Counselor Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070), a certified B Corp, is broadening its portfolio of premium headwear and golf accessories, thanks to a new, exclusive partnership with Ahead (asi/33220). Through the partnership, the Lawrence, MA-based supplier will become the sole supplier of Ahead’s products in promotional channels and is part of Gem’s efforts to build a solid presence in the headwear category.

Counselor Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070) has formed an exclusive partnership with Ahead (asi/33220).

“We are honored to be appointed Ahead’s exclusive partner in the promotional products industry,” said Frank Carpenito, Gemline president and CEO, and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo. “Their exceptional craftsmanship, focus on innovation and best-in-class decoration, coupled with dedication to customer satisfaction, perfectly aligns with Gemline’s commitment to providing our distributor partners with appealing branding options to meet the increasing demand for standout products.”

He added that “this announcement punctuates our continued aggressive expansion into both the headwear and golf segments, which we believe are currently underserved in the promotional marketplace.”

Distributors will have access to Ahead’s bestselling headwear silhouettes in a variety of colors, featuring signature and proprietary decoration techniques, according to Gemline.

Anne Broholm, CEO of Ahead, said the partnership “marks a milestone” for her company.

“With Gemline’s powerful reach into the corporate marketplace, we look forward to introducing an expanded customer base to our wide variety of style offerings, innovative designs and renowned ornamentation techniques,” she said. “Gemline’s commitment to quality, service and corporate social responsibility aligns perfectly with Ahead’s approach.”

Ahead USA has been around since 1995 and has licensing agreements with more than 250 colleges. Its products are featured at 50% of collegiate bowl games, as well as at the U.S. Tennis Open, major international golf events, resort lifestyle shops and specialty events.

Last summer, Gemline made its first entrée into headwear when it launched house brand Merrimack Hat Co., inspired by New England’s Merrimack Valley, “where hard work, ingenuity and craftsmanship reign supreme,” execs said.

Founded in 1958, Gemline ranked 12th on Counselor’s most recent list of top suppliers, with 2023 North American promotional products revenue of $134.5 million. The supplier offers a range of house and name brand products in categories that include bags, coolers, drinkware, umbrellas, headwear and electronics. In addition to being a certified B Corp, the supplier is registered as a public benefit corporation through the state of Massachusetts.