The 52 Greatest Companies To Work For

What do the best workplaces have in common? Over the past nine years that PPB has been conducting its top-workplaces competition, priorities have shifted somewhat. The common thread among great workplaces in 2021 is a company culture that truly cares about the well-being and happiness of its employees—and that often comes from making employees feel valued.

The comments from company employees in this year’s competition speak volumes: Friday afternoon drink carts and branded swag are welcomed, but what most ultimately want from their employers is to be heard and appreciated. They want to matter. As clichéd as it may sound, they also want their work to have meaning and to be a part of something that genuinely makes a difference.

It’s not always easy to get that right, especially given the unprecedented challenges of the past year, but many of the companies that excel in this pursuit won inclusion on this year’s roster of the PPB Greatest Companies To Work For. The annual competition is open to all PPAI member companies with at least five full-time employees. The multi-step process includes sending a 15-question survey to each full-time employee at the nominated companies asking them to rate the company in five key areas: benefits, resources, culture, leadership and direction.

This year’s top-rated companies, determined solely by employee scores, earned a coveted place among the top 52 of the greatest companies to work for in the promotional products industry.

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Company Leaders Talk About What Works

Q: Over the past year, what extra actions have you taken to strengthen your company’s culture and keep employees engaged, motivated and happy at work?

Click the highlighted names of the top executives below to read responses from these companies’ leaders.

(Five to nine employees)

1338Tryon
Identify Yourself
North Georgia Promotions
PEGG Products LLC
PromoCorner
Reno Typography
Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions, Inc.

(10-25 employees)

Blink Marketing, Inc.
Blue Dog Merch
BrightStores
ChicoBag Company
Cooley Group, Inc.
Creative Promotional Marketing Agency
CST Worldwide
Footprint Promotions
Gator Garb Apparel & Specialty
Image Masters
KTI Networks/KTI Promo
Show Your Logo, Inc.
SOCK101
Specialty Incentives
Stowebridge Promotion Group, Inc.
Walker-Clay, Inc.

(26-75 employees)

AIA Corporation
AnyPromo.com
Brand Blvd.
Brand Fuel, Inc.
Brand Makers
City Paper Company
Concord Marketing Solutions
Creative Solutions
Crystal D
Facilisgroup
Foxtrot Marketing Group
ICoStore
Powerstick.com
ProTowels
The Chest
Toddy Gear
TPS Promotions & Incentives

(More than 75 employees)

American Solutions for Business
BAMKO
Barker Specialty Company
Cap America, Inc.
ePromos Promotional Products
Evans Manufacturing, Inc.
Geiger
Gemline
GO2 Partners
Indoff, Inc.
Overture LLC
Sweda Company, Inc.

Employee counts reflect full-time employees as of March 2021 when the survey was conducted.

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Heather Comerford
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
Founded: 2014
Employees: 6
Web address: 1338tryon.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid holidays, company cell phones, showers, bike racks and paid parking
What employees say about working there: “I love working for 1338Tryon because it fosters my growth personally, and professionally I am able to work on my own projects, but [I’m] also given opportunities for collaboration, which is an invaluable experience.”

Category: Distributor
Top Executive: Alex LeFevre
Headquarters: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Founded: 2002
Employees: 9
Web address: idyourself.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “The company I work for provides a lot of training and classes. We have the best schedule flexibility of any company I have ever worked for and are praised for our work performance on a regular basis. My company went above and beyond to make sure my needs as well as my family’s needs were met during the COVID-19 crisis. I absolutely love working for Identify Yourself and my coworkers are like a second family to me.”

Category: Distributor
Top executives: Shawn and Laura LaFave
Headquarters: Alpharetta, Georgia
Founded: 2010
Employees: 5
Web address: ngapromotions.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, paid time off, purchasing discounts
What employees say about working there: “I enjoy working at NGA Promotions. Every day I’m honing and progressing my talents and knowledge in this industry by learning and watching my teachers/bosses. I have learned so much working here.

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Preston Hall
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Founded: 2015
Employees: 9
Web address: peggproducts.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, job sharing, work from home, health insurance, paid time off, industry education/certification reimbursement, self-promo items, paid day off on birthday
What employees say about working there: “I love this company, and it has been one of the best companies I have worked for. I have been here a little over a year and they have made me feel like I have been here the entire time.

Category: Business Services
Top executives: Joel and Laurie Moore
Headquarters: Lakeville, Massachusetts
Founded: 1999
Employees: 8
Web address: promocorner.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), paid time off
What employees say about working there: “The level of respect from all levels at PromoCorner is beyond amazing. Everyone listens to each other’s ideas, and we all brainstorm to figure out what is best for the project, customer and company. Even though we all work remotely, the amount of communication and fun we have makes it seem like we’re all in the same location. Nobody is ever forgotten. We are a true team.”

Category: Distributor
Top Executive: Kurt Hoge
Headquarters: Reno, Nevada
Founded: 1979
Employees: 6
Web address: RenoType.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, 100-percent-paid health insurance for dependents
What employees say about working there: “My experience working with this company has been great. My job doesn’t feel like work because of my awesome coworkers and enjoyable workload. Everyone supports each other and it is a very family-like environment.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Laura Ward
Headquarters: Modesto, California
Founded: 2001
Employees: 9
Web address: wardpromotional.com
Employee benefits/perks: Health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “Joining the team at Ward Promotional was one of the best decisions I have made in my career. I love the promotional industry and I would never have figured that out if it were not for the opportunities that I have been given with Ward Promotional. The amount of growth and appreciation that is shown is priceless and I value that more than anything.”

Category: Distributor
Top Executives: Carolina Junghans and Daniel Gardner
Headquarters: Franklin, Tennessee
Founded: 2002
Employees: 24
Web address: blinkmarketing.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, health and life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, casual dress, unlimited coffee
What employees say about working there: “I’ve never worked at a place where everyone cheers each other on with so much encouragement and support. Blink wants the best for every single employee. The owners and executive team take the time to get to know everyone and their personalities. When your boss knows you better than you know yourself, you are truly cared for. Being appreciated is very important and I have that at Blink.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Ryan Small
Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee
Founded: 1998
Employees: 11
Web address: bluedogmerch.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, birthday lunches, anniversary recognition, company fun days
What employees say about working there: “Working for Blue Dog Merch has been a wonderful experience. I feel appreciated and trusted to do my job, which isn’t always easy to find. The pandemic has put a strain on the industry, but we have managed to pull through it together. I feel lucky to be a part of this company and very fortunate to be able to contribute to its success.”

Category: Business Services
Top executive: Dan Halama
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
Founded: 1999
Employees: 20
Web address: brightstores.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, dog-friendly office, well-stocked kitchen
What employees say about working there: “I absolutely love my job and this company. It’s so rewarding to be a part of a company that is consistently pushing the envelope with tech advances and bringing it to the promo industry. More than anything, the people who work here are the best. We are constantly working together to problem-solve, find ways to improve our platforms and create processes that’ll help distributors build stores efficiently and smoothly.”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Andy Keller
Headquarters: Chico, California
Founded: 2005
Employees: 22
Web address: chicobag.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, healthy lifestyle benefit, weekly yoga, volunteer hours
What employees say about working there: “I love working for ChicoBag because the company as a whole lives the mission to eliminate the single-use habit, which makes it more than just a job, it’s a passion.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Phil Yawman
Headquarters: Pittsford, New York
Founded: 1945
Employees: 25
Web address: cooleybrand.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, job sharing, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, bonus program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, company match program, community service time off, opportunity for employee ownership
What employees say about working there: “I am so thankful to have found my career with Cooley Group. We are always busy helping our clients improve their brand and appreciate their employees. It’s challenging and fun all wrapped into one. My Cooley teammates are supportive and willing to share ideas. The leadership team is excellent. So thankful to be here.”

Category: Distributor
Top executives: Pete Kmech and Monica Forss
Headquarters: Edmonton, Alberta
Founded: 1976
Employees: 25
Web address: acreativeagency.ca
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, job sharing, work from home, health and life insurance, profit sharing, bonus program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, pet-friendly office, corporate community garden
What employees say about working there: “Working in a family-owned business, I feel the care and compassion from the owners/management. It is a place where everyone you work with is family, and you feel the sense of belonging and loyalty to those you work with. Decisions are made with open discussions where everyone who wants to be is involved to ensure the team is heard. This is my work family and wouldn’t choose anywhere else.”

Category: Business services
Top executive: Edward Burton
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Founded: 1952
Employees: 16
Web address: cstworldwide.com
Employee benefits/perks: Job sharing, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, monthly massages
What employees say about working there: “I love the flexibility of my job as I’ve been able to cross-train in many different areas of the company. The fact I can build my resume with the skills I am learning is very helpful in my career.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Joe Lowry
Headquarters: Woodinville, Washington
Founded: 1985
Employees: 11
Web address: footprintpromotions.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus, paid time off, annual bonus or resort day earned
What employees say about working there: “When you find a boss who values a team environment and making each employee feel appreciated, it is a great all-around place to work and invest your time. I feel truly lucky to have found this company, and I plan on being a part of the team for many years to come.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Cole Stark
Headquarters: Altoona, Wisconsin
Founded: 1997
Total employees: 13
Web address: gatorgarb.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, 401(k), profit sharing, bonus program, paid time off, company grill outs/group events
What employees say about working there: “Working at Gator Garb Promotions is amazing. I love that every day is different. The staff is friendly, positive, creative and so much fun. We have the greatest team ever.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Tim O’Neill
Headquarters: Merced, California
Founded: 1994
Employees: 25
Web address: imagemasters.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, job sharing, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “Working at Image Masters has been a life-changing experience. I feel supported and have a true work family. It’s the best company I have worked for and I would like to be here for a long time.”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Kenneth Huang
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Founded: 1995
Employees: 20
Web address: ktipromo.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, job sharing, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “I was never appreciated until I came to KTI. I am new to this industry and KTI gave me a lot of opportunities to grow.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Don Forsell
Headquarters: Oswego, Illinois
Founded: 1999
Employees: 20
Web address: showyourlogo.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, beer Fridays, pet-friendly office
What employees say about working there: “Working at Show Your Logo has been the greatest work experience of my entire life. We play and work hard here, which is not always common at the workplace, but it pushes us to work harder. I feel like I am learning new things all the time, and my ideas are encouraged and respected by management, which is something I am still getting used to.”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Kelly Yarborough
Headquarters: Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Founded: 2012
Employees: 12
Web address: Sock101.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home option, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, Friday giant Jenga or putt-putt games in the office
What employees say about working there: “It’s the greatest place I have ever worked. We all get along and work as a team. Everyone’s thoughts and ideas are taken into consideration with everything we do. I couldn’t imagine working anyplace else.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Drew Davis, MAS
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
Founded: 1981
Employees: 19
Web address: specialtyinc.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance with flexible spending or HSA, 401(k), profit sharing, bonus program, paid time off, dental insurance, counseling assistance, employee discounts, family, medical and personal leave, short-term disability insurance
What employees say about working there: “I feel very blessed to be able to work for such an amazing company. The leadership has always been there to help support my career path and supporting me on each step. They have an open-door policy, allowing me to feel free to approach them with any issue at any time or just to say ‘Hi.’”

Category: Distributor
Top executives: Ron and Kathy Thomas
Headquarters: Chandler, Arizona
Founded: 1994
Employees: 18
Web address: stowebridge.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, a refrigerator full of ice cream in the summer and unexpected end-of-the-day happy hours and celebrations
What employees say about working there: “I like the work that I do with my company. It’s fun to see all of the projects come to life and customers being excited about them. The work can be hard and fast-paced, but the reward is great.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: William Clay
Headquarters: Hanson, Massachusetts
Founded: 1956
Employees: 16
Web address: walker-clay.com
Employee benefits/perks: Work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “This is a company that sets you up for success with investments in training and education, opportunities to serve in our industry, and a team who is always ready to step up and help one another.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Nancy Schmidt
Headquarters: Appleton, Wisconsin
Founded: 1980
Employees: 66
Web address: aiacommunity.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement
What employees say about working there: “My managers and supervisors motivate me to do well by acknowledging my successes, help work through my downfalls and fuel my hunger for more by offering new and exciting tasks and challenges. The flexibility of the company to shift and move during a pandemic has shown the versatility of my coworkers and managers to keep everything running along like a well-oiled machine.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Peter Tu
Headquarters: Ontario, California
Founded: 2008
Employees: 70
Web address: anypromo.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, monthly t-shirts and swag, birthday celebrations, team outings
What employees say about working there: “Our leadership is amazing. We are very serious about our core values and our ‘why.’ Our culture is evolving and expanding into new directions. Lastly, our people are fun to work with. I would definitely recommend this company to a friend.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Shaun Lichtenberger, Chris Sinclair
Headquarters: St. Catharines, Ontario
Founded: 2007
Employees: 35
Web address: brandblvd.ca
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, employee assistance program, employee gym, two floating paid days off per year, a new 15,000-square-foot office designed to maximize employees’ happiness
What employees say about working there: “Best. Job. Ever. I absolutely love what I do, and that’s all thanks to Brand Blvd. I am challenged in a way that keeps me engaged and connected but given enough autonomy to make sure that I can find balance in a world of crazy. I would never in a million years dream about working anywhere else but here—this is home.”

Category: Distributor
Top executives: Danny Rosin, CAS, and Robert Fiveash
Headquarters: Morrisville, North Carolina
Founded: 1998
Employees: 36
Web address: brandfuel.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, bonus program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, time off for volunteering, branded gear
What employees say about working there: “The authentic leadership is real. Management not only wants you to be successful for the long term, but they make it a priority that you are happy in the process.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: James Greaves
Headquarters: Spanish Fork, Utah
Founded: 2008
Employees: 51
Web address: brandmakers.com
Employee benefits/perks: Life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, bonus program, paid time off, appreciation programs, company parties for the whole family
What employees say about working there: “It’s a privilege to work at Brand Makers and they only hire the very best people. We work hard and [it’s] because we feel appreciated.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Brad Friedman
Headquarters: Birmingham, Alabama
Founded: 1892
Employees: 31
Web address: citypapercompany.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, breakfast and snacks provided in office, happy hour and outings, annual awards, casual attire
What employees say about working there: “Working at City Paper is the best! Family-owned and operated, you definitely feel like an extension of the Friedman family. Even during the past year and pandemic, we all felt secure and understood during the challenges we all went through. Forever grateful for my CP family.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Kirk Graves
Headquarters: Glendale Heights, Illinois
Founded: 1993
Employees: 56
Web address: concordmarketingsolutions.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, generous number of paid holidays, IRA company match, health savings account with annual contribution, health reimbursement arrangement, extra time off every other year for employees who have been with the company for at least two years
What employees say about working there: “Working for Concord has been and continues to be a rewarding experience. I like and value the clients I work with, as well as my colleagues. I feel appreciated and that my work has purpose.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Debra Harkavy
Headquarters: Morganville, New Jersey
Founded: 1990
Employees: 29
Web address: creativesolutions.net
Employee benefits/perks: Job sharing, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “We are a smaller woman-owned company, but we do mighty business with many of the biggest companies around. We are encouraged to think out of the box, plus everyone shares their ideas and experiences, as well as successes and failures.”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Chuck Dahlgren
Headquarters: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Founded: 1993
Employees: 73
Web address: crystal-d.com
Employee benefits/perks: Health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid time off for company-sponsored community outreach, employee awards, personal and professional development
What employees say about working there: “Crystal D just doesn’t provide me employment and somewhere to go five days a week. It’s a joy to wake up and head to work and see coworkers happy to be at work also. High morale among the employees helps get the job done quicker and I think the work environment provided by Crystal D has much to do with that.”

Category: Business Services
Top executive: Ashley McCune
Headquarters: Brentwood, Missouri
Founded: 2006
Employees: 74
Web address: facilisgroup.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, a paid day for volunteering, new parent paid leave and flexible schedules, complimentary snacks and beverages
What employees say about working there: “Facilisgroup is positive energy workplace with great leadership that focuses on the personal and professional growth of employees and partners.”

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Category: Distributor
Top executive: Jill Haspert
Headquarters: New Brighton, Minnesota
Founded: 1976
Employees: 47
Web address: foxtrotmarketing.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, 401(k), bonus program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid volunteer time, awards redeemable for company merchandise
What employees say about working there: “Management is open to listening to new ideas and finding strategies that improve workflow and employee happiness. I appreciate the lessons I have learned here and strive to make it better while supporting my team.”

Category: Distributor
Top executive: Tom Meissner
Headquarters: Tempe, Arizona
Founded: 2002
Employees: 33
Web address: icostore.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health insurance, 401(k), bonus program, paid time off, free branded merchandise, discounts at national major retailers and services through ADP work perks
What employees say about working there: “Day to day, if we have questions, we’re never made to feel dumb or annoying for asking. If we do something wrong, we’re shown the correct way to do it without judgment. If we do something right, praise comes easily. Management understands we have personal lives and genuinely cares about us. If we have suggestions on how to makes things easier, we’re listened to. This company makes me want to do better and be better.”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Nigel Harris
Headquarters: Ottawa, Ontario
Founded: 2011
Employees: 31
Web address: powerstick.com
Employee benefits/perks: Work from home, health and life insurance, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “Every day is different, with new and exciting challenges in a fun environment. With five to six departments under one roof, you can see the chain of product development/production from start to finish.”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Kevin Nord
Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Founded: 2001
Employees: 75
Web address: protowels.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, health insurance, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “I love working with some very creative colleagues in our amazing customer services team, to the extremely creative marketing and art departments, and our production and shipping teams who are beyond dedicated. Kevin, our owner, makes us all feel that we matter and tells us often when we do a great job. I appreciate this so much!”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Mary Dobsch
Headquarters: Washington, Missouri
Founded: 1972
Employees: 66
Web address: chestinc.com
Employee benefits/perks: Health and life insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, paid time off
What employees say about working there: “The owner of the company makes it fun to work here. I like it that they let me do my job the way I know how and that they have full confidence in me that I can get it done on time and do it right. I feel like we are a big family. Whatever happens here, good or bad, it affects all of us. I love my job and working here.”

Category: Supplier
Top executive: Todd Gabel
Headquarters: Bolingbrook, Illinois
Founded: 2010
Employees: 45
Web address: toddypromo.com
Employee benefits/perks: Health and life insurance, 401(k), paid time off
What employees say about working there: “Toddy Gear is amazing—especially through the past 12 turbulent months. The company did everything possible to ensure that its employees came first.”

Category: Distributor
Top executives: Aaron Moscoe and Andrew Rotenburg
Headquarters: Markham, Ontario
Founded: 1988
Employees: 46
Web address: tpscan.com
Employee benefits/perks: Flexible schedule, work from home, health and life insurance, bonus program, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, dog-friendly office, paid birthday off and summer hours
What employees say about working there: “I love being part of this company. It’s very client- oriented and able to pivot and adapt quickly, with strong, ethical leadership. Employees, in general, support each other well and it has a strong and supportive company culture.”