(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.)

March 4

Hirsch Names New Key Management Hires

Hirsch (PPAI 221823, Gold) – the No. 12 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – the leading promotional products supplier of retail merchandise, has announced two additions to their growing Key Accounts management team.

As key accounts managers, Maynord and Long will be responsible for nurturing existing client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring the high levels of service delivery.

  • Amanda Maynord brings over a decade of experience to Hirsch, most recently as the director of national accounts and business development for Toddy Gear. She says, "I’m beyond excited to join one of the fastest growing suppliers in the industry. I look forward to helping propel Hirsch to new heights and bringing my expertise and flair to their already stellar team.”
  • Brett Long brings 18 years of experience to Hirsch, most recently as a regional sales manager for Goldstar.  Long says, "I'm excited to join Hirsch for several reasons. High-quality, retail products have become highly sought-after in this industry, and Hirsch is an industry leader in this space. I'm thrilled to join a family-owned company where I'm more than just a number, and where my experience and opinions are valued.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Amanda and Brett to our team,” says Brittany Frase, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hirsch. “Their expertise and dedication to client satisfaction align perfectly with our values, and I am confident they will elevate our strategic partnerships to new heights. Their arrival heralds a new chapter of growth and innovation for our company, and we eagerly anticipate the impactful contributions they will make.”

Bob Levitt Tapped As New SAAC Executive Director

Specialty Advertising Association of California has selected Bob Levitt as its new executive director, effective immediately. He has served as SAAC’s interim executive director since last September.

  • Levitt has been an integral part of the promotional products community industry for several decades, and he brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to SAAC’s leadership team.
  • During his time as interim executive director, Levitt focused on enhancing member value, expanding educational opportunities and fostering strong industry partnerships.
  • In his new role, he will help SAAC continue to provide valuable resources, networking opportunities and advocacy for its members.

“Bob’s extensive background in the industry, coupled with his proven track record of success, makes him the ideal leader to guide SAAC into the future,” says Amy Williams, president of SAAC’s Board of Directors. “His tenure as interim executive director has already had a significant positive impact on our operations and member services. We are confident in Bob's ability to drive innovation and growth for our association and the industry at large.”

Levitt says, “I am honored to officially lead SAAC and continue working alongside our talented team, dedicated board and passionate members. The promotional products industry is dynamic and ever-evolving, and I am excited to leverage my experience to support our members' success and advocate for the industry's growth and sustainability.”

Orbus University Sessions Set For August And December

Orbus Visual Communications (PPAI 428128, Silver) has scheduled two Orbus University sessions – its free dealer training program – for August 15-16 and December 12-13 at its headquarters near Chicago.

  • The training is designed for industry veterans and newbies working in the trade show, sign and promotional industries.
  • The training sessions combine classroom style learning, hands-on display assembly practice and educational facility tours, and provide comprehensive insight into the supplier’s display manufacturing and production processes and print and finishing capabilities, plus how to sell display solutions and use the marketing tools.

March 1
ASB Hires Gordon Klepec As Regional VP

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, Platinum) – the No. 9 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has added Gordon Klepec as regional VP of strategic operations support.

  • Klepec will be responsible for supporting ASB sales associates in business development and strategic sales opportunities. He will work on a regional and national level to help qualify opportunities, prepare for large customer presentations and provide consultation in business planning and prospect planning.
  • He was most recently chief sales officer for distributor SOLV for the past four years and was VP of sales and marketing for print supplier Wright Business Graphics from 2006 to 2020.

“I’m very happy to have Gordon on our team,” says Amy Spychalla, ASB’s VP of strategic operations support. “Gordon understands our industry from many different angles and will bring a fresh perspective to help ASB and all our stakeholders grow to the next level.”

Klepec says, “I’m excited for my new role and having the awesome opportunity to work for American. I’ve always had the greatest respect for ASB, its leadership and associates. Everyone is always authentic, professional and easy to work with. It feels as though this role at American was designed for me and my skillset. I look forward to working with American’s sales associates, experienced and novice, to help them grow their business and close some deals.