(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

January 24

ASB Announces New Leadership For Its Tech Team

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) has promoted Mike Schmitz to vice president of technology and Eric Gorghuber to executive director of enterprise resource planning.

  • Since joining the company in 2001, Schmitz has held several roles within ASB including lead architect and developer, application development manager, director ecommerce and senior director of ecommerce.
  • Gorghuber has been the company’s senior PeopleSoft developer as well as held director and senior director titles in that role.

“I am thrilled to take this new role, especially considering my enthusiasm for contributing to the continued growth and focus on ecommerce,” says Schmitz. “What excites me even more is the pivotal role our systems and architecture will play in supporting the broader business objectives.”

Gorghuber says, “I’m looking forward to positioning our ERP PeopleSoft system to scale with the growth of ASB and the needs of our sales force.”

ASB President Justin Zavadil adds, “Mike has been integral to the success and growth of ASB over his many years with the company as the pioneer of our ACES eCommerce system and its development. Eric has led the PeopleSoft technical team throughout his tenure with ASB and most recently captained that team. I’m confident that both Mike and Eric will continue to keep ASB’s technology on the cutting edge of our industry.”

PromoKitchen’s Annual Networking Mixer Exceeds Expectations

PromoKitchen (PPAI 652237, A01) hosted its annual networking mixer during The PPAI Expo last week in Las Vegas and reports the event was once again sold out with nearly 500 people in attendance.

  • This year’s theme was Spice It Up and attendees brought new and transformative ideas to share with colleagues. The event also raised funds to support PromoKitchen’s newly enhanced mentorship program and industry education initiatives for 2024.
  • Sponsors providing support included SanMar, Hit Promotional Products, PPAI, HPG, commonsku, Stahls’, Spector & Co., DelegateCX and Outdoor Cap.

“Mixer 2024 felt magical,” says Johanna Gottlieb, PromoKitchen board member. “As the crowds settled in, I looked around and was in awe of the vibes in the room. Mentors meeting mentees. Mentees meeting mentors. Competitors collaborating. I left the mixer excited about what is ahead for PromoKitchen and in awe of what we have built.”

Dan Jellinek Takes On CRO Role At The Magnet Group

The Magnet Group (PPAI 338534, S13) has promoted Dan Jellinek to chief revenue officer.

  • In this new role, he will continue leading purchasing and new product development, and will also be responsible for the sales organization. Jellinek has been at the supplier for 13 years.

“Dan is a delight to have in the company,” says Bill Korowitz, CEO of The Magnet Group. “He’s loyal, smart and energetic. All of us are thrilled for him.”

Proforma Empowers Growth And Collaboration At The PPAI Expo

Proforma (PPAI 196835, D13) was well-represented at The PPAI Expo with more than 150 distributor owners, sales professionals and support center team members in attendance.

  • The distributor planned a number of connection points for members during the week, including a welcome reception and collaboration sessions to colleagues together for community-building conversations.
  • During Education Day, Proforma’s CMO Charity Gibson, led a session titled “Crushing it in 2024,” which delved into the growth strategies essential for navigating business this year.

“Sharing insights at The PPAI Expo is a privilege. Trade shows like these are where ideas are born, collaborations happen, and relationships are formed and strengthened,” says Gibson. “While I’ve only just begun my tenure at Proforma, I’ve spent more than two decades learning from and teaching others in this industry. The experience of The PPAI Expo is invaluable.”