PRESS RELEASES
ASI Applauds Promo Industry’s 2024 Sales Superstars
Reps from AMI Graphics, Barker Specialty, Proforma Printhouse, Promo Direct and The Magnet Group earn top honors
“It’s an honor to recognize exceptional sales professionals who exemplify the dedication and ingenuity that drive our industry forward." - said Editor-In-Chief C.J. Mittica
The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) today celebrates the outstanding achievements of the promotional product industry’s top sales professionals in 2024. ASI Media annually recognizes Salespeople of the Year whose service and innovative solutions set the standard for excellence in the market.
“It’s an honor to recognize exceptional sales professionals who exemplify the dedication and ingenuity that drive our industry forward,” said Editor-In-Chief C.J. Mittica. “ASI’s 2024 honorees are true trailblazers, setting new benchmarks for client satisfaction and inspiring us all with their remarkable achievements.”
Read on for more on the 2024 Salespeople of the Year spurring eye-popping success for their companies – and the promo industry:
- Distributor Salesperson of the Year: Rose Sarro, vice president of sales for Promo Direct (asi/300477). Sarro entered promo later in her career and was previously a Salesperson of the Year finalist in 2018. In 2021, after a five-month sabbatical, she returned to Promo Direct, ultimately breaking her own sales record in 2021 and doubling the mark by 2023 with millions in sales. Known for her listening skills and personable approach, Sarro’s comeback highlights her resilience and professional excellence.
- Veteran Rep of the Year: Bob Steinbach, director of strategic sourcing for Barker Specialty Company (asi/132690). After nearly 50 years in promo sales, Steinbach has no plans to retire, finding joy and excitement in his work. In 2023, his 48th year, Steinbach generated $1.2 million in personal sales and continues to mentor the next generation while also learning from them. His passion for the industry and the relationships he’s built keep him energized and dedicated to his career.
- Distributor Up-and-Comer of the Year: Rielly Troyer, director of business development for Proforma Printhouse (asi/491465). In his second full year in promo sales, Troyer generated over $1 million in revenue, proving success runs in his family. Working and learning alongside his parents, Rielly hustled for his achievements, starting with zero clients. His success is rooted in creative solutions and strategic prospecting in niches that include breweries, manufacturing and banking.
- Supplier Salesperson of the Year: Jessica Hiner, vice president of business development at The Magnet Group, (asi/68507). Through 20 years in promo, Hiner embodies relentless dedication, attributing her unwavering drive to her background as a high school basketball star. Hiner consistently excels, managing 10 major national accounts and a large buying group, achieving a 33% increase in sales in 2023, surpassing $10 million. Hiner rarely takes “no” for an answer and is always prepared with a Plan B.
- Supplier CSR of the Year: Tracie Dawson, AMI Graphics (asi/80160). Dawson received an unprecedented number of customer testimonials, praising her dedication. Her 40-year career in customer service began at The Banner Barn and continues at Quality Banner, now part of AMI Graphics. Dawson, who delivers top-notch services to over 600 customers across the U.S. and Canada, also serves as mentor and role model for the entire CSR and sales team. Her expertise in print technology evolution, coupled with a philosophy of treating clients with integrity and honesty, distinguishes Dawson as a trusted partner.
ASI also recognized nine finalists for Distributor of the Year. Read full profiles and watch video interviews online.
The process for selecting the ASI Media Salespeople of the Year starts with ASI staff collecting nominations from people in the promo industry and includes the following criteria: annual sales, year-over-year increase in sales, colleague testimonials, prestige of clients and creativity in recent promotional campaigns. Nominees for Salesperson of the Year must generate $1 million or more in sales revenue, the Veteran Rep of the Year must have worked in promo a minimum of 15 years and the up-and-comer less than three years.
For more information on the 2024 Salespeople of the Year, contact ASI Editor-in-Chief C.J. Mittica at cmittica@asicentral.com.
