Dawn Olds built a professional lifetime in the promotional products industry, and she did it with Top 40 distributor HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000).

Now, the longtime leader, well known throughout promo for her executive leadership and her volunteer work on behalf of the industry, is calling time on her merch business adventure after 35 years.

Dawn Olds, HALO (asi/356000)

Olds is retiring – a move that will become official at the close of Promotional Products Association International’s (PPAI) trade show in January, according to HALO CEO Marc Simon.

It’s bittersweet for her colleagues: They’re happy for her, but sad to see her go.

“Dawn’s legacy at HALO is one of leadership, innovation and an unyielding commitment to excellence,” said Simon, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “She has been a driving force within our company.”

Indeed, Olds has been one of the key executive catalysts spearheading HALO’s rise to what it is today: a billion-dollar distributor – promo’s second-largest – that supports client initiatives throughout North America and internationally.

Over the years, Olds played an essential part in propelling innovation across accounting, information technology and operations in roles that included senior vice president of operations. She’s been at the center of more than 20 HALO acquisitions, along with countless “Can we do this?” customer branding initiatives that require unique back-office and/or logistical support.

“Dawn has been a trailblazer in our industry, dedicating her time and expertise to promote the value of promotional products to the marketplace.” Marc Simon, HALO (asi/356000)

In her most recent role as senior vice president of industry relations and DEI, Olds has been instrumental in constructing HALO’s corporate communication and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, executives said.

Such important work at a company of HALO’s stature would have been enough to earn Olds prominent standing in promo, but her commitment to volunteerism extended her influence well beyond HALO’s walls.

She’s served as chair of the PPAI board of directors and remains a board member. In addition, she was previously a volunteer on PPAI’s professional development committee.

“Dawn has been a trailblazer in our industry, dedicating her time and expertise to promote the value of promotional products to the marketplace,” Simon said.

Beyond promo, Olds has given back by being a mentor with the Whiteside Area Career Center and a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement of the Heartland.

She applied that same guiding hand internally at HALO, mentoring many employees and helping advance careers. It’s something about which she’s especially proud – as she is of her entire long tenure in promo and at HALO.

“It has been an honor to contribute to our company’s success and to witness the incredible growth and innovation that has taken place over the years,” said Olds. “I am grateful for the friendships, the challenges and the countless opportunities to make a difference.”

While Olds can’t truly be replaced, the executive team will be collaborating on a transition plan, Simon said.