American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) – ranked the No. 9 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced the acquisition of fellow Minnesota-based distributor Spartan Promotional Group (PPAI 108688, D7).

“We couldn’t be more thrilled,” says Larry Zavadil, founder and CEO of American Solutions for Business. “This is the merging of two great companies with goals and values that strongly align. Spartan has built an incredible legacy to serve their people and clients, and we can’t wait for them to join the American family.”

Family Business

Founded in 1966 by the late Al and Phyllis Hohenwald, Spartan is a family-owned business comprised of 52 sales associates and 14 support team members.  


She was preceded in death by her husband Al, who was an active volunteer in the promotional products industry. He served on the PPAI Board of Directors and on the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP) board. He and Phyllis were both awarded UMAPP’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.


Their three sons Mark, Mike and Paul took over Spartan, which was named one of PPB’s Greatest Companies To Work For.

“We’re very excited to join the American Solutions for Business team,” says Mike Hohenwald, president at Spartan Promotional Group. “We made an extensive search to find the best fit for our Spartan family and we feel American Solutions for Business fits like a glove. With ASB’s advanced technology, systems, marketing resources and grassroots attitude, we see a great future for our Spartan clients, sales associates and employees.”