(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

January 13

PromoPlacement Hires Industry Veteran Jeff Marks

Kevin McHargue, managing partner of industry recruiting firm PromoPlacement Recruiting (PPAI 629267), announces that industry veteran Jeff Marks has joined the firm as a placement specialist.

  • Marks will play a critical role in identifying and onboarding promo suppliers and distributors who have staffing needs.
  • His industry experience began as owner of distributorship Promotional Considerations and then as vice president of MSP Design Group. He also served as a founding member and president of the Premier Buying Group.

McHargue says, “With his experience comes valuable industry supplier and distributor contacts that are challenged by limited time and limited talent to fill critical positions. Jeff can enhance our service in all areas. I sensed from our early talks that Jeff has a great personality, knows the promo industry and its people, and would be a great addition to PromoPlacement’s growing team.”

Marks adds, “I am excited to join the team at PromoPlacement. I look forward to helping industry professionals find the right fit for employment and also look forward to continuing my industry relationships.”

January 12

Amanda Delaney And Jonathan Beyer Join Logomark’s Sales Team

Logomark (PPAI 110898, S11) welcomes two new seasoned professionals to its sales team: Amanda Delaney and Jonathan Beyer.

  • Delaney will oversee the Pacific Northwest region, while Beyer will be responsible for the Northeast territory.
  • Delaney has over 23 years of industry experience including roles with Hirsch and High Caliber Line, and previous managerial positions at companies including Rocket Science. She has also served on the boards of Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) and Gold Coast Promotional Products Association (GCPPA).
  • Beyer, a graduate of Rider University in New Jersey, brings more than 17 years of industry experience including key management positions at Imagen Brands, Landau Uniforms and alphabroder. He’s also a four-time Inner Circle Winner, showcasing his exceptional achievements and contributions to the promotional products industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amanda to the Logomark team. Her wealth of experience and industry knowledge will undoubtedly strengthen our presence in the Pacific Northwest,” says Michael Bistocchi, chief revenue officer for Logomark. “Jonathan's proven track record and strategic mindset make him a perfect fit for Logomark. We are excited to have him on board to lead our Northeastern sales efforts and assist our distributors with reaching their goals.”

Natural Trends Introduces WD-40 Precision Pen To Promo Market

Natural Trends (PPAI 235352, S7) has expanded its exclusive promo channel partnership with WD-40 and is debuting the newest product innovation from the iconic 70-year old American brand at The PPAI Expo this week.

  • The WD-40 Precision Pen with custom imprint is compact and portable, engineered to deliver the original WD-40 formula with pinpoint precision. Ideally suited for tight spaces on projects of all sizes, the WD-40 Precision Pen is designed for use at home, on the job, in workshops and as a trustworthy and useful promo giveaway.

“This will be one of the hottest new items introduced to promo this year,” says Paul Christensen, president of Natural Trends. “The ingenious product concept and function have universal appeal and decades of brand trust. Having partnered with WD-40 Company since 2010, we are thrilled to introduce the WD-40 Precision Pen into the promo channel and anticipate companies of every type imaginable using it as a superb giveaway.”

Tom Faulkner Joins Sales Team At Pacesetter

Pacesetter (PPAI 112642, S6) has hired Tom Faulkner as southeastern regional sales manager. Faulkner brings a rich background and extensive experience in both supplier and distributor sales to the Chicago-based awards supplier.

Hydrapeak Welcomes Lisa Fosdick As VP Of Sales And Marketing

Hydrapeak (PPAI 802063, S1) has appointed Lisa Fosdick to its senior management team in a fractional VP of sales and marketing role. She will continue to lead supplier Branded Treats while working to expand Hydrapeak’s presence in the promotional space. 

  • Fosdick brings an impressive promotional pedigree to Hydrapeak including roles with Branded Treats, HPG, Tribe Socks, Wendall August, Stran Promotional Solutions and ePromos.
     

January 11

Storm Creek’s 2023 Impact Report Reveals Over 32 Million Plastic Bottles Upcycled

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, S6) has released its 2023 Impact Report, showcasing the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability, product excellence and social responsibility.

  • The two-part report provides a comprehensive overview of Storm Creek’s achievements and initiatives in 2023, including the company’s sustainable measures to reduce its carbon footprint and minimize environmental impact. To date, the company has surpassed 32 million plastic bottles upcycled and expects to exceed 50 million in 2024.
  • The report also emphasizes Storm Creek’s dedication to the planet, communities and employees, including its commitment to giving its five millionth dollar to charity by 2030. In 2023, the company passed $2.1 million in giving to date. In addition to being a 1% for the Planet member since 2019, Storm Creek also remains a Minnesota Keystone program member at the 5% giving level.

January 10

MediaTree Promotes Brian Duran To General Manager

MediaTree (PPAI 192068, S6) has promoted Brian Duran, CAS, from vice president of sales & marketing to general manager.

  • Duran brings over 11 years of experience to his new role, during which he has implemented innovative product offerings and features, overseen operations, managed marketing efforts and fostered enduring relationships within the promotional product industry.
  • As general manager, Duran will maintain his oversight of sales and marketing and also be responsible for the broader scope of MediaTree’s business operations.

“Brian’s years of dedication to driving success with innovative new partnerships, products, business processes and more, makes him the ideal person to lead MediaTree into its next phase of growth,” says CEO Bill Grassmyer.

January 9

Cutter & Buck Canada Adds New Sales Reps Sheri Boyd And Neil Wilkinson

Cutter & Buck (PPAI 196156, S11) has added a pair of new reps to its Canadian sales team. Sheri Boyd of Agence Alain Gailloux (AAG) will represent the company in Eastern and Northern Ontario. Neil Wilkinson is the new sales rep within British Columbia.

  • Boyd has a background in the promo industry representing premium brands including Maui Jim and Maple Ridge Farms.
  • Wilkinson brings over 20 years of experience with industry-leading brands in performance and team apparel.

Jamie Trowbridge, director of national sales for Cutter & Buck Canada, says, “[Sheri’s] passion, industry knowledge and exceptional service are poised to drive growth and build long-lasting relationships. Neil’s invaluable experience and client-focused approach align perfectly with our objectives and culture.”