Every year, ASI’s award-winning editorial team works diligently to name, rank and profile the top 50 most influential professionals in the promotional products industry. These individuals are setting the stage for a successful future for the entire industry – but what can we learn about overcoming business challenges from this year’s top 10?

Here are trends we noticed in the actions and initiatives of the top promo executives in 2021:

Adaptability: #1 on our list, Phil Koosed of BAMKO, is a prime example of how adapting to a changing economic landscape is crucial to success. As distributor sales took a huge downturn in 2020, BAMKO increased its annual North American promo revenue by 78.5% to $194 million, all thanks to Koosed’s willingness to pivot despite immense business challenges. Jo-an Lantz of Geiger also took an aggressive and adaptive approach during the pandemic and filmed weekly videos to send to her entire corporate team, winning their praises for staying present and transparent with her staff. This is what landed her the #3 spot on this year’s list. Additionally, Chris Anderson (#9) stepped up as HPG’s CEO in 2019 and made some serious waves. He is credited with the successful rebranding of both HPG and the former Webb Company, acquired by HPG thanks largely to Anderson’s influence.

Leadership: Proactively seeking opportunities for mentorships and educational initiatives is a great path for any professional to become an industry force. A perfect example took our #2 spot this year, Jonathon Isaacson of Gemline. Isaacson earned his spot by serving as an industry educator through webinars that cover pressing topics like supply disruption, while also leading Gemline to 10% annual sales growth. Consider also Proforma founders Vera and Greg Muzzillo (sharing the #6 spot on our list), who led 24 of their franchise owners to take spots on the 2021 Inc. 5000 list. These owners attribute their success to their leaders’ support and consistency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Progressive Attitude: Sai Koppaka and Alan Tabasky, who oversee both Discountmugs.com and BEL Promo, share spot #8 on our list, mostly due to their dedication to progressing the industry into the future. They have consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation, especially when it comes to e commerce and automation. Their commitment to progress even earned Koppaka Counselor’s Technology Executive of the Year award last year. Also consider father/son duo Justin and Larry Zavadil (#10), who have completely revamped ASB’s image by embracing advancements in technology, e commerce and social media.

Creativity: When it comes to creative brand exposure, no one does it better than 4imprint. Led by the creative minds of Kevin Lyons-Tarr and Suzanne Worwood (who share spot #7 on our list), 4imprint has always gotten top marks from our editors for their brand visibility and creative campaigns, especially their recent series of compelling commercials. In 2021, 4imprint’s profits rose 23% in the first six months. Another shining example of creativity in leadership? Consider Marc Simon, head of Halo Branded Solutions and #5 on the list, who spearheaded their admirable and head-turning rebranding in 2021.

Service: An excess of influence means a plethora of opportunities to raise awareness for the causes you care about. Take it from Jeremy Lott, SanMar’s fearless leader, whose sustainability initiatives through SanMar’s “Canvas For Good” program earned him the #4 title on the Power 50. Or perhaps, Jonathon Isaacson of Gemline (#2), who has used his publicity to be the face of COVID-related public health initiatives for the industry and has prompted record nonprofit donations in 2021.

View the full Power 50 list here. How did you rise to the challenge this past year? Tell us about it on our social media pages!