The PPAI Expo Schedule At A Glance

Stacy Garrett, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Ideation Creative Brand Management has been in the promotional products industry for over 25. As a multi-million dollar producer both as an employee and owner of a company, she has experience from all angles of the business and processes. While she is not spring chicken (her words) she has seen firsthand the power of LinkedIn for her sales and loves sharing this knowledge with others. Stacy received the NWPMA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the industry. She is extremely passionate about continuous improvement in our industry served on the PPAI Professional Development Committee. 

Brianna Mazze, VP of Compliance & Sustainability at St. Regis Group, is a passionate advocate for the planet, people, and animals, with extensive expertise in corporate sustainability. She combines a strong background in regulatory compliance with a deep commitment to advancing responsible environmental practices. In her role at St Regis Group, Brianna is leading the company’s journey to net zero by developing innovative decarbonization strategies and establishing measurable goals for progress. Outside of work, she is a dedicated dog rescuer and an active volunteer for non-profits focused on animal welfare and environmental causes. 

Stacy Garrett, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Ideation Creative Brand Management has been in the promotional products industry for over 25. As a multi-million dollar producer both as an employee and owner of a company, she has experience from all angles of the business and processes. While she is not spring chicken (her words) she has seen firsthand the power of LinkedIn for her sales and loves sharing this knowledge with others. Stacy received the NWPMA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the industry. She is extremely passionate about continuous improvement in our industry served on the PPAI Professional Development Committee. 

With over 25 years working within the promotional products industry, Bill Petrie had dedicated his career to helping organizations grow their businesses through creative, strategic, and effective marketing and branding. As the founder and creative director of brandivate – a boutique marketing, branding, and advertising agency – Bill brings a hands-on approach to connecting brands with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Bill’s insatiable curiosity drives his creativity and ensures that he’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He doesn’t hold back; he embraces boldness, innovation, and a bit of irreverence because that’s where real growth happens. His goal? To challenge and inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams.

As a featured keynote speaker and workshop leader, Bill has been fortunate to share these ideas with audiences across the country and around the world. He has also had the honor of being inducted into the Promotional Products of the Mid-South (PPAMS) Hall of Fame and receiving the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Icon Award for Distinguished Service in 2024 – a testament to his commitment to elevating others and driving positive change.

When not helping brands make an impact, you can find him in his backyard, affectionately known as The Back Forty, likely smoking something delicious on the grill, mixing up craft cocktails, and enveloping himself in great music. He also loves spending time with his wife of 30 years, Sandy, their red tick coonhound, Shelby, and their twin college-aged sons, Drew and Mitch – who tend to pop in when they are broke, hungry, have nothing clean to wear, or all of the above.

Abe Anteby is the President and CEO of Threadfast Apparel, a brand of sustainable and eco-friendly clothing. With over 25 years of experience in the apparel industry, Anteby has led the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their business. Under his leadership, Threadfast Apparel has become a leader in ethical and eco-conscious manufacturing, committed to reducing their environmental impact while producing high-quality, fashionable apparel.

Kate Nash, Director of Sales and Marketing at Raining Rose Promos, started her professional life in newspaper journalism and marketing for higher ed and the tech industry before joining Raining Rose as top marketing leader in 2019. Kate leveraged her multi-industry background to partner with leaders on a new Raining Rose Promos brand and has also worked to support sales growth at the company through marketing strategies and sales partnership. In 2022, Kate took over as Director of Promotional Sales and Marketing. She leads the sales team, determines future investments, spearheads product development, oversees daily operations, and works to spread the Raining Rose “orange vibe” of energy and optimism throughout the company and industry. Kate also promotes corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives via an internal company working group, as a board member of PromoCares, and through connecting with like-minded souls across industries whenever possible.

Elizabeth Wimbush is PPAI’s first-ever Director of Sustainability & Responsibility.  Prior to joining PPAI, Elizabeth was the vice president of supply chain and sustainability for distributor Genumark.  She had started with the company in 2020 as the director of supply chain. Before joining the promo world, she ran a fair-trade organic cafe & bakery in Toronto that prioritized community and minimizing waste.

Elizabeth is a value-oriented professional with a diverse range of experience that prioritizes ethical and sustainable business growth, spanning 20 years. Organically influencing positive change from the ground up in organizations is the name of her game.

Most of her free time is spent with her two dogs, riding her motorcycle, hiking or swimming. On the road or in the woods, alone or with friends, “I’m never bored when I’m out in nature,” she says.

Mandi Rudd is the Director, New Markets at Genumark.  She opened and operated her own distributorship for ten years and loved every minute of it. When the discussion of Genumark expanding in the US presented itself, Mandi knew it was an opportunity she had to explore and said it’s been an amazing first year and she’s grateful for it all!  Mandi is a self-described boy mom, rescue dog mom, a hugger, a branded merch expert, connector, relationship builder and lifelong volunteer. Promotional products, colorful socks, sarcasm and coffee are a few of her love languages. 

Angela Taylor, the Vice President of Customer Engagement and Digital Solutions at AIM Smarter, with experience spanning two decades in the promotional products industry.

For the past four years, Angela has been an instrumental leader at AIM Smarter, spearheading their Customer Success Team and driving innovation through AIM’s Tech Suite order management platform. Her commitment to elevating the customer experience and fostering digital solutions has been pivotal in shaping AIM’s trajectory within the industry.

Angela also has firsthand experience as a supplier at A+ Wine Designs, offering her a holistic understanding of the promotional products landscape. Recognizing the importance of industry relationships and giving back to the community that has been so good to her, she has volunteered with SAAC and the SAAC Foundation for the past decade.

Joseph Sommer is the founder of Whitestone, a best in class, fully remote branded merchandise agency that was recently named ASI Best Places to Work in 2024 for companies 25-100 employees, and 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year. He has built his career with passion, enthusiasm and creativity and leads one of the most progressive businesses in the industry. Whitestone was recently named to the Inc 5000 list for fastest growing private companies in America for the 6th straight year, and Inc Magazine’s Best Workplaces. In college, Joseph majored in entrepreneurship and built his business plans in the promotional products industry. A seasoned vet at 35 years old, this is the only career and job he’s ever known, with Whitestone being the largest company he’s ever worked for now with 65 full-time employees. Joseph lives in Austin, Texas, and is an active member of YPO and EO.

Dan Edge, President at Peerless Umbrella, is a 27 year promotional products veteran, and has worked at the company for all 27 years in various capacities. His responsibilities include overseeing sales & marketing as well as driving the company’s strategic growth.

Dan is currently serving on the board of directors for SAAGNY, the largest regional association in the promotional products industry. He has also served on multiple committees at PPAI through the years. In his free time, he loves the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two children.

With over 25 years working within the promotional products industry, Bill Petrie had dedicated his career to helping organizations grow their businesses through creative, strategic, and effective marketing and branding. As the founder and creative director of brandivate – a boutique marketing, branding, and advertising agency – Bill brings a hands-on approach to connecting brands with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Bill’s insatiable curiosity drives his creativity and ensures that he’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He doesn’t hold back; he embraces boldness, innovation, and a bit of irreverence because that’s where real growth happens. His goal? To challenge and inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams.

As a featured keynote speaker and workshop leader, Bill has been fortunate to share these ideas with audiences across the country and around the world. He has also had the honor of being inducted into the Promotional Products of the Mid-South (PPAMS) Hall of Fame and receiving the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Icon Award for Distinguished Service in 2024 – a testament to his commitment to elevating others and driving positive change.

When not helping brands make an impact, you can find him in his backyard, affectionately known as The Back Forty, likely smoking something delicious on the grill, mixing up craft cocktails, and enveloping himself in great music. He also loves spending time with his wife of 30 years, Sandy, their red tick coonhound, Shelby, and their twin college-aged sons, Drew and Mitch – who tend to pop in when they are broke, hungry, have nothing clean to wear, or all of the above.

Abe Anteby is the President and CEO of Threadfast Apparel, a brand of sustainable and eco-friendly clothing. With over 25 years of experience in the apparel industry, Anteby has led the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their business. Under his leadership, Threadfast Apparel has become a leader in ethical and eco-conscious manufacturing, committed to reducing their environmental impact while producing high-quality, fashionable apparel.

Kate Nash, Director of Sales and Marketing at Raining Rose Promos, started her professional life in newspaper journalism and marketing for higher ed and the tech industry before joining Raining Rose as top marketing leader in 2019. Kate leveraged her multi-industry background to partner with leaders on a new Raining Rose Promos brand and has also worked to support sales growth at the company through marketing strategies and sales partnership. In 2022, Kate took over as Director of Promotional Sales and Marketing. She leads the sales team, determines future investments, spearheads product development, oversees daily operations, and works to spread the Raining Rose “orange vibe” of energy and optimism throughout the company and industry. Kate also promotes corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives via an internal company working group, as a board member of PromoCares, and through connecting with like-minded souls across industries whenever possible.

Elizabeth Wimbush is PPAI’s first-ever Director of Sustainability & Responsibility.  Prior to joining PPAI, Elizabeth was the vice president of supply chain and sustainability for distributor Genumark.  She had started with the company in 2020 as the director of supply chain. Before joining the promo world, she ran a fair-trade organic cafe & bakery in Toronto that prioritized community and minimizing waste.

Elizabeth is a value-oriented professional with a diverse range of experience that prioritizes ethical and sustainable business growth, spanning 20 years. Organically influencing positive change from the ground up in organizations is the name of her game.

Most of her free time is spent with her two dogs, riding her motorcycle, hiking or swimming. On the road or in the woods, alone or with friends, “I’m never bored when I’m out in nature,” she says.

Mandi Rudd is the Director, New Markets at Genumark.  She opened and operated her own distributorship for ten years and loved every minute of it. When the discussion of Genumark expanding in the US presented itself, Mandi knew it was an opportunity she had to explore and said it’s been an amazing first year and she’s grateful for it all!  Mandi is a self-described boy mom, rescue dog mom, a hugger, a branded merch expert, connector, relationship builder and lifelong volunteer. Promotional products, colorful socks, sarcasm and coffee are a few of her love languages. 

Angela Taylor, the Vice President of Customer Engagement and Digital Solutions at AIM Smarter, with experience spanning two decades in the promotional products industry.

For the past four years, Angela has been an instrumental leader at AIM Smarter, spearheading their Customer Success Team and driving innovation through AIM’s Tech Suite order management platform. Her commitment to elevating the customer experience and fostering digital solutions has been pivotal in shaping AIM’s trajectory within the industry.

Angela also has firsthand experience as a supplier at A+ Wine Designs, offering her a holistic understanding of the promotional products landscape. Recognizing the importance of industry relationships and giving back to the community that has been so good to her, she has volunteered with SAAC and the SAAC Foundation for the past decade.

Joseph Sommer is the founder of Whitestone, a best in class, fully remote branded merchandise agency that was recently named ASI Best Places to Work in 2024 for companies 25-100 employees, and 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year. He has built his career with passion, enthusiasm and creativity and leads one of the most progressive businesses in the industry. Whitestone was recently named to the Inc 5000 list for fastest growing private companies in America for the 6th straight year, and Inc Magazine’s Best Workplaces. In college, Joseph majored in entrepreneurship and built his business plans in the promotional products industry. A seasoned vet at 35 years old, this is the only career and job he’s ever known, with Whitestone being the largest company he’s ever worked for now with 65 full-time employees. Joseph lives in Austin, Texas, and is an active member of YPO and EO.

Dan Edge, President at Peerless Umbrella, is a 27 year promotional products veteran, and has worked at the company for all 27 years in various capacities. His responsibilities include overseeing sales & marketing as well as driving the company’s strategic growth.

Dan is currently serving on the board of directors for SAAGNY, the largest regional association in the promotional products industry. He has also served on multiple committees at PPAI through the years. In his free time, he loves the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Katie Kailik is the National Account Manager at Peerless Umbrella, and she has been in the Promotional Products industry for 17 years. She’s as shocked as you by that number – she didn’t even know this industry existed when she graduated with a combined degree in Honors Mass Communication and Cultural Communication. Katie came full circle during her first year at Debco when she found their label in her beloved frosh week laundry bag. She’s never looked back. 

During her tenure, Katie has built a reputation for authentic, relationship-driven sales strategy that has awarded her with many accolades, including several Customer Service Rep of the Year awards, several Sales Rep of the Year awards, as well as being a recipient of the PPPC Momentum Award and SAAGNY’s Top 40 Under 40.  

Katie’s enthusiastic passion for the promotional products industry has fueled her personal and professional development, and it has helped her earn key roles within top suppliers Debco, Spector & Co, and Peerless. She has also volunteered her time to sit on industry boards, including PPPC Ontario Chapter, Promokitchen, and Brand Chain. 

Katie lives in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband Russell, and their two dogs, Rocco & Brutus. In her personal time, you’ll most likely find her somewhere on a boat talking to strangers, trying to camouflage her Canadian accent.  

Tiffani Bova’s illustrious career has been marked by a long (and continuously growing) list of accomplishments and honors: Two-time Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Former Global Growth & Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, Two-time Thinkers50 Top Management Thinker, Former Research Fellow at Gartner, Top 50 Marketing Thought Leader, Top X and LinkedIn Influencer, Five-Star Podcast Host, contributor to top business journals, researcher on the future of sales, employee and customer experience, and honors ranging from the Gartner Thought Leadership Award to being named one of the most powerful and influential women in California by the National Diversity Council. Listed by the San Francisco Examiner in 2023 as one of the Ten Most Sought After Brand Evangelists, Tiffani is referred to as “one of the most masterful keynote speakers in the world.”

A marquee name in the speaking world, Tiffani has delivered more than 1,000 keynotes on six continents, winning rave reviews for her ability to ignite audiences and provide them with actionable tools for success. She is also a frequent guest lecturer at business schools, including Columbia University, Wharton and USC.

More About Tiffani Bova

For more than 20 years, Tiffani Bova has stood at the forefront of transformative industry developments across multiple industries and regions, specializing in driving top-line growth, sales transformation, and catalyzing customer and employee experience. She is the author of two Wall Street Journal bestsellers, Growth IQ, which has been translated into 12 languages, and The Experience Mindset. Over the past decade, she has consistently ranked in the highest echelon of management and marketing thinkers, ranging from Thinkers50 to being a top X influencer and LinkedIn Sales Expert. Forbes says that she “reshapes our perception of growth.”

Most recently, Tiffani served as Chief Growth & Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, where she focused on driving customer success within the company’s vast global customer and partner ecosystem. Prior to Salesforce, she was a sales, marketing and customer service executive for startups and Fortune 500 companies, where she was recognized as one of the first to develop a robust go-to-market model for cloud-based solutions, and indirect channel strategies to accommodate changes in buying behavior. Tiffani left the corporate world to join Gartner as a Distinguished Analyst and Research Fellow. There, she helped some of the largest technology companies in the world including Microsoft, Cisco, Salesforce, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Oracle, SAP, AT&T, Dell, Amazon-AWS, expand their market share and grow their revenues, earning her Gartner’s coveted Thought Leadership Award.

An active and influential thought leader within her areas of expertise, Ms. Bova has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, MIT Sloan Management Review, INC, Fast Company, Fortune, Yahoo Finance and MSNBC. She also hosts the highly-rated podcast, What’s Next! with Tiffani Bova, welcoming prominent guests such as Seth Godin, Tom Peters, Daniel Pink, Arianna Huffington, Marshall Goldsmith, Guy Kawasaki, former Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly, former Ritz-Carlton President Horst Schulze and others.

With over 25 years working within the promotional products industry, Bill Petrie had dedicated his career to helping organizations grow their businesses through creative, strategic, and effective marketing and branding. As the founder and creative director of brandivate – a boutique marketing, branding, and advertising agency – Bill brings a hands-on approach to connecting brands with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Bill’s insatiable curiosity drives his creativity and ensures that he’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He doesn’t hold back; he embraces boldness, innovation, and a bit of irreverence because that’s where real growth happens. His goal? To challenge and inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams.

As a featured keynote speaker and workshop leader, Bill has been fortunate to share these ideas with audiences across the country and around the world. He has also had the honor of being inducted into the Promotional Products of the Mid-South (PPAMS) Hall of Fame and receiving the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Icon Award for Distinguished Service in 2024 – a testament to his commitment to elevating others and driving positive change.

When not helping brands make an impact, you can find him in his backyard, affectionately known as The Back Forty, likely smoking something delicious on the grill, mixing up craft cocktails, and enveloping himself in great music. He also loves spending time with his wife of 30 years, Sandy, their red tick coonhound, Shelby, and their twin college-aged sons, Drew and Mitch – who tend to pop in when they are broke, hungry, have nothing clean to wear, or all of the above.

Abe Anteby is the President and CEO of Threadfast Apparel, a brand of sustainable and eco-friendly clothing. With over 25 years of experience in the apparel industry, Anteby has led the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their business. Under his leadership, Threadfast Apparel has become a leader in ethical and eco-conscious manufacturing, committed to reducing their environmental impact while producing high-quality, fashionable apparel.

Kate Nash, Director of Sales and Marketing at Raining Rose Promos, started her professional life in newspaper journalism and marketing for higher ed and the tech industry before joining Raining Rose as top marketing leader in 2019. Kate leveraged her multi-industry background to partner with leaders on a new Raining Rose Promos brand and has also worked to support sales growth at the company through marketing strategies and sales partnership. In 2022, Kate took over as Director of Promotional Sales and Marketing. She leads the sales team, determines future investments, spearheads product development, oversees daily operations, and works to spread the Raining Rose “orange vibe” of energy and optimism throughout the company and industry. Kate also promotes corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives via an internal company working group, as a board member of PromoCares, and through connecting with like-minded souls across industries whenever possible.

Elizabeth Wimbush is PPAI’s first-ever Director of Sustainability & Responsibility.  Prior to joining PPAI, Elizabeth was the vice president of supply chain and sustainability for distributor Genumark.  She had started with the company in 2020 as the director of supply chain. Before joining the promo world, she ran a fair-trade organic cafe & bakery in Toronto that prioritized community and minimizing waste.

Elizabeth is a value-oriented professional with a diverse range of experience that prioritizes ethical and sustainable business growth, spanning 20 years. Organically influencing positive change from the ground up in organizations is the name of her game.

Most of her free time is spent with her two dogs, riding her motorcycle, hiking or swimming. On the road or in the woods, alone or with friends, “I’m never bored when I’m out in nature,” she says.

Mandi Rudd is the Director, New Markets at Genumark.  She opened and operated her own distributorship for ten years and loved every minute of it. When the discussion of Genumark expanding in the US presented itself, Mandi knew it was an opportunity she had to explore and said it’s been an amazing first year and she’s grateful for it all!  Mandi is a self-described boy mom, rescue dog mom, a hugger, a branded merch expert, connector, relationship builder and lifelong volunteer. Promotional products, colorful socks, sarcasm and coffee are a few of her love languages. 

Angela Taylor, the Vice President of Customer Engagement and Digital Solutions at AIM Smarter, with experience spanning two decades in the promotional products industry.

For the past four years, Angela has been an instrumental leader at AIM Smarter, spearheading their Customer Success Team and driving innovation through AIM’s Tech Suite order management platform. Her commitment to elevating the customer experience and fostering digital solutions has been pivotal in shaping AIM’s trajectory within the industry.

Angela also has firsthand experience as a supplier at A+ Wine Designs, offering her a holistic understanding of the promotional products landscape. Recognizing the importance of industry relationships and giving back to the community that has been so good to her, she has volunteered with SAAC and the SAAC Foundation for the past decade.

Joseph Sommer is the founder of Whitestone, a best in class, fully remote branded merchandise agency that was recently named ASI Best Places to Work in 2024 for companies 25-100 employees, and 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year. He has built his career with passion, enthusiasm and creativity and leads one of the most progressive businesses in the industry. Whitestone was recently named to the Inc 5000 list for fastest growing private companies in America for the 6th straight year, and Inc Magazine’s Best Workplaces. In college, Joseph majored in entrepreneurship and built his business plans in the promotional products industry. A seasoned vet at 35 years old, this is the only career and job he’s ever known, with Whitestone being the largest company he’s ever worked for now with 65 full-time employees. Joseph lives in Austin, Texas, and is an active member of YPO and EO.

Dan Edge, President at Peerless Umbrella, is a 27 year promotional products veteran, and has worked at the company for all 27 years in various capacities. His responsibilities include overseeing sales & marketing as well as driving the company’s strategic growth.

Dan is currently serving on the board of directors for SAAGNY, the largest regional association in the promotional products industry. He has also served on multiple committees at PPAI through the years. In his free time, he loves the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Katie Kailik is the National Account Manager at Peerless Umbrella, and she has been in the Promotional Products industry for 17 years. She’s as shocked as you by that number – she didn’t even know this industry existed when she graduated with a combined degree in Honors Mass Communication and Cultural Communication. Katie came full circle during her first year at Debco when she found their label in her beloved frosh week laundry bag. She’s never looked back. 

During her tenure, Katie has built a reputation for authentic, relationship-driven sales strategy that has awarded her with many accolades, including several Customer Service Rep of the Year awards, several Sales Rep of the Year awards, as well as being a recipient of the PPPC Momentum Award and SAAGNY’s Top 40 Under 40.  

Katie’s enthusiastic passion for the promotional products industry has fueled her personal and professional development, and it has helped her earn key roles within top suppliers Debco, Spector & Co, and Peerless. She has also volunteered her time to sit on industry boards, including PPPC Ontario Chapter, Promokitchen, and Brand Chain. 

Katie lives in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband Russell, and their two dogs, Rocco & Brutus. In her personal time, you’ll most likely find her somewhere on a boat talking to strangers, trying to camouflage her Canadian accent.  

Joelly Goodson, Sr. Sales Associate at BAMKO, AKA “The Branding Badass,” is an award-winning branding expert with more than 20 years’ experience helping businesses build and elevate their brands.

Joelly was ranked #3 on PPAI’s #Online18: The Best Promo Pros on Social Media for 2024, underscoring her influence and expertise in the branded merch industry and social media branding.

In addition to her professional accolades, Joelly is the creator and host of “Branding Matters” which is one of Canada’s top branding podcasts .This podcast has earned the top spot on Feedspot’s list of the 10 Best Canadian Branding Podcasts and is recognized by the CMO Club as one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2024. Through her podcast, Joelly shares her expertise, featuring interviews with industry leaders and offering actionable advice that listeners can implement immediately. 

Charlie Moscoe is the VP of Product management at commonsku, bringing over 10 years of business-to-business software Product Management experience to the team. With a background in design and computer science, he has worked across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on marketplace applications. Charlie combines user-centric design processes with data-driven experimentation to help promo distributors and suppliers grow and thrive. Outside of work, Charlie likes to get out in nature, hiking in the forests of his native Canada or out in the backcountry on his snowboard.

Recognized by PPAI’s PPB Magazine in 2016 as one of the industry’s most Powerful Partners and by PPB Magazine as a 2018 Rising Star, Aaron Kucherawy’s grace under pressure is legendary. Aaron began with commonsku in the early days and with the platform’s rise and success, he grew from manager to VP of customer success, leading a team that’s always there when you need him. Aaron remains one of the most admired team members by customers. An expert in platform proficiency and systems integration, Aaron thrives on guiding new users and advising the pros on how to scale and grow their business using the commonsku platform. 

Brittany Frase, MAS is the Vice President of Sales for HIRSCH with 15 years of experience in the promotional products industry on both the supplier and distributor sides. With a successful track record in sales leadership, Brittany has a passion for leading dynamic teams and mentorship inside and outside of industry. Brittany was named a PPAI 2024 Rising Star, is a Premier Group board member, and volunteers on many industry committees. When she’s not working, you can find Brittany corralling her two kids, and if they have a babysitter, you can catch her at a stand-up comedy show.  

A self-described professional student, Mykayla Goodwin is the VP of Strategy for OrderMyGear (OMG), an online store platform for selling branded merchandise to groups. As a strategy leader, Mykayla is focused on identifying growth opportunities and guiding company strategy through market research and strategic planning. She also assists with positioning to help the market understand who OMG is, what they do, and how they’re different from the rest. Mykayla received an M.B.A. from University of North Carolina Charlotte where she focused on innovation and growth strategy, as well as a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas State University. 

Nicole Rhooms serves as PPAI’s Human Resources Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic human capital management. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. With deep expertise in all aspects of HR, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee development, leadership coaching, and organizational development.

Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment while optimizing workforce performance and engagement. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, she is passionate about creating innovative HR solutions that drive sustainable business growth.

Brandon Kennedy is the owner, founder and president at BrandCo Marketing, and started the company in 2004.  Since that time, he joined ASB as a HUB Owner.  He has been married to his wife Christina for 20 years, and they have a 17-year-old high school senior, Colton. Brandon loves to play golf, basketball and going offshore fishing with his son.     

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full-service marketing company and promotional products distributor. He was named as a Rising Star in the industry by PPB magazine. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists.

Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. In addition, he hosts a weekly (award-winning) podcast called Promo UPFront with Bill Petrie. He is an industry leader in content creation and has won four Pyramid awards for content.

Kirby has published five books. His most recent is Hit The TARGET. He has also written the book, The Give First Economy, Fan of Happy and Delivering Marketing Joy (about doing “promo right).

Lisa Greyhill, President of Firebrand Global Marketing, leads a certified women-owned business with over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. Known for innovative solutions and strategic acquisitions, Lisa empowers her team to create impactful branding strategies for buyers across a spectrum of industries, and embraces the skills and relationships of fellow distributors that have joined the Firebrand family. She feels in-person interactions are where the magic happens and expects the tradeshow industry to skyrocket in presence and impact in the coming years. 

A 15-year part-time veteran of the fire service and advocate for women entrepreneurs, Lisa brings resilience, mentorship and leadership to her work. Outside the office, she shares with friends and clients a passion for global adventure travel, including African safaris, mountaineering, skiing, and kayaking. 

Malik Hemani, CAS, is the Creative Director and Managing Partner of Graphic Stylus, a Houston-based marketing and promotional products agency. With extensive experience supporting small businesses to large enterprises, Malik collaborates with marketing executives and HR directors to develop impactful campaigns that leverage hard goods to attract and retain both customers and employees.

As the 2024 President and Chair of the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) and Bellaire Business Association (BBA), Malik leads efforts that support over 500 combined members, promoting economic growth and fostering community development. In 2024, Malik chaired HPPA’s largest end-buyer trade show, demonstrating his ability to orchestrate high-profile events, and he also serves on multiple trade show committees across industries such as Oil & Gas, technology, HR, and multi-family.

Malik holds degrees in Bioinformatics from Baylor University and Management Information Systems from the University of Houston. He previously had a 13-year career at ExxonMobil, deploying international infrastructure projects exceeding $50 million.

Tom Goos, MAS, is the President of Image Source, a nationally recognized branded merchandise agency known for its purpose driven culture and strategic client approach. Day to day, he leads Image Source’s strategic direction, as well as financial management, operations, and supplier partnerships. With 22+ years of branded merchandise experience, Goos is a true industry leader and expert.

He is a former two-term President of the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (NWPMA) and a founder and partner of Reciprocity Road, the innovative industry buying and shared learning group comprised of eight elite branded merchandise agencies. He was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal’s award program, 40 Under Forty.

Thomas has a B.A. in Marketing and Management from the University of Washington Bothell. He is a current board member for the University of Washington Bothell School of Business where he is a guest speaker and advisor to undergraduate and MBA students.

Chris Anderson joined HandStands in 2002. At the time, HandStands was a 19-year-old manufacturer of computer accessories, with most of its revenue generated from the selling of mouse pads in the office products and promotional products channels.  Chris led HandStands’ entrance into the automotive air freshener category in 2003; and, within eight years of selling its first car air freshener, HandStands had become the NPD, IRI and Nielsen US #1 market share leader in the highly competitive category. 

In 2010, after serving in various leadership positions within the organization, Chris added the title of CEO to his existing role of HandStands President.  By 2016, HandStands revenue had grown more than 30 times the level when Chris joined the company, and its products were distributed in over 125 countries throughout the world.  In July of 2016, HandStands was sold to Energizer Holdings (the global battery and consumer products company).  In early 2017, Chris led the carve out of the “Legacy” HandStands Products’ Mouse Pad and Promotional Products business unit from Energizer. The resulting stand-alone business continued to grow rapidly, culminating in its December 2018 acquisition by HPG – a leading hardgoods supplier in the North American Promotional Products Industry.  

In the months following HandStands Products’ acquisition by HPG, Chris was named CEO of HPG, a role he continues to serve in today. In addition to his role of CEO and Board Member of HPG, Chris currently serves on the boards of JB Weld (a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded adhesive products), Durham Brands (a fast-growing innovator in the branded girls and women’s hair accessory category), Millburn & Co. (a real estate investment firm, with over $1.5 billion in assets across the U.S., focusing on the multifamily housing sector), and the Westminster College Gore School of Business.

Chris is a Summa Cum Laude Economics graduate of Westminster College, and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Jamie and their four children.  Outside of business, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid aviator.  

Dana Porter, MAS is the Vice President of Information Services at SAGE. She serves on PPAI’s Regional Relations Committee and Government Relations Action Council. Dana has also participated in LEAD multiple years, served as chair of the PPEF Board of Trustees, was chair of WLC and was awarded iPROMOTEu’s A Women’s View 2022 Supplier Visionary Award.

Amy Rabideau is a highly accomplished and influential leader in the promotional products industry. As VP of Product for Hit Promotional Products, she brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success in product development, strategic planning, and technology leadership. She is adept at transforming complex business processes and delivering impactful results. Beyond her corporate role, Amy is deeply committed to advancing the industry through her dedicated volunteer work with PPAI, regional associations, and as Vice Chair of PromoStandards. Her passion for the industry and her drive for innovation make her a true force for progress.

Joelly Goodson, Sr. Sales Associate at BAMKO, AKA “The Branding Badass,” is an award-winning branding expert with more than 20 years’ experience helping businesses build and elevate their brands.

Joelly was ranked #3 on PPAI’s #Online18: The Best Promo Pros on Social Media for 2024, underscoring her influence and expertise in the branded merch industry and social media branding.

In addition to her professional accolades, Joelly is the creator and host of “Branding Matters” which is one of Canada’s top branding podcasts .This podcast has earned the top spot on Feedspot’s list of the 10 Best Canadian Branding Podcasts and is recognized by the CMO Club as one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2024. Through her podcast, Joelly shares her expertise, featuring interviews with industry leaders and offering actionable advice that listeners can implement immediately. 

Charlie Moscoe is the VP of Product management at commonsku, bringing over 10 years of business-to-business software Product Management experience to the team. With a background in design and computer science, he has worked across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on marketplace applications. Charlie combines user-centric design processes with data-driven experimentation to help promo distributors and suppliers grow and thrive. Outside of work, Charlie likes to get out in nature, hiking in the forests of his native Canada or out in the backcountry on his snowboard.

Recognized by PPAI’s PPB Magazine in 2016 as one of the industry’s most Powerful Partners and by PPB Magazine as a 2018 Rising Star, Aaron Kucherawy’s grace under pressure is legendary. Aaron began with commonsku in the early days and with the platform’s rise and success, he grew from manager to VP of customer success, leading a team that’s always there when you need him. Aaron remains one of the most admired team members by customers. An expert in platform proficiency and systems integration, Aaron thrives on guiding new users and advising the pros on how to scale and grow their business using the commonsku platform. 

Brittany Frase, MAS is the Vice President of Sales for HIRSCH with 15 years of experience in the promotional products industry on both the supplier and distributor sides. With a successful track record in sales leadership, Brittany has a passion for leading dynamic teams and mentorship inside and outside of industry. Brittany was named a PPAI 2024 Rising Star, is a Premier Group board member, and volunteers on many industry committees. When she’s not working, you can find Brittany corralling her two kids, and if they have a babysitter, you can catch her at a stand-up comedy show.  

A self-described professional student, Mykayla Goodwin is the VP of Strategy for OrderMyGear (OMG), an online store platform for selling branded merchandise to groups. As a strategy leader, Mykayla is focused on identifying growth opportunities and guiding company strategy through market research and strategic planning. She also assists with positioning to help the market understand who OMG is, what they do, and how they’re different from the rest. Mykayla received an M.B.A. from University of North Carolina Charlotte where she focused on innovation and growth strategy, as well as a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas State University. 

Nicole Rhooms serves as PPAI’s Human Resources Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic human capital management. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. With deep expertise in all aspects of HR, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee development, leadership coaching, and organizational development.

Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment while optimizing workforce performance and engagement. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, she is passionate about creating innovative HR solutions that drive sustainable business growth.

Brandon Kennedy is the owner, founder and president at BrandCo Marketing, and started the company in 2004.  Since that time, he joined ASB as a HUB Owner.  He has been married to his wife Christina for 20 years, and they have a 17-year-old high school senior, Colton. Brandon loves to play golf, basketball and going offshore fishing with his son.     

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full-service marketing company and promotional products distributor. He was named as a Rising Star in the industry by PPB magazine. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists.

Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. In addition, he hosts a weekly (award-winning) podcast called Promo UPFront with Bill Petrie. He is an industry leader in content creation and has won four Pyramid awards for content.

Kirby has published five books. His most recent is Hit The TARGET. He has also written the book, The Give First Economy, Fan of Happy and Delivering Marketing Joy (about doing “promo right).

Lisa Greyhill, President of Firebrand Global Marketing, leads a certified women-owned business with over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. Known for innovative solutions and strategic acquisitions, Lisa empowers her team to create impactful branding strategies for buyers across a spectrum of industries, and embraces the skills and relationships of fellow distributors that have joined the Firebrand family. She feels in-person interactions are where the magic happens and expects the tradeshow industry to skyrocket in presence and impact in the coming years. 

A 15-year part-time veteran of the fire service and advocate for women entrepreneurs, Lisa brings resilience, mentorship and leadership to her work. Outside the office, she shares with friends and clients a passion for global adventure travel, including African safaris, mountaineering, skiing, and kayaking. 

Malik Hemani, CAS, is the Creative Director and Managing Partner of Graphic Stylus, a Houston-based marketing and promotional products agency. With extensive experience supporting small businesses to large enterprises, Malik collaborates with marketing executives and HR directors to develop impactful campaigns that leverage hard goods to attract and retain both customers and employees.

As the 2024 President and Chair of the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) and Bellaire Business Association (BBA), Malik leads efforts that support over 500 combined members, promoting economic growth and fostering community development. In 2024, Malik chaired HPPA’s largest end-buyer trade show, demonstrating his ability to orchestrate high-profile events, and he also serves on multiple trade show committees across industries such as Oil & Gas, technology, HR, and multi-family.

Malik holds degrees in Bioinformatics from Baylor University and Management Information Systems from the University of Houston. He previously had a 13-year career at ExxonMobil, deploying international infrastructure projects exceeding $50 million.

Tom Goos, MAS, is the President of Image Source, a nationally recognized branded merchandise agency known for its purpose driven culture and strategic client approach. Day to day, he leads Image Source’s strategic direction, as well as financial management, operations, and supplier partnerships. With 22+ years of branded merchandise experience, Goos is a true industry leader and expert.

He is a former two-term President of the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (NWPMA) and a founder and partner of Reciprocity Road, the innovative industry buying and shared learning group comprised of eight elite branded merchandise agencies. He was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal’s award program, 40 Under Forty.

Thomas has a B.A. in Marketing and Management from the University of Washington Bothell. He is a current board member for the University of Washington Bothell School of Business where he is a guest speaker and advisor to undergraduate and MBA students.

Chris Anderson joined HandStands in 2002. At the time, HandStands was a 19-year-old manufacturer of computer accessories, with most of its revenue generated from the selling of mouse pads in the office products and promotional products channels.  Chris led HandStands’ entrance into the automotive air freshener category in 2003; and, within eight years of selling its first car air freshener, HandStands had become the NPD, IRI and Nielsen US #1 market share leader in the highly competitive category. 

In 2010, after serving in various leadership positions within the organization, Chris added the title of CEO to his existing role of HandStands President.  By 2016, HandStands revenue had grown more than 30 times the level when Chris joined the company, and its products were distributed in over 125 countries throughout the world.  In July of 2016, HandStands was sold to Energizer Holdings (the global battery and consumer products company).  In early 2017, Chris led the carve out of the “Legacy” HandStands Products’ Mouse Pad and Promotional Products business unit from Energizer. The resulting stand-alone business continued to grow rapidly, culminating in its December 2018 acquisition by HPG – a leading hardgoods supplier in the North American Promotional Products Industry.  

In the months following HandStands Products’ acquisition by HPG, Chris was named CEO of HPG, a role he continues to serve in today. In addition to his role of CEO and Board Member of HPG, Chris currently serves on the boards of JB Weld (a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded adhesive products), Durham Brands (a fast-growing innovator in the branded girls and women’s hair accessory category), Millburn & Co. (a real estate investment firm, with over $1.5 billion in assets across the U.S., focusing on the multifamily housing sector), and the Westminster College Gore School of Business.

Chris is a Summa Cum Laude Economics graduate of Westminster College, and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Jamie and their four children.  Outside of business, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid aviator.  

Dana Porter, MAS is the Vice President of Information Services at SAGE. She serves on PPAI’s Regional Relations Committee and Government Relations Action Council. Dana has also participated in LEAD multiple years, served as chair of the PPEF Board of Trustees, was chair of WLC and was awarded iPROMOTEu’s A Women’s View 2022 Supplier Visionary Award.

Amy Rabideau is a highly accomplished and influential leader in the promotional products industry. As VP of Product for Hit Promotional Products, she brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success in product development, strategic planning, and technology leadership. She is adept at transforming complex business processes and delivering impactful results. Beyond her corporate role, Amy is deeply committed to advancing the industry through her dedicated volunteer work with PPAI, regional associations, and as Vice Chair of PromoStandards. Her passion for the industry and her drive for innovation make her a true force for progress.

Eric Granata, CAS is the founder of PromoPilot, a technology consulting and automation company serving the print and promotional products industry.

Prior to PromoPilot, Granata served as CTO at Brand Fuel, a free-spirited, globally-recognized promotional products agency.

He came to the promotional products industry by way of ROBYN Promotions as their Director of E-Commerce. With an eclectic skill set, he has worked in e-commerce, web and print design, video production, program management, digital transformation, and marketing and sales. 

Ben Drysdale, CAS, is the National Account Manager at Gold Bond, Inc – a trusted supplier committed to creating meaningful solutions that blend innovation, quality, and sustainability. He joined the Gold Bond team just a few months ago, after 4.5 years with industry supplier; Raining Rose Promos. Ben is an expert in developing creative and impactful branded merchandise strategies that foster lasting connections with clients.   

Halle Moore, Marketing Coordinator at PromoCorner, started working full-time in the industry in 2022 after graduating from UMass Boston. In her role, Halle provides digital marketing services to suppliers within the industry. Getting involved is her favorite way to grow, she’s been serving as a sous chef at PromoKitchen and is excited to be stepping into a chef role in 2025. She also loves posting to social media and was even recognized for it on PPAI’s 2024 Online 18. You can find her newest video series “Behind the Brand” on the Pyramid Award-winning platform PromoJournal.com. Halle is the 3rd generation of her family to be in the industry and is lucky enough to work with both her parents Laurie & Joel Moore and follow in the footsteps of her late grandfather, Jim Moore. 

Jade Crider is the inside sales and social media manager at Hasseman Marketing. She began her career as an administrative assistant at the company, and is following in the footsteps of her family legacy, being a professional in the promotional products industry. Jade is carving out her own path and is establishing herself by creating engaging content that helps Hasseman Marketing to stand out.

Joshua Pospisil, MAS, is the vice president of business development at AIA Corporation and has been in the industry for 11 years. He loves being granted the opportunity to lead/coach a team and help build relationships from the ground up. Prior to joining AIA Corporation, Josh was at HIRSCH, and before that, he began his journey in the promotional product industry at KTI Promo. Joshua has volunteered with PromoKitchen, is a past president of HPPA, and has been a board/committee member for both RAC and RRC.

Vicki Ostrom (she/her), is a futurist, trend analyst and founder of Trendependent, a trend analysis and consulting company. With over 25 years in design and forecasting, Vicki excels in translating macro trends into accessible, clearly presented concepts, helping brands understand what is happening today and forecast what products will be needed tomorrow. 

Meg Erber is a visionary leader in the promotional products industry, bringing over two decades of expertise in driving growth, ethical business practices, and community engagement. As Director of Sales at Proforma, she empowers distributor owners to achieve exponential success through innovative strategies and a people-centered approach. Known for her work on the PromoCares board and as co-creator of the 4Good events, Meg has spearheaded initiatives that unite promotional product leaders and community advocates in support of meaningful, socially responsible causes. To date, 4 Good Events has raised over $350K and changed so many lives for good!

In addition to her industry influence, Meg co-hosts Branding Banter, where she shares insights on the latest trends and challenges in promotional products. Beyond the industry, she serves on the boards of the Moosehead Region Land Trust and Harford’s Point Association in Maine, focusing on land conservation and preserving natural resources for future generations. Through every role, Meg exemplifies a commitment to community, sustainability, and a shared vision for positive impact within and beyond the promotional products space.

Vera is the Creative Director for, and part owner of, Southwest Solutions – an award-winning marketing materials company.  She is a heart-first professional who’s known for her creativity; aversion to small talk; and appreciation of good vocabulary and clever marketing materials.  She studied Linguistics and Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Arizona, and after stints in a variety of industries that converged into a unique perspective on business and humans, she joined the wide world of promo. Vera is the past Board President of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce (AKA the Gaymber) – cultivating a safe space for queer folks in business as well as a space of learning for allies, who are tremendously important to the LGBTQIA+ community. She – and her entire team at Southwest Solutions – believes Inclusive Business is Good Business. When she isn’t hard at work, you’ll find Vera being lifting weights, making prints, tending to too many houseplants, and hanging out with her wife and their cats.

Natalie Tenner has been with the SanMar corporation out of Issaquah, Washington for nearly 23 years. She currently serves as a Credit Manager and the Chair of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Action) Council. As the council’s first chair, Natalie feels privileged to lead its initiatives and has spent the past four years working closely with departments across the organization, both as a guest speaker and through active engagement. She is deeply committed to ensuring the council’s vision of empowering employees to embrace differences, maximize their talents, and create opportunities for equitable growth remains at the forefront. In addition, she strives to foster an inclusive culture grounded in respect and open communication. As she explains, “True innovation arises when an organization views diversity as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Differences can spark extraordinary relationships and creativity.”

Natalie is passionate about inclusion, believing that having the right people at the table and giving them an opportunity to be heard is essential to employee engagement.  She emphasizes the importance of nurturing a culture that values inclusivity and psychological safety as an integral part of the organization’s overall vision and mission.  She believes that we can learn valuable lessons from one another when we are eager to listen and learn.

Natalie holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication along with a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Natalie is married and the proud mother of two sons.

Sarah White is COO and co-founder of Fairware, North America’s leading provider of sustainable and ethically sourced promotional merchandise. In addition to operations and human resources, Sarah drives Fairware’s commitment to being an anti-racist organization. She is a Co-Chair of the President’s Group, a network of B.C. business leaders championing more accessible, inclusive workplaces. For over 10 years, Sarah has volunteered with the Vancouver Street Soccer League an organization that utilizes sport to uplift marginalized folks.

Outside of work Sarah loves time with friends and family and being in the outdoors. Being the subject of the documentary film Not Quite That has opened new areas of interest and exploration, including advocating for gender affirming healthcare and continuing to uplift the underrepresented lives of the LGBTQ+ community.

Kim Sandifer joined HALO in 2020 as the company’s first HR Business Partner, bringing over 20 years of experience in business-facing HR and operational management roles. Throughout her career, Sandifer held senior HR positions at several Fortune 500 companies in the financial services and retail sectors. She played a key role in establishing a best-in-class HR function at HALO.

During her first two years with the company, Sandifer partnered with senior leaders to build the HR Business Partner function, focusing on executing talent strategies, developing leaders, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. In 2023, she was promoted to Chief HR Officer, where she continues to support HALO’s growth by prioritizing the people and their experience.

Mrs. Sandifer holds a BA in Finance and Economics from Elmhurst College and is an alumna of the Smith College Leadership Consortium.

A Chicago native, Kim lives with her husband of 33 years, Michael. They have two children: Mykala, Associate Vice President of University Relations, Talent, and Inclusion at Kansas University; and Jabari, who works as a buyer for GM by day and a fashion influencer and stylist by night.

Mitch Mounger brings over 25 years of industry experience as both a successful entrepreneur and a respected business leader. He currently serves as the President of HALO’s Enterprise Business, where he oversees teams that provide innovative solutions and activate brands globally for Fortune 500 and high-growth companies. As an integral member of HALO’s executive team, Mitch plays a pivotal role in advancing the company’s growth strategy, developing innovative solutions for clients, and leading business teams. Prior to his current role, he was the founder and CEO of Sunrise Identity, a Seattle-based firm he led for over 20 years until its acquisition by HALO in 2018. Under Mitch’s leadership, Sunrise Identity grew into one of the most innovative and largest firms in the industry, propelled by the company’s commitment to branded merchandise solutions, product sourcing, and development.  Mitch currently resides in Seattle, WA.

Danny Rosin is co-owner of Brand Fuel, a Raleigh-based distributor that is a proud certified B Corp. He serves on the PPAI board and will be chair in 2026. He is the co-founder of Band Together, a nonprofit that has donated $15 million to nonprofits through live music experiences. He serves on the board of A Place at The Table, a “pay what you can” café and is advisor to Gabi’s Pals, a nonprofit that empowers people with special abilities through fulfillment programming. He is also the co-founder of these social impact orgs: PromoKitchen, PromoCares, Reciprocity Road and Operation Smile International’s Student Programs. Danny was recognized with the Ted Olden Humanitarian Award in 2023. He is married with two teenage daughters and has come to grips with the idea that well-behaved women rarely make history. 

Jill Albers is a dynamic and accomplished industry executive with over 20 years of expertise in business development, sales, and marketing. Renowned for her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with some of the world’s largest companies, Jill has a proven track record of driving innovative client programs through creative collaboration and strategic leadership.

Since joining BDA in September 2023 as Senior Director of New Business Development, Jill has continued to excel in building enterprise partnerships and delivering impactful results. Prior to this, she served as Director of Client Success at BAMKO, where she played a pivotal role in managing high-profile client relationships.

Jill’s achievements have earned her industry recognition, including being named to ASI’s Counselor Power 50 List in 2017 and 2018 for her influential work at Shumsky. She was also honored as a PPB Rising Star in 2015. Passionate about giving back to the industry, Jill has held numerous committee and volunteer roles and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Joelly Goodson, Sr. Sales Associate at BAMKO, AKA “The Branding Badass,” is an award-winning branding expert with more than 20 years’ experience helping businesses build and elevate their brands.

Joelly was ranked #3 on PPAI’s #Online18: The Best Promo Pros on Social Media for 2024, underscoring her influence and expertise in the branded merch industry and social media branding.

In addition to her professional accolades, Joelly is the creator and host of “Branding Matters” which is one of Canada’s top branding podcasts .This podcast has earned the top spot on Feedspot’s list of the 10 Best Canadian Branding Podcasts and is recognized by the CMO Club as one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2024. Through her podcast, Joelly shares her expertise, featuring interviews with industry leaders and offering actionable advice that listeners can implement immediately. 

Charlie Moscoe is the VP of Product management at commonsku, bringing over 10 years of business-to-business software Product Management experience to the team. With a background in design and computer science, he has worked across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on marketplace applications. Charlie combines user-centric design processes with data-driven experimentation to help promo distributors and suppliers grow and thrive. Outside of work, Charlie likes to get out in nature, hiking in the forests of his native Canada or out in the backcountry on his snowboard.

Recognized by PPAI’s PPB Magazine in 2016 as one of the industry’s most Powerful Partners and by PPB Magazine as a 2018 Rising Star, Aaron Kucherawy’s grace under pressure is legendary. Aaron began with commonsku in the early days and with the platform’s rise and success, he grew from manager to VP of customer success, leading a team that’s always there when you need him. Aaron remains one of the most admired team members by customers. An expert in platform proficiency and systems integration, Aaron thrives on guiding new users and advising the pros on how to scale and grow their business using the commonsku platform. 

Brittany Frase, MAS is the Vice President of Sales for HIRSCH with 15 years of experience in the promotional products industry on both the supplier and distributor sides. With a successful track record in sales leadership, Brittany has a passion for leading dynamic teams and mentorship inside and outside of industry. Brittany was named a PPAI 2024 Rising Star, is a Premier Group board member, and volunteers on many industry committees. When she’s not working, you can find Brittany corralling her two kids, and if they have a babysitter, you can catch her at a stand-up comedy show.  

A self-described professional student, Mykayla Goodwin is the VP of Strategy for OrderMyGear (OMG), an online store platform for selling branded merchandise to groups. As a strategy leader, Mykayla is focused on identifying growth opportunities and guiding company strategy through market research and strategic planning. She also assists with positioning to help the market understand who OMG is, what they do, and how they’re different from the rest. Mykayla received an M.B.A. from University of North Carolina Charlotte where she focused on innovation and growth strategy, as well as a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas State University. 

Nicole Rhooms serves as PPAI’s Human Resources Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic human capital management. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. With deep expertise in all aspects of HR, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee development, leadership coaching, and organizational development.

Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment while optimizing workforce performance and engagement. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, she is passionate about creating innovative HR solutions that drive sustainable business growth.

Brandon Kennedy is the owner, founder and president at BrandCo Marketing, and started the company in 2004.  Since that time, he joined ASB as a HUB Owner.  He has been married to his wife Christina for 20 years, and they have a 17-year-old high school senior, Colton. Brandon loves to play golf, basketball and going offshore fishing with his son.     

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full-service marketing company and promotional products distributor. He was named as a Rising Star in the industry by PPB magazine. Recently, out of 300,000 (some) industry professionals, he was recognized as a top social media influencer on two different industry lists.

Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. In addition, he hosts a weekly (award-winning) podcast called Promo UPFront with Bill Petrie. He is an industry leader in content creation and has won four Pyramid awards for content.

Kirby has published five books. His most recent is Hit The TARGET. He has also written the book, The Give First Economy, Fan of Happy and Delivering Marketing Joy (about doing “promo right).

Lisa Greyhill, President of Firebrand Global Marketing, leads a certified women-owned business with over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry. Known for innovative solutions and strategic acquisitions, Lisa empowers her team to create impactful branding strategies for buyers across a spectrum of industries, and embraces the skills and relationships of fellow distributors that have joined the Firebrand family. She feels in-person interactions are where the magic happens and expects the tradeshow industry to skyrocket in presence and impact in the coming years. 

A 15-year part-time veteran of the fire service and advocate for women entrepreneurs, Lisa brings resilience, mentorship and leadership to her work. Outside the office, she shares with friends and clients a passion for global adventure travel, including African safaris, mountaineering, skiing, and kayaking. 

Malik Hemani, CAS, is the Creative Director and Managing Partner of Graphic Stylus, a Houston-based marketing and promotional products agency. With extensive experience supporting small businesses to large enterprises, Malik collaborates with marketing executives and HR directors to develop impactful campaigns that leverage hard goods to attract and retain both customers and employees.

As the 2024 President and Chair of the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) and Bellaire Business Association (BBA), Malik leads efforts that support over 500 combined members, promoting economic growth and fostering community development. In 2024, Malik chaired HPPA’s largest end-buyer trade show, demonstrating his ability to orchestrate high-profile events, and he also serves on multiple trade show committees across industries such as Oil & Gas, technology, HR, and multi-family.

Malik holds degrees in Bioinformatics from Baylor University and Management Information Systems from the University of Houston. He previously had a 13-year career at ExxonMobil, deploying international infrastructure projects exceeding $50 million.

Tom Goos, MAS, is the President of Image Source, a nationally recognized branded merchandise agency known for its purpose driven culture and strategic client approach. Day to day, he leads Image Source’s strategic direction, as well as financial management, operations, and supplier partnerships. With 22+ years of branded merchandise experience, Goos is a true industry leader and expert.

He is a former two-term President of the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (NWPMA) and a founder and partner of Reciprocity Road, the innovative industry buying and shared learning group comprised of eight elite branded merchandise agencies. He was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal’s award program, 40 Under Forty.

Thomas has a B.A. in Marketing and Management from the University of Washington Bothell. He is a current board member for the University of Washington Bothell School of Business where he is a guest speaker and advisor to undergraduate and MBA students.

Chris Anderson joined HandStands in 2002. At the time, HandStands was a 19-year-old manufacturer of computer accessories, with most of its revenue generated from the selling of mouse pads in the office products and promotional products channels.  Chris led HandStands’ entrance into the automotive air freshener category in 2003; and, within eight years of selling its first car air freshener, HandStands had become the NPD, IRI and Nielsen US #1 market share leader in the highly competitive category. 

In 2010, after serving in various leadership positions within the organization, Chris added the title of CEO to his existing role of HandStands President.  By 2016, HandStands revenue had grown more than 30 times the level when Chris joined the company, and its products were distributed in over 125 countries throughout the world.  In July of 2016, HandStands was sold to Energizer Holdings (the global battery and consumer products company).  In early 2017, Chris led the carve out of the “Legacy” HandStands Products’ Mouse Pad and Promotional Products business unit from Energizer. The resulting stand-alone business continued to grow rapidly, culminating in its December 2018 acquisition by HPG – a leading hardgoods supplier in the North American Promotional Products Industry.  

In the months following HandStands Products’ acquisition by HPG, Chris was named CEO of HPG, a role he continues to serve in today. In addition to his role of CEO and Board Member of HPG, Chris currently serves on the boards of JB Weld (a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded adhesive products), Durham Brands (a fast-growing innovator in the branded girls and women’s hair accessory category), Millburn & Co. (a real estate investment firm, with over $1.5 billion in assets across the U.S., focusing on the multifamily housing sector), and the Westminster College Gore School of Business.

Chris is a Summa Cum Laude Economics graduate of Westminster College, and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Jamie and their four children.  Outside of business, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid aviator.  

Dana Porter, MAS is the Vice President of Information Services at SAGE. She serves on PPAI’s Regional Relations Committee and Government Relations Action Council. Dana has also participated in LEAD multiple years, served as chair of the PPEF Board of Trustees, was chair of WLC and was awarded iPROMOTEu’s A Women’s View 2022 Supplier Visionary Award.

Amy Rabideau is a highly accomplished and influential leader in the promotional products industry. As VP of Product for Hit Promotional Products, she brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success in product development, strategic planning, and technology leadership. She is adept at transforming complex business processes and delivering impactful results. Beyond her corporate role, Amy is deeply committed to advancing the industry through her dedicated volunteer work with PPAI, regional associations, and as Vice Chair of PromoStandards. Her passion for the industry and her drive for innovation make her a true force for progress.

Joe has spent over 25 years in the promotional products industry serving in numerous sales and operational leadership roles with suppliers Jetline, Prime and alphabroder. Currently, Joe is the Senior Vice President of Operations at iPROMOTEu. 

Bobby Lehew is the Chief Content Officer at commonsku, a cloud-based CRM, order management platform designed for the promotional products industry by promotional product experts. Bobby was the CEO for 15 years at Robyn, a branded merch fulfillment company that specialized in private-label, e-commerce company stores. A PPAI Gold Pyramid Award winner, a PPAI Silver Technology recipient, an Addy Award recipient, and recognized (in his work with Robyn) three years in a row by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., Bobby is co-host of the popular podcast, skucast, and a national speaker on topics related to B2B marketing, B2B selling, and storyselling. Bobby is an ardent bibliophile who loves to explore creative insights from entrepreneurs who bridge the world between art + commerce. 

Charles G. Duggan II, MAS+, Vice President of Sales North America at Goldstar. With over 32 years in the promotional products industry, Charles brings expertise in speaking, training and consulting, particularly in tactical sales strategies for distributors and suppliers. Known for creative, customer-focused solutions, Charles champions the idea that Anything is Possible, even through times of challenge and change.

An industry leader, Charles, has served on the PPAI Board of Directors, and held key volunteer roles with PPAI and PPAMidwest. Recognized with awards like the 2020 Gold Pyramid and the 2018 PPAI Distinguished Service Award, Charles is also ASI’s 2020 Supplier Rep of the Year.

An Ironman, marathoner, and triathlete, Charles brings the same commitment to his active lifestyle, and at home, he proudly ranks ninth in the pecking order. (Ask him about that!)

Kenny Ved, MAS, is the Director of Global Sales at Goldstar.  Kenny brings over 25 years of experience in building dynamic, culture-driven workplaces that inspire employees to thrive. Throughout his time at Goldstar, Kenny has helped launch initiatives designed to empower employees to bring their best selves to work, fostering an environment where collaboration, resilience, and growth are celebrated. His approach to leadership centers on aligning company culture with core values – a strategy that has not only strengthened team bonds but also attracted top talent in a competitive market. 

Founding Partner, Chris Lamond, brings more than 25 years of experience in developing, managing and implementing government relations strategies to PPAI advocacy agency Thorn Run Partners, which ranks as a top 10 K Street lobbying firm. Formerly a U.S. Senate staffer and presidential campaign advisor, Lamond has built governmental relations career forging coalitions and representing corporate, non-profit and trade association clients before federal, state and local governments. 

Since late 2021, Josh Ellis, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief, has overseen the rapid growth of PPAI Media, which now encompasses digital content, publications, public affairs and research efforts. A journalist since the age of 15, he first worked in sports, reporting for DallasCowboys.com before transitioning to business media. Prior to PPAI, he served as the editor-in-chief of SUCCESS Magazine.

Jenna Quaranta, Director of Sales at HPG, holds over a decade of industry experience as both a Supplier and PPD. JQ’s reputation as an industry thought leader and Sales powerhouse is indisputable. Sales is not just the act of selling for JQ, instead, her no-BS approach combined with a tactical mindset is a key component in her ability to bring value to customers and their businesses. She utilizes her knowledge as a Certified Business Coach to provide a path to success for her customers in a consultative manner. Furthermore, as a Certified Mental Health Ambassador, JQ emphasizes that, to be a strong Professional, you must also possess a strong mind, body and discipline.

Recognized in the Top 10 by PPAI’s Online18 as one of the industry’s key influencers, many people’s first introduction to JQ is via her social media, give it a follow and you’ll see these words come to life. 

Liz Haesler is the Global Chief Merchandising Officer, responsible for product – retail brands, and product development, supply chain and pricing. Liz brings product and supply chain experience from leadership roles at Target, Best Buy, Staples and Dicks Sporting Goods. Liz joined Polyconcept North America (PCNA) in 2019.

Mary is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at PCNA, where she drives brand growth, demand generation and customer loyalty through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies.  With over 20 years of experience leading marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, Mary’s career highlights include her most recent role as Chief Marketing Officer for Honeywell’s Safety Division where she led high impact growth strategies and strengthened customer engagement. Mary holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is known for inspiring teams, navigating change, and delivering customer-centric solutions, which have significantly contributed to PCNA’s success since she joined the company three years ago. Mary resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, their son Joseph, a German Shepard named Napa, and a Golden Retriever named Wrigley.   

Bobby Lehew is the Chief Content Officer at commonsku, a cloud-based CRM, order management platform designed for the promotional products industry by promotional product experts. Bobby was the CEO for 15 years at Robyn, a branded merch fulfillment company that specialized in private-label, e-commerce company stores. A PPAI Gold Pyramid Award winner, a PPAI Silver Technology recipient, an Addy Award recipient, and recognized (in his work with Robyn) three years in a row by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., Bobby is co-host of the popular podcast, skucast, and a national speaker on topics related to B2B marketing, B2B selling, and storyselling. Bobby is an ardent bibliophile who loves to explore creative insights from entrepreneurs who bridge the world between art + commerce. 

Charles G. Duggan II, MAS+, Vice President of Sales North America at Goldstar. With over 32 years in the promotional products industry, Charles brings expertise in speaking, training and consulting, particularly in tactical sales strategies for distributors and suppliers. Known for creative, customer-focused solutions, Charles champions the idea that Anything is Possible, even through times of challenge and change.

An industry leader, Charles, has served on the PPAI Board of Directors, and held key volunteer roles with PPAI and PPAMidwest. Recognized with awards like the 2020 Gold Pyramid and the 2018 PPAI Distinguished Service Award, Charles is also ASI’s 2020 Supplier Rep of the Year.

An Ironman, marathoner, and triathlete, Charles brings the same commitment to his active lifestyle, and at home, he proudly ranks ninth in the pecking order. (Ask him about that!)

Kenny Ved, MAS, is the Director of Global Sales at Goldstar.  Kenny brings over 25 years of experience in building dynamic, culture-driven workplaces that inspire employees to thrive. Throughout his time at Goldstar, Kenny has helped launch initiatives designed to empower employees to bring their best selves to work, fostering an environment where collaboration, resilience, and growth are celebrated. His approach to leadership centers on aligning company culture with core values – a strategy that has not only strengthened team bonds but also attracted top talent in a competitive market. 

Founding Partner, Chris Lamond, brings more than 25 years of experience in developing, managing and implementing government relations strategies to PPAI advocacy agency Thorn Run Partners, which ranks as a top 10 K Street lobbying firm. Formerly a U.S. Senate staffer and presidential campaign advisor, Lamond has built governmental relations career forging coalitions and representing corporate, non-profit and trade association clients before federal, state and local governments. 

Since late 2021, Josh Ellis, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief, has overseen the rapid growth of PPAI Media, which now encompasses digital content, publications, public affairs and research efforts. A journalist since the age of 15, he first worked in sports, reporting for DallasCowboys.com before transitioning to business media. Prior to PPAI, he served as the editor-in-chief of SUCCESS Magazine.

Jenna Quaranta, Director of Sales at HPG, holds over a decade of industry experience as both a Supplier and PPD. JQ’s reputation as an industry thought leader and Sales powerhouse is indisputable. Sales is not just the act of selling for JQ, instead, her no-BS approach combined with a tactical mindset is a key component in her ability to bring value to customers and their businesses. She utilizes her knowledge as a Certified Business Coach to provide a path to success for her customers in a consultative manner. Furthermore, as a Certified Mental Health Ambassador, JQ emphasizes that, to be a strong Professional, you must also possess a strong mind, body and discipline.

Recognized in the Top 10 by PPAI’s Online18 as one of the industry’s key influencers, many people’s first introduction to JQ is via her social media, give it a follow and you’ll see these words come to life. 

Liz Haesler is the Global Chief Merchandising Officer, responsible for product – retail brands, and product development, supply chain and pricing. Liz brings product and supply chain experience from leadership roles at Target, Best Buy, Staples and Dicks Sporting Goods. Liz joined Polyconcept North America (PCNA) in 2019.

Mary is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at PCNA, where she drives brand growth, demand generation and customer loyalty through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies.  With over 20 years of experience leading marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, Mary’s career highlights include her most recent role as Chief Marketing Officer for Honeywell’s Safety Division where she led high impact growth strategies and strengthened customer engagement. Mary holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is known for inspiring teams, navigating change, and delivering customer-centric solutions, which have significantly contributed to PCNA’s success since she joined the company three years ago. Mary resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, their son Joseph, a German Shepard named Napa, and a Golden Retriever named Wrigley.   

Meg Erber is a visionary leader in the promotional products industry, bringing over two decades of expertise in driving growth, ethical business practices, and community engagement. As Director of Sales at Proforma, she empowers distributor owners to achieve exponential success through innovative strategies and a people-centered approach. Known for her work on the PromoCares board and as co-creator of the 4Good events, Meg has spearheaded initiatives that unite promotional product leaders and community advocates in support of meaningful, socially responsible causes. To date, 4 Good Events has raised over $350K and changed so many lives for good!

In addition to her industry influence, Meg co-hosts Branding Banter, where she shares insights on the latest trends and challenges in promotional products. Beyond the industry, she serves on the boards of the Moosehead Region Land Trust and Harford’s Point Association in Maine, focusing on land conservation and preserving natural resources for future generations. Through every role, Meg exemplifies a commitment to community, sustainability, and a shared vision for positive impact within and beyond the promotional products space.

Nadav Raviv, the Senior National Account Executive for GBS Corp, was named a PPAI 2023 Rising Star and a 2023’s PPAI Media Online Top 18 recipient, but that isn’t what drives him. When first starting in the industry, Nadav never imagined the heights it would take him. He says this industry has become more than a career, it’s become a passion. In addition to GBS Corp, Nadav works with numerous drivers in NASCAR and enjoys promoting and producing concert series. He is a graduate from the University of Alabama with a Bachelors of Arts in History and Psychology.

Nenette Gray is the Founder & Chief Lemonade Maker of Lemonade Creative Marketing, LLC, a branded promotional merchandise agency based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her company focuses on helping businesses excite, engage and inspire while maximizing their brand.  Gray spent nearly 20 years working with Fortune 500 companies in marketing and sales leadership, winning numerous professional and business awards.

In 2010, Nenette was laid off from her pharmaceutical company. At that time, she decided to turn the lemons of losing her pharmaceutical job into lemonade. In September 2010, she founded Lemonade Creative Marketing where she brings her positive energy and zest for marketing to her clients. Some of their clients include ExxonMobil, Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA, Amerihealth Caritas as well as LSU and Southern University.

Nenette and Lemonade Creative Marketing have received recognition for business excellence. Most recently, Lemonade was named 2023-24 WBE Supplier of the Year for WBENC’s WBEC SOUTH. Nenette was also nominated for the Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. 2024 Woman of the Year award, which will be awarded in March.

Outside of the office Nenette can be found traveling, experiencing new cuisine and exploring the great outdoors, hiking and kayaking.

Stephen McFadden is the Director of Vision & New Business for TSC, Inc., one of the top 100 promotional distributors by revenue. He has also sat on the TSC, Inc. leadership team since February 2024 after selling his family business that started in 2002.  Stephen has been on the Promo Pulse top 25 people list for the past three years, was a content creator for Industry Insider for 4-plus years (over 260 episodes), served on the PPEF board and actively engaged and led industry events and education (PPEF, SPARK, EXPO, Promotions East, East Carolina University).

Stephen, from Holly Springs, North Carolina, is married to Aliana McFadden and has two daughters.

Published Children’s book author, NFL Superbowl Breakfast Security Director, University Educator, Rugby Champion, Event Coordinator, Alps Skier, Shark Swimmer, Tiger Tamer, Pole Vaulter, Super Skipper (jump rope), Mountain Biker, 2x State Fair Turkey shoot winner, goat yoga participant.

Kristen is a globally respected leader in the world of branding and advertising. A dynamic speaker, she is known for transformational growth, leadership development, succession planning, serving as a champion for equity and inclusion, and defending the integrity of original creative ideas.

Under Kristen’s leadership, The Martin Agency grew 50% in five years, was recognized as Adweek’s U.S. Agency of the Year in ’21 and ’22, and Ad Age‘s Agency of the Year in ’23. Martin also made the coveted Fast Company Most Innovative Companies list in ’23 and ’24. Her team was recognized for exceptional leadership across multiple disciplines including creative, PR, new business, and talent & culture, and she was named Virginia Businessperson of the Year.

She simultaneously held the position of Global CEO of MullenLowe, where she spearheaded an agency rebrand that united a 55-office global network. In addition to building employee morale, the work was heavily-awarded, winning three Cannes Lions in 2024, including a Gold for Best Rebrand/Refresh of an Agency. During her tenure as Global CEO, six MullenLowe agencies won Agency of the Year in their respective international markets.

After 30 years as a strategist and C-Suite leader, she recently retired from the ad industry. She continues to act as a consultant to business leaders and travel to places she’s never been.