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  • Monday, August 11, 2025 8:28 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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.

    Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear

    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.


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


    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.

    Toby Whitmoyer, Chief Commerce Officer at S&S Activewear

    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

  • Monday, August 11, 2025 8:24 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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

  • Thursday, July 31, 2025 1:27 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    Irving, Texas-based supplier BirdieBox (PPAI 799707, Standard-Base), which provides kitting, decoration, fulfillment and on-site storage, has undergone a makeover.

    After experiencing instability and organizational strain that impacted customers, vendors and employees, the firm says an existing institutional investor has taken active ownership and is leading the company forward.

    Spring Hollis, CEO of Star Strong Capital, a private investment firm that BirdieBox partnered with last year for a capital raise, has become the interim CEO of the supplier.

    “We’re not starting over – we’re starting stronger,” Hollis says. “We believe in this brand’s mission, its people and its potential. Our team has the expertise and appetite for the challenge that turnarounds demand. BirdieBox has a great product – it simply lacked the stewardship to deliver with excellence. That changes now.”

    Spring Hollis

    We’re not starting over – we’re starting stronger.”

    Spring Hollis

    Interim CEO, BirdieBox

    New Chapter

    As part of this transformation, BirdieBox now operates under BirdieBox Holdings. The company has also made key leadership and operational staffing changes to support a more stable and high-performing future.

    • The firm has tapped co-founder and former chief strategy officer Michael Myers to help shape its next chapter.


    “BirdieBox was a special place… built on a foundation of client trust and an unwavering quest to craft the perfect user experience,” Myers says. “Somewhere along the way, those things became secondary. It’s time to return to the principles of transparency, integrity and execution that once had this company on a fast track to greatness… and this is the leadership team to do just that.”

    Michael Myers

    It’s time to return to the principles of transparency, integrity and execution that once had this company on a fast track to greatness.”

    Michael Myers

    Co-Founder, BirdieBox



    With new investment and leadership, BirdieBox aims to enhance fulfillment systems, stabilize timelines and improve project delivery across every touchpoint.

    “This is more than a relaunch,” Hollis says. “To the clients who’ve stuck with us, and to the ones giving us a fresh look, we’re here to demonstrate the enduring value of personalized gifting experiences.”

    Written by: Hanna Brookshire

    Published with Permission from PPAI

  • Friday, July 25, 2025 11:54 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    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, PPAI Chief Operating Officer

    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

  • 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

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