PPAI’s staff judges have once again completed one of the toughest assignments of the year: identifying the newest class of PPAI Rising Stars.
More than 200 nominations poured in from across the promotional products industry in 2025, spotlighting professionals whose accomplishments, leadership and passion set them apart. From this group, 12 individuals have been chosen for recognition as the 2025 PPAI Rising Stars.
The honorees embody the qualities the program has celebrated since its creation in 2010 – achievement, volunteerism, leadership and, most importantly, the potential to shape the industry’s future for decades to come. For the second year, eligibility was limited to candidates under the age of 40, ensuring the spotlight remains firmly on the industry’s next generation of leaders.
The Rising Stars will be formally recognized in October at PPAI’s Leadership Development Conference, where they will join peers in an Emerging Leaders educational track designed to sharpen skills, expand networks and prepare them for greater influence in the industry. LDC’s Emerging Leaders track is current open for registration. The event will be held Oct. 27-29 in Texas.
Several honorees earned multiple nominations from colleagues and mentors, underscoring the impact they’re already making. Read on to meet the 2025 class of PPAI Rising Stars, and find out what some of their nominators said.
Patrick Bardsley, 37
Co-founder & CEO, Spectrum Designs
“He’s built a thriving business that not only delivers high-quality custom apparel and promotional products, but also creates life-changing employment opportunities for autistic individuals. Under his leadership, Spectrum has grown from a small startup to a nationally recognized nonprofit with multiple locations, high-profile clients and a proven social impact model. What impresses me most is how Patrick balances operational excellence with deep compassion. He’s just as focused on perfecting our printing process as he is on making sure every team member is seen, supported and successful. His work is innovative, impactful and inspiring, and he’s only getting started.”
–Kelli Fisher, Spectrum Designs
Nina Bui, 29
Territory Sales Manager, HPG
“As a fellow supplier, I’ve seen how intentionally she builds connections with other reps, creating a network that helps all of us better serve our distributor customers even when a solution doesn’t come directly from her own line. She’s a true team player, a rising talent in our industry and genuinely a joy to work with. I’m proud to call her a friend and excited to watch her continued growth and success.”
–Dawn Kovar, Showdown Displays
Abby Burke, 33
National Account Executive, Walker-Clay
“I consider Abby a Rising Star in the promotional products industry because she thinks differently and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. She’s always looking for fresh, creative ways to connect with new clients and expand her reach. What sets her apart is how she leans into platforms like TikTok and YouTube to share her expertise and personality in an authentic, engaging way. She’s built content that educates, entertains and ultimately drives interest in our industry, helping open doors that traditional outreach methods might not. Her willingness to take risks and experiment with new approaches is exactly what this industry needs more of.”
–Amanda Clay, Walker-Clay
Jade Crider, 24
Lead Sales & Social Media Coordinator, Hasseman Marketing & Communications
“Over the past three years, Jade has made a name for herself and stepped out of the shadows of her father, a well known long-time industry vet. Through her use of social media marketing, her podcasting and her personal branding – not to mention her paneling at various industry events – she’s definitely come into her own as a force in the industry.”
–Matt Shucart, Advertising Premium Sales
Savannah Dmytriw, 30
Vice President of Business Development, S.C.G.
“She pairs authentic visibility with real results. In a space where social media is often smoke and mirrors, she stands out by backing every post with real retail trends, transparency and follow-through. Sav’s content isn’t just for likes. Every piece of content shines a light on and elevates the measurable impact she’s making for her own brand, her company, and to our industry as a whole. Her merch reviews are curated, deliberate and impressive. Her content already blows me away, but another specific example of how she’s impressed me is how she’s built a promo community of like-minded distributors and suppliers to think tank how to move the industry forward. She is a force because she doesn’t just talk the talk and get her social media clout. She walks the walk and turns ideas into action.”
–Brittany Frase, MadeToOrder
Kristine Eng, 34
Director of Marketing, Pop! Promos
“Kristine has already made an indelible mark on our industry. With over 11 years of experience across supplier and distributor organizations, she exemplifies the innovation, leadership and forward-thinking vision this award is meant to honor. Since joining Pop! Promos just two years ago, Kristine has accelerated through the ranks, earning a promotion from Marketing Manager to Director of Marketing. Today, she leads both the Marketing and Creative Services departments, driving results-oriented strategies and cultivating a team culture rooted in excellence, creativity and authenticity.”
–Erin Reilly, Pop! Promos
Stephanie Hinkle, 37
Marketing Manager, MadeToOrder
“She takes the same tools that we all have access to and learns how to use them to their most magical potential, and then she shares that knowledge with competitors and peers – what!? She is a curious and creative mind who loves to collaborate to bring her knowledge to the greater industry, someone who is not only passionate but willing to share that passion is invaluable.”
–Samantha Fullerton, BAMKO
Cayley Lazarus, 39
Inside Sales Lead, Logomark
“Cayley is extremely proactive and engaged in all of our client projects, big and small. She is a constant in our daily lives, showcasing ideas and solutions to make our day-to-day easier and helping us to present the best of the best to wow our clients. Cayley grew her territory with the Taylor account from about $50,000 in 2021 to $700,000 in 2024 – an increase of 1,300%!”
–Amy Loeffler, Taylor Promo Marketing
Eli Martin, 32
Sales Manager, 5B’s Embroidery and Screen Print
“Within 5B’s, Eli has made leaps in sales growth while still focusing on what matters the most in companies: the people. Eli manages a sales team giving them the opportunity to grow and learn. He is a hands-on leader who makes people feel wanted and needed in the office. Eli is compassionate and willing to help a younger person in the industry, not just at his company. Eli is in a unique situation, being a decorator. They have even less ability to influence the buying decision. Eli can utilize his connections to grow the company. He is not afraid to put himself in an uncomfortable situation to grow his skillset or network.”
–Lindsay Bons, ID Line
Vera Minot, 35
Co-owner & Creative Director, Southwest Solutions
“Under Vera’s direction, Southwest Solutions earned a Silver Pyramid Award from PPAI for one of their standout client campaigns, and the company has been named one of PPAI’s Greatest Companies to Work For twice in the last three years – a testament to both the culture she helps lead and the quality of the work she champions. Her creative vision and leadership continue to shape not just the team, but the trajectory of the company and its reputation within the industry.”
–Sydney Harvey, Southwest Solutions
Halle Moore, 25
Marketing Coordinator, PromoCorner
“She brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the industry, keeping content dynamic and engaging, especially through initiatives like the Behind the Brands series. Her energy and modern outlook are shaping a more connected, forward-thinking future for the industry.”
–Kristina Beal, Chocolate Chocolate
Kate Murray, 24
Communications & PR Specialist, American Solutions for Business
“Kate shows up every day ready to make us better. She works hard, is super motivated and is genuinely a good person. The first time she really stood out to me was seeing how she engaged with our reps and vendors at one of our socials at The PPAI Expo last year. She’s so welcoming and present. It’s hard not to like her!”
–Justin Zavadil, American Solutions For Business
PPAI congratulates all the nominees and invites the industry to share in the celebration for the 2025 PPAI Rising Stars. Look out for more on the new class in the cover story of PPAI Magazine in December.
