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  • Monday, July 21, 2025 9:52 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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 4th 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.

  • Monday, July 21, 2025 9:05 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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:


    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

  • Wednesday, July 16, 2025 1:30 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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

  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025 3:23 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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.”

    RELATED: Paula Shulman, CAS: A Leader With A Glow

    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

  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025 3:19 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    The Peernet Group – an alliance of distributors located across the United States, Canada and Mexico – has announced that Doug Fregolle Promotions (PPAI 638367, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 61 distributor, has joined its ranks as its 21st member.

    DFP’s ability to blend creativity and technology – including its scalable technology, e-commerce platforms and extensive product access – with logistics excellence makes it a valuable addition to the network, according to Peernet.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome DFP to The Peernet Group,” says Darlene Blaum, CEO of The Peernet Group. “There is incredible power in like-minded, growth-oriented business owners sharing knowledge and working in synergy. When leaders collaborate with purpose, it elevates every member and transforms the way we serve our clients. Doug and his team exemplify the forward-thinking, service-driven approach that makes our group stronger.”

    Darlene Blaum

    Doug and his team exemplify the forward-thinking, service-driven approach that makes our group stronger.”

    Darlene Blaum

    CEO, The Peernet Group

    ‘Pushing Boundaries’

    Founded in 1997, DFP – certified a LGBT business enterprise – offers creative solutions, marketing, print-on-demand, kitting and fulfillment to a diverse list of clients worldwide.

    In 2024, the Dallas-based company invested heavily in e-commerce with a couple of industry-leading platforms and also leveraged its print-on-demand platforms to help differentiate it from the competition.

    • A new vice president of software was also added to the team to bring data in-house, allowing more control as well as easier access for insights and analytics.
    • Additionally, DFP won a Silver Pyramid Award in Supplier Decorating last year for its contributions to a supplier/distributor collaboration.


    Doug Fregolle

    We’re excited for the collaboration and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

    Doug Fregolle

    Founder/President, Doug Fregolle Promotions

    “Joining Peernet is a strategic step for us,” says Fregolle, founder and president of DFP. “We’ve always believed in pushing boundaries, embracing technology and finding better ways to serve our clients. Now, we get to learn and grow alongside peers who share that same mindset. We’re excited for the collaboration and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

    DFP’s addition to Peernet comes on the heels of fellow PPAI 100 distributor Imprint Engine joining last month.

    Written by: John Corrigan

    Published with Permission from PPAI

  • Wednesday, July 09, 2025 3:38 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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.”

    Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI

    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

  • Tuesday, July 01, 2025 4:31 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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

  • Friday, June 13, 2025 1:38 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

     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.


    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

  • Tuesday, June 10, 2025 9:29 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    The Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) wrapped up its Oklahoma Summer Showcase last week with record-setting numbers. The two-day event drew a total of 169 distributor attendees, a significant increase from last year’s 123.

    Tulsa led the charge with 93 distributors in attendance, up from 69 in 2024. Oklahoma City followed with 76 attendees, a solid jump from the previous year’s 54. The growth in turnout marks the largest OK Summer showcase attendance the region has seen in years.

    “Our supplier and multi-line rep partners played a huge role in this success,” said Michael Hicks, Vice President of Business Development at HPG and Trade Show Committee member. “Their outreach to customers in the area helped drive strong distributor participation, and the energy on the show floor reflected that.”

    The Summer Showcase featured top industry suppliers and served as a valuable mid-year touchpoint for distributors seeking fresh ideas and product solutions for summer and early fall campaigns.

    Up next for PPAS:

    • The PPAS Golf Tournament tees off Monday, September 8 at Grapevine Golf Course.

    • The PPAS Expo returns Tuesday, September 9 at the Carrollton Courtyard Convention Center.

    Both events are expected to build on the momentum of the successful summer shows, with registration set to open soon.

    Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to connect — and thank you to everyone who made the Summer Showcase one to remember.

  • Friday, June 06, 2025 12:04 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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.”

    Chris Huff headshot

    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.

    Jason Kern headshot

    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.

    RELATED: Paul Lage, MAS, Retires After Nearly 40 Years In Promo

    “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.”

    Wendy Flaherty headshot

    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.

    Jill Stirnkorb headshot

    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 2030Forbes 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

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