The Answer Company, a New York City-based print and promo distributorship founded in 1995, has joined American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120075), a Top 40 firm. “Deciding to join the American Family was an easy decision to make,” said Larry Dunne, founder of The Answer Company. “When we began talking with ASB, we found that their work culture was very similar to ours – based on collaboration, services to support sales, and a work environment that allows for flexibility and creativity.” 

Outdoor Cap Company (asi/75420), a Top 40 supplier, has announced partnerships with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Outdoor Cap is now the New York-based group’s preferred on-field cap for school sports. Similarly, the firm is now the PIAA’s official cap for school sports. The partnerships mean sports and athletic organizations in Pennsylvania and New York can order the official caps from an Outdoor Cap dealer near them.

The Magnet Group (asi/68507), a Top 40 supplier, received a supplier award from Premier Group Network, a promo partnering network for distributors and suppliers. The award was for highest sales growth with Premier Group distributors over the last year (2022 vs. 2021) in the $50 million-plus category. Carrie Pitre, vice president of key accounts, said the award was a testament to the hard work of all Magnet Group employees.

Le Tour de Spice (asi/67035) recently launched a purpose-driven real estate program. Each product in the series addresses key sales opportunities within the real estate sector, including prospecting, referrals, client retention, open houses and closing gifts. The gifts feature warm, friendly themes, appealing spices and teas and are customized with an agent’s information.

Baudville Brands (asi/133950) has hired Justin Weidling as product and marketplace growth manager. With more than a decade of promo and corporate gifting experience, Weidling will lead merchandising curation and product development for Baudville’s e-commerce direct business, seasonal print catalogs and marketplace channels. “We are confident that Justin’s vast knowledge of the promotional and ASI space, vision for customization expansion and demonstrated ability to build and promote a product line to its ultimate success will have a tremendous impact on both our direct-to-consumer business as well as our rapidly growing wholesale division,” said Lindsay Merdzinski, general manager. Prior to joining Baudville, Weidling worked as director of global sourcing at iPromo (asi/229471). He also spent a decade with CustomUSB and Qpromo (asi/47962). Weidling said he’s excited to curate “a product line that not only solves our customers’ problems but also resonates with and captivates our target market.”

LogoLinens (asi/67841), based in Buffalo, NY, announced that it recently teamed up with a local recycling company committed to repurposing and recycling textile waste, including fabric scraps. In addition, the supplier has purchased machinery to transform cardboard paper into pliable packaging material to help dramatically reduce the amount of plastic packaging material it uses as well as keep cardboard waste out of landfills.

Starline (asi/89320; Canada, 89213), a Top 40 supplier, has hired Molly Wright as inside sales representative for national accounts. She will work closely with National Accounts Director Brian DeBottis and Inside Sales Representative Krystal Holstrom. “Starline is well known for our personal service, and we’ve seen explosive growth in our key/strategic accounts over the past three years,” says CRO Brian Porter. “The addition of Molly to our current Key Account team is the next natural progression. Her background in promo, along with a firm understanding of these large distributor partners’ needs, will allow us to continue to do what we do best: deliver amazing products in a stress-free environment.”

Cooley Group (asi/168125), a New York-based distributorship with a 78-year history, has announced that company President Phil Yawman has been selected by the Small Business Council of Rochester, NY as a Business Person of the Year finalist. Yawman joined Cooley Group in 2018. During his tenure, the company has earned awards for customer satisfaction and employee engagement, including the “Best Companies to Work For” designation from the New York State Society for Human Resource Management. Cooley Group has also experienced significant growth: 2022 was a record year for company revenue and net income. Since 1983, the Small Business Council has honored accomplished individuals within the for-profit business sector in Greater Rochester. These individuals are recognized for their exceptional achievements, expansion, effective leadership, and contributions in both civic and professional domains.

Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125; Canada, 61126), a Top 40 supplier, has appointed Mark Wingrove as sales manager in Canada. Wingrove has more than 30 years of experience in the North American promo industry, including as the Canadian regional account manager for BIC Graphic, now Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480). A former PPPC Chair from 2010 to 2011, he was inducted into the PPPC Hall of Fame in 2016.

Full Line Specialties (asi/199688) has hired Mark Slade as a senior account manager. He brings more than 10 years of industry experience to his new role. “We’re thrilled to offer his expertise to our growing list of clientele,” says Sam Singh, president & CEO of Surrey, BC-based Full Line, a certified B Corp.

Atlantis Headwear (asi/37380) has announced news regarding the board of directors of its parent company – Master Italia. Elisa Pavan, product and sustainability manager, has joined the board and will bring what the firm described as “unparalleled sustainability” expertise to the role. Meanwhile, executive Federico Pasini, who has been with Atlantis since 2001, is now vice president of the Master Italia board. “Master Italia recognizes Pasini and Pavan as longstanding, key figures at Atlantis Headwear,” the company said. “They both possess cutting-edge, international vision with deep knowledge of the industry. Pasini and Pavan will prove to be essential assets to Master Italia’s long-term visions and goals.”

The 2 Regular Guys podcast recently released its 500^th episode, marking over a decade of podcasting about the garment-decoration industry. On the episode, hosts decorating-industry veterans Terry Combs and Aaron Montgomery reminisce about their favorite moments from the past 499 shows.

Delta Apparel (asi/49172), a Top 40 supplier, has announced that its brand Salt Life has signed a 10-year contract extension to be the official apparel and sunglasses provider to Sport Fishing Championship, an offshore professional fishing competition series.

American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120075), a Top 40 distributor, has been joined by E Print Solutions (EPS, asi/185015), a Colorado-based distributor. EPS was founded by Emily Brewer in 1998 as a print distributor, but has grown into a full-service provider for print, design, promotional products, apparel and signage. EPS is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and will be joining the Denver Hub. The team also includes Sales & Marketing Specialist Ariana Miller, and Sales Support Representative Jennifer McHugh. “Merging our team with ASB allows us to bring our collective years of experience to one of the best powerhouses in the industry,” said Brewer. “We also get to keep our hands on boutique services while providing advanced technology, product development and sourcing.”

Touchstone (asi/345631), a Top 40 distributor, has promoted David Mills from creative director to vice president of creative strategy. Mills joined Touchstone in 2013 following work as art director at three publishing companies and time in the B2B live events industry. Ever since, he’s played an integral role in advancing the distributorship. “Millzy has been an invaluable addition to our organization since day one,” said CEO Derek Block, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “Together we built our BrandEQ point-of-difference; he was instrumental in developing and facilitating those client workshops and the Brand Books that come out of it. Additionally, his presence and contribution to our leadership team over the last 10 years has been inspiring and the team he has built within our Creative Department is industry leading.”

Artmetal Promotional Products (asi/36980) announces that President Evan Krofchick will be the assistant swim coach for eight swimmers competing on Team Canada during the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, from June 17 to 25. Krofchick has been a coach with Special Olympics Toronto for nearly 30 years – this will be his first international competition. A livestream of the events will be available at berlin2023.org.

ADG Promotional Products (asi/97270) has appointed Wendy and Scott McOuat of McOuat Agencies in Oakbank, MB, as its multi-line representation in the Prairies. “This is perfect timing for our recent re-brand and new product categories,” says Eric Vachon, national sales manager.