iCoStore (PPAI 372689, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 45 distributor, has announced the hiring of Sarah Whitt as director of digital marketing.

• Whitt brings over two decades of experience in digital marketing to the promotional products industry.

“Sarah’s expertise in digital marketing and brand development is exactly what iCoStore needs to amplify our unique value,” says Tom Meissner, founder and president of iCoStore. “She will help us tell the story of how we transform corporate programs into seamless, scalable and brand-protecting experiences.”

Logomark (PPAI 110898, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier, has announced an exclusive partnership with Topl, a drinkware brand based in London.

• Cups are made from 90% recycled stainless steel, ethically sourced for its durability, heat retention and recyclability.
• Lids feature 50% recycled plastic.

“There’s a buzz around the office with excitement over these innovative products,” says Michael Bistocchi, chief revenue officer at Logomark. “This is next-level engineering from the seamless 360° drinking experience to the built-in NFC technology at the base, allowing brands to connect with consumers in entirely new ways.”

HIRSCH (PPAI 221823, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 23 supplier, has announced that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Cross, a fine writing instruments brand.

• This partnership will be HIRSCH’s first foray into the premium writing instrument space with the 175-plus-year brand.
• Effective July 21, distributors can find Cross writing instruments available for laser engraving, full-color decoration and one-color screen printing.

“We are extremely excited and honored to be partnering with such a legendary brand like Cross,” says HIRSCH CEO Paul Hirsch. “Its commitment to detail, prestige and offering timeless products aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver premium brand products to our customers and their clients.”

Giuseppe Rizzo, CEO of A.T. Cross, adds, “We’re proud to partner with HIRSCH, a company that shares our passion for quality, craftsmanship and long-term brand building. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Cross in the promotional industry – one where we can bring our legacy of timeless writing instruments to a broader audience through HIRSCH’s trusted relationships and premium brand portfolio.”

AIM Smarter (PPAI 230461, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 17 distributor, has announced the expansion of its U.S. sales team with the addition of Sydney Smith as sales executive.

• Smith previously worked at iHeartMedia, where she managed national advertising across radio, digital, podcasts and influencer platforms, supporting more than $8 million in annual revenue.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sydney to the team,” says Lisa LeMond, global head of sales at AIM Smarter. “Her experience, energy and passion for helping clients succeed make her a perfect fit for our mission. As we continue to grow and invest in the success of our distributor community, Sydney’s contributions will be key to deepening member relationships and expanding our reach.”

Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 14 supplier, has announced the addition of four new patch decoration options to its growing collection of in-stock headwear.

• New patch deco options include woven, faux leather, sublimated and classic embroidered.

“Headwear offers universal appeal as a one-size-fits-all solution, making it ideal for company stores, giveaways, events and uniform programs,” says Lauren Monnier, director of merchandising at Vantage Apparel. “With Vantage’s deep stock and wide style range – from classic truckers to modern snapbacks and the new, cozy bucket cap – brands can easily find the perfect fit for their audiences.”

Numo (PPAI 112597, Gold) has announced an exclusive U.S. and Canada partnership with Gomi, a U.K.-based brand turning plastic waste and discarded e-bike batteries into repairable tech.

• Together, they’re launching a collection of marbled power banks, translucent power banks, wireless charging pads and charging cables.
• Numo will also serve as Gomi’s U.S. and Canada repair facility, localizing the brand’s “no landfill” ethos.

“We kind of wanted to create tech because tech is so wasteful,” says Tom Meades, co-founder of Gomi. “We wanted to use these waste streams to create products that are repairable, long-lasting and not going to contribute to waste in the end.”

commonsku (PPAI 552077) has announced the hiring of Dickron Kherlopian as its new senior vice president of sales.

Most recently, Kherlopian served as vice president of sales at GoCo.io, an HCM platform competing with SaaS giants like Rippling and Gusto.

• During his tenure from April 2023 to June 2025, he was instrumental in scaling revenue, and he oversaw a successful exit via acquisition by Intuit.
• Prior to GoCo.io, he spent nearly seven years at JazzHR, ascending to director of sales in 2018 and vice president of sales from June 2021 to April 2023.
• Prior to SaaS, he spent seven years in retail and business banking at Santander Bank and Bank of America.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Dickron to the commonsku team,” says Catherine Graham, CEO of commonsku. “Dickron is a proven sales ‘scale builder’ with an impressive track record of leading sales organizations through significant growth. His deep expertise in building sales playbooks, optimizing processes and fostering high-performing teams aligns perfectly with our vision for the future, particularly as we continue to innovate and expand our platform for our advanced and enterprise customers.”