Strategy January 07, 2026
ASI Orlando 2026: Build a Trusted Printer Network
A panel of three print/promo distributors facilitated by Allee Bruce of PRINTING United Alliance shared their best practices for partnering with quality printers.
Key Takeaways
• A diverse, vetted printer network protects quality and timelines. Distributors should work with multiple go-to partners, test new ones with low-risk jobs and ask questions about capabilities and equipment.
• Strong relationships and standardized processes drive long-term success. Consider facility tours, clear proofing and communication workflows, and regular performance reviews.
Offering both promo and print products is a lucrative opportunity for distributors, and developing a trusted printer network is key to that success.
Allee Bruce of PRINTING United Alliance, where she serves as the editor for Promo Impressions, hosted a panel of promo and print distributors to discuss building that network in a Power Session at ASI Show Orlando called “Partnering for Success: Building a Trusted Printer Network.”
(From left to right) Steven Brozyna of Alderwood Creative (asi/116322), Kelly Stone of The Idea Box Powered by Proforma (asi/300094) and Lynn Strange of Best Business Systems (asi/138560) join Allee Bruce of PRINTING United Alliance in Orlando to talk about building a network of printers to fulfill orders.
“You have to have a variety of print partners because jobs will be different,” said Lynn Strange, key account manager for Best Business Systems (asi/138560). “We have our go-tos for checks, forms, etc. Don’t try out new companies with your biggest clients.”
Kelly Stone, owner and president of The Idea Box powered by Proforma (asi/300094), suggested placing a small low-stakes order when trying out a potential new partner, like a small self-promo run or a small order of business cards. It’s important to make sure that the capabilities a printer advertises are truly enough to keep up with end-buyer demand, and that their quality is up to snuff.
“Go to their facility for a tour,” said Stone. “Ask them about the age of their equipment and what upgrades they’re making. Ask for customer references and if they say no, that’s a red flag. If they say, ‘We do everything.’ That’s another red flag because no one does everything.”
During one of Stone’s first-ever print orders, a typo meant everything needed to be reprinted, and fast. Stone was able to work with a local printer to do the last-minute job.
“Redundancies are key,” echoed Steven Brozyna, promo + print manager for Alderwood Creative (asi/116322). “And don’t be afraid to ask hard questions about their capabilities. Sometimes it’s easiest to just pick up the phone and talk it through with them.”
Standardize proofing and communications workflows, added Strange, and consistently reevaluate their performance. “When you build strong relationships,” she said, “they’ll refer you to another printer if what you need is outside their core capabilities.”