As far as Jason Lucash is concerned, it’s time to take a breath.

An innovative leader in the promotional products industry, Lucash is stepping down as chief development officer at Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966). Lucash will continue in an advisory role, serving as a member of the Braintree, MA-headquartered company’s board of directors.

Jason Lucash is stepping down as chief development officer at HPG, but will remain a board member.

“Jason Lucash is truly a one-of-one,” said Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people.  “His ability to see emerging trends well ahead of the curve is matched only by his creative output. His mind is an idea-generator that functions 24-7. The industry, its customers, distributors and suppliers alike have all benefitted from Jason’s ever-present focus on what’s next – and so too have all of us at HPG.”

Once Lucash transitions out of his employee position, HPG Director of Marketing Ben Pawsey will lead the supplier’s marketing team from the HPG Creative Center in Danville, CA.

“It’s time to fully pass the torch to the talented HPG team,” Lucash said. “This has been one of, if not the most, difficult business decisions I’ve ever had to make.”

Lucash has been on quite an entrepreneurial adventure over the last 13 years or so, with his profile in promo rising sharply over that time.

Things started back in 2009 when he and business partner Mike Szymczak founded Origaudio, a supplier firm that specializes in sleek, well-designed technology products, fashion-forward bags and lifestyle items. Time magazine named a product the pair invented, Fold n’ Play speakers, one of the 50 best inventions of 2009. Lucash also appeared on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank” and secured an investment from Robert Herjavec.

In subsequent years, Lucash and the Origaudio team would press deeper into the promo market and more accolades would follow. He and Szymczak won Counselor magazine’s Supplier Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2017, as Origaudio’s sales skyrocketed and the company continued to bring innovative products to market. Over the years, the firm also garnered a slew of Counselor Design Awards. And in 2018, Lucash and Szymczak earned a place on Counselor’s list of the Most Creative People in Promo.

Lucash and Mike Szymczak founded Origaudio in 2009. Time magazine named a product the pair invented, Fold n’ Play speakers, one of the 50 best inventions of that year.

For sure, 2018 was a big year for Lucash and Origaudio, as that was when the company struck a deal to be acquired by Top 40 supplier HPG. At the time of the acquisition, Lucash became senior vice president of marketing and product for HPG. He would later earn a promotion to the chief development officer role.

At HPG, Lucash spearheaded the launch of Batch & Bodega, a food gift line that bundles exclusive award-winning snacks from small-batch brands from across the United States with best-selling hard good products from HPG to create giftable kits, or “batches.”

Among other initiatives, Lucash led successful rebrands, including a fresh visual identity and name for HPG itself (from the former HUB Promotional Group) and the evolution of Webb Company (a supplier HPG acquired) to Mixie.

“After Origaudio was acquired by HPG in September 2018, I’ve spent the last couple of years working with the rest of HPG’s senior leadership to ensure Origaudio and HPG are well-positioned for future success and growth in the promo industry,” Lucash said.

While Lucash has had a ton of fun, he told ASI Media that it also feels as if he’s been running a marathon for the last 13 years and it’s time for a break. Said Lucash: “I’ve been giving my all to the industry day in and day out and it’s time to relax and breathe for a little bit. I have my wife and two little girls at home, and I honestly have no plans other than being a dad, husband, and taking time to enjoy that while I figure out my next move. I absolutely love the people in this industry, and they’ve all been so good to me over the years and extremely supportive, so you never know what the future may hold for me.”

Anderson said he looks forward to continued input from Lucash. “To our good fortune, Jason will continue as a shareholder and board member, and I look forward to leveraging his insights to the benefit of all HPG stakeholders,” Anderson said.

With reported 2020 North American promotional products revenue of $169.8 million, HPG ranked 10^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. HPG’s brands include Hub, Beacon, Best, Debco, BCG Creations, Origaudio, Handstands, HPG Exclusive, Batch & Bodega, and Mixie. The firm produces and ships from nine facilities throughout North America.