SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 7 supplier, has hired Nichole McLoone as its new national sales manager. She will work alongside SnugZ sales veterans, Steve Rone and Joe Douglas.

• McLoone has deep roots in the promo industry coming from a family with more than three decades in the business. She brings 10 years of experience honed at two top supplier companies and will remain in Florida while assuming her new role.

“I’m passionate about building relationships, growing within this incredible industry, and balancing a fulfilling career with the people (and pup!) I love most. I can’t wait for the adventures – both professional and personal – that lie ahead! I’m absolutely thrilled to join the SnugZ team and look forward to what the future holds.”

Kathy DiFrancesco, SnugZ VP of sales, adds, “We couldn’t be more excited to have Nichole on board. She’s a perfect fit for our company culture, and her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow.”

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, announces the successful acquisition of Promotion Concepts, a $3 million promotional products distributor, on behalf of Metro Printed Products Powered by Proforma.

• The acquisition, which was finalized on January 1, marks a new chapter for Promotion Concepts as the business transitions under the leadership of Marlo and Tracy Webb, co-owners of Metro Printed Products Powered by Proforma.
• Ashlyn Powers, daughter of Promotion Concepts’ former owner, Laurene Powers, will stay on as an account manager.
• The Proforma Support Team is working closely with Metro Printed Products Powered by Proforma to develop new company stores and programs to further enhance client engagement and success.

S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier, has launched AllPro, the company’s exclusive new brand of high-quality apparel designed for corporate, teams, schools and the hospitality/uniform channel.

• The line features budget-friendly t-shirts, sport shirts and quarter-zips tailored for men, women and youth with sizes from youth XS to adult 4XL and select styles available up to 6XL. All are available in a wide range of corporate and team colors.
• AllPro apparel features two fabric technologies designed for color durability and printability: Pro-Lock and Pro-Flex. Pro-Lock is made of 100-percent polyester interlock jersey manufactured using a cationic disperse dye that ensures exceptional colorfastness with a bleed-resistant print surface ideal for decorators. Pro-Flex is made with 60-percent polyester and 40-percent Sorona for eco-friendly durability with superior stretch, quick-drying capabilities and a reduced environmental footprint.
• The brand launch comes just weeks after S&S’s partnership with Jaanuu that added modern uniforms to the supplier’s line-up. S&S plans to continue its expansion of brand offerings this year.

Businessman and investor Daymond John from “Shark Tank” met with supplier Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 9 supplier, last week to discuss FOAM, a brand of coolers with whom Koozie has an exclusive partnership.

• FOAM made a deal with John last year on “Shark Tank,” and his visit to the Tampa, Florida-based supplier was to discuss that partnership and other ways he might partner with the company.
• John toured the factory where Koozie Group assembles its BIC writing instruments and shared his excitement about the process on social media. View his TikTok post here: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharkdaymond/video/7471529378803911966?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7441988497248847416

Kaeser & Blair (PPAI 103148, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 31 distributor, has expanded its community investment by partnering with Give Like A Mother (GLAM), a nonprofit organization that provides free, made-to-order clothing packs to children and teens facing clothing insecurity.

• In 2024, GLAM served 17 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana by distributing more than 5,500 clothing packs and more than 131,243 individual clothing items.

“While we are truly a global organization, we are continually seeking ways to be involved to create change at the local level,” says Mitch Kaeser, co-CEO of Kaeser & Blair. “The mission of GLAM is perfectly aligned with our values at Kaeser & Blair which makes them an ideal ‘do good’ partner and one we are proud to support by being a Silver Sponsor.”

Hannah Black has joined Concepts & Associates (PPAI 134402, Silver) as the newest member of its sales team.

• With more than 20 years of sales experience at a national radio and TV network, Black brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Birmingham, Alabama-based distributor.

In support of young athletes affected by the recent California wildfires, Bannockburn, Illinois-based supplier Champro (PPAI 669316, Silver) has donated sports equipment and team uniforms to Palisades Charter High School (PCHS). The school was forced to temporarily close in January because of damage sustained during the Palisades Fire.

• The donation included jerseys, pants and helmets for the school’s junior varsity and varsity baseball and softball teams. In total, Champro provided the softball team with two sets of 20 home and away uniforms, and the baseball team received 10 helmets and two sets of 50 home and away uniforms.
• Champro made the donations as part of its ongoing commitment to support young athletes. The company is dedicated to helping youth in team sports, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. The donation was also made as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s efforts to provide vital resources to the families and individuals affected by the wildfires in surrounding communities.

“At Champro, our team builds yours, especially under difficult circumstances and times of need,” says Ryan Hunt, president of Champro. “We hope our donation will help Palisades Charter High School students get back on the field so they can continue playing and persevering together. Supporting youth in sports is at the core of our mission, and we are honored to assist this community as they recover from the devastation of the recent California wildfires.”

Supplier Discount Marketing Products (PPAI 582106, Standard-Plus) has appointed Matt Argo as its national sales manager.

• Argo will oversee distributor relationships, expand channel sales, drive direct sales efforts and enhance DMP’s trade show engagement.
• He brings more than 25 years of experience in sales leadership and business development, with a track record of driving revenue growth and strengthening client relationships.
• Before joining DMP, Argo held senior leadership roles at HIT Promotional Products.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the DMP team,” says Dalan Cohen, president of DMP. “His strategic sales approach and deep industry experience will be instrumental as we continue to scale our business and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

Argo says, “I’m excited to join DMP at such a pivotal time in its growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team to implement new sales strategies, strengthen partnerships and further establish DMP as a leader in the industry.”

San Diego, California-based distributor Team Phun (PPAI 728828, Standard-Plus) has added three new hires to its team.

• Creative Director Jimmy Maher brings more than 15 years of design expertise and a decade working in branding and marketing. He’ll be responsible for taking clients’ brands, and the company’s brand, to the next level.
• Director of Creative Marketing Jarod Ritchie has experience working with national brands and a strong background in video production. He will lead Team Phun’s improved slate of marketing services, including social media, digital campaigns and full-blown client showcases.
• Business Development Specialist Joe Gyory is charged with driving growth initiatives, forging strategic partnerships and expanding the company’s reach.