Danny Sirmon, MAS, president of Mobile, Alabama-based distributor Zebra Marketing, is a nearly 40-year veteran of the promo industry. In those decades, he’s done more than build his business and promote his clients’ brands. He’s been an ongoing advocate for the industry through his countless volunteer hours.

Now, the Association has honored Sirmon with PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award for the example he has set, consistently contributing her skills and expertise toward the betterment of the Association and the industry. Whether through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, Distinguished Service Award recipients are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

Back in 2005-2006, Sirmon served as chair of the PPAI Board of Directors and in 2016, he was named a PPAI Fellow. Now, he is still helping guide promo’s place in the ever-shifting landscape of business as a member of the Sunbelt Promotional Products Association board of directors. Those years of experience in volunteer leadership can bring qualities that become second nature.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of Danny’s service is his ability to inspire and mobilize others,” says Karie Cowden, MAS, president of Phoenix-based distributor Connect The Dots and a current member of the PPAI Board of Directors.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Danny’s service is his ability to inspire and mobilize others.”

Karie Cowden, MAS

President, Connect The Dots

Indeed, after Hurricane Katrina, Sirmon was heavily involved in the development of what would become the Promotional Products Disaster Relief Program, which has supported hundreds of industry members during multiple natural disasters.

During Sirmon’s tenure as PPAI’s Board chair, Cowden was president of the Regional Association Council. She still remembers the way Sirmon spoke about promo’s potential and how it expanded possibilities for her.

“He said, ‘I want the PPAI Board chair to be invited onto the Today Show to give the top 10 products for the holidays. I want PPAI to become the expert,’” Cowden recalls. “That was the first time that I personally started seeing our industry and Association as more than just products. It opened my mind to the possibility of being more than we were.”

Now, Sirmon is being recognized for all that time he spent volunteering his time and inspiring his peers and the next generation of promo pros.

I am grateful for many of my industry friends who encouraged me to get involved.”

Danny Sirmon, MAS

President, Zebra Marketing

“I am grateful for many of my industry friends who encouraged me to get involved,” Sirmon says. “From that involvement to the people I have met and the things I have learned, I would be challenged to not say I think I got more out of my volunteer experience than I gave. Our association has created and fostered this environment over the years for many people.”