News

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.

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

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 (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

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.

RELATED: New Bill Targets E-Bikes, E-Scooters With Lithium-Ion Batteries

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.

“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: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

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, 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.

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.”

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 (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.