David Woods, a beloved industry veteran who led the Lee Wayne Company and AIA Corporation (asi/109480) over a 25-year career, has passed away. Colleagues and friends remember him as one of the market’s kindest people, a true gentleman who always made time for others and helped promote the industry with his enthusiasm and many talents.

“David was one of the most genuine and caring executives I ever met,” said Tim Andrews, president and CEO of ASI. “We called and corresponded often, and he provided thoughtful advice many, many times. All of us in promo will miss him deeply.”

Woods, a perennial member of Counselor’s Power 50, served as president and CEO of Lee Wayne and led the firm’s sale to then-called HALO Promotions Products (asi/356000) in 1993. He worked in various leadership roles at HALO, leaving a proud and lasting legacy.

“The entire HALO family is shocked and profoundly saddened by the loss of David Woods, one of our key early leaders,” said HALO CEO Marc Simon. “No person in our industry was more affectionately respected and admired than David. Well-traveled, well-read, thoughtful and kindly to all, David had the rare ability to connect with all of us in the manner that resonated most with each of us.”

In 2003, Woods made the move to Adventures in Advertising (now AIA). During his 14-year tenure, he transitioned the company from Massachusetts to Wisconsin and nearly doubled the firm’s sales. AIA became a mainstay on Counselor’s Best Places to Work list and achieved a record level of profitability. Woods also led the company through its 2013 acquisition by private investment firm McNally Capital.

“David was one in a million and made an impact on all those who knew him,” said Matt Gresge, CEO of AIA, and Woods’ successor. “We were lucky to have him pave the way for AIA in this industry as our longtime leader. He was a true entrepreneur who took a chance on a company called Adventures in Advertising, which thanks to his vision, would become the strong, thriving corporation that AIA is today. David was a beacon of our industry and helped shape who we are as a company and as individuals. He made an incredible impact on AIA employees and all of the Owners and Suppliers we serve. I have no doubt his legacy will continue to live on through the strong community he built and entrepreneurial spirit he instilled in each of us. Our hearts and thoughts go out to David’s family.”

Woods, who additionally served two terms on the PPAI Board of Directors, retired from AIA in 2016, saying at the time: “I’ve been privileged to lead one of the industry’s greatest companies. After almost 15 years as CEO, 25 years in the promotional products industry and 50 years of professional accomplishment and dedication, the time is right to transfer leadership of AIA to a new generation.”

News of Woods’ passing brought countless tributes this morning.

“David and I worked together for several years back in the 90’s when we were both part of the HALO organization,” said Mark Freed, president/CEO at Genumark (asi/204588). “He was always friendly, soft-spoken and a true gentleman. We enjoyed many conversations about the industry, where it was, where it was going and how we could make it better. Above all, I just think of him as a super nice guy who treated everyone with the kindness and dignity they deserved.”

“David was a great friend and mentor to me in my career and we shared so many great conversations and dinners over the years talking the about industry, the world, baseball and our kids,” said Chuck Fandos, CEO of Facilis Group. “David was one of the rare people who was interested in everyone and everything and also very interesting himself. David made you feel like the only person on the earth when you talked to him.”

“David was a supremely intelligent, kind and thoughtful individual,” said Ira Neaman, president at Vantage Apparel (asi/93390). “He worked hard, enjoyed life and meant much to the many that new him. We all have our favorite David Woods stories. The world is lessened by his passing.”

“David was such an absolutely wonderful guy,” said Norm Hullinger, CEO of alphabroder (asi/34063). “He was simply one of the kindest, most down-to-earth true gentlemen that I’ve ever met.”

“There were few industry people more gracious or more honorable,” said Gene Geiger, chairman of the board at Geiger (asi/202900). “He personified an industry of competitors who know and help each other. His passing is a huge loss.”

“David was a stand-up guy: Warm, friendly and smart,” said Bill Korowitz, CEO of The Magnet Group (asi/68507). “He was always gracious with his time for me, one of the really good guys in our business.”

“David Woods was truly a gentle and honorable man. He cared deeply about people and always put the interest of others ahead of corporate or personal gain,” said Greg Muzzillo, founder of Proforma (asi/300096). “Our industry has lost a true gem.”

“The world is a little less bright without David Woods,” said Jo-an Lantz, president/CEO at Geiger (asi/202900). “We lost one of the good guys. He loved and was proud of his family and had the ability to make you feel like you were a part of his family. Everyone was included. It’s difficult to process that he is gone, because he was always there.”

“David was one of a kind in every best sense of that phrase. I also loved how every time we talked he would light up talking about his kids, the accomplishments of colleagues or friends – he was so excited for those around and close to him,” said Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint (asi/197045). “He was such a positive and optimistic person.”

“David was always so gracious and a true gentleman,” said Ross Silverstein, president/CEO of iPROMOTEu (asi/232119). “The news of his passing is so sad.”

“In my many years knowing David, he was never too busy to make time for me no matter what the issue,” said Dave Saracino, VP of field sales at BIC Graphic (asi/40480). “I always enjoyed his stories and passion for his Ferraris. He will be missed my many.”

Woods was the proud father of three children, grandfather of six, a lover of life – particularly the Boston Red Sox and fast cars – a philanthropist, leader and friend to many. A memorial service is being planned and more details will be announced at a later date. If you would like to add your words of tribute, please email Counselor Editor-in-Chief Dave Vagnoni at dvagnoni@asicentral.com.