TOP MICRO COMPANIES (In alphabetical order)
Ads On Magnets, LLC
(PPAI 491494)
Top Executive: Steve Brown
Headquarters: Castle Rock, Colorado
Founded: 2012
Employees: 5
What employees say: “A young company with a great energy. There is a lighthearted vibe that radiates through the office.”
Steve Brown on what it takes to create a great workplace: In a small company, it is important to create team participation to achieve a great workplace. Every employee wears many hats and has an impact on each order that goes through the company. Once the team takes ownership of their processes, the overall flow of the business goes much smoother. We have an excellent team and have weekly communication meetings, ensuring that everyone knows the direction the company is headed. Some really good ideas have come from the staff, and I want to encourage an environment where people feel free to speak up. We work hard every day but another factor in making a great workplace is having time for people to talk about life outside of work—this keeps us feeling like part of a big family. Also, you cannot be afraid to develop employees for fear of losing of them to other opportunities. Try to take advantage of those talents and encourage more growth, and you will have employees who look forward to making your business successful.
(PPAI 440314)
Top Executive: Michael Lovern
Headquarters: Henrico, Virginia
Founded: 2010
Employees: 9
What employees say: “Brandito is an organization that develops people, challenges its employees and celebrates success.”
Elevate Brand Marketing
(PPAI 409232)
Top Executive: Jeff Sampson
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Founded: 2009
Employees: 9
What employees say: “I feel included in the decisions and direction of the company in carrying out the vision. We’re a small company currently undergoing rapid growth. Great company to work for!”
Jeff Sampson, founder and president, on what it takes to create a great workplace: It starts with good people and good chemistry. It helps that some of the Elevate Brand Marketing team members were personal friends long before they joined us. But outside of personal contacts, EBM spends a lot of time during the hiring process to insure candidates are a good fit for our team.
Our priorities to have a great workplace are fun and flexibility. People who are happy at their jobs tend to be successful. The promotional products business is inherently fun and, while client needs are serious, we never take ourselves too seriously. Flexibility is also critical. Our industry doesn’t lend itself to a traditional 40-hour work week, plus EBM has offices in Asia and a worldwide customer base. Therefore, our employees must be flexible and do whatever it takes to get the job done. In turn, EBM provides significant flexibility in work schedules and vacation days. Employees can take whatever time off that they need as long as our customers’ needs are managed appropriately. Overall, we work hard and play hard.
(PPAI 281720)
Top Executive: Alex LeFevre
Headquarters: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Founded: 2002
Employees: 8
What employees say: “Working for this company I am treated equally. I don’t feel like just an employee. I feel like a partner.”
Alex LeFevre on what it takes to create a great workplace: At Identify Yourself we are fortunate enough to be located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and literally a stone’s throw to the beach. With that, it offers our team the opportunity to take their lunch on the beach and as long as all our work is accomplished for the day, a surfing session could be in order. As far as our workplace, we make it open and flexible with opportunities for our team to volunteer locally and take advantage of our benefits package. We have a great customer service team and creative studio that allows our sales team to accomplish their goals. We strive to keep up to date with the latest in technology and partnering with the right suppliers to make our office a great workplace.
(PPAI 106680)
Top Executive: Nancy Gudekunst, MAS
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
Founded: 1959
Employees: 7
What employees say: “They have promoted me twice in six months and I feel as if I still have room to grow and progress in my professional life.”
(PPAI 201413)
Top Executive: Cindy Chapman
Headquarters: Concord, Ontario
Founded: 1997
Employees: 9 (Photo above includes spouses and guests)
What employees say: “I love working at Plan-It Promotions because they don’t just support my initiatives but make me feel empowered to do my best.”
(PPAI 438899)
Top Executive: Karen Scarpino
Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Founded: 1997
Employees: 7
What employees say: “A flexible, independent work environment with a team that’s always around to help and build each other up.”
PromoMonster, Inc.
(PPAI 386079)
Top Executive: Charles Feldman
Headquarters: Mt. Prospect, Illinois
Founded: 2008
Employees: 6
What employees say: “Promo Monster is a great place to work. I feel good going to work every day.”
(PPAI 273637)
Top Executive: Leslie Roark, CAS
Headquarters: Spring, Texas
Founded: 1946
Employees: 6
What employees say: “A great industry, but more than that—it’s an amazing company with leaders that care about their employees on a personal level.”
(PPAI 385713)
Top Executive: Shelley Stewart
Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington
Founded: 2008
Employees: 6
What employees say: “I could not be more appreciative of the innovative culture and overall company warmth Shelley Stewart has built at Red Promotions.”
(PPAI 625402)
Top Executive: Kelly Yarborough
Headquarters: Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Founded: 2012
Employees: 9
What employees say: “Fast-paced, ever‑changing, fun, friendly place to work.”
