(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 8

Storm Creek Welcomes Stephanie Maday

Industry veteran Stephanie Maday has joined Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, S6), as director of sales and customer experience.

  • In her new role, Maday will lead the sales team, driving business development and fostering partnerships with clients to expand Storm Creek’s market presence, identify new business opportunities and ensure the delivery of exceptional products and services.
  • Maday started her industry career in 2000 with 3M Promotional Markets. During her 20 years there, she worked her way up to national sales manager. Prior to joining Storm Creek, she was executive vice president of [wholesale] sales at Crystal D.

Storm Creek CEO Teresa Fudenberg says, “Stephanie’s passion for growth, industry knowledge, and desire for customer excellence makes her the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to work together to take Storm Creek to the next level.”

Brandon Pecharich Named Executive Creative Officer At Mark8Media

Mark8Media (PPAI 828462) has brought on Brandon Pecharich as its first executive creative officer.

  • In this role, Pecharich will handle the development, creation and evolution of the company’s messaging to the promotional products industry.
  • During his 20 years in promo, Pecharich has developed a following as creator of PromoErrday, which he’s hosted for the past six years. In 2021, he was named a PPB Rising Star and in 2022, he was a SAAGNY 40 Under 40 recipient. Pecharich has also been a speaker at the PPAI Expo, commonsku’s skucon, SAAGNY’s Promotions East and other online industry events.

“Mark8Media is designed to be a modern approach to the way media is presented and consumed within our industry,” says Ian Swope, Mark8Media’s chief partner. “Brandon, with his unique ability of establishing industry engagement and history of original content creation, is the only person talented enough to position Mark8Media to live up to its purpose.”

Geiger U.S. Team Earns First EcoVadis Gold Award

Geiger (PPAI 105182, D12) is celebrating a double win in sustainability, with both its U.S. and UK operations receiving prestigious EcoVadis recognitions in 2023.

  • Geiger’s global headquarters in the U.S. achieved a Gold rating for the first time, placing it among the top five percent of companies assessed globally. Last June, Geiger’s UK office received Platinum status for the second consecutive year, solidifying its position among the top one percent. Geiger is the first and only major promotional products distributor to hold a Gold rating in the U.S.
  • EcoVadis, the world's leading provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies across four key pillars: environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. To achieve Gold, companies must score above 70 percent overall, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable practices.
  • Geiger is dedicated to sustainability across its global operations. The U.S. headquarters is powered by a nearly 700-panel solar array, demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency. It also has a dedicated division responsible for vetting suppliers to ensure ethical practices and minimize environmental impact throughout the supply chain.
  • The distributor was one of the first and is now the largest donor to the SHAREcenter, an upcycling nonprofit in Lewiston, Maine. The SHAREcenter program collects unwanted goods, from furniture, paper and craft supplies to promotional products, and gets them in the hands of local educators and community members in need. Peter Geiger, fourth-generation family owner, serves as chair of the board of directors of the SHAREcenter.

January 5

Lisa Folts Joins Spark Branded Solutions As Director Of Business Development

Spark Branded Solutions (PPAI 793840, D3) has named Lisa Folts as director of business development.

  • Folts has worked on both supplier and distributor sides of the industry, starting at Vantage Apparel in 1997 and quickly rising through the ranks. She then worked for Koozie Group and PCNA before moving to the distributor side with ePromos Promotional Products. Folts is a past winner of PCNA’s Salesperson of the Year award.
  • In her new role, she will help accelerate Spark’s growth by identifying and winning enterprise-level accounts.

“I chose Spark because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than just ‘putting a logo on stuff,’” Folts says. “The fact that they are a WBENC-certified business, in addition to their comprehensive service offerings, was important to me when choosing a partner. I’m excited to collaboratively work with the team to build a client base using the resources of our agency, contributing significantly to enhancing company brands.”

Spark Owner & CEO Chelsea Williams, who founded the firm in 2022, says bringing Folts on board is a huge win for the company. “I am beyond excited that Lisa chose Spark, and I know she will bring a tremendous amount of energy and experience that will help us reach new heights. 2024 is off to a great start,” she says.

Full Line Specialties Adds Maclean Bryant In Senior Sales Role

Maclean Bryant has joined Full Line Specialties (PPAI 241269, D3) as VP of sales and operations for the eastern division.

  • Bryant brings more than 20 years of experience in building and managing sales teams across North America.
  • He will be responsible for formulating and executing strategic growth initiatives for the company’s eastern division.

January 4

Gemline Expands Tech Portfolio With Cleer and iLive Brands

Gemline (PPAI 113948, S11) has added two leading retail brands to its technology product category: Cleer and iLive.

  • Cleer is a high-performance audio brand of high-end earbuds, headphones and smart speakers with iconic design and quality sound.
  • iLive offers world-class design in sound bars, earphones and speakers at affordable prices.
  • These two new strategic partnerships not only complement and expand Gemline’s existing tech assortment but also strengthen its range of good, better and best choices to suit customer preferences.

“We continue to solidify our position as a leader in the promotional products industry by continuously expanding our product and retail brand portfolio to meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base,” says Frank Carpenito, president & CEO of Gemline. “The inclusion of Cleer and iLive underscores our commitment to delivering quality, innovation and affordability in the growing tech space.”

Quinn Celebrates 30 Years Of Service

Quinn (PPAI 360359, S5) was founded in 1994 in Long Island City, New York, as an American flag supplier by Matt Quinn, who recognized the love and demand for American products..

  • As sales increased, custom products were added in 2004 and the company was relocated to Hanover, Pennsylvania. In 2019, it moved operations to a 30,000 square-foot facility.
  • Today, Quinn boasts a catalog of more than 6,000 products including banners, tents and displays that support all major industries.

January 3

Mike Zagurski Becomes VP Of Sales At Something Inked

Something Inked (PPAI 492323, D11) has named Mike Zagurski as vice president of sales.

  • Zagurski has been a key component of the sales team since 2019 in both part time and full-time roles. His new responsibilities include leading more than 15 full-time sales executives with an emphasis on growing sales, expanding the client base to new industries and recruiting new sales executives.
  • Prior to joining Something Inked, he spent more than 15 years as a professional baseball player. Zagurski pitched in the MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees, and several minor league organizational affiliates as well as spent time in the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan early in his career.

“Mike brings not only an athlete’s mentality to Something Inked with clubhouse leadership and drive, but he is also somebody that truly can bring our sales team to the next level by working hand in hand with our sales manager and the executive team to achieve all of the company’s goals and plans. We could not be more excited for Mike’s new role,” says Bill Feldberg, EVP of business development at Something Inked.