Counselor’s 2025 Woman of Distinction Brings Her Service & Sustainability Mindset to Promo
Mandi Rudd, director of new markets at Genumark (asi/204588), has always pursued promo with a purpose.
When Mandi Rudd was in elementary school, she saw a “free puppies” sign – so she went home to her family with the whole bunch, because she knew that meant they needed help.
Rudd, now director of new markets at Genumark (asi/204588), never lost that dedication to helping others – whether it’s aiding the planet through advocating for sustainability in the promo industry, or throwing herself wholeheartedly into nonprofit work through organizations like PromoCares and Big Slick, an annual fundraiser for a children’s hospital in her hometown of Kansas City.
It’s for that mindset that she was named this year’s Counselor Woman of Distinction, announced at ASI Chicago last week.
“I just feel like it’s incumbent upon every single one of us to do something to make the world a better place,” Rudd said. “And it starts with kindness, generosity and helping others.”
On this week’s episode of Promo Insiders, Rudd joins ASI Media’s Hannah Rosenberger to share where her dedication to service grew from – and how it shapes her life today, from involvement in both industry and non-industry nonprofit efforts to her commitment to using promo to make a difference.
Key Takeaways
• For Rudd, sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s a responsibility, and she actively steers clients toward eco-conscious choices that align with long-term environmental goals.
• She’s used her role in sales to educate clients, offering alternatives that are more sustainable or socially responsible – even when it means turning down less ethical projects.
• Inspired by her family, Rudd views service – whether through time, talent or treasure – as a fundamental duty, shaping both her personal life and professional mission.
• Through PromoCares and the Big Slick fundraiser, Rudd has helped raise millions for causes like clean water access and pediatric healthcare, often leveraging branded merchandise as a fundraising tool.
• Strong relationships with suppliers, reps, and fellow industry professionals – especially among women – are key to growth, innovation and shared success in the promotional products space, Rudd said.