellent customer service. Expanded product offerings include cashmere, fleece, wool and bamboo blankets and scarves, chef apparel, neckwear and more.

BEST Promotions USA
Balch Springs, Texas

BEST Promotions USA was founded in 2007 with a passion for answering the phone with a live person and building relationships on trust and authenticity. As the second-largest designer and supplier of “coolies” in the United States, BEST prides itself on championship-level service and market-leading product quality. About 70% of the company’s products, including drinkware and tech items, are made 100% in the USA, and all of their products are customized domestically.

WOWLine
Syosset, New York

WOWLine, a third-generation family-owned business, has been in business for over 50 years. Previously known as Many Mini Toys, the company is known for toys, games, puzzles and novelties but more recently branched out to add practical items for the kitchen, health and wellness, pets and much more. WOWLine has been making strides in offering more items made with eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled paper or plastic and other degradable materials.

RiteLine
Dallas, Texas

Pen manufacturer RiteLine USA is committed to responsible product sourcing, rare design, reliable quality and a reputation built on experience. Each RiteLine pen is an exclusive design, focused on providing users the best writing experience possible. The company’s products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility overseas using inks that meet exacting U.S. and Canadian safety and social responsibility standards, then decorated in and shipped from its Dallas headquarters.

ImprintID
Lorton, Virginia

Launched in 2009 with an initial focus on lanyards and ID products, ImprintID has added a variety of product categories as the company has grown, such as tech accessories, drinkware, apparel, headwear, office supplies, bags and more. ImprintID also offers a variety of decorating methods, including die cut, screen print, heat press, color/full-bleed sublimation, embossing, embroidery and more. The company strives to provide the best customer experience without hassle and instill confidence in every order.

SOCK101
Lee’s Summit, Missouri

First to the promo products industry with fully custom knitted socks, SOCK101 has helped thousands of people stand out in a crowd. The company has grown and added custom shoes and apparel items, as well as bags, blankets and more. They have also added more eco-friendly products made from recycled cotton to help prevent textile waste and use fewer resources than conventional or organic cotton.

Jornik Manufacturing*
Stamford, Connecticut

Jornik is a multi‐award-winning, five‐star, A+ rated, second‐generation, family-owned and operated supplier. In 2020 it was named Counselor’s Family Business of the Year. Jornik strives to provide a fun, unique and fresh line of hard goods, including made-in-the-USA items and packaging, that are designed, engineered, manufactured, tested and inspected to exceed expectations.

Raining Rose*
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Raining Rose Promos is a full-service manufacturer and supplier of personal care products, including high-quality lip balms, hand sanitizers, sunscreens and lotions. The company has achieved status as a certified B Corp, which means it meets the highest standards of accountability, transparency and social and environmental performance, and it operates by the values of service, people and planet, integrity, expertise and a focus on the future.

Towel Specialties
Baltimore, Maryland

Towel Specialties is a family-owned business that began in 1985 with a goal to provide innovative products and unsurpassed customer service. Many of the company’s employees and outside sales reps have more than 20 years of service, providing continuity and product knowledge to keep customers coming back year after year. In addition, Towel Specialties facilities have been audited for product safety, product quality, social accountability, environmental stewardship and supply chain security.

Pro Towels
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pro Towels is one of the largest towel and textile suppliers in the U.S., serving a wide range of products to the promotional products industry for over 35 years. Product offerings range from beach, golf, fitness and sports towels, as well as other textile items including bath and kitchen accessories, for over 50 industries. The company offers in-house screen printing, sublimation and embroidery services to support its broad product line.

Maple Ridge Farms*
Mosinee, Wisconsin

When someone receives a gift from Maple Ridge Farms, they’re getting more than mouth-watering gourmet food and beautiful packaging, they’re getting a sensory experience they will remember long after they’ve enjoyed the contents. Founded in 1979, the company offers a variety of naturally aged cheeses, premium chocolates, fresh-roasted nuts, smoked meats and made-from-scratch baked goods.

Evans Manufacturing*
Garden Grove, California

Evans Manufacturing specializes in promotional products for better living in categories including health care, drinkware, bags, writing instruments, travel, auto, outdoor and more. Nearly half of the product line is manufactured in the company’s California facility, so those products are always in stock and the majority are available in within a week. Evans was recently acquired by HPG, but the Evans team will continue to handle orders for the foreseeable future.

Goldstar*
San Diego, California

Goldstar is a manufacturer and supplier of customized writing instruments, drinkware and bags, servicing over 5,000 distributors across the U.S. and Canada. The company differentiates itself with its commitment to simplicity, an award‐winning promise for easy transactions and all‐inclusive pricing with no setup charges or hidden fees.

Gold Bond*
Hixson, Tennessee

Founded in 1947 as a small pencil company, Gold Bond now has operations on two continents. The company supplies hard goods, apparel and accessories and prides itself on being large enough to handle demanding orders while small enough to be flexible in accommodating customer requests. Gold Bond says its greatest asset is its ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of its partners, and each team member strives to exceed customer expectations.

Garyline / Gary Plastic Packaging
Bronx, New York

Garyline, a family business celebrating 60 years in 2023, manufactures 95% of its products, including sports bottles, travel tumblers, stadium cups and more, in its 300,000-square-foot New York facility. The company is proud to be a source for union made products, over 100 of which are made from recycled materials. All aspects of production are controlled on the premises to ensure quality and stock availability in all colors, even for the largest orders.

Ariel Premium Supply
St. Louis, Missouri

Entering its 30th year, the family-owned and operated Ariel Premium Supply has grown into a global operation with production and sourcing offices around the world. Its mission is to help build successful promotional and motivational programs through a wide offering of attractive, high-quality products. The company designs and decorates thousands of items across dozens of categories, including stress relievers, pedometers, hot/cold packs, bags, lights and more, including the Ariel EDGE line of innovative tech-focused products.

Gemline*
Lawrence, Massachusetts

Founded in 1958, Gemline is an award-winning, design-centric supplier providing high-quality branded products to the promotional products industry. The company’s product line includes bags, luggage, business accessories, drinkware, electronics, stationery, writing instruments, gourmet foods and lifestyle gifts. In addition to its house brands and Gemline-branded products, the company offers in-demand retail brands such as American Tourister, Igloo, Samsonite, Moleskine, MiiR, Corkcicle, Paper Mate, Sharpie and Zebra.

SanMar*
Issaquah, Washington

Family owned and operated since 1971, SanMar is a national supplier of apparel from more than 30 private label and celebrated retail brands, with eight distribution centers nationwide. The company provides apparel and accessories to screen printers, embroiderers, promotional products distributors, athletic dealers, industrial launderers and more, whether they are outfitting a Fortune 500 corporation or the local bowling team.

HPG
Braintree, Massachusetts

HPG was formed in 2017 with one goal in mind: to make the best of the best even better with products that wow. The company produces thousands of innovative products across seven different production facilities in North America and delivers them to customers quickly to help create memorable branded experiences that leave a lasting impression. HPG brands include Hub, Beacon, Best, Debco, BCG Creations, Origaudio, Handstands, HPG Exclusive, Batch & Bodega and Mixie.

Fetch A Paws-itive Response For Your Clients’ Brands With Promo For Pets

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 17:07:29 GMT

Pets are part of the family – and big business. A 2022 report from the American Pet Products Association says 7 in 10 American households (more than 90 million) include at least one pet, and we spend almost $124 billion on our pets each year. Dogs still lead the pack, followed by cats, then fish and other critters.

Driven in part by increased animal adoptions and more time at home during the pandemic, we’re also spending a lot more time with our furry (and feathered and finned) friends. Building a connection is what promotional products industry are all about, so it makes sense for brands to tap into the emotional investment people have in their pets.

Katherine Smith, director of sales and marketing for Houston-based distributor Bullpen Marketing, encourages her sales team to consider pet promo items for all kinds of clients.

“The cool thing about pet items is that it evokes that emotional connection that people have to their pets. It’s such a powerful branding tool for that reason,” she says, “because you put your logo on it and you give it to somebody and they get to use it for their pet and they get so excited about that, and that’s the emotional connection that you want them to have when they think of your brand.”

April 11 marks National Pet Day, and May is National Pet Month in the U.S. But let’s face it – every day is dog or cat (or ferret or whatever) appreciation day once an animal has captured your heart, so anytime is a good time to add pet promo products into the mix.

Plenty of suppliers have rolled out new pet lines in the past year. Michael Williams, director of national accounts for New York-based supplier AZX Sport, says interest in promotional pet products is increasing, particularly generic pieces that aren’t tied to the size of the animal, and on-the-go items like collapsible water bowls.

“We sell way more leashes than we do collars, because a leash is good for any dog out there or any cat or any animal that you’re taking on a walk,” says Williams. “And we’re seeing a ton of requests for pet bandanas, because it’s super easy to tie around the animal’s neck and relatively one size fits most.”

On the more custom side, he notes some fun projects with promo products matching owners to their pets. After all, the D-O-double-G himself launched the “Snoop Doggie Doggs” pet accessory line last year.

Gemline Announces Igloo Playmate Cooler As New Product Offering

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:51:25 GMT

Gemline has expanded its product offering to include Igloo Playmate coolers.

This offering will include the Igloo Playmate Pal 7 Qt. Cooler and the Igloo Playmate Elite 16 Qt Cooler.
Both will be part of Gemline's Summer 2023 Collection.
Gemline utilizes its recently expanded digital decoration capabilities for these offerings.
The partnership between Gemline and Igloo began over 10 years ago.

"We are coming off back-to-back record sales years with Igloo products and continue to look for opportunities to offer our distributor partners the most sought-after products and the best branding options available," says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. "We also continue to invest heavily in state-of-the-art decorating technology."

What Makes A Record Year For Promo?

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:21:50 GMT

Based on PPAI’s annual Sales Volume Estimate, it’s hard not to feel good about the state of the promotional products industry. It was a record year, with promo topping $25 billion in total sales for the first time ever.

A 13% increase over 2021 total sales suggests that the industry has fully rebounded from the unprecedented circumstances of the first year of the pandemic. But a record-breaking year inevitably leads to questions about 2023: Is this type of growth sustainable? Or is down the only direction left for 2023?

Most would agree that 2022 required, as Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo calls it, a “confluence of positive events that contributed to the significant growth.” Quite a few factors went into the exceptionally high sales totals in the promo industry in 2022. Since early 2023, when the early results of the Sales Volume Estimate were indicating a record year, PPAI Media has spoken with key leaders from some of the industry’s biggest companies to get a clearer picture of what those factors truly are.

Some of them might prove to be specific to 2022. Others might have staying power. Examined together, rational expectations for 2023 may begin to emerge.

The Flash-In-The-Pan Factors

There isn’t an industry – or perhaps even an individual – who can realistically talk about 2022 without bringing up inflation. It may well have been the word of the year, and it is very much part of the conversation when it comes to the promo industry’s big year.

Inflated prices mean inflated sales numbers, at least to some degree.

“It’s conceivable that, while we may have experienced record top-line numbers for the industry, we may not yet have eclipsed the same unit sales as the industry experienced in 2019, due to higher prices for similar items,” says Kevin Walsh, CAS, president of Showdown Displays and PPAI board chair.

Thus, inflation is the big caveat that the promo world will have to wrestle with when using 2022 as an indicator of the future. Promo companies were forced to sell products at a higher price because they were paying higher prices for nearly everything that went into their promo business. As Nancy Schmidt, CEO of AIA Corporation, says, “Inflationary prices drove higher total revenues.”

Parsing out how much price inflation might have inflated sales totals is no easy task, considering that independent of inflation, many promo companies were very happy with the number of sales they achieved in the year. Furthermore, inflation began to show signs of letting up in the latter half of the year, meaning promo companies, like many industries, no longer had to constantly react to inflation’s whims.

“Price fluctuation amongst various commodities started to level out, which thus made it easier to stabilize pricing for a longer period of time,” says CJ Schmidt, CEO of Hit Promotional Products.

Another factor potentially specific to 2022 was that many clients might have stockpiled marketing budgets from more cautious spending in the two years prior. It wasn’t until a few months into 2022 that many brands went full throttle back into their marketing plans, likely with some amount of surplus carried over from a spending pause in 2020 and 2021. Promo likely saw the dividends in 2022.

“I believe that most corporations had a larger budget piling up from the previous two years, which increased their promotional spending,” says CJ Schmidt.

Calling this a flash in the pan would be presumptuous. Certainly, some of that spend on promo was used with surplus dollars, but if the strategy was effective, there’s no reason to think most clients will not continue to double down.

“Distributors and end buyers are increasingly incorporating promotional products as part of their integrated marketing strategy, resulting in a higher share of their budgets being devoted to promo,” says Nancy Schmidt.

The Promising Factors

If a big portion of stockpiled marketing budgets went toward promotional products, it certainly wasn’t for arbitrary reasons. The return of in-person events such as concerts, sporting events, conferences, sales meetings, trade shows and other events were significant contributors to 2022’s growth.

Live events often go hand-in-hand with promo, but they also create a buzz that reminds clients of the lasting effect of promo. It’s almost a domino effect.

“We returned to events in full force, recapturing the annual energy of promo for the first time since the pandemic began,” says Nancy Schmidt.

All of this was only made reasonably cost effective, however, because of a fairly dramatic improvement to the supply chain – a major talking point in Q1 – as we progressed deeper into 2022.

“Having the goods available for sale at the industry’s peak season was a major contributing factor,” says Walsh.

As China contends with its own major wave of COVID-19, complications may still arise going forward, but a supply chain turnaround can only be seen as good news. CJ Schmidt agrees that inventory levels “started to creep their way back to a level of normalcy towards the latter half of 2022,” which was ultimately a prerequisite for record-breaking sales numbers.

Essentially all of these factors are related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its unprecedented global and economic effects. Times were hard, and there’s no getting around that.

“Many businesses thrived through the pandemic, but generally speaking, that was not the case with promotional products,” Walsh says.

The further we get from the onset of the pandemic, the easier it has become to do business, resulting in something of a delayed recovery for the promo industry.

What About 2023 (And Beyond)?

The promo leaders we spoke to all seem confident in another strong year for promo in 2023, albeit with possibly less growth than in 2022. Of course, there is the remote but lingering possibility of rockier economic conditions ahead.

“I see the industry growing again, at least 5-10%,” predicts Muzzillo. “If we hit a recession, all bets are off.”

To Muzzillo, much of what has been detailed above indicates positive and relatively sustainable momentum. Surviving the pandemic brought more than just survival. Proforma’s pivot into PPE products and e-commerce improvements actually laid the groundwork for growth that paid off in 2022.

“A lot of what we did really set our owners and our distributors up for success, because it brought on new customers, new opportunities, and we delivered quality products on time during COVID,” Muzzillo says.

Independent of economic and global factors, there are two impactful areas that the promotional products industry focused on and improved in during 2022: higher-quality products and education.

Much of the promo world understands that higher-quality products will be a requirement of the industry’s growth. End users care about the sustainability of the products put in front of them. That means products that last longer, and in turn, come at higher price points. It’s possible 2022 proved that clients are willing to pay those higher prices for the idea that end users will equate the quality of the brand with the quality of the promotional product.

“Eco-friendly, renewable products and products with social impact tend to carry a higher price point to match the higher perceived (and real) value,” Nancy Schmidt says.

Additionally, the industry and PPAI have made efforts to explain to clients what we already know: Promotional Products Work! That’s the name of the Association’s initiative to translate the range and effectiveness of promo to potential and existing clients. Perhaps 2022 is the beginning of those efforts landing with their intended targets.

“People are really starting to understand that the cost per impression, and the return on the investment of a promotional product and the longevity of it, has such tremendous value relative to other forms of advertising,” Muzzillo says. “I think we, as the leaders of this industry, have a responsibility to continue to get that message out.”

All of this has promo leaders confident that, even with the inflation caveat, 2023 will be another year of growth.

“We are expecting a low double-digit growth in 2023, after a very strong year in 2022,” says CJ Schmidt.

Perhaps we are emphasizing the wrong metrics when looking toward the future. Muzzillo points out that promo still makes up a relatively small portion of many companies’ advertising spending, while delivering great results. Her big prediction is that we may see a change in that regard.

“[Promo] will continue to propel this industry forward, I believe, at a slightly enhanced rate relative to other forms of media and advertising,” Muzzillo says.

alphabroder, the Leading Supplier of Wholesale Apparel and Promotional Products, Delivers the Industry’s Most Comprehensive ‘One-Stop Solution’

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:18:01 GMT

alphabroder, the leading supplier of wholesale apparel and promotional products, is launching its enhanced, One-Stop-Solution via alphabroder.com. The upgraded alphabroder.com will combine alphabroder and Prime Line®’s full assortment and have the most extensive assortment of apparel and promotional products in the industry.

alphabroder's goal in creating its enhanced One-Stop Solution is to give its customers one place for all their blank and decorated apparel and promotional product needs.

“alphabroder is committed to evolving to better serve our customers and partners,” said Dan Pantano, President and CEO of alphabroder. “The enhanced alphabroder.com will streamline the ordering process in a way that hasn’t been done before.”

The updated alphabroder.com will allow customers to decorate any promotional product through alphabroder’s online decoration configurator. The industry leading configurator takes what can be a cumbersome off-line process and creates a turnkey, digital experience.

alphabroder vetted their One-Stop Solution through independent research, focus groups and customer feedback. The result is a more robust alphabroder.com that provides customers with:

Full apparel and hard goods assortments
Industry leading end-to-end online Decoration Configurator
Order status tracker through entire production process
All apparel and hard goods order history

For more information about alphabroder and to explore its wide variety of promotional products, visit www.alphabroder.com.

LarLu announces addition of Reisack Sales & Marketing

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 23:14:30 GMT

Supplier company LarLu is pleased to announce the addition of Reisack Sales & Marketing as Multi-line representatives in the Southwest states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Joe Durand, SVP of LarLu stated “the Reisack team shares our commitment to customer service and professionalism. We’re excited for our customers to have a local LarLu representative to help them grow their business!” Please feel free to reach out to them today for ideas…. www.reisack.com

SAGE® ADDS SAGE COMMUNITY TO WEB-BASED SUPPLIER CENTER PORTAL

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 22:28:19 GMT

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, invites SAGE Supplier Advantage Members to join the SAGE Community through its new web-based supplier portal.

SAGE Community is an industry-specific, collaborative social network where suppliers and distributors can share news, best practices, ask questions, and connect and engage with other industry professionals, all-in-one platform.

SAGE Community has long been available in SAGE Total Access, SAGE’s flagship distributor tool, for distributors to network with their industry peers. With the addition of the SAGE Community to the new web-based SAGE Supplier Center, it is now open to everyone in the industry.

“In today’s world, social media is so ubiquitous that for many of us it has blurred the lines between personal and professional communication. We all have so many connections on so many platforms, and with the amount of information on all of these platforms, we end up missing a lot of important things,” said David Natinsky, President of SAGE. “With SAGE Community, distributors, and now suppliers, have one central location where they can go just for industry-related content. Whether that’s news or advice, our customers can be intentional and efficient with their time, get answers to their questions, and never miss important industry update.”

The new web-based SAGE Supplier Center is available now to all supplier Advantage Members at no additional cost. Simply visit www.sagesuppliercenter.com to log in. To join SAGE Community, select Community on the left side menu, then search and follow the Community group of your choice on the right side under Groups.

SanMar Reaccredits Social Compliance Program

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:02:54 GMT

SanMar announced the Fair Labor Association (FLA) has reaccredited the company’s social compliance program. The decision demonstrates SanMar’s continued commitment to advancing better labor conditions throughout its global supply chain.

SanMar’s sourcing network spans over 100 facilities in 21 countries. The FLA’s decision follows a multi-year review of the company’s mechanisms to ensure these facilities are in compliance with international labor standards.

As the only comprehensive program of its kind based on international frameworks, the Fair Labor Accreditation holds companies to the highest standards in labor rights. SanMar first earned its Fair Labor Accreditation in 2012.

“SanMar is honored to build on our decade-long legacy of accreditation with FLA,” said Jeremy Lott, CEO of SanMar. “Our people are our top priority, and the work we do with supplier relationships, data management and workplace training are critical steps toward setting a high standard for labor rights in the apparel industry.”

Zing Hires Regional Sales Director

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:01:23 GMT

Parker Stephens, formerly of T-Shirt Tycoon, has joined Zing Manufacturing as its regional sales director for Texas, serving industry distributors in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas as well as the National Sales Manager for BDA.

Proforma’s Million Dollar Club Event Applauds 2022’s Record-Breaking Sales

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:49:18 GMT

Proforma celebrated 2022’s sales performances at its Million Dollar Club event at The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Ohio-based distributor hosted 350 of its owners and their guests, 45 supplier partners and more than 60 support center team members to mark close to $500 million in collective sales.

This year’s event was the largest Million Dollar Club event in the company’s history.
Individual companies within the Proforma community reported annual sales ranging from $1 million to almost $50 million in 2022.

At the event’s awards ceremony, Proforma acknowledged the achievements of its top-performing distributor owners and supplier partners, as well as nearly 50 new and next-level members of the Million Dollar Club.

“The best part about this event is having the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of success from the largest gathering of Million Dollar Club performers in the industry,” said Proforma Chief Sales Officer Greg Armstrong. “Also, the ideas exchanged about our technology and business support programs will continue to propel our distributor owners to future record-breaking growth and their next levels of achievement.”

PPAI Pyramid Awards: Promo’s Best Campaigns Of 2022

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:41:03 GMT

As the pandemic slowly receded in 2022, promo pros helped clients of all stripes get back to business. Entries from the latest PPAI Pyramid Awards demonstrated the boundless creativity of the promo industry, as well as its ability to provide memorable experiences that yield measurable results.

The PPAI Pyramid Awards, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards, have identified the leading achievement in promotional product marketing for more than 60 years. PPAI salutes the 2023 winners, chosen from campaigns created between April 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022, for the innovative and forward-thinking programs they developed to help clients build lasting and lucrative relationships with customers and end users.

Here, we take a closer look at 12 winners of this year’s competition for client programs.

Business-to-Business Programs

Gold Winner: Cliff Quicksell Associates

Cliff Quicksell Associates drafted the “Make It A Home Run With KMK” program direct mail campaign to “pitch” the client’s team as a new baseball season approached. The program targeted 100 prospects with a goal of 25% making a sales appointment with the client. A box decorated inside and out with custom baseball graphics was filled with custom baseball cards of each member of the KMK team that listed relevant “stats” and experience, plus logoed baseballs signed by the salesperson sending the kit. Each box was equipped with a custom light-activated sound chip that, when opened, played a series of ballpark souds: an umpire yelling “Play ball!”, the crack of a bat, a crowd cheering and an announcer declaring “That’s a home run!” The multi-sensory box produced an 80% appointment rate, generating 52 new clients at a cost of $86.54 each – a home run, indeed.

Silver Winner: Cliff Quicksell Associates

When the client wanted a low-cost, high-visibility direct mail piece to reactivate 79 dormant accounts, Cliff Quicksell Associates created a punny puzzle to physically engage recipients with their message. The loose pieces were delivered in a custom box bearing a teaser on the outside to build intrigue and an invitation to schedule a meeting on the inside lid, featuring the sender’s business card. Underneath the puzzle pieces inside the box was a printed maze bearing the slogan, “We can start you on the right path to improve your bottom line.” Once assembled, the puzzle let the recipient know, “We have all the pieces to elevate your marketing.” Nearly 9 in 10 recipients said they assembled their puzzle, and the program beat the standard 2-4% return for direct mail, achieving an outstanding 68% engagement that ultimately yielded 17 reactivated accounts (31.4%) – far exceeding the client’s goal.

Client Branding Programs

Gold Winner: Hillary’s

Construction company Greiner engaged the promotional professionals of Hillary’s to fully refresh their brand. The project, which began in January 2020 and launched fully in September 2021, encompassed everything from the company’s logo and companion graphics to a tagline, website redesign and branded products to promote the updated look and feel of the company and its marketing. Although the scope and length of the project expanded beyond initial expectations, Greiner was pleased with the insights gained into their position in the market, as well as the broad range of practical and functional promotional products that reflect the brand in memorable ways for a variety of end users, from hard hats and notebooks to a snack gift box and portable speaker.

Consumer Programs

Gold Winner: IMAGEN Inc.

IMAGEN Inc. helped entertainment website Fandor re-establish itself as “The Home for Cinephiles,” attracting and engaging users with the goal of growing its paying subscriber base. Fandor-branded prizes were awarded to trivia contest winners to make wearing and carrying Fandor gear a badge of honor for cinephiles wanting to show off their knowledge of film. IMAGEN helped the client curate a diverse yet cohesive collection of items to offer multiple Fandor-branded options. An online Fandor Gift Store allowed winners to select their gift, enter their address and submit their selection for fulfillment – all handled by IMAGEN. Through the use of the carefully selected branded merchandise, in conjunction with regular online trivia contests and other activities over the course of seven months, Fandor more than doubled its online community activity, grew its membership base and increased premium paid memberships by 10%.

Silver Winner: WHOOPLA

WHOOPLA helped Agency Guacamole and Matrix hair care invite 125 social media influencers to try the Unbreak My Blonde hair care product line and post about it to generate buzz. The client wanted an interactive “Break in Case of Hair Emergency” box, similar to a fire alarm box. The emergency glass component raised safety concerns, but the WHOOPLA team came up with a paperboard box with perforated lid and custom insert tray to hold the products. The box was fully sealed, so the only way to open it was to “break” the top of the box, which was designed to “break” in a shattered glass pattern. A small mallet was included to enhance the experience. The campaign reached nearly 4 million people through high engagement on TikTok and Instagram, with over 400,000 views for the top TikTok video.

Educational Programs

Gold Winner: Arid Zone

Arid Zone designed Kinder Kits, a bright and engaging collection of resources for 3-year-old children, for the Victoria State Government Department of Education & Training in Australia. The kits were distributed to about 60,000 kindergarten students to encourage learning at home through play. An expert panel evaluated the kit packaging and contents to ensure that everything was age-appropriate, safe, engaging and inclusive, and the multi-use activity case was designed to be both robust and light enough for a child to carry. Contents included colored markers with washable ink, a whiteboard panel and eraser, and an animal magnet puzzle – all intended to help recipients develop language skills, social skills, emotional expression and creativity. Feedback from Early Childhood Services and recipient families was extremely positive, and funds have been approved to extend the program for two more years.

Employee Incentive & Recognition Programs

Silver Winner: IICON Creative Strategies

The leadership team at Carpenters Local 494 Skilled Trade Union in Windsor, Ontario, Canada wanted to reconnect on a personal level with as many of the more than 500 active members as possible and thank them for their dedication and loyalty. IICON Creative Strategies had previously developed Local 494’s winged logo to appeal to the many motorcycle enthusiasts among the membership, and they built on the previous year’s well-received Union Made in Canada full zip hoodie with a “Welcome Home” campaign featuring new long-sleeved tees and beanies. IICON sourced the union-made garments from a Canadian manufacturer, and the beanie featured a small red maple leaf label to acknowledge the union’s Canadian roots. Union leadership was delighted that roughly 90% of members attended the event, held at the union hall shortly before Christmas 2021, to claim their gifts and visit with fellow members.

Internal Communication Programs

Gold Winner: Martket Branding

Visier, a workforce planning software company, engaged Martket Branding to help introduce the company’s five key values – Roll up our sleeves, Play to win, Never stop learning, Make it easy and Be proud – to its 500 employees. The values were launched at a company-wide meeting, and Visier employees were invited to order a variety of fun and functional products celebrating those values. The branded apparel and accessories include five T-shirts, one for each value; a clear tumbler with straw; a five-pack of pens (plus bookmark), each highlighting a different value; hoodies; a ring light and cellphone holder; and a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Martket Branding built and manages the online shop and fulfillment across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., and the values collection drew more than 450 orders in its first year.

Not-For-Profit Programs

Gold Winner: Render Ad Service

Render Ad Service helped the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and Henry County Sheriff’s Office launch a community car show to raise money for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes nonprofit organization, which supports at-risk children. The event committee wanted a distinctive award to create buzz and attract participants. Render Ad Service recommended a full-sized basketball, autographed by former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who had agreed to donate $5,000 as a grand prize, as the trophy. A local news station reported that the top 25 cars would receive an autographed basketball, and calls came from around the Southeast to enter. The venue lot was filled, with 550 cars entering the contest and more than 1,500 people attending. The fun, all-ages event raised $32,000 – over three times the original goal – and will be held annually in a much larger venue.

Silver Winner: Martket Branding

Martket Branding designed and produced custom playing cards for the BC Hydro Power Pioneers, a nonprofit group representing more than 5,000 BC Hydro retirees and their families in western Canada. The goal of the product was threefold: to provide a unique and engaging way to preserve and share the legacy of the utility company’s history; provide members with a safe, stay-at-home activity during COVID-19; and to raise money for BC Children’s Hospital. Each of the 54 playing cards, printed on premium casino-grade linen playing card stock, features interesting historical facts and imagery. More than 100 decks were sold online via the PowerPioneersGear.com shop; another 200 decks were sold or gifted to museums, libraries and community groups; and all sales proceeds were donated to BC Children’s Hospital.

Social Responsibility Programs

Gold Winner: Arid Zone

The Kinder Kits designed by Arid Zone, a bright and engaging collection of resources for 3-year-old children in Australia, were also recognized for sustainability. In addition to ensuring that everything was age-appropriate, safe, engaging and inclusive, the kits were also carefully designed and sourced to be as durable and eco-friendly as possible. The Arid Zone team spent six months sourcing recycled and recyclable materials that also met strict compliance standards. For example, the kit’s custom washable markers designed especially for small hands were made from recycled plastics and filled with washable ink. The final product was 100% carbon neutral thanks to carbon offsets, with the credits benefitting the Tasmanian Native Forest Protection project of Australia. The colorful case received high praise for its engaging, functional and environmentally-friendly design.

Silver Winner: The Dunstan Group

After its successful survival kit program, Duke Energy again engaged The Dunstan Group to supply vulnerable customers with tools to keep up with critical alerts, call for help or report an outage if a storm knocked out electricity to their homes. The Dunstan Group helped select and deliver 7,000 handheld emergency tools (weather radio with LED flashlight, power bank, solar and hand crank power) branded with the Duke Energy logo to customers in coastal Florida and the Carolinas at the start of hurricane season. Also provided was a manual including a phone number and directions in English and Spanish to report outages. By sourcing a multi-function product likely to be put in a prominent location and used as part of storm preparation and recovery, rather than kept in a drawer, The Dunstan Group helped Duke Energy boost brand awareness and make sure its customers know their power provider and how to reach them.

With New Partnership, Next Level Apparel Eyes Nearshore Production

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:35:31 GMT

Next Level Apparel has partnered with Grupo M, a leading textile manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic, to provide nearshore production while supporting NLA’s move to 100% U.S. cotton for its entire apparel line.

The Partnership

NLA, which specializes in designing, manufacturing and supplying premium blank apparel – announced that this strategic partnership “will bring production closer to home for improved speed-to-market, decreased geopolitical risk and increased supply chain transparency, including upstream traceability of the cotton it uses.”

NLA and Grupo M are aligned on key priorities: providing global partners and customers with apparel that prioritizes ethical and sustainable production.

“With our premium products, our customers not only look good, but they also can feel good about how those products are sourced,” says NLA CEO Randy Hales. “As part of our ethos, we seek like-minded suppliers who prioritize sustainability and uphold equally high standards. This exciting partnership with Grupo M is another step forward in our longstanding commitment to supply chain visibility and accountability.”

Ongoing Commitment

NLA has been committed to quality and socially conscious operations since its founding in 2003.

NLA recently announced a partnership with Oritain to provide origin verification for its worldwide cotton program through cutting-edge science. NLA is an approved member of the Fair Labor Association, committed to upholding its Principles of Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing throughout its global supply chain.
The company has also partnered with Better Work – a comprehensive program bringing together all levels of the garment industry to improve working conditions – on a factory, national and international level, and has received Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production certification for its factories.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with NLA to offer nearshore production while furthering our shared visions of innovation and transparency,” says Grupo M President Fernando Capellán. “We appreciate Next Level Apparel’s passion, enthusiasm and diligence in bringing the highest quality products to its customers while being equally committed to ethical and responsible sourcing.”

Maple Ridge Farms Broadens its Collection of Deliciously Fun Snack Boxes

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 18:33:46 GMT

Building upon the success of its very popular snack boxes, Maple Ridge Farms announced the release of eight new snack boxes this week. Maple Ridge Farms, Mosinee, WI, now offers eleven unique snack boxes with prices ranging from $20 (c) to $50 (c). These exciting new options can be viewed at MapleRidge.com/Snack-Boxes.

Each snack box contains a wide variety of popular snacks including Chex Mix®, Kind® bars, and Famous Amos® cookies. We include themes like Breakfast Box, Energy Booster, and Let’s Play! A full color custom label is placed on each box to boost your next promotion.

Opportunities for these snack boxes are endless:

Employee Meetings
Work-at-Home Employee Engagement
Virtual Event Breakfast Meetings
Referral Gifts
Onboarding New Employees
Room Drops
Conventions
Golf Outings
Student Appreciation
Client Thank-you's

Tom Riordan, President of Maple Ridge Farms, explained, “Adding the original set of snack boxes to our lineup has been so successful that it was only natural to build upon it.”

Located in Mosinee, WI, Maple Ridge Farms, Inc., (ASI 68680, PPAI 114165, UPIC: MAPLE, SAGE 57654), founded in 1979, is the leading supplier of food gifts to the promotional products industry. Recognized for outstanding freshness, the line includes a complete variety of candies, premium chocolates, fresh-roasted nuts, made-from-scratch baked goods, naturally aged cheeses, and smoked meats presented in innovative packaging.

Patagonia Reverses Course, Will Allow Brand Embroidery

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 12:32:31 GMT

Patagonia is back.

Almost two years after announcing it would no longer authorize the addition of brand logos on its products, the popular outdoor apparel retailer has shifted course. Beginning this spring it will allow limited brand embroidery off of the front of its garments, such as on the arm or beneath the neck.

Riverside, Rhode Island-headquartered Driving Impressions is the supplier of Patagonia products to corporate markets and the promotional products industry. It first announced the retailer’s shifting course in an email to distributor clients on Thursday.

“The reason [Patagonia] made this decision is that they have developed new solutions to either remove, repair, or repurpose embroidered Patagonia products, to better extend their usable lifespan, and to keep them out of the landfill. This program will be offered on a limited basis,” the email stated.

A Complicated Relationship

Famously vocal about its planet-first mission, Patagonia has long had an uneasiness doing business in the promotional products marketplace.

In 2018, it briefly took the stance of only allowing B-Corporations to co-brand its products. That quickly changed, and Patagonia instructed brands to only decorate the sleeve or back of the garment.

By 2019, Patagonia’s corporate sales catalog noted, “For each order, we require disclosure as to the type of company whose name will appear on the Patagonia product and how the product will be used.”

In April 2021, the company stated “Patagonia respects the power of all company logos. Every organization, business and group we work with is doing its own part to improve our planet’s future, and those efforts endow each logo with a very worthy set of values. We’ve also found that adding a logo to any Patagonia product significantly shortens its lifespan – specifically, by limiting its use to business hours or a person’s tenure at a single company or organization.”

Removal decoration options, such as logoed zipper pulls, woven hem tags and patches, were offered by Driving Impressions and will remain as options.

The new requirements move Patagonia closer to its stance before the spring of 2021. Projects will continue to be accepted on a per-order basis, with Patagonia reserving the right to approve.

The supplier suggests submitting the end-buyer and its website for pre-approval before pitching the Patagonia brand to any customer.

Not Gone Completely

After Patagonia banned on-garment logos, Driving Impressions continued to provide blank apparel to distributors providing that Patagonia approved the client and project.

What Next?

Driving Impressions’ email to clients says that “In the coming months, Patagonia will begin to accept qualified styles into their Worn Wear program that have logos added to them. Customers will be issued store credit. Items with logos will need to be altered, so the price uou will be offered is different from standard pricing. The anticipated launch for this program is Spring 2023.”

Industry Reaction

Because of Patagonia’s quality products and sustainability story, it remains popular with many end-buyers.

“Clients want it because their brand message is something that companies want to associate with,” says Scott Boyages, CAS, a Geiger distributor in Massachusetts. “I think a lot of Patagonia product will be sold through our industry moving forward. I don’t think the imprint location will make too much of a difference.”

In the two years since Patagonia pulled back from the promo industry, distributors have no doubt found other options for well-made outdoor apparel.

Boyages says, “It’s not my favorite brand to sell, that’s for sure. Too many hoops to jump through.”

SanMar Announces New Distribution Center In Greater Richmond Area

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:39:16 GMT

SanMar has announced the addition of a new distribution center in Ashland, Virginia, approximately 16 miles north of Richmond. The facility is SanMar's ninth distribution center in the United States and marks a major initial investment in the Greater Richmond area.

The new Ashland facility comprises 1.1 million square feet of capacity. The company hired its first employees in Ashland in February.

This new location will be SanMar's largest distribution center and serve as the flagship facility for the company's East Coast distributions. The company has committed a minimum investment of $50 million to bolster its deep inventory and shipping capabilities and its longstanding commitment to meeting the needs of customers nationwide with reliable service.

“We are really excited about the Virginia distribution center," says Jeremy Lott, CEO of SanMar. "It will be our largest building and employ over 1,000 people when fully built out. We are investing significantly in advanced material handling systems but won't be fully functional until later next year. Our 50-plus-year commitment to deep inventories continues with the growth of the business and this building.”

Facilisgroup Community Experiences Largest Event To Date In Dallas

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:13:03 GMT

Over 1,100 distributor partners and preferred suppliers attended the Facilisgroup 2023 Supplier Showcase held Dallas last week.

The event centered around a two-day tradeshow exclusively showcasing the 60+ suppliers that comprise the Facilisgroup Preferred Supplier network.
Additionally, members of the Facilisgroup community were celebrated as part of the 14th Annual TASA Awards, recognizing top performing distributors, suppliers and sales reps.

Winners include:

Partner of the Year: Brandito
Supplier of the Year: Gemline
The Facilis Cares Award: (Distributor – McCabe Promotional) (Supplier – PCNA)
Finance Person of the Year: Christine Cardinal with Gorilla Marketing
CSR of the Year: Malinda McKinnon with HF Custom Solutions
The Randy Shippam Award: Kevin Mullaney with Brandito
The Inspire Award: Amy McCray with Eskimo Joe’s Promotional Product Group

Zing Relocates To New Facility

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:06:44 GMT

Zing Manufacturing has relocated its operations to a newly created state-of-the-art facility in Phoenix.

Zing, which offers laser engraving for promo products such as beverage insulators, key tags, electronics, knives, sporting goods and many others, reached an agreement with S’well in 2021 to become the exclusive provider of the brand’s premium, vacuum-insulated, reusable products. In the last few months, it has also announced the additions of new brands such as Built and Anker.

As the supplier has grown in size and offerings, a bigger facility has become a necessity.

The New Facility

Zing plans to move into their new Phoenix facility March 17-20.

The supplier is relocating from a facility in Tempe, Arizona.

As part of the facility upgrade, Zing plans to continue its focus in areas such as:

Robotics and automation.

Warehousing, kitting and fulfillment programs.

The secure warehouse will include a containment area that provides storage for high-end products. The shipping and receiving area includes 15 bays for large, high-volume production orders.

Zing will be hosting virtual tours in their new facility in late March. (Sign-up information will be sent out by the company).

Production will be closed Friday, March 17 and will reopen on Tuesday, March 21.

During the move, rush services will not be available.

Sales and customer service will be available (sales@zingmfg.com) during the move if any questions arise.

PromoStandards-integrated customers could see downtime on the night of March 17, while Zing’s servers move to the new location, but this downtime is expected to be minimal.

Will This Affect Orders In The Short Term?

No orders will be impacted by the move, as Zing’s order system scheduled orders around the move.

The move will have the following minor implications:

As part of the facility upgrade, Zing plans to continue its focus in areas such as:

The secure warehouse will include a containment area that provides storage for high-end products. The shipping and receiving area includes 15 bays for large, high-volume production orders.

“We’ll miss our friends and community in Tempe,” says Rob Watson, vice president of Zing. “We’ve enjoyed their support for nearly seven years. But, with growth comes change. And now, we get to build new amaZING partnerships in our expanded facility and become your top source for drinkware, tech products and gift sets.”

Watson also spoke on the size upgrade and potential for the new facility compared to their former operations location.

“The new Zing HQ is three times our current production square footage and with its massively high ceilings, affords us over 25% vertical expansion to warehouse more inventory for high-volume opportunities as well as quick ship and on-demand fulfillment programs for our distributor partners,” says Watson.

Sock101 Hires Sarah Goshgarian Unruh

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:07:38 GMT

Sarah Goshgarian Unruh, CAS, has joined Sock101 as chief rainmaker (aka CRO). A former educator that joined the promotional product industry in 2008 as a distributor, Unruh has served the industry most recently as the vice president of business development at OrderMyGear.

Before her role with OMG, she was the vice president of sales at Logomark. She currently serves on the Promotional Product Association Southwest (PPAS) Board and is an active member of CHIEF.

"I am ecstatic to join the Sock101 Team at such a pivotal time," Unruh said. "Sock101 is an award-winning supplier that continues to impress the industry. I am committed to focusing on growth while maintaining a customer-centric approach. Together with Kelly and our dynamic team, I'm excited and honored to lead the team to the next level of near-term growth and long-term success."

Unruh will spearhead scaling and driving growth by reshaping the go-to-market strategy, and developing a future workforce to capture both organic and net new business expansion on a national level. She will commercialize the business and accelerate growth by driving integration with marketing and evolving the core competencies of the existing sales force.

"We are very excited to have Sarah joining the Sock101 team," said Sock101 owner Kelly Yarborough. "She is very knowledgeable, and will help to bring our company to new heights and reach company goals."

SAGE® ADDS NEW WEB-BASED SUPPLIER CENTER PORTAL

Cassondra Franze — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:40:49 GMT

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, announces the addition of a new web-based supplier center portal.

The new SAGE Supplier Center web-based platform has all the same functionality as the current Windows-based Supplier Center with a few exciting additions. Through an easy-to-use interface and access to more statistics than ever before, this new portal makes it easier for supplier Advantage Members, including Mac users, to access and update their product data from any device that connects to the internet.

“Our goal as a technology company has always been to provide solutions. To achieve that, two key factors for distributors and suppliers are ease of use and access to information,” said David Natinsky, President of SAGE. “With this new web-based platform, suppliers can update their product data from anywhere, which helps not only our supplier members but the industry as a whole, making real-time data even more accessible.”

Additionally, suppliers can view live product and advertising-related statistics right from their dashboard, from distributor and end-buyer product views, and profile views, to progress tracking of their monthly advertising budgets. Additionally, in the Performance & Stats area, suppliers can see a detailed breakdown of their product stats, including their most popular products, product engagement, their product category rankings, and profile engagement stats such as website and email clicks through SAGE Total Access. For suppliers participating in digital advertisements, the My Advertisements tab in the Performance & Stats area provides a detailed analysis of each ad’s performance.

Suppliers can also now perform distributor searches through the new Supplier Center portal, providing a quick and easy way for suppliers to verify contact information all in one place.

Another exciting new feature of the Supplier Center portal is the addition of the SAGE Community. SAGE Community has long been available to distributors to network with their industry peers, and it is now open to everyone in the industry. SAGE Community allows suppliers to share industry news, best practices, and connect and engage with other supplier members on hot industry topics.

The SAGE Supplier Center web portal is available now to all supplier Advantage Members at no additional cost. Simply visit www.sagesuppliercenter.com to log in.

To learn more about a SAGE Advantage Membership, visit www.sageworld.com.

OrderMyGear Announces Mykayla Goodwin As Vice President Of Strategy

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:02:35 GMT

Goodwin will play a pivotal role in identifying growth opportunities for OrderMyGear and guiding company strategy through market research and strategic planning.

Since joining OMG in 2019, Goodwin has positioned herself as a trusted strategy and product marketing leader within the company. She is currently leading the integration of OMG and BrightStores following the recent acquisition, bringing together two market leading technology platforms in the sporting goods and promotional products space.

“Mykayla has played an enormous role since she started with us in Product Marketing,” said Leonid Rozkin, CEO of OMG. “Her understanding of the industry, our clients, and our solutions is second to none. She was instrumental in helping us identify BrightStores as the ideal acquisition to create the clear leader in online stores. Today she turns her attention to ensuring the success of the integration and will work closely with clients to help us identify ways to continue fueling their growth and make technology easier along the way.”

Proforma Color Press Acquires Commander Printed Products

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:01:14 GMT

Proforma Color Press has acquired Commander Printed Products, bringing expanded supplier services, local onsite decoration services, greater storage and fulfillment services and a robust e-commerce platform for online company stores.

Proforma Color Press is part of the Proforma network of over 500 locations and over $600 million in yearly sales.

Commander Printed Products has been in business over 47 years as a long-standing supplier to the local market.

“The acquisition of Commander Printed Products is very exciting,” says David Schmaeling, president of Proforma Color Press. “The acquisition offers us a customer base that primarily buys printing the opportunity to offer logo wear, promotional items, local decoration services, storage and fulfillment programs all assisted by Proforma’s e-commerce platform, Prostores.”

Five Takeaways From Gemline’s Conversation With Former Secretary Of Defense

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:55:28 GMT

Living in a time of political, economic and global uncertainty, there are myriad factors that could affect the business practices and well-being of people across all industries, including promotional products.

On Wednesday, Gemline offered a free webinar with Leon Panetta, the former U.S. secretary of defense and CIA chief. Panetta was the director of the CIA when terrorist Osama Bin Laden was brought to justice. (James Gandolfini played him in the film Zero Dark Thirty).

Gemline Executive Chair Jonathan Isaacson hosted the webinar, which featured a 30-minute presentation by Panetta covering high-level commentary on some of the biggest topics currently affecting the U.S.. This was followed by a series of questions from Isaacson and attendees watching virtually.

To watch a recording of the conversation, click here. Below are a few takeaways from the webinar.

Cyberterrorism Is The “Battlefield Of The Future.”

PPAI Media has been busy covering cybercrimes in the promotional products industry over the past year. These crimes are typically carried out by criminals with increasing levels of sophistication.

Panetta called cyberterrorism the “battlefield of the future.” In world where conflict has the possibility of looking very different than it did 30 years ago, hacks and ransomware will be used on governments to gain leverage.

“It could literally end up paralyzing this country,” Panetta says.

This would require the highest levels of cybercrime sophistication and technology. If global conflict creates an arms race in the advancements of this dangerous field, then there is likely to be a trickle down that raises the capabilities of the more petty criminals who use these tactics to victimize businesses.

War In Ukraine Is About The Future Of Democracy In The World

Characterizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as unjust, Panetta referred to the conflict as “a pivotal war.”

One year after it started, he is impressed and proud of what the Ukrainians have managed to do to defend themselves and says that such tactics have exposed Russia’s lack of strategic plan.

“Let’s face it,” Panetta says. “Ukraine is [currently] winning this war, and Russia is losing it.”

Panetta has met and dealt with Vladimir Putin, and he recommends that the U.S. and other allies continue to give Ukraine all the weapons they need to push Russians back, because Putin will not concede easily.

“There is no ending that does not involve force,” says Panetta.

China’s Fundamental Goal Is To Replace The U.S.

China wants to be the global leader, Panetta says. The country may be strategically restrained in some instances, but it is fairly resilient in its goal to gain competitive advantages over the U.S. Referring to Chinese spy balloons that were eventually detected on U.S. land, Panetta called it “the tip of the iceberg to the efforts they have made to gather intelligence.”

Panetta says that he has held high-level positions in which the U.S. has dealt with similarly ambitious nations, and that it tends to get worse before eventually getting better, insinuating that we are currently living out the bad phase. He believes that the U.S. has to maintain a healthy dialogue with China, but it must be done from a point of strength because “China cares about China first.”

Business In China Doesn’t Come Without Risk

Panetta did not advise against businesses operating out of China, but he was cleverly strategic when discussing a large company having a presence there in the current climate of the two nations’ relationship.

“I think it would be wise to try to find a way to have a presence there without being so high-profile that you become a target,” Panetta says.

The dynamic between the two countries is clearly tenuous. It could get worse, but the potential for improvement remains.

“When we get beyond this stage, economic opportunity is going to grow in this area,” Panetta says.

The Debt-Ceiling Is A Legitimate Threat

Many have discussed the possibility and implications of the U.S. hitting the debt ceiling, including PPAI Media. The U.S. sits at approximately $31.5 trillion in debt. That could mean up to $10 trillion of interest in just the next 10 years.

Panetta has been party to and actively involved in contentious budgeting issues in the past, all of which were resolved, perhaps not perfectly so but enough to prevent disaster, through some degree of compromise. Unfortunately, he does not see the same type of spirit in today’s government. There is considerably less bipartisanship in most instances of government, leaving less room for compromise.

“Today, the budget process is broken in Washington,” Panetta says. “Both parties don’t want to confront the hard issues in order to reduce the deficit.”

BELLA+CANVAS Expands With Two New Distribution Facilities

Cassondra Franze — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:49:51 GMT

For the first time since its founding in 1992, BELLA+CANVAS has more than one distribution facility.

The California-based supplier has opened two new facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada and North East, Maryland that “will help us reach customers faster,” the company announced.

Since 1992, BELLA+CANVAS had operated one distribution facility: its original headquarters in Commerce, California.

The Commerce facility closed March 3 and operations shifted to the Las Vegas facility, which opened for normal business March 6.

The new distribution center in North East, Maryland is fully operational

On average, orders will be shipped to their final destination throughout the United States in roughly 1-3 days via UPS Ground, the company states.

The two new facilities total 1.436 million square feet and will be supported by 720 total employees and 300 bots “to assist in the rapid, safe and accurate fulfillment of orders.”

Citadel Brands Names Michael R. Hoffman New CEO

Cassondra Franze — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:40:09 GMT

Citadel Brands (PPAI 715433, S7) has a new chief executive officer.

Michael R. Hoffman will take over the role of CEO at the Kingstree, South Carolina-based supplier, which specializes in fleece casualwear and polyester sportswear. The company moved operations to Kingstree from Charlotte, North Carolina last year.

With more than 30 years in the industry, Hoffman has held senior leadership positions at major apparel corporations such as Fruit of the Loom and Gildan.

As CEO, Hoffman will work closely with the Citadel Brands executive team and employees to develop and execute strategies that will drive continued success.

Hoffman will lead the company in enhancing its brand portfolio and customer experiences, expanding its global presence and driving innovation across all business units.

“We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Citadel Brands family,” says Jawad Jumani, Citadel Brands founder and president. “His deep industry experience, leadership skills, and passion for building exceptional brands make him the ideal leader for Citadel Brands’ future.”

In addition to its partnerships with multiple U.S. apparel brands, Citadel Brands is the distribution partner for Scotland-based AWDis Brands, a blank apparel supplier that specializes in creating innovative, high-quality products.

“I am thrilled to join Citadel Brands as its new CEO,” Hoffman says. “The company has a rich history of creating exceptional products that resonate with customers, and I am excited to lead the next phase of growth and success.”

The #Online18 2023 (Part 2): The Best Promo Pros On Social Media

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 14:07:44 GMT

PPAI Media is back once more to unveil promo’s best on social media.

Today’s list recognizes the industry’s 18 top individual influencers – whether they embrace that term or not – who are crushing it on one or more platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or TikTok). Last Friday we announced the #Online18 Best Organizations On Social Media; in the first six years of this project, organizations and individuals were combined by list organizer Dale Denham, MAS+, now the president and CEO of PPAI. But with PPAI Media taking over the #Online18 for the first time, we’ve split the honors in 2023.

While everyone wants to see their company and coworkers earn high honors, let’s be honest: Personal branding is the heartbeat of social media. Me, me, me. This is the big one.

And these folks are good. Not a single one of them will ask that age-old question, “Who sells this pen?” All 18 are consistently giving more than they’re taking, elevating the industry and entertaining or inspiring their fellow pros at the same time.

Our picks and rankings for both lists were hotly debated by our team in a process using nominations and recommendations from industry insiders, PPAI staff and others, including each of the 2022 honorees. We must note, once again, that this countdown from No. 18 to No. 1 does not include any PPAI staffers. But we’re out there, so please feel free to slide into our DMs.

An undertaking like this always produces its interesting little side notes. It’s worth mentioning that eight of these 18 individuals are first-timers on our list, 11 are distributors and at least four help to oversee social media at companies that made this year’s list of organizations.

As far as the leading platform goes, LinkedIn is the clear winner here. While most on this list use at least three social media platforms at least to some degree, all but one hosts their largest audience of followers on LinkedIn. TikTok remains a curiosity for most of the industry’s best, which is just as well, since it might very well be #cancelled soon enough.

Drumroll, please. Here are this year’s picks for the 2023 #Online18 best social media influencers:

***

18. Erin Eberhardt
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2,150 Followers

Erin is a new name on our list, but she’s been building a devoted fan base, especially on LinkedIn, for some time now with her pithy and instructive posts. Her content selection and tone make readers feel they are getting some free, expert advice – and that positions her as a pro clients want to work with.

17. Kirby Hasseman
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: Twitter – 4,654 Followers

Kirby has long been a favorite on our list – last year he shared spot No. 9 with Bill Petrie. No list of influencers would be complete without him, because his posts are an appealing blend of industry thought-leader, personal coach, skilled distributor and storyteller. There’s always a brilliant takeaway from Kirby’s posts, especially those linking to one of his latest podcasts (Delivering Marketing Joy has more than 430 episodes, and he’s produced The Monday Minute since 2020).

16. Mitch Silver
Follow On: LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 3,022 Followers

Mitch is another returning favorite to our list (No. 15 last year), and he first grabbed our attention with posts featuring simple and clever images backed up with quick and brilliant points about promo. Mitch knows what he’s doing with social media, and, judging by the number of followers, we’re not the only ones who think so. He also stands out by posting only on LinkedIn – that’s it! When you find something that’s effective, give it everything you’ve got. That’s how Mitch rolls, and it’s working.

15. Sergio Munoz
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 8,711 Followers

It’s Sergio’s first time to make our list, and he gets the gold star for having a record number of followers on a single platform. His posts are a fascinating mix of things that are important to him: the promo industry, his employer (Debco), his family and friends. His posts are thoughtful, authentically Sergio with raw enthusiasm and emotion – the kind of posts that draw people in.

14. Swire Ho
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2,231 Followers

Swire is another first-timer who brings his magnetic personality to social media. Among his mix of content is a new blog he and his wife Shirley launched last year called My Promo Story – interviews with an interesting selection of industry folks. His posts also feature The Small Business Show, a live podcast with industry guests. Together, these resources yield a great deal of original content and something new to learn every time we click on Swire’s posts.

13. Katie Kahler
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 1,304 Followers

For the past couple of years, Katie has been a popular poster with an engaged following, but this is the first time she’s made our list as an individual. However, last year she was recognized when her employer, American Solutions for Business, was ranked No. 1 on our list (it’s No. 4 on this year’s organizational list) thanks in large part to Katie’s creativity. On her own pages, she grabs our attention with eye-catching product videos coupled with plenty of people pics and posts from company and industry events.

12. Charity Gibson
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2,827 Followers

One of the industry’s undisputable queens of social media, Charity has been at the top of her game and on our list for years, and few do it better. Not only does she create posts and engaging original videos in which she freely shares her thoughts and expertise (she’s a former distributor turned supplier), along with personal insights as a mom, but she sees social media as a two-way street, posting conversation-starter questions and getting huge engagement. In fact, she’s the only person we know who can publish a text-only post (about Super Bowl commercials) and get 23 comments, 60 likes and 11 shares … and counting! If anything, though, we want more. Charity’s accounts fell mostly quiet for months, but she has re-engaged with emphasis more recently.

11. Bill Petrie
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2,174 Followers

Bill ranked No. 9 on last year’s list, sharing that spot with Kirby Hasseman largely because of their weekly Promo UPFront podcast, but we felt both guys had truly earned their own ranking this year. Bill knows his followers well and puts in the time to provide highly sharable content that’s educational and thought-provoking, often linking to the podcast he hosts with Kirby or to his Brandivate blog. How did the voting shake out for Bill to earn the higher spot of the two this year? Well, we can’t wait to hear the duo talk it through, but here’s a theory: No matter the topic, Bill is willing to offer a hot take, always bravely putting himself out there in a way we can all relate to. The two make a great pair, however, and their voices are stronger together than apart. (We’re holding thoughts and prayers for Bill’s former Twitter account @billpetrie, which was apparently hacked and became devoted to NFT mining. Cool stuff, Mr. Musk.)

10. Samantha Fullerton
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2,529 Followers

Samantha is a new addition to our list, and we give her props for making it into our top 10 on the first go-round. Her posts bring out her passion for the industry and she knows what her audience wants, with lots of cool products, trend updates and promo ideas crafted to pique the attention of her clients and position her as the promo guru. We love how Samantha rolls!

9. Jenna Quaranta
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 4,619

How we have missed including Jenna on our previous lists is a mystery because she’s a true powerhouse on social. She’s the force behind KNOSS Apparel’s formidable presence, which ranked No. 9 on this year’s list of organizations, and most of her posts are co-branded. She loves to share selling hacks and insights about branding and entrepreneurship, as well as fitness, being a mom and other topics. Her huge following on LinkedIn confirms that she’s doing a lot of things right.

8. Nick Lateur
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 3,558

One of the most consistent contributors to social media and No. 6 on last year’s list, Nick has gained a popular following over the years with his quirky and long-running “Monday” video posts (kudos to Nick for maintaining this consistency – that’s hard to do). If your Mondays need a little kickstart, check out Nick’s posts and start the week with a smile.

7. Nadav Raviv
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 6,024

The poster’s poster: Nadav is a brand-new face to this list after earning more recommendations from previous #Online18 honorees than any other individual. Nadav has a massive LinkedIn following, which is a true testament to the value of his messaging. Worlds regularly collide on Nadav’s social platforms as he shares personal faves (he’s a huge NASCAR fan) along with shoutouts from industry shows and new product ideas, plus lots of inspiration along the way. Follow Nadav and chances are good that his positive attitude will rub off on you.

6. Javier Melendez
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 883

There’s probably no one who has mastered the short-form video on social media like Javier. He has a lot of fun with these, and so do his followers (check out the one below). Despite having the second-smallest number of followers on any platform, he moved up from No. 12 last year because we love what he does with video on social media, and so do many of his fellow influencers. Javi is an up-and-coming voice in promo (honored as one of 12 PPAI Magazine Rising Stars last year) who has something to say about an industry that his generation will soon take over.

5. Meg Erber
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 3,260

One of our favorites last year (at No. 3), Meg remains in our top five because she’s simply everywhere on social media in such a relatable and enjoyable way. Meg’s posts sport a fun, conversational vibe with content that’s incredibly relevant whether she’s highlighting a recent episode of podcast Industry Insider (she’s one of the hosts), promoting an activity for the industry group PromoCares (she’s a volunteer) or just celebrating the completion of a set of reps at the gym. She always lets us see the real Meg, and that draws us in.

4. Danny Rosin
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 6,424

Danny has a whopping 6,424 followers just on LinkedIn (almost 18,500 on all four of his platforms combined), and that alone should qualify him as a top influencer. But he brings so much more to his pages than just numbers. One of the co-founders of BrandFuel (No. 1 on our best organizations list), he’s deeply engaged in the industry and passionate about the causes he and the company support – and he uses social media to share those passions and influence others to join in. We can count on him to be authentic and vulnerable in his posts – it’s a quality that’s earned him a deep and devoted fan base.

3. Taylor Borst
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2,911

If you are not yet following this young dynamo, start today. In short order she’s become the social media face of American Solutions for Business, although her marketing leadership extends far beyond social. She has established herself as perhaps the industry’s leading voice on women’s promo apparel trends and continues to improve and surprise us with killer content. The product videos she does for ASB showcase some of her best work. These are slick in a good way, entertaining and instructive without being salesy. The example below is our latest favorite.

2. Josh Pospisil
Follow On: Facebook, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn - 813

“On Wednesdays we wear pink.” Each week you can count on Josh to post himself wearing a pink shirt or jacket and a huge smile, channeling Mean Girls. It’s his signature post. Sometimes he’s alone or pictured with co-workers (all wearing pink) in the office, at a show or on the road, but if it’s Wednesday, it’s pink day for Josh. Consistency is Josh’s thing, and he’s mastered it, becoming a constant and bright presence in industry feeds. His followers expect it, and he always delivers. He’s also the inspired talent behind his employer, Hirsch, which nailed the No. 13 spot for the first time on this year’s best organizations list. Josh brings a magnetic personality, creativity and loads of personal cred to his own platforms and Hirsch’s.

1. Jeremy Picker
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 6,326

What does it take to be the No. 1 individual influencer on the #Online18? There’s not an exact formula. It’s not about having the biggest follower count, or the most posts, or the greatest engagement levels, or the most insightful and interesting posts, or reflecting the industry in a positive light, or modeling industry expertise, or creating content across many platforms … or just sharing cool pictures of branded T-shirts. It’s about all of those things and more, which is what Jeremy brings to the table in an authentic way. His content is always thoughtful and worth sharing, and the greater branded merchandise industry is better off to have him as an unmistakable leading voice.

Congratulations to all of the #Online18 honorees, and thank you for leading the way as we all work to elevate the conversation around promotional products. Click here to view Part 1 of the #Online18 for 2023, honoring the industry's best organizations of social media.

Logomark Undergoes Top Leadership Changes

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:23:59 GMT

Logomark has made a change in leadership.

The California-based supplier has promoted internally, announcing that Clive Goldberg, formerly the company’s chief operating officer, will be taking over as president. Former president Trevor Gnesin will remain in a leadership role with Logomark.

The Leadership Change

The move to place Goldberg as the president is less of a leadership shakeup and more of a refiguring of roles and titles.

Goldberg joined Logomark in 2019.
He was previously serving as the company’s COO.
Prior to joining the promotional products world in 2019, Goldberg worked in the automotive parts industry for three decades holding CEO, CFO and COO positions.

Goldberg has big shoes to fill as he takes over the role for Gnesin, who has over 40 years of experience in the promotional products industry and has owned Logomark since its founding 30 years ago.

Gnesin will remain with Logomark as CEO/chairman.
In this role, the former president will spend increased time adding new brands to the Logomark portfolio.

Logomark’s current offerings include gifts, pens, accessories, drinkware, mobile technologies, custom packaging and watches.

Goldberg will officially begin his tenure as president on March 1.

What They’re Saying

Joining any company in 2019, as Goldberg did, was surely a challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic was just around the corner, and there have been waves of global and economic uncertainty since then. Gnesin says that Goldberg’s ability to help Logomark through these times was a factor in the decision to promote him to president.

“Throughout the challenges that COVID brought, Clive proved his management skills time and again,” Gnesin says. “Through his leadership, we have been able to slash costs and increase EBITDA, improve customer service, better our inventory levels and more, all while retaining 97% of our team and building company morale.”

For his part, Goldberg seems to feel that this new position will be a continuation of the momentum that he and Logomark have experienced together.

“I am very excited about my new role with Logomark,” Goldberg says. “Leading the executive management team has been a fulfilling experience as we continue to be creative, innovative and focused on the future.”

Is “Friendshoring” The Future For Promo?

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:21:43 GMT

Friendshoring has already begun.

Whether promo is keeping up with the latest jargon used to describe the process of moving manufacturing away from politically tumultuous nations like China and into democratically elected countries or nations that the United States has a positive relationship with, the industry does not want to be left behind.

“It is worth noting that despite the large trade volume with China, it is only the U.S.’s third biggest trading partner,” says Patrick Ward, vice president of marketing at Rootstrap, a custom software development consultancy. “The first two? A perfect example of friendshoring: Canada and Mexico.”

Indeed, one of promo’s biggest stories of 2023 so far has been HPG’s acquisition of Evans Manufacturing, and Chris Anderson, HPG’s CEO, has stated that a significant motivation behind the move was Evans’ manufacturing operation in Mexico.

An overreliance on China for manufacturing is not specifically a promo problem. Pick up three items in your office or house, and you’re likely to see the words “Made in China.” It’s the result of decades of international business practices. But the trade tariffs placed on China during the Trump administration followed by the COVID-19 pandemic created supply chain nightmares that even the most creative companies couldn’t expedite.

Those conditions may well prove to be less of a bump in the road and more of a warning for the future. To call the U.S.’s current relationship with China “unpredictable” would be putting it diplomatically.

Friendshoring, or its cousin, nearshoring, may prove to be a competitive advantage. Or, it may prove to be a necessity.

What Is Friendshoring?

The clearest definition of friendshoring is the practice of relocating supply chains to countries where the risk of disruption from political chaos is low.

Tariffs, COVID-19 policies and political differences have created added risks to U.S. companies manufacturing in China.
The war in Ukraine has reminded industries of how easily reliance on trade partnerships can be used as political leverage in conflicts between nations.

Since 2020, it has become commonplace to expect the unexpected when it comes to global affairs and conditions.

Ward argues that while cheap labor has long made manufacturing in places like China enticing, favorable conditions for trade in neighboring countries have been established since the 1994 NAFTA agreement, “which continues to consolidate the benefits of for U.S. companies working with close allies, not only due to ease of doing business but also reduced transportation and logistical hurdles by working with close allies that are economically tied to the U.S.’s success.”

In other words, in uncertain times, rely on your friends, or in this case, the friends of the U.S.

The promo industry is not particularly unique in how this situation applies to it. The allure of places like China will continue to be cheap labor, while the potential headaches are uncertain. Perhaps the past few years have been a perfect storm of unfavorable global conditions. But “political chaos” will remain a risk in countries the U.S. does not actively consider an ally.

“Promotional products, being niche in nature and relying on timely delivery to customers, are primed to capture the benefits of friendshoring,” Ward says.

Small And Mid-Size Companies Can Lead The Way

In previous decades, large companies had the advantage in decisions like friendshoring, because of the capital they are able to access to make big changes. But, according to Ward, things have changed in today’s contemporary market.

“The advantage has switched to small to mid-sized companies with more niche products and services along with a lower dependency on manufacturing output,” Ward says. “They are well-poised to capture the benefits of friendshoring due to the innate flexibility of their business models and greater ability to pivot to opportunity.”

A great case study of this is Alumicolor, a mid-sized supplier based out of Colorado that has manufactured out of the Central American country of El Salvador since 1981.

Alumicolor, which specializes in aluminum rulers among other products, found that the factory that makes aluminum for the El Salvadorian construction industry could also manufacture its products.
El Salvador’s close proximity to Colorado has reaped benefits for Alumicolor for decades.

“The reason we find it to be a huge advantage is that we can get the product so much faster,” says Scott Schoenbauer, general manager at Alumicolor.

Turnaround times are two or three weeks for Alumicolor orders.
The company airfreights all orders because of its affordability at such a short distance.
It remains cost-effective to even airfreight small orders of aluminum without having to pass international freighting costs on to customers.

Although there was a Civil War in El Salvador in the 1980s, the supply chain has been smooth for Alumicolor since manufacturing out of the country. The United States sees El Salvador as an important and willing trade partner.

“The Salvadoran government recognizes that trade is a very important aspect of their economy,” Schoenbauer says. “They want to have trade happening to the outside world.”

Additionally, the factory pays workers more on average than Chinese factories, while labor costs are still cheaper than domestic manufacturing.

“It’s not like a sweatshop or anything like that,” Schoenbauer says. “We go through an annual audit with [the retailer] Michael’s. It’s like a social accountability audit that they do with all their vendors, and we pass with flying colors. I feel good about that. Whereas in China, you just don’t know.”

This time one year ago, companies were struggling with logistic nightmares due to supply chain disruption.

Alumicolor used the fact that it wasn’t affected by what was going on in China or elsewhere as a selling point.
The company’s three-week turnaround was maintained throughout global supply chain disruptions.

In fact, Schoenbauer says that one of the company’s top competitors reached out because they needed a specific product in a timeframe that would be unattainable without going through Alumicolor Salvadoran factory. Based on that competitive advantage, Alumicolor did business with the competitor and created an amicable partnership.

The Logical Flaw Of Friendshoring

The problem with buzzworthy terms is that they tend to be defined in non-static moments.

As the New York Times states, “Who, exactly, are your friends? In the last couple years, President Biden went from calling Saudi Arabia a ‘pariah’ to fist-bumping Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to vowing that the kingdom would face ‘consequences’ for teaming up with Russia.”

Diplomatic relations are fickle.
The U.S. is always looking to improve trade relations with countries.
On the other hand, one consequential decision can drastically affect the U.S.’s view of a particular nation.

Geopolitical relations change in a matter of years. A company planning to set up manufacturing in a new country is likely hoping to establish an operation that will span 30 years, not three. There is inherent risk in the decision.

That said, not all risks are equal. It only takes a reasonable amount of research to figure out which countries are more likely to remain favorable trade partners with the U.S. Alumicolor’s long-ago decision to manufacture out of El Salvador might have saved its business last year, which thrived instead of scrambling along with much of the industry.

Munchable Merch

Cassondra Franze — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:17:59 GMT

Has the restaurant T-shirt replaced the concert T-shirt as a must-have item? Fast-food fans these days have plenty of buzzworthy apparel, drinkware and other merch available to satisfy their cravings.

1. Wendy's Baconator Gift Bag

Wendy’s was an early adopter of the brand shop, establishing its merch site in 2018. The site offers everything from baby onesies to lapel pins to drinkware – plus gift bags to wrap them in. Pair the 8.5” x 11” Baconator gift bag with Wendy’s tissue paper (10 sheets per pack) to present Wendy’s-themed items like:

Frosty-flavored lip moisturizer in classic chocolate, as well as vanilla and peppermint – and a fourth option for maple French toast sticks.

The Dip Trip Sauce Holder clips onto a vehicle’s air vent and holds most standard sauce cups, or packets can be squeezed directly into the ramekin. No word on whether the company approves of pouring in a little bit of your Frosty to dip your hot fries (IYKYK).

2. Raising Cane's Glossy & Saucy Nail Polish

Louisiana-born chicken finger chain Raising Cane’s capitalizes on the cult following of its super-secret Cane’s Sauce with multiple merch options, from this Glossy & Saucy Nail Polish to lip balm and soap (both plain, not sauce-flavored or scented) and even a “dipped” cellphone case or shower curtain. The tangy condiment was voted “most craveable” in a 2021 consumer poll, with a whopping 20-point lead over second place. In November 2022, Cane’s also collaborated with Anti Social Social Club for a limited-edition streetwear line including bandannas, hoodies and more.

3. Whataburger Fry Slippers

Any native Texan recognizes the iconic orange and white stripes of Whataburger, but as the chain has spread across the South and beyond, the company has also made the most of its fiercely loyal following with an extensive merch shop. Products range from the practical (tees and hoodies) to the whimsical (silver charms and customized versions of the chain’s famous table tents). For example, you can keep your tootsies toasty with these plush Fry Slippers, with fuzzy “fries” bursting out of the suede velvet slip-ons.

4. Del Toro Benihana Velvet Slippers

For something decidedly more upscale, luxury Italian footwear brand Del Toro has partnered with Japanese steakhouse Benihana for its handmade Benihana Velvet Slippers, available in both men’s and women’s sizes and a choice of two patterns embroidered in red on black – the restaurant’s iconic hat logo or flower bouquets. Complete the look with a matching embroidered baseball cap (white). A portion of the proceeds from sales of the Benihana collection will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

5. Taco Bell x Tipsy Elves Hot Sauce Packet Onesie

The first Taco Bell x Tipsy Elves Hot Sauce Packet Onesie (adult sizes) Taco Bell offered in its merch shop sold out within 24 hours. This cozy addition to the collection, which includes plenty of apparel and other product options celebrating their sauce packets – from socks and swimsuits to luggage to notebooks and pencils – drew more than 1 million visitors to the shop site within days, earning it a permanent spot in the shop.

6. Chipotle Custom Order Tee

Wearing merch from your favorite brand is all about identity and sharing your enthusiasm – and you are what you eat, as the old saying goes – so why not make it official and declare your burrito order to the world? Design your own Chipotle custom order tee (short- or long-sleeve) or tote bag with your favorite ingredients in black print on white fabric. The canvas totes and unisex slim-fit tees are made of GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton.

7. Hot Pockets Cargo Shorts and Hoodie

Just before Christmas 2022, Hot Pockets released an exclusive Hot Pockets Cargo Shorts and Hoodie giveaway that quickly “sold out” after creating major social media buzz. The kit included both garments, plus a coupon for a free two-pack of Hot Pockets, and the shorts featured two literal hot pockets – insulated pouches designed to carry the eponymous snack in cozy comfort until ready to eat.

Orbus Achieves G7 Color Certification & Celebrates 15 Years of Partnership with Printing United Alliance

Cassondra Franze — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 20:01:00 GMT

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments and corporate interiors, is proud to announce that it has been recertified to the IDEAlliance G7 Master Print Specification for the 12^th consecutive year and is celebrating 15 years of membership with Printing United Alliance.

The G7 Master Certification signifies that a facility has calibrated certain equipment and systems to G7 gray balance and neutral tone curves and can deliver G7 proofs and print products. This certification indicates that all Orbus’ print processes, substrates, and inks are aligned to get the best color-match across different materials.

Orbus has a number of G7 certified professionals on the graphics team in addition to holding the certification as a company. The experts implement G7 based calibration into print workflows and analyze color and print issues, benefiting customers with a valuable resource in ensuring that quality standards are met.

Printing United Alliance is a trade association for printers and other professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, and packaging industries. Membership gives companies access to research, resources, events, education, and other tools to help build their business.

Orbus is proud to have been a member of Printing United Alliance for 15 continuous years and Orbus’ own Vice President of Graphics and Printing Expert, Jaime Herand, is on the board of directors.

“I am extremely proud of our ability to provide clients with premium print quality and service, while experiencing record growth,” said Jaime Herand, Vice President of Graphic Operations at Orbus. “Being a member of the Printing United Alliance for 15 years is a testament to Orbus’ dedication to quality graphic printing.”

The #Online18: Promo’s Best Organizations On Social Media

Cassondra Franze — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:52:05 GMT

It’s time for the big reveal! This year’s seventh annual #Online18 list of the industry’s best on social media is ready to go, and with it we announce some changes to the process.

What began as a list based solely on the opinion of the always-online Dale Denham, MAS+, has been democratized. Now the president and CEO of PPAI, Denham has entrusted PPAI Media to carry on his tradition of alienating everyone who was not selected (tens of thousands finished tied at No. 19) and further upsetting those who did make the list but believe they should’ve been seeded higher.

PPAI Media solicited nominations and recommendations from industry insiders, including each of the 2022 honorees, to help create this year’s rankings. In other words, blame your friends.

In the past, Denham’s list consisted of an apples-and-oranges ranking of both organizations and individuals. This year, we’ve created a separate list for each category for double the fun and flattery.

This is Part 1 of the 2023 #Online18, ranking the best-posting organizations in the industry, including distributors, suppliers, service providers and collaborative groups. Shout out to all the twentysomething social media managers making your bosses look good.

Seven organizations spotlighted in last year’s article made it back into this year’s lineup – but not in the same ranking. They are joined by 11 savvy new front-runners who are making quite a name for themselves across social media platforms. The final countdown from No. 18 to No. 1 was decided by the PPAI Media staff along with the association’s most discerning likers, lurkers and retweeters, who considered the effectiveness of each organization’s posts across all accounts, their creativity and connection to their followers. (And obviously we disqualified ourselves from the competition, just to give everyone else a chance.)

Let’s BeReal, though: If you are serious about strengthening your company’s presence on social media, you can learn a lot from the successes of these #Online18.

18. PromoCares
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Instagram – 1,700 Followers

Making the world a better place is what drives this industry organization to exist, and social media is an important channel for them. We love that the organization’s posts reflect the fun-loving and gregarious personalities of its board members. Their passion for the group’s mission consistently comes through their posts and helps build a community of like-minded volunteers who support their vision.

17. Team SCG
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Instagram - 1,023 Followers

We really like this family-owned distributor’s approach to social media – showcasing the people and personalities behind its brand and having a great time doing it. Read a few posts and you’ll not only feel you know the folks at Team SCG but you’ll want them as friends. And you know the old saying – people do business with people they know and like. They also mix it up with occasional product posts, live videos from shows and helpful links that spark ideas for clients.

16. SAGE
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn - 5,522 Followers

SAGE’s social media gets our vote for its useful tips, hacks and tutorials that help industry subscribers use their software programs more efficiently. The company also grabs attention with content around its exclusive research on things such as top products of the month and top product categories, plus timely reminders about upcoming webinars with handy registration links.

15. SnugZ USA
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Facebook - 7,100 Followers

When a supplier sells goods across more than two dozen product categories, we expect to see lots of products on social media, and we get that with SnugZ. The posts consistently spotlight a variety of its most eye-catching products in creative ways. We especially like the entertaining videos taken at this year’s shows, plus the short videos that educate and engage viewers about the company’s services and imprint methods.

14. iPROMOTEu
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn - 4,757 Followers

iPROMOTEu delivers content that hits its distributor audience right where they live with useful stats, resources and story links, plus reminders about programs and services to make their lives easier. It’s easy to see why iPROMOTEu has such a solid social media following.

13. Hirsch
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Instagram - 2,154 Followers

Most of Hirsch’s social media posts reflect a positive vibe that mirrors the company’s culture. This supplier always has something good to share: a new product, news about one of the giveback programs they support or a shout-out for an exceptional client or team member. Keep up the great work, Hirsch!

12. PromoKitchen
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Twitter - 5,540 Followers

It’s no surprise that PromoKitchen made our list – this volunteer-led group has been one of the most active on social media since its start more than a decade ago. They always have something relatable and attention-grabbing going on to share such as a new podcast or blog post, upcoming education program or humorous photos from an industry event. Last fall, they orchestrated a T-shirt design contest entirely on social media.

11. Logojojo
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Instagram - 2,056 Followers

Did someone say coffee? This five-year-old, custom-label, craft coffee supplier has a social media following as strong as any espresso – and this is the company’s second year on our list. The difference-maker is co-owner Ellie Bathe, who has become the face of the company with her offbeat and hilarious social media posts. We can’t wait to see what she’s going to post next!

10. Raining Rose
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Facebook – 3,500 Followers

This personal-care product supplier grabbed our attention with its smart variety of posts aimed to educate distributors about its products, processes and services. Some of these can even be shared on distributor sites. The company has a great product story and they do a good job of telling it through social media. And a big shout-out for the entertaining video made at The PPAI Expo – so enjoyable to experience the show again through their lens.

9. KNOSS Apparel
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Instagram – 808

KNOSS Apparel may be a new name to some, and has the smallest following on this list, but they are quickly establishing themselves as an industry leader on social media. KNOSS has some of the best videos we’ve seen – engaging, humorous, snappy little bites of content that are fun to watch. And they mix it up with stylish apparel spots and sales tips in a way that keeps viewers coming back for more.

8. Maple Ridge Farms
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Twitter – 4,430

A consistent standout on previous lists, this supplier has done it again this year with a variety of videos and content as rich as their fudgy brownies. But it’s more than sweet talk. Their posts about self-care, wellness tips and a blogging primer offer some alternatively tasty takeaways. Our favorite video is their Valentine’s Day post – a hilarious riff on a comedy classic.

7. PromoCorner
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Facebook – 4,671

PromoCorner is one of the most active companies on social media, sometimes posting daily or even twice a day. Even better, the content is typically education-focused, linking to PromoJournal articles from a variety of experts, and video Q&As with leaders across the industry. They also score big points for consistency with recurring posts like #PromoErrDay!, a frequent, product-focused video hosted by Brandon Pecharich and The Monday Minute, 60 seconds of inspiration with Kirby Hasseman. They’ve made our list previously because there’s so much to see here.

6. ASI
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn - 30,911

Returning to the list, ASI has the largest number of followers of any social media account we checked. The company's content approach includes recorded podcasts and live sessions hosted by ASI Media’s Vinnie Driscoll, as well as videos that give a sneak peek at upcoming event keynote speakers. Seemingly everyone at ASI is active on social media, and their individual accounts share in this award. The group keeps things fresh with inside jokes and chatter. Plus they’ve got the GOAT, Michele Bell, who always has something sweet to say when our own publisher posts pics of his kids. Kudos to ASI for the team effort.

5. Goldstar Pens
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn - 3,810

Goldstar is another of last year’s top influencers that makes smart use of social media by posting frequently and often about products: new collections, color trends, product introductions and links to new look books. For several years, VP Charles Duggan has been a familiar face on Goldstar posts and now he’s hosting a frequent video spot called The Creative Goldstar Globetrotters where he chats it up with a variety of industry personalities. Goldstar is serious about the business, but they have fun doing it.

4. American Solutions for Business
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn - 5,798

ASB held the No. 1 spot on our list last year, largely on the strength of some of the individual accounts under its umbrella. Still, the ASB corporate social media presence is definitely praiseworthy – specifically for its wide variety including product spots, gift ideas, creative inspiration and charitable company news (see how far they’ll go for a charity in the clip below). Plus, Founder 411, a video interview featuring CEO/Founder Larry Zavadil, and ASB Employee Spotlight, an element they launched in 2021, add a welcome family-feel to their content.

3. commonsku
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Instagram - 2,966

commonsku is another company that knows its brand persona inside out and remains true to that brand on social media. We love their broad assortment of content from original articles crafted by commonsku’s leaders and others, to podcasts featuring experts inside and outside the industry. And who can forget those posts promoting upcoming events? They share a bit of info in one post, boost the excitement in the next post, and finally unveil the details in the final post. It keeps us guessing and wanting more – and that should be every company’s social media goal.

2. HPG
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn - 2,650

If you want product storytelling at its best, look at HPG. They use custom photography, well-designed GIFs and tightly-edited video reels to deliver messages that are succinct and memorable. Other large suppliers can take a cue from this social media leader because they know how to capitalize on the strengths of each platform. For example, their Instagram posts lean to short-form videos, while posts on LinkedIn are often company announcements and reshared posts from around the industry, and Facebook is a complementary mix of product posts, videos and company activities and announcements. They obviously work hard to achieve this kind of success and it’s impressive.

1. BrandFuel
Follow On: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: Twitter – 5,501

The magic about BrandFuel is that this distributor never takes itself too seriously and that shines through on its social media pages. Brilliant! Viewers can expect not only witty content that’s worth sharing, but also thoughtful, purposeful posts that get people thinking. We love to read activity updates on the many nonprofits and causes the company supports as well as the occasional, unexpected post (a high school football team photo featuring the two co-owners that was posted just prior to the Super Bowl). BrandFuel knows exactly what its brand looks like and sounds like, and its social media posts are a mirror image. From the likes on these pages, we are not the only ones to find its content so refreshing.