Meet the new stars shaking up the promo market with their ambition, empathy and passion to be the very best.

>>Back To 2018 Hot List

Sean Kurtzman

Midnite Snax (asi/71685)

Sean Kurtzman can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew, cover it with chocolate and a promotional product or two.

As business development manager at Midnite Snax, he’s the candy man of the East Coast, catering to the sweet tooth of many clients. “I’ve had a lot of success teaching distributors the value of food as a promotional item,” Kurtzman says. “I always explain to my clients how food is the only promotional product that appeals to all five senses, which leaves a lasting impression long after the product is gone.”

The Long Island native joined Midnite Snax four and a half years ago, after teaching special education and working as a director at a local summer camp. He’d planned to teach history, but the school district needed him to change course. So Kurtzman adapted – a skill essential for success in the promo industry.

“It’s all about getting a message across, whether it’s ‘you should buy these jelly beans’ or ‘let’s start on this worksheet for class,’” Kurtzman says. “And both careers require a lot of patience.”

His knack for public speaking and building relationships has made him a natural on the sales side, and his commitment to instantly answering phone calls and emails has made him a reliable partner. “People love when I visit them,” Kurtzman says. “I like to think it’s my charming personality, but it might have something to do with the chocolate and popcorn.”