Whitestone Branding (asi/359741), a Counselor 2024 Best Places to Work in promo distributorship, has hired a director of client services who has experience at a Top 40 firm and at household name retail brands like lululemon.

Lauren Dustin is now leading Whitestone’s client services department. In the role, she’ll ensure the firm’s team is supported internally and externally. A primary responsibility will be working on the front lines with sales pros, leading high-level conversations that aim to increase client engagement and expand relationships.

Lauren Dustin, Whitestone Branding (asi/359741)

“Lauren embodies everything that we look for in a leader,” said Whitestone founder/CEO Joseph Sommer. “She is a lifelong learner, values personal development, and lives life to the fullest.”

Dustin most recently worked as director of client merchandising at Top 40 distributor PromoShop (asi/300446). She also spent about seven years with distributorship Turnkey Merchandise Programs (asi/185008), where her positions included director of client success and e-commerce manager.

Dustin has extensive experience in the retail world, too. She was a showroom manager for lululemon, a new store opening leader for Athleta and, among other positions, a selling manager for Victoria’s Secret, where she spearheaded topline sales growth for a $10 million business while leading more than 60 associates.

“It’s rare to find someone like Lauren,” said Sommer. “At her core, she gets the most fulfillment from leading and coaching people, cross-collaborating with teams, and helping solve client problems. She also has the unique experience of managing complex programs and multimillion-dollar books of business, which helps her relate to the day-to-day challenges our sales professionals face. That blend of experience naturally equips her to lead our team.”

Launched out of a one-bedroom Manhattan apartment in 2013 by a then 23-year-old Sommer, Whitestone has grown into a fully remote, 45-person company with annual sales totaling $16 million. The firm ranked second on Counselor’s 2024 Best Places to Work in promo list.