(Editor’s Note: View Part 1 of the 2025 #Online18, recognizing the best industry organizations on social media.)
After a highly rigorous, selective and methodical process, PPAI is finally announcing this year’s picks for the best promo pros on social media.
JK, this list is anything but methodical. We do try. There is a process. There is voting. But, come on. It’s subjective. It has to be. As always, the #Online18 is more about a “this feels right” look into the world of social media through the eyes of the promo industry.
Seriously, though, these industry pros are the complete opposite of “mid.”
SEE MORE: The 2024 #Online18
Last week was all about the leading promo organizations on social media. This week, we’re celebrating the industry’s top 18 leading influencers who are making a name for themselves across social platforms, and have accumulated all the “aura points.”
Think of this list as the cool kid’s table – cringe, we know – and the recipients as the “very demure, very mindful” people you want to get to know. After all, they had to be nominated by past #Online18 peers to even be considered the best of the best.
If you scroll through their feeds, you’ll either leave laughing, having learned something new or questioning how you can up your own social media skills. Although they didn’t have to “rizz” anybody up to get on the list, their online presence oozes character, and their content is engaging, refreshing, informative and fun.
Keep reading to see which social pros’ “nachos” you should be “reheating.” You’ll all get that joke once it finally hits Facebook in about two months and LinkedIn in around five.
18. Tanner Pittman
Follow On: LinkedIn, Instagram
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 1.9K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
It’s Tanner’s, aka “Tactile Tanner’s,” first time on the list, but his online presence speaks for itself. When he’s not doing his day job as a sales rep and sales account executive for HPG, Tanner’s promoting some of the hottest promotional products over on LinkedIn. From pens to sunglasses, he’s a trusted voice in the industry – and his dog, Goose, might have some even better opinions.
17. Abby Burke
Follow On: Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2.5K Followers
2024: No. 8
This Walker-Clay national account exec is a heavy hitter in the industry, so it makes sense that’d she’d return to the list for another year. She reviews some of the most innovative promotional products over on her promo TikTok page while simultaneously reviewing TikTok Shop products on her personal TikTok account where she’s garnered over 355,000 followers. In just a brief time in the industry, Abby’s been recognized as a 2023 Rising Star by the New England Promotional Products Association, the 2023 Influencer of the Year by Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York and one of the Coolest People in Promo.
@itsabbyburke So cute!!! #promoproducts #promotionalproducts #promo #brandedmerch #branding #marketing #swag #brandingideas ♬ original sound – Abby Burke
16. Jenna Quaranta
Follow On: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 7.8K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
When talking about powerhouses, Jenna’s name is sure to be mentioned. Since first making the list in 2023, she’s been helping HPG create an army of distributors motivated and disciplined to move product. Her spirit of entrepreneurship, love of the industry and vast knowledge of all things promo is a testament as to why she’s back on this year’s list.
15. Nenette Gray
Follow On: Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 4K Followers
2024: No. 18
Meet Nenette, the self-proclaimed “Lemonade Lady” who took life’s lemons and built powerhouse branding agency Lemonade Creative Marketing. With big-name clients like ExxonMobil and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, she’s proof that bold branding (and a little zest) goes a long way. A finalist for the 2024 Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. Woman of the Year award, Nenette is a force in the promo world, blending creativity with a dash of Southern charm. Whether she’s dropping industry gems or sharing her infectious energy, her social media is the perfect mix of business and fun.
14. Sarah Goshgarian Unruh
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2.8K Followers
2024: No. 7
Sarah is the ultimate multitasker: promo pro, sales leader and fitness enthusiast all rolled into one. As the national sales manager at Stahls’, she’s leading a team across the U.S., but she’s just as passionate about empowering others through her personal brand platform, ProMomIsFit. She’s all about inspiration and proof that you can juggle the intensity of a promo career – and often the rigorous travel it entails – with fitness and family (and still find time to share it all on social media).
13. Ryan Paules
Follow On: LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 7K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
If Ryan had a superpower, it would be turning everyday swag into marketing gold. As the CEO (and chief swag officer) of Radar Promotions, he’s also engaging with his customers and audience members on the company’s official social media pages. Ryan swears by “white glove service,” meaning he treats every client like royalty (but without the stuffy handshakes).
12. Taylor Borst
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 5.7K Followers
2024: No. 6
American Solutions for Business’s newest VP and a perennial #Online18 honoree, Taylor doesn’t just work in promo – she makes it look cool. Her social media is a gold mine of industry quirks, behind-the-scenes event moments and the kind of work-life humor that makes you say, “Yep, been there.” Whether she’s dropping wisdom on LinkedIn, keeping it real on Instagram or sharing the fun side of promo on TikTok, she’s a must-follow. Come for the industry expertise, stay for the travel mishaps and relatable marketing moments. And who doesn’t love Edna?
11. Brianna Mazze
Follow On: LinkedIn, Instagram
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 703 followers
2024: Not Ranked
If sustainability had a hype squad, Brianna would be leading the charge. As vice president of compliance and sustainability at SRG, she’s on a mission to make the promo industry greener, smarter and more ethical – one product at a time. Whether she’s calling out greenwashing, spotlighting eco-friendly swag or sharing compliance wins, her social media presence is equal parts educational and entertaining.
10. Sarah Whitaker
Follow On: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Facebook
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 5K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
If there’s one thing Sarah knows, it’s how to make brands stick. As the powerhouse behind Williams Advertising promo arm The Branded Things, she’s turned this woman-owned business into a go-to for creative merch. She’s always ahead of the curve when it comes to promo trends. On social media, Sarah keeps it real – spotlighting business wins and the occasional chaos of entrepreneurship.
9. Savannah Dmytriw Canale
Follow On: LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 3K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
As the self-proclaimed “Anna Wintour of corporate merch,” Savannah currently serves as the vice president of marketing for Team SCG. With over 13 years in the promotional products industry, her passion for promo knows no bounds. On social media, the “merchgirly” shares her expertise and industry insights, engaging with a community of marketing professionals. Whether she’s unboxing the latest swag or sharing notes from industry expos, Savannah’s content is a must-follow for anyone looking to elevate their brand game.
@merchgirly A client appreciation gift that doesn’t suck 📸🤍💅🏻 #merch #marketing #branding #corporategifts #corporategirlies #promotionalproducts ♬ original sound – merchgirly
8. Joseph Sommer
Follow On: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 8K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
Joseph is the kind of guy who makes branding look effortless, and business look fun. Whether he’s dropping branding wisdom, sharing his latest travel adventures or debating sports on X, his social media is a mix of business savvy and personality. The Whitestone founder has got a knack for turning everyday moments into marketing gold – sometimes with a slice of humor, sometimes with actual pizza.
7. Halle Moore
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 668 Followers
2024: No. 16
Halle is back on the #Online18 list, and for good reason – she has one of the most creative social media voices in promo. As the host of PromoCorner’s “Behind the Brand,” she takes followers on a deep dive into the stories behind the industry’s biggest names. But it’s not just business – her social media is full of personality. Whether she’s breaking down a rebrand or just sharing the frenzy of life on the go, she offers a front-row seat to the promo world with a side of realness.
6. Danny Rosin
Follow On: Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 8K Followers
2024: No. 4
Incoming Chair of the PPAI Board of Directors, Danny returns once again to the list (our hands are tied!), proving that promo is more than just products – it’s about purpose. As co-president of Brand Fuel, he’s built a career on creativity, community and a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll. While browsing through his social media, you can find an eclectic mix of industry knowledge, philanthropy and personal musings, with a side of dad jokes for good measure. If you’re not already tuned in, now’s the time. Nobody has a clearer vision for what great merch means. Danny doesn’t just talk about making an impact, he actually does it.
5. Bill Petrie
Follow On: Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2.7K Followers
2024: No. 12
Another repeat honoree on the #Online18 list, Bill is as entertaining as he is insightful. Whether he’s breaking down marketing strategies on the Brandivate blog, sharing bourbon-fueled wisdom or cracking jokes about the promo industry, his social media is a must-follow. As the founder of brandivate, he’s got a sharp eye for branding and a talent for making complex ideas digestible (and fun). After wrapping up 230+ episodes of the “Promo UPFront Podcast,” the self-proclaimed “Czar of Branded Merch” is still keeping the conversation going with his new podcast “Between 2 Brands.” If you like your promo facts with a side of humor and a well-crafted cocktail, Bill is your guy.
4. Suzanne Simpson
Follow On: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 1.9K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
Suzanne’s social media is where promo expertise meets authenticity. It’s where she shares fresh views on branding and leadership, plus a few personal moments that make her all the more relatable. As director of strategic accounts at Gemline, she knows how to build relationships that last, both online and off. Whether she’s celebrating industry wins or championing the people behind the products, her content is always engaging, thoughtful and full of passion.
3. Mitch Silver
Follow On: LinkedIn
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 4K Followers
2024: No. 2
Another returnee, Mitch has established a notable presence in the promotional products industry through Printable Promotions, leveraging social media to share his expertise and the team’s personality. What sets him apart is his dedication to posting on only one social media channel: LinkedIn. Mitch emphasizes the importance of targeted social media strategies, advising businesses to identify specific audiences and tailor their LinkedIn posts accordingly. While his once prolific posting schedule has slowed, he’s still actively engaged in the community as a supportive commenter, and approachable and authentic style has strengthened his connections within the industry.
2. Natalie O’Leary
Follow On: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 2.1K Followers
2024: Not Ranked
Natalie’s social media isn’t just about promo – it’s about making branding fun, stylish and scroll-stopping. On Instagram and TikTok, she mixes the latest merch trends with real talk on what makes a campaign stand out. Her content isn’t just polished, it’s packed with personality, whether she’s unboxing eye-catching products or sharing wisdom from the industry’s biggest events. The 2024 PPAI Rising Star and BAMKO business development director knows that promo is more than swag; it’s storytelling, and she’s got the social feeds to prove it.
@natalieopromo Two years of hustle, countless doubts, and endless perseverance—all leading to THIS moment. This win is proof that every setback was just a setup for a comeback. 💪🏻💪🏻 If I can do it, so can you! 🫶🏻 • • • #BAMKO #MoreThanMerch #DreamBig #HustleHard #GameChanger #keepgoing #believe #sales ♬ 7 years latch – favsoundds
1. Nick Lateur
Follow On: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok
Largest Account: LinkedIn – 5.1K Followers
2024: No. 1
For the second year in a row, Nick holds the crown as the top industry influencer on the #Online18 list. The king stays the king. And if you’ve seen his social media, you know exactly why. His series, “Mondays with Nick,” transforms mundane Mondays into a must-watch event with hilarious, high-energy takes on the promo industry. It’s a recipe that has been working for years. But it’s his advocacy for the industry by engaging with his regional, HPPA, and PPAI’s own Promotional Products Work! campaign, plus collaborations with others – such as Sarah Goshgarian Unruh, Natalie O’Leary and even PPAI – that have really grown his game. Across the channels, he mixes Merch.ai highlights and the kind of storytelling that keeps followers coming back. Whether he’s hyping up new merch or cracking jokes about industry quirks, Nick knows how to keep promo fun and engaging. If you’re not following him yet, consider this your official reminder – because everyone else already is!
Missed Part 1? View promo’s most follow-worthy organizations of 2025.
See more from the #Online18 on social media. Follow PPAI on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
