It didn’t take long for the industry to adopt ranking among the PPAI 100 as a badge of honor. The expansion of the list this year from 50 to 100 each of suppliers and distributors means the spotlight shines on a wider variety of companies – but they all share in the excitement of recognition.
Alexander Paschal, president of Warwick Publishing, this year’s No. 74 supplier, says earning a spot on the list validates the hard work of his team and the changes the Chicago-area company – approaching its 100th year in business – has made in recent years.
“We’re even more motivated now to continue to prove that we deserve this recognition as we look towards the future,” he says. “Being recognized in the PPAI 100 reinforces to us that our changes over the past three years have us headed in a positive direction, and more importantly, gives our entire team something tangible to hang their hat on.”
Paschal, a 2023 Rising Star, also sees the data-driven rankings as a valuable industry reference for successful improvement efforts and potential partnerships. “When used as intended, the existence of a list itself can motivate the industry to move in a general direction of improvement, to which everyone will benefit in the long run.”
Anna Mosakowski, COO of Sock101+, the No. 90 supplier, hopes that the recognition will help bring more business to her company, located southwest of Kansas City.
“We have worked hard the last 10 years to get where we are,” she says, “and we are excited to keep increasing our sales and bringing new and exciting products to the promotional products industry. These [rankings] are important because they highlight the people who stand out in the industry, and it’s always good to be recognized.”
Kate Nash, director of promotional sales and marketing for Iowa-based Raining Rose, this year’s No. 45 supplier, particularly appreciates the recognition of achievement beyond revenue.
“We are in a transformational time in the promotional products industry. Post-pandemic, we are all feeling an accelerated pressure to bring more value, innovate our service models and act responsibly for people and planet,” she says. “There is so much more to be said for progress than sheer sales volume. As the top, nonprofit trade organization representing our industry, I applaud PPAI for recognizing companies that are working to transform.”
Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Minnesota-based Storm Creek, this year’s No. 43 supplier, also appreciates the broader focus of the PPAI 100 rankings.
“Our industry is an interesting dynamic of longevity and tradition juxtaposed with innovation and disruption,” she says. “The PPAI 100 rating system recognizes sustained revenue growth but with added appreciation of what’s most important in today’s business climate. As a relatively smaller supplier, we are glad that our sustainability, innovation and doing business for the greater good all speak volumes in this ranking.”
