(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.)

September 25

New Trial Denied For Wright Printing Company; Owner, CEO Ordered To Pay $1.85 Million

This week, a federal district court made final rulings after a Nebraska jury handed down its April 2023 verdict that Wright Printing Company, its owner Mark Wright and its CEO Mardra Sikora were liable to an Ennis (PPAI 109056, D4) subsidiary, Crabar/GBF, Inc., for $5 million in actual and punitive damages for breach of contract, illegal interference with customer relationships and theft of trade secrets.

  • At the time of the jury verdict in April, Sikora responded that the jury verdict was a “wrongful decision” that was not supported by the facts. Accordingly, lawyers for Wright Printing Company, Wright and Sikora requested reversal of the jury verdict and a new trial.
  • After substantial legal briefing by both sides and months of careful deliberation, Senior United States District Judge John Gerrard affirmed most of the jury’s findings and denied the defendants’ request for a new trial.
  • Ultimately, the judge placed the primary blame for the drawn-out lawsuit on Wright and Sikora and awarded Crabar $1,854,948.32 for its attorney’s fees and ordered the pair to pay $1,852,448.32 of that amount, with the remaining $2,500 to be paid by the employee defendants, Jamie Fredrickson and Alexandra Kohlhaas, for their participation in the theft of Crabar’s trade secrets.

“While we are pleased that the truth prevailed and we were awarded what the jury found to be just compensation for the harms caused by the defendants, we really wish that this lawsuit never had to happen in the first place,” says Ennis CEO and President Keith Walters. “In all the business acquisitions Ennis has made over the years, we have never had a situation where a seller has turned around and launched a competing business with the trade secrets sold to Ennis. Had Mark Wright and Mardra Sikora just honored the contract and accepted that they no longer could use the property that we bought for $15 million, everyone concerned would have been better off. Now that both the jury and the judge have spoken, I hope that all involved will have the wisdom to respect and accept their judgment, and bring this drawn-out dispute to an end.”

ASB’s Photo Contest Supports Promotional Products Work! Day

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) recently participated in PPAI’s Promotional Products Work! Day, hosting a company-wide photo contest. Submissions were received from multiple departments across ASB, and prizes were sponsored by some of ASB’s Patriot-level vendors.

Promotional Products Work! Day serves as a celebration of the promotional products industry’s impact on businesses and communities. The top five winners and the prizes they won are:

  • Sales Associate Lauren Kovach: cast iron skillet from Starline; gift card from SanMar
  • Sales Associate Laura Sahli: Sol tote bag from Hit Promotional Products; blanket from Terry Town
  • Sales Associate Kim Hamlin: trunk organizer from Hit Promotional Products
  • Sales Development Specialist Kim Smith: kickback chair from Koozie Group
  • Sales Associate Susan Caudillo: trunk organizer from Hit Promotional Products

“We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response to our photo contest and grateful for the incredible support from our valued vendors,” says Dana Zezzo, ASB’s VP of marketing, vendor relations & events. “The submissions reminded us all how instrumental promotional products are in our daily lives, and illustrated to others what this industry is all about.”

Industry Veteran Ray Rodriguez To Rep AutoTran

Ray Rodriguez, chief supplier architect at consulting/rep firm 5Ppromo.com, has been selected to represent AutoTran (PPAI 796159, S4), a global manufacturer of decorating equipment, supplies and services.

  • AutoTran distributes its digital printing, pad printing, screen printing, hot stamping, laser engraving, equipment and supplies throughout the U.S. and across the globe with major exports to Canada and South America.

“We are truly excited that Ray has decided to join our team,” says Brad Parker, VP of operations. “With 35-plus years of proven successful sales and a marketing track record in the promotional products industry, he will help us expand our footprint in the industry.”

Rodiguez adds, “When I visited AutoTran, I was truly impressed with ownership and the wide variety of machinery that AutoTran offers. Equally impressive was the list of the top 40 suppliers they currently sell to. I know a lot of suppliers in the industry that can utilize their offering. What really stood out about them to me is they are solution based which allows each supplier or distributor in the printing business the ability to customize equipment for their specific needs.”

September 22

Barker Specialty Unveils Its New Look

Barker Specialty (PPAI 102001, D7) introduces a new brand identity that embodies its position as a leader in the world of branded merchandise.

  • The new look maintains similar color schemes, secondary design elements and the company name to preserve recognition for the family-owned business that Herb and Gloria Barker started in 1951.
  • The logo is intentionally subject to varied interpretations, with the overarching goal to represent the concepts of caring and concern for customers, company and community.
  • Along with the brand refresh, Barker Specialty has reframed its mission, vision and values to highlight its commitment to an enhanced client experience, focus on the environment and continued emphasis on employee growth.

“Adapting to an ever-changing world, while maintaining core values is the driving focus behind the excitement of this rebranding. We are thrilled to reintroduce ourselves with a fresh, modern and vibrant persona,” says Chelsea Fishman, director of marketing.