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Headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, distributor Smart Source (PPAI 313388, D10) operates across the U.S. through 19 branch offices. It offers its clients a range of brand management business solutions, including business process outsourcing, creative services, printed products and promotional merchandise.

The company works with both international and domestic clients, and has developed a reputation for successfully integrating and growing customer relationships by leveraging its brand sourcing. Through this and some strategic acquisitions, it has realized substantial growth and expansion in recent years.

For more than a decade, SomethingInked (PPAI 492323, D11) in Nashville has served customers in the professional and minor league sports teams, sports entertainment, music, destination retail, corporate branding and more. Over the years, Something Inked has grown to more than 150 employees and supports its clients with branding, marketing, design, e-commerce and merchandise services.

SomethingInked earned its place on the PPAI 100, not only through its significant revenue growth over the past few years, but also, in PPAI’s analysis, noteworthy corporate responsibility and digital transformation efforts, and the trust it earned from its vendors, customers and peers.

Staples Promotional Products (PPAI 108945, D15) marked a year of growth in 2022. The Kansas-based distributor, a subsidiary of the office retail giant Staples, announced in December the creation of what is thought to be the market’s first sustainable procurement platform, in conjunction with EcoVadis, a leading business sustainability ratings provider. The company recycles 98.8% of waste material from its decoration and fulfillment facility, and 84% of its U.S. shipments are carbon neutral. Staples Promotional Products was also named to PPAI’s Greatest Companies To Work For 2023, boasting employee benefits like flex hours, wellness reimbursement and paid parental leave.

It’s been an active year for Stran (PPAI 161542, D10). Summer of 2022 saw the Massachusetts-based distributor expand into the South by acquiring the assets and business of Texas-based distributor Trend Brand Solutions. Then Stran kicked off 2023 by announcing the acquisition of T R Miller, including its 20,000-square-foot distribution and processing center. It’s no surprise to see “Growth” as a high mark for Stran, as their Q1 revenue report showed a nearly 30% increase in revenue over 2022.