Austin, Texas-based supplier Rupt (PPAI 826757, Standard Base) and Grand Island, New York-based supplier Starline (PPAI 112719, Gold) – PPAI 100’s No. 15 supplier – have formed a strategic partnership that allows Starline to exclusively sell Rupt’s products across Canada giving Rupt an entry point into the Canadian market.

• The partnership will provide a local FOB point in Concord, Ontario, ensuring seamless shipping and faster order fulfillment, the companies say.
• Starline will manage the full distribution of Rupt’s customizable product line thus eliminating the need for Canadian distributors to hold inventory.

“Partnering with Starline is a major milestone for Rupt, as we continue to expand our global footprint,” says Rupt CEO Jason Lucash. “With four distribution points now – Austin, Texas; Ontario, Canada; Portugal; and Hong Kong – this collaboration strengthens our ability to serve customers rapidly worldwide, especially as we focus on scaling our services for online stores and programs.”

Starline CRO Brian Porter adds, “We’re thrilled to partner with Rupt and bring their cutting-edge products to the Canadian market. This partnership complements Starline’s dedication
to providing the best in promotional products, and we’re excited to offer Rupt’s unique, customizable solutions to our customers across Canada.”

Geiger (PPAI 105182, Platinum) – PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor – has been honored by the Wellness Council of America with the WELCOA Silver Well Workplace Award for its commitment to employee health and well-being.

• The award is based on WELCOA’s seven benchmarks – leadership, health promotion, supportive policies, health services, community outreach, data management and comprehensive health assessments.
• Key elements of Geiger’s success include active employee engagement in wellness programs, strong leadership support for a culture of well-being, and contributions from specialized wellness teams, such as the Wellness Team, Spirit Team, Geiger Moves, Body & Mind and MosAIC. Additionally, Geiger’s commitment to community outreach is evident through its support of local nonprofits.

“Receiving the WELCOA Silver Well Workplace Award is a tremendous honor,” says Jo-an Lantz, president and CEO of Geiger. “It validates our commitment to the holistic well-being of our employees, encompassing both physical and mental health.”

Fifth-generation family member, VP and General Counsel David Geiger, adds, “We believe that supporting our associates’ wellness is not just good business practice, but a fundamental responsibility. This award inspires us to further strengthen our wellness programs and create a workplace where everyone can thrive, fostering a culture that prioritizes overall health and happiness.”

Crystal D (PPAI 112326, Gold) – PPAI 100’s No. 88 supplier – has restructured its sales organization to provide faster and more personalized service.

• The new structure, now in effect, includes five sales territories (up from four) and updated territory assignments for its solutions specialists, formerly known as account managers.
• Territory contacts are: Tawauna Garner, Midwest; Leelam Sukhram, Central; Mike Pooler, Northeast; Gary Rinehart, Southern and Colby Kiger, Western.

“Crystal D made these changes so our sales team can serve our customers even more quickly as we head into fall and winter, making working with us simple, easy and fast,” says Bridget Dahlgren, executive vice president of marketing and sales. “We know how important responsiveness and speed are, and our expert solutions specialists are better positioned than ever to meet our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations. Let us work for you to support your business.”

San Francisco-based distributor Brilliant (PPAI 658682, Gold) – PPAI 100’s No. 73 distributor – announces a new partnership with and a majority investment by New Heritage Capital, a Boston-based private equity firm focused on partnering with high-growth, founder-owned businesses.

Brilliant Founder and CEO Millie Tadewaldt says, “I am incredibly proud of what the Brilliant team has built over the past nine years and am excited to lean into making it easier for even more companies to benefit from the ROI of gifting at scale. We will continue to deliver the best corporate gifting and branded merch platform to our clients as we help them bring their brands to life, drive personal connections on a global scale, and make the gifting experience delightful for both sender and recipient. Heritage has substantial experience in scaling businesses like ours, and we are confident they will help to accelerate our growth.”