They’re recognized, and it feels so good, to paraphrase a certain 1970s hit song. The expansion of the PPAI 100 to 100 each of suppliers and distributors means that more high-achieving companies get their flowers this year – including two distributors who joined PPAI to be a part of the rankings.
Rankings like the PPAI 100 are important for the industry as indicators of trends in the overall business, says Mike Wolfe, CEO of Chicago-based Zorch International (PPAI 253902, Platinum), the No. 22 distributor in this year’s PPAI 100. The inaugural list prompted the company, in business since 2002, to join PPAI just last year.
“Sure, it can be fun to look at it as a contest,” says Wolfe, “but I believe these types of lists are more useful as indicators of which suppliers or distributors are providing differentiated offerings to the marketplace. We’ve been very proud of how the Zorch model has been adopted by so many large corporations, so it’s really great to now be part of a list to visibly track our continued progress.”
Robert Fiveash, president and co-owner of Raleigh, North Carolina-based Brand Fuel (PPAI 277900, Gold), the No. 46 distributor in 2024, says that while the recognition is certainly an honor, it’s also an encouragement to keep pushing.
“It’s not something we take lightly,” says Fiveash. “It’s a reminder for us to strive for continuous improvement and represents an ongoing commitment and responsibility to our staff, clients and industry. This recognition is most important for us because it is a third-party validation that celebrates our knowledgeable, loyal and caring team.”
The company, founded in 1998, is a certified B Corp with a motto of “Purpose Beyond Product,” which it fulfills through charitable giving, responsible sourcing and a detailed code of conduct. Fiveash appreciates that the PPAI 100 shines a light on these aspects of the industry.
“While we respect the importance of rankings related to revenue size and growth, we love that PPAI is focused on also weighing other factors that determine a healthy business, such as creditworthiness and employee satisfaction,” he says. “We don’t see these rankings as a competition. Rather, they feel like a way to inspire an entire industry to focus on overall company health.”
Based outside of Boston, family-owned and operated Walker-Clay (PPAI 109398, Silver), made the list as the No. 91 distributor in 2024.
“Making it to the PPAI 100 list is a proud moment for us,” says Amanda Clay, MAS, president and co-owner. “It shows we’re not just making waves now but setting ourselves up to keep leading the industry forward.”
Like Fiveash, she says earning a spot on the PPAI 100 list is a sign her company is on track for continued success. “It motivates us to keep looking ahead and staying at the forefront of the promotional products world.”
The PPAI 100 sets a benchmark for quality and excellence for the industry overall, adds Clay. “They boost credibility and trust, inspiring other businesses to strive for higher standards. These rankings encourage innovation and drive industry growth and success.”
California-based distributor IMAGEN Inc. (PPAI 427416, Silver) is a Pyramid Award winner and no stranger to accolades from PPAI, but the news of being recognized as one of the PPAI 100 came as a “truly pleasant surprise,” says Ken Leslie, president of this year’s No. 84 distributor. “We are proud and grateful for this honor and see it as a validation of our team’s dedication and commitment to excellence.”
Earning a spot on the PPAI 100 means several key things to the business, he adds. “First, it boosts our reputation and credibility as a top promotional marketing agency. Second, it provides a clear message about our position as an industry leader, helping us stand out in the marketplace. Finally, it’s a great morale boost to receive such a high honor after several years of hard work by our whole team to grow and improve our company.”
New Jersey-based Myron (PPAI 143617, Standard-Plus) made its debut as the No. 39 distributor in 2024, just a year since industry veteran Jeff Lederer took over as co-owner and CEO. Lederer says the recognition is validation of the company’s focus on the fundamentals, its culture and its customers.
“There is a lot of competition – and specifically competing with your own passion, goals and vision,” he adds. “Outside recognition is one of the validating factors that affirms that we at Myron and the new ownership/leadership team are making the right choices to ensure for a long-term successful company.”
