Welcome to the 2019 Power 50 list, which ranks the most influential people in the industry.

#12 Chris Anderson, HUB Promotional Group (HPG; asi/61966)

2018 Rank: N/A
Title: CEO
Industry Experience: 17 years

Within the last year, Anderson’s star has soared. Until December 2018, he was the chairman and CEO of a successful, well-known supplier firm – HandStands (asi/59525). Then, in December, HPG acquired HandStands, and the move included Anderson becoming chief operating officer of promo’s 9th largest supplier firm. So impressive were his first six months that Anderson ascended to CEO in June – a rise that’s transformed him into one of the industry’s most influential executives.

Q: What are the key career experiences that prepared you to be CEO of HPG?
CA: I’ve been involved with rapidly expanding, organic-growth companies (HandStands grew over 10 times), and I’ve been part of multiple successful acquisitions and integrations of product-based businesses.

Q: What is your biggest professional accomplishment to date?
CA: Working with a talented, upstart team to disrupt the mature car air freshener market was an incredibly rewarding experience. I started at HandStands in my mid-20s. My mandate was to establish a “new markets” division within the company. After studying several product categories, I led HandStands’ entrance into the car air freshener business in 2003. Within 8 years of selling its first freshener, HandStands had become the U.S. market share leader and earned multiple patents in the category. It was similarly rewarding to lead the charge on multiple acquisitions where “1+1” really did equal three for our customers.

“I had to reinvent myself, which is an important skill for individuals and businesses.”

Q: What are some highlights from your time at HPG so far?
CA: We’ve completed major facility initiatives, including our recently opened 245,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Debco (asi/48885) facility in Toronto, a major expansion of the HUB Pen operation in Boston, and the opening of the new HPG Creative Center in the Bay Area. We’ve made considerable investments in real estate and equipment that, along with strategic additions to our leadership team, have been undertaken to better position us to serve our distributor partners. Also exciting: We’re on track for all HPG U.S.-based businesses to be on a common ERP platform in 2020, followed by Canada in 2021. Thanks to our in-house systems team, we’ve made this important transition virtually seamless for customers.

Q: How will HPG thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace?
CA: Our key to success will be to exceed customer expectations in three areas: Speed, Quality and Value. We’ll continue to develop a coast-to-coast North American footprint, with each strategically located facility equipped with state-of-the-art decorating equipment and the right inventory, in the right quantity, at the right time. Moreover, we’ll continue to invest in the technology necessary to seamlessly integrate our operations with our customers and supply-chain partners. Additionally, we’re committed to being the innovator within our core hard goods product categories. Above all, we’ll leverage these investments in facilities, technology, inventory and products with the most passionate, customer-focused team in the industry.

Q: What major setback have you overcome and learned from?
CA: I was unable to pursue my dream of being a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot due to less-than perfect eyesight. I was devastated, as my entire teenage existence was focused on the singular objective of flying fighter planes. However, this setback proved to be an incredibly valuable lesson: I had to reinvent myself, which is an important skill for individuals and businesses.

Q: What is your secret to success?
CA: I live by Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements: 1) Be impeccable with your word. 2) Don’t take anything personally. 3) Don’t make assumptions. 4) Always do your best.

Q: What person had the greatest influence on you in business?
CA: Walt Disney, for one simple reason: He was famously obsessive about his customers’ experience.