Fully remote distributor Whitestone (PPAI 666851, Silver) has announced a major leadership transition as the company continues its trajectory of rapid growth.
Dominique Volker, vice president of sales and Whitestone’s longest-tenured employee, has been promoted to president of the company. Founder and former president Joseph Sommer is transitioning to the role of CEO.
“Whitestone has always been about vision and execution,” Sommer says. “If Whitestone were a ship, I’m the one charting the course – setting the vision, navigating where we need to go and ensuring we’re steering toward the right horizon.
Joseph Sommer
CEO, Whitestone
“But every great ship needs a captain at the helm, ensuring the crew is executing with precision, adjusting to the currents and keeping us on track day-to-day. Dominique is that captain. This promotion ensures that someone is relentlessly focused on operational execution while I stay locked in on strategy, vision, strategic initiatives and the long-term future of the business.”
PPAI Rising Star
After a decade of wearing several hats at the company, Volker – a 2024 PPAI Rising Star – was named vice president of sales last April.
“One of my greatest accomplishments has been contributing to the culture and team we’ve built over the last decade,” Volker says. “I’ve poured more time, energy and effort into growing Whitestone than anything else in my life, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
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“I’m immensely grateful to Joe for taking a chance on me back in 2015, and for every vote of confidence he’s given me since. I’m also deeply appreciative of our team – from the executive team driving strategy and fostering healthy debate to the OGs who’ve been with us for 5, 6, 7+ years and have shaped Whitestone into what it is today. And of course, thankful for our clients, who have trusted us with their brands and, in many cases, become meaningful relationships in our lives.”
Dominique Volker
President, Whitestone
Volker says that Whitestone’s year is centered on three key pillars: technology and automation, international operations and creative culture. After experiencing more than 50% growth in 2024, Volker says, it’s essential that the firm updates its internal systems and processes to ensure they’re built to scale.
“This moment feels like the closing of one chapter and the start of an exciting new one,” she says. “I’m more confident than ever in Whitestone’s future and energized to lead us through whatever comes next.”
Upward Trajectory
Whitestone has been making a ton of headlines recently, with significant investments in technology, sustainability and international expansion.
- In January, the company acquired Illinois-based distributor American Apparel & Promotions – its third acquisition since July 2024.
- Sommer said the goal is to grow Whitestone through M&A activity over the next decade, aiming for between seven to 10 acquisitions.
- Earlier this month, Whitestone hired industry veteran Karie Cowden, MAS, as director of enterprise sales.
“A great captain is one that knows the ship inside and out and has the respect of the crew,” Sommer says. “Dominique has grown alongside me and our people, making this shift in management easy to accommodate and earning resounding support from the team. Her leadership is invaluable, and I have no doubt she will continue to push Whitestone forward in remarkable ways.”
