Sure, the promo industry offers a diverse range of products, but it’s often described as a relationship industry. And for as many kinds of products as it offers, there are also countless kinds of people who think, act and work in their own unique ways.

They aren’t asked to shape themselves into any sort of standard for the sake of the industry. The promo world just lets them right in. That might be what turns so many entrepreneurs into promo lifers. After routine business dealings, they are so often left thinking, “That person was … pretty cool.”

The pages of PPAI Magazine would be overflowing with a list of all the coolest people in promo. Below we highlight a few industry professionals who are all cool in their own way.

Coolest Promo Pro To Hang Ten

Julie Schneiderman

Founder & CEO, Ecostiks

Some people say the ocean rejuvenates you and thereby influences everyone you encounter. Julie Schneiderman, founder and CEO of Ecostiks, is part of an organization trying to bring those possibilities to more women. Schneiderman co-founded Women In The Water, a Southern California-based community group aimed at fostering accessible ways for women to champion each other and the environment.

Coolest Misconception Breaker

Kelli Fisher

Social Media Specialist, Spectrum Designs

By just about any definition, Spectrum Designs is founded on a principle that’s downright cool. Its mission is to create inclusive employment opportunities for a neurodiverse workforce – more than 50% of its employees are on the autism spectrum. If you’ve heard of the company, it’s probably because of Kelli Fisher, social media specialist at Spectrum Designs, who started as production assistant but is now largely behind the company’s Instagram account (111,000 followers!), where she educates followers on some of the myths and realities of neurodivergent people. In February, Fisher and CEO Patrick Bardsley appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Coolest Promo Person Who’s Not In Promo (As Of Press Time)

Meg Erber

20-Year Industry Veteran

In a presentation at The PPAI Expo Conference in January, Meg Erber taught attendees how martial arts helped change the course of her career, from fumbling around in the dark of the merch industry, to becoming one of its most recognizable names. The Navy vet, podcaster and PromoCares do-gooder has 20 years of experience on both the distributor and supplier side. It’s only a matter of time before she’s back in the business (if it doesn’t happen before you read this).

Coolest French Fashion Influence On Promo

Francis Pierrel

CEO, LR Paris

Francis Pierrel, CEO of LR Paris, did more than bring a fashion sense to the promo industry – although he definitely did that, having held leadership roles at apparel brands like Ralph Lauren (including working directly with its iconic namesake), Lacoste, Diesel and Urban Outfitters. In his most recent role, he’s also focused on bringing retail experience and a retail mindset to the promo world.

Coolest Expat

Heather Smartt

Global Head, Goldstar

Heather Smartt, global head of Goldstar, was bi-coastal before she even entered the promotional products industry. Having attended Penn State University as an undergraduate, she earned her MBA on the West Coast at the University of Southern California. Lately, though, she’s been a global presence. Residing in Lisbon, Portugal, Smartt runs Goldstar, a company that has recently emphasized having a presence in multiple continents. That starts with its leader, who has said that even just living in Europe has engrained in her a more sustainable mindset for the company.

Coolest Global Brand Ambassadors

Roderick Brown

Industry Ambassador

Roderick Brown and Colin Loughran are a duo on this list because they are doing similarly exciting work. Both are industry veterans who have pivoted to something like global consultancy, connecting people and promo businesses across the world. Brown, an American, and Loughran, an Irishman, help bring promo trade throughout the U.S., Europe, India and China. “This exposure to diverse cultures, geographies, foods and business practices fosters understanding and creates opportunities, despite the occasional challenges of globalization,” Brown says.

And if that’s not cool enough, in May, Brown is taking Loughran on a “four corners” motorcycle tour of the U.S., and in June, Loughran is returning the favor with an 11-day adventure around Ireland.

Colin Loughran

Industry Ambassador

Coolest Compliance Expert Ready To Take A Stroll With Your Legislator

Sanjay Kotia

Manager of Product Compliance & Quality Assurance, SnugZ USA

Promo connects with the outside world through more than just clients and end users. Safety regulations and government affairs are both ever-changing landscapes that can have huge effects on this industry. Some people must be on the front lines. Among those people is Sanjay Kotia, manager of product compliance and quality assurance at SnugZ USA. PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group? He’s ready to volunteer. PPAI’s Responsibility Summit? He was on the council selecting content. The Association’s Government Relations Action Council? You guessed it. Kotia is there. As if his full-time job at SnugZ wasn’t time-consuming enough, you can bet he’s been recently advocating and educating on behalf of you and the rest of the promo industry.

Auping is senior news editor at PPAI.