Larry Zavadil made good on his promise to a dying friend.

The CEO of Counselor Top 40 distributor American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120075) assured Rob Dubow that his legacy, family and contract apparel decorating business would be well cared for following his passing. At the time, Dubow was in the throes of an advanced battle with cancer. Sadly, he died on Oct. 12, 2024, aged just 68.

Zavadil didn’t let the promise pass with his friend.

Larry Zavadil, American Solutions for Business (asi/120075); Rob Dubow, Dubow (asi/700107)

Instead, he and the ASB team worked a deal that’s now seen the Counselor Top 40 firm acquire Dubow (asi/700107), the preferred name in recent years of the large contract apparel decorating business that Rob Dubow founded in 1991 as Dubow Textile.

“We are honored that the Dubow family chose ASB to continue to grow their business after his passing,” said Justin Zavadil, president of ASB and along with his father Larry a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of the promotional products industry’s most influential people.

The deal between the two Minnesota-based companies closed Feb. 1. Financial terms were not released. Executives told ASI Media that Dubow will continue to go to market under that name.

As part of the acquisition, Dubow’s 160 or so employees are staying aboard, and the company will continue operating in its current facility.

“Dubow will operate as a separate company from ASB and continue to serve the industry as a diverse, dependable contract decorator.” Justin Zavadil, American Solutions for Business (asi/120075)

The firm is actively looking to hire a general manager to help shape and execute its strategic vision. Senior leaders are remaining in place, including Jenna Kraemer (Rob’s daughter) and Bryon Kraemer (Jenna’s husband), who are spearheading business development and operational efforts.

“My dad would be very proud to know how everything is falling into place and that the future of our business is so promising,” Jenna Kraemer told ASI Media. “We’ve always had a strong connection to ASB, and this is a great opportunity to build an even bigger footprint in the industry. I’m confident we’ll now have the resources to not only keep my dad’s vision of being the best decorator in the industry alive but to help us continue to grow and make an even bigger impact for our customers.”

What the Deal Means for Distributors

Naturally, some distributors that use Dubow for contract decoration may have questions now that ASB, in essence a competitor, owns Dubow.

ASB executives emphasized to ASI Media that there would be no conflict of interest – no customer poaching or anything of that nature.

“Dubow will operate as a separate company from ASB and continue to serve the industry as a diverse, dependable contract decorator,” Justin Zavadil told ASI Media. “ASB has the resources to invest in the betterment of Dubow for all its customers. ASB takes the integrity and ethics of this acquisition extremely seriously and will keep all customer information confidential and separate from the ASB business.”

“My dad would be very proud to know how everything is falling into place and that the future of our business is so promising.” Jenna Kraemer, Dubow (asi/700107), daughter of the late Rob Dubow

What the Deal Means for Decorators & ASB’s Distributor Network

Furthermore, Zavadil noted that ASB’s network of more than 650 sales associates will continue to have the freedom to work with any decorator they wish.

Will Dubow be a resource for the ASB distributor network should an ASB sales pro want to work with the firm? Yes. Is there any requirement that ASB sales pros conduct business with Dubow? Absolutely not, Zavadil said.

“Our intention is to simply create another resource for ASB associates without restricting their ability to run their business as they see fit,” said Zavadil, who similarly stated that ASB is working to ensure relationships decorators are not disrupted.

“ASB will continue to support, collaborate and do business with other decorators within our partnership program as we have for decades,” he said.

Rob Dubow’s Legacy

Dubow founded Dubow Textile 34 years ago and built it into a company that offers a spectrum of decoration and fulfillment solutions, including everything from screen printing and embroidery to direct-to-film, dye sublimation, laser etching, pad printing, digital printing, heat transfer and appliqué. The company website says Dubow has worked with nearly 12,500 clients.

Those who knew Rob Dubow said that he was a highly astute businessman who could have a bit of a gruff exterior. However, that tough shell belied a heart of gold.

“Despite being prickly and contentious on the outside, Rob was mush on the inside,” his obituary stated. “He was generous to a fault, as his family, friends and employees will attest.”

Dubow and Larry Zavadil were friends for more than 30 years, bonding over business and shared values. For sure, they were close personally and professionally. Rob Dubow, for instance, played an important role in the creation and launch of ASB’s e-commerce platform, ACES. The platform is now in its 25^th year and has more than 1,200 active customers on it that use Dubow to fulfill their decoration.

Rob Dubow’s survivors include his wife of 47 years Robin; brothers Burt and Jim; daughters Jenna and Marta; and grandchildren Bryn, Tori, Maddy and Wes.

“Rob touched the lives of many people and was deeply loved and much admired,” his obituary read. “He was a true example of giving without expectations.”