The PPAI Expo Schedule

Since late 2021, Josh Ellis, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief, has overseen the rapid growth of PPAI Media, which now encompasses digital content, publications, public affairs and research efforts. A journalist since the age of 15, he first worked in sports, reporting for DallasCowboys.com before transitioning to business media. Prior to PPAI, he served as the editor-in-chief of SUCCESS Magazine.

Elizabeth Wimbush is PPAI’s first-ever Director of Sustainability & Responsibility, bringing over a decade of experience from her days at Canadian distributors Rightsleeve and Genumark, where she led supply chain, sustainability and vendor management. Before joining the promo world, she ran a fair-trade organic cafe & bakery in Toronto that prioritized community and minimizing waste. When she’s not supporting members in their sustainability journeys she’s probably outside - on a motorcycle, in the ocean or learning how to be the best beekeeper these pollinators could ask for.    

Nicole Rhooms is the Human Resources Director for PPAI. She oversees the Human Resources department and develops and implements HR strategies that align with organizational goals. With over 15 years of experience, she has a strong background in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management. She is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing employee satisfaction. Nicole is passionate about driving initiatives supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion while ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. She is dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders and firmly believes in the transformative power of people in organizations. 

Jenna Quaranta (JQ) brings over a decade of experience as both a Supplier and Distributor. Known as an industry thought leader and sales strategist, she’s built a reputation for delivering measurable results and no-BS execution. JQ is the creator of the Field Sales Method-a sales system with original talk tracks, persuasive communication strategies, negotiation tactics, and a prospecting schedule engineered for high-performance reps. FSM isn’t theory. It’s a proven operating system for growth.

A Certified Business Coach and Certified Mental Health Ambassador, JQ drives sales teams to develop mental toughness, physical discipline, and market dominance. Her background in fitness-adding a unique edge- blending sales training with proven resilience and execution habits. Recognized as a Top 10 influencer on PPAI’s Online18, JQ is trusted by sales reps and executives across the industry to design systems that work in the field and protect their mental health in the process.

Joelly Goodson, known as the Branding Badass, is an award-winning branding expert and dynamic force in the promotional products industry. As the creator and host of the top branding podcast, Branding Matters, Joelly is renowned for her bold, innovative strategies that empower professionals to break free from the “stuff seller” mindset and become creative marketing partners. Through high-impact storytelling and value-driven campaigns, she helps clients amplify brand influence, build loyalty, and achieve measurable growth. Joelly’s energetic presentations deliver actionable insights and fresh perspectives, inspiring audiences to escape price competition and elevate every pitch. Her passion for partnership, creativity, and industry transformation makes Joelly a sought-after voice for promo pros ready to stand out and win in today’s market. 

With over 25 years working within the promotional products industry, Bill Petrie had dedicated his career to helping organizations grow their businesses through creative, strategic, and effective marketing and branding. As the founder and creative director of brandivate – a boutique marketing, branding, and advertising agency – Bill brings a hands-on approach to connecting brands with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Bill’s insatiable curiosity drives his creativity and ensures that he’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He doesn’t hold back; he embraces boldness, innovation, and a bit of irreverence because that’s where real growth happens. His goal? To challenge and inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams.

As a featured keynote speaker and workshop leader, Bill has been fortunate to share these ideas with audiences across the country and around the world. He has also had the honor of being inducted into the Promotional Products of the Mid-South (PPAMS) Hall of Fame and receiving the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Icon Award for Distinguished Service in 2024 – a testament to his commitment to elevating others and driving positive change.

When not helping brands make an impact, you can find him in his backyard, affectionately known as The Back Forty, likely smoking something delicious on the grill, mixing up craft cocktails, and enveloping himself in great music. He also loves spending time with his wife of 30 years, Sandy, their red tick coonhound, Shelby, and their twin college-aged sons, Drew and Mitch – who tend to pop in when they are broke, hungry, have nothing clean to wear, or all of the above.

Tom Edgette is owner of Hoffman & Edgette Inc, a multi-line premium representative firm based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Founded in 1973, the company represents more than 12 manufacturers across New York and New Jersey, offering well-known consumer brands to promotional product distributors, sales promotion agencies and full-service recognition companies. Edgette has been with the firm since 1982 and brings more than four decades of industry experience. A 43-year IMRA member, he has served two terms as president and currently chairs the IMRA Education Committee. 

Melissa Fleming is director of strategic accounts and inside sales at DPI Inc (Digital Products International), a consumer electronics manufacturer behind the iLive and GPX brands carried by major retailers. Fleming currently serves as secretary on the IMRA Executive Board and previously chaired the IMRA Publications Committee, and she is co-chair of the IMA Alliance Committee. Prior to DPI, she held roles at Anheuser-Busch as a retail sales analyst and worked as an account manager at both Pepsi and Coca-Cola in the St. Louis area. 

Michele Schwartz is the Director of Sales at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where she leads sales strategy and revenue growth initiatives that help members and partners thrive. Before joining PPAI, Michele built substantial experience in the retail sector, including leadership roles with premier brands such as Neiman Marcus and Fossil, where she refined her expertise in consultative selling, customer experience, and team development. Her background in high-touch retail environments informs her solutions-oriented approach to sales and strengthens her ability to connect with clients across industries.

At PPAI, Michele is known for her relationship-driven mindset, strategic vision, and commitment to helping promotional products professionals leverage meaningful engagements to drive long-term business success.

Eric Natinsky is co-founder and CEO of SAGE. He has been working with computers all his life and has extensive experience in computer science. He holds a bachelor’s in business administration, double-majoring in management and marketing from Washington University in St. Louis and a JD from The University of Texas at Austin. Natinsky is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is also a licensed patent attorney. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as supporting the arts in Austin through his position on the Board of Directors for ZACH Theatre.

Charles Freund is the Director of Sales at Fairware Promotional Products, a Vancouver-based company specializing in sustainable and ethically sourced promotional merchandise. Born and raised on the West Coast, Charles brings a values-driven perspective informed by sustainability, accountability, and long-term thinking. With eight years at Fairware, he has played a central role in leading and scaling the sales team through periods of growth and change, helping establish clear expectations, strong internal alignment, and a culture rooted in trust and shared responsibility. His focus on consistency, collaboration, and people development has helped shape a sales environment that supports performance, growth, and long-term team health. 

Nicola McLeod is a seasoned sales leader with more than 20 years of experience building and scaling wholesale businesses across apparel, footwear, and accessories. She brings a strong understanding of how product, sales, and marketing align to support sustainable growth. 

Throughout her career, Nicola has led sales development and field teams for both emerging and global brands, partnering closely with buyers and distributor networks across North America and the EMEA. Her background includes leadership roles at Reebok, Rockport, Adidas, and Reima, where she helped expand market presence and strengthen long-term wholesale relationships. 

At Charles River Apparel, Nicola leads the outside sales team, working closely with internal partners to support distributor success and deepen customer relationships across key markets. She is known for her disciplined, relationship-driven approach, with a focus on consistency, accountability, and service. 

Born in the UK and raised in Toronto, Nicola now lives in Massachusetts with her family. Outside of work, she values time outdoors, travel, and staying active, including completing a half marathon and exploring cities on foot. 

Stephen Musgrave is the SVP of Sales at DCX. His love for art and printmaking from a young age lead him from a few years run in a screen printing shop to join Rightsleeve Marketing in various roles over a decade before settling into the Genumark team leading Sales and Marketing, after an acquisition in 2019.  

Now as the SVP of Sales at DCX he spends his days helping Suppliers and Distributors scale their teams and have a bigger impact through teamwork. As a musician and artist, Stephen brings unique perspective to business, developing a wide array of improvisational, creative solutions while continuing to build upon the foundation of a life in the Branded Merch space. 

Debbie Abergel has dedicated more than 25 years to the promotional products and brand merchandise industry. As Chief Strategy Officer at Nadel, she leads global growth strategy, creative direction, and digital solutions, helping shape the company’s forward vision in an evolving marketplace. Her work is rooted in building responsible global partnerships, maintaining strong compliance standards, and championing the belief that brand merchandise has the power to create authentic, lasting connections. Deeply engaged in the industry, Debbie remains focused on collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact. 

Samantha Kates is a seasoned executive with a passion for driving transformation, building highperforming teams, and elevating brand experiences. As President of Spector & Co., one of the industry’s leading suppliers, she oversees sales, customer service, marketing, and product development, guiding the company through a period of bold evolution and renewed focus on customer connection. 

With over two decades of experience in the promotional products space, Samantha has held senior leadership roles at companies across the industry spectrum—from suppliers to platforms to distributors—including commonsku, Charles River Apparel, and iPROMOTEu. Her deep understanding of the market and her relentless focus on strategic growth have made her a respected voice across the industry. 

Samantha joined Spector & Co. in 2022 as Chief Sales Officer and was promoted to President in 2024. 

As a newly elected PPAI Board member, Samantha brings a strong operational mindset, a clear vision for the future, and a deep belief in the power of this industry to connect, inspire, and grow. 

Eric Granata has spent his career helping promo businesses simplify their systems and get more done with less hassle. With a background that spans e-commerce, design, automation, and digital strategy, he brings a practical, real-world perspective to using technology in the promotional products industry. Eric previously served as CTO at Brand Fuel and got his start as Director of E-Commerce at ROBYN Promotions, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges distributors face every day. As the industry’s “Zapier guy”, Eric is passionate about making no-code tools and automation accessible to businesses of all sizes. His approach is rooted in a sincere desire to help people reclaim their time, reduce friction, and build businesses they’re proud of. Whether it’s streamlining back-office workflows or scaling up without burnout, Eric’s goal is to help promo pros use technology to get closer to the work (and life) they really want. 

Abby Burke is a National Account Executive at Walker-Clay, Inc. (distributor) and one of PPAI’s 2025 Rising Stars. She has been twice named to the #Online18 and featured in “Coolest Stuff in Promo: People” (2024). Passionate about social media, Abby is part of TikTok’s official Creator Incubator Program and the YouTube Creator Community as a verified channel. Never one for cookie-cutter sales strategies, she leverages AI to enhance sales, streamline processes, and drive smarter client connections. 

Melissa is the Chief Marketing Officer for PPAI. She has held global leadership roles across go-to-market strategy, brand development, value creation, innovation and partnerships in a variety of industries. In addition to her roles within two different promotional products suppliers, she has also worked with well-known brands developing advertising campaigns and marketing strategies. She previously served as an at-large director on the PPAI Board from 2022 to 2024 and prior to that, the PPAI Strategic Foresight and Promotional Products Education Foundation committees.  A versatile leader who is experienced leading through successful change transformations, including rebranding and acquisitions, she’s keenly focused on stakeholder engagement with a collaborative approach.

Britney Godsey, Chief Revenue Office at Gold Bond, Inc. has over a decade of experience in the promotional products industry. She has spearheaded successful initiatives like the “One Tree Planted” give back program and the PPAI award-winning influencer kits. Britney has received various awards, including the PPAI rising star, Pyramid awards, and multiple social media trend setter spotlight awards.   

Morgan supports the Services Industry Group at NetSuite which includes Printing and Promo. With over 70+ implementations, Morgan enjoys solving big problems with creative solutions to transform organizations. Morgan bridges both sales and delivery teams at NetSuite to ensure customer success.

Adrianne built and leads NetSuite’s Promotional Products consulting practice, delivering 20+ successful go-lives with tailored solutions for the industry. She specializes in helping businesses optimize NetSuite to meet their unique needs.

Josh Pospisil has been in the promo space for around 11 years. He is a past Sales and Marketing Manager for KTI Promo, National Account Manager for Hirsch, and VP of Business Development for AIA/IpromoteU. Pospisil is now the Director of eComm & Digital Sales at PromoShop. Josh is a past president for HPPA, and has volunteered for numerous promo organizations, including RAC/RRC, PromoKitchen and more. Josh also is a past speaker at multiple regional events, along with a featured speaker at PPAI Expo in 2025. Josh is a lover of all things promo and wants to provide as much positivity and education as possible. 

Jenny Straub, CAS, is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Outdoor Cap, bringing 27 years of robust promotional products expertise to her role. Drawing on decades of industry insight, she excels at strengthening key partnerships and developing collaborative sales solutions that drive sustainable growth.

A passionate advocate for education, Jenny is dedicated to empowering teams with actionable strategies and transforming industry challenges into measurable success. Known for her collaborative spirit, she is a proud recipient of the 2025 A Women’s View Vendor Visionary Award.  When Jenny is at the table, expect forward-thinking solutions, a commitment to mutual success, and an enthusiastic approach to partnership building.

Ashley Colautti, MAS, VP of Sales for Spector & CO., has been in the industry for nearly 20 years.  She is the current Chair of PromoKitchen, an industry not for profit that promotes education and mentorship. Ashley volunteers on the PPAI Professional Development and Certification Committee and is the past event chair of Brand Chain.  

Kelli Denes brings more than 23 years of promotional products expertise to the stage — experience earned on both the distributor and supplier sides of the business. As Director of Business Development at The Vernon Company, she uses her deep industry know-how to spark growth, strengthen partnerships, and help teams win.

Armed with a master’s in strategic leadership, Kelli is passionate about guiding people, shaping smart strategies, and transforming big ideas into measurable results. Known for her energy, creativity, and collaborative spirit, she has a knack for bringing out the best in every team she works with.

When Kelli’s in the room, expect actionable insights, fresh perspectives, and an undeniable enthusiasm for the industry we all love.

I’m a nerd of many stripes: sales, marketing, business strategy, choral music, food, small town Midwesternism, writing, old houses, useless trivia, murder mysteries, and how you can live a good life wherever you are. I’m an industry immigrant multiple times over: first in higher education marketing, then tech marketing and now in promotional product sales (and, you guessed it… marketing). I have a deep faith in what connects us as humans, and I’m inspired every time our great, wide world becomes very, very small. I believe in doing good when you can, however you can, and the power of companies and brands in creating meaningful change.
I currently serve as Vice President of Strategic Growth for Summit, and love giving my time to make our industry better through PromoCares (board member) and PromoKitchen (mentor).

Jeffrey Brenner is Director of Special Markets and Military Sales at Seiko Watch of America, bringing more than 30 years of experience in incentive, recognition and corporate gifting. His career includes leadership roles with Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hartmann Luggage, and Steuben Crystal. He previously served as president of IMRA and IMA and held officer roles including secretary, treasurer, VP and SVP across both associations over a 14-year period. Brenner also served as past chair of IMRA and IMA Summits and the Retreats Resources Board. 

Matt Parisi joined SAGE in 2021 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was recently invited to serve as a 2025 board member for the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA). As a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Distribution, he enjoys solving customer challenges and helping them find creative ways to connect with their target audiences. In his downtime, you can find Matt playing softball or disc golf, cheering on the Aggies and Razorbacks, or enjoying a relaxing night out with friends and a cold beer.

Ryan Born is a marketing and technology executive and a partner at Identity Works, where he helps lead the development of Brand-Driven Technology (BDT) and scalable online store platforms. With a background in both strategy and hands-on development, Ryan focuses on building practical, secure, and brand-centric online stores that simplify ordering, reduce errors, and support complex customer workflows. His work bridges marketing, e-commerce, and operational efficiency, helping organizations turn branded merchandise programs into streamlined digital experiences. 

Matt Gonzales has spent his career in marketing, sales, and merchandising as a promotional distributor. For the last decade he has helped land and grow large client programs, and now coaches distributors on building and selling online store programs for their customers. 

Sam Hornstein is the Founder and Principal of eXtendTech, and a recognized NetSuite innovator in the promotional products industry. With more than 20 years of experience in Promo and NetSuite solution architecture, Sam has been the driving force behind the design, development, and success of eXtendTech’s entire suite of applications. His deep understanding of real-world distributor and supplier workflows led to flagship solutions like eXtendFiles, eXtendMobile, and numerous other NetSuite tools that streamline ordering, file management, production, and integrations. Sam is known not just for building software, but for creating elegant, efficient answers to complex operational challenges. His ability to translate industry needs into practical, scalable solutions has made eXtendTech a trusted partner for companies looking to simplify processes, improve visibility, and transform how work gets done inside NetSuite.

Leo Chan, Chief Innovation Igniter at Abound Innovation, is a people and heart-first entrepreneur who believes everyone can innovate. With over 55 US patents and 20+ years of experience, he has empowered organizations — from nonprofits to Fortune 500s — across industries from automotive to wastewater — to unleash their employees’ creative potential.

Leo has trained over 86,000 global professionals, unleashing breakthrough thinking at the world’s most innovative companies.

A 4x LinkedIn Learning Instructor and speaker at conferences like TEDx, SXSW and ATD, Leo combines his industry-experience and joyful enthusiasm to make innovation accessible and practical for all.
As a certified LEGO^® SERIOUS PLAY^® trainer and facilitator, he helps teams unlock curiosity, creativity, and professional fun in the workplace.

Leo’s mission is to ignite innovation in everyone, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.

A self-described professional student, Mykayla Goodwin is the VP of Strategy and Marketing for OrderMyGear (OMG), a market-leading technology provider for promotional product distributors, apparel decorators, team dealers, and suppliers to sell branded merchandise across channels. As a strategy and marketing leader, Mykayla identifies growth opportunities and guides company strategy through market research and strategic planning. She also helps the market understand who OMG is, what they do, and how they are different from the rest. Mykayla received an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she focused on innovation and growth strategy, as well as a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas State University. 

Laura Smith, the Sustainability and Compliance Manager at Storm Creek, has been the driving force behind many of her company’s biggest sustainability milestones, including earning B Corp certification and achieving an EcoVadis Gold rating. She makes big goals feel doable—turning ambitious ideas into meaningful, measurable results.  

Laura’s work is all about balance: connecting long-term vision with the everyday details that make it real. Thanks to her leadership, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Storm Creek—it’s woven into the way the company operates.  

Recognized by PPAI’s PPB Magazine in 2016 as one of the industry’s most Powerful Partners and by PPB Magazine as a 2018 Rising Star, Aaron Kucherawy’s grace under pressure is legendary. Aaron began with commonsku in the early days and with the platform’s rise and success, he grew from Manager to VP of customer success, leading a team that’s always there when you need him. Aaron remains one of the most admired team members by customers. An expert in platform proficiency and systems integration, Aaron thrives on guiding new users and advising the pros on how to scale and grow their business using the commonsku platform.

Charlie Moscoe is the VP of Product Management at commonsku, bringing over 10 years of business-to-business Product Management experience to the team. With a background in design and computer science, he has worked across a wide variety of industries, with a focus on marketplace applications. Charlie combines user-centric design processes with data-driven experimentation to help commonsku’s customers grow and thrive. Outside of work, Charlie loves to get out in nature, hiking in the forest or out in the back country on his snowboard.

Amanda joined SAGE in 2014 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was promoted to Senior Customer Experience Manager in 2024. That same year, she was honored with the SAGE All-Star Award. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Amanda is passionate about SAGE’s company culture and supporting distributor clients in their success. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their puppy, Cooper.

Vera is the Creative Director for, and part owner of, Southwest Solutions – an award-winning marketing materials company.  She is a heart-first professional who’s known for her creativity; aversion to small talk; and appreciation of good vocabulary and clever marketing materials.  She studied Linguistics and Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Arizona, and after stints in a variety of industries that converged into a unique perspective on business and humans, she joined the wide world of promo. Vera is the past Board President of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce (AKA the Gaymber) – cultivating a safe space for queer folks in business as well as a space of learning for allies, who are tremendously important to the LGBTQIA+ community. She – and her entire team at Southwest Solutions – believes Inclusive Business is Good Business. When she isn’t hard at work, you’ll find Vera being lifting weights, making prints, tending to too many houseplants, and hanging out with her wife and their cats.

Kate Murray is the Communications & Public Relations Specialist at American Solutions for Business, a 100% Employee-Owned Distributor. She joined the promotional products industry a year and a half ago and has quickly developed a passion for connecting people through storytelling and shared experiences. In her role, Kate oversees internal and external communication strategies, helps share the American story, and works to strengthen relationships across the organization and industry. 

Beyond her work at ASB, Kate is actively involved in UMAPP, serving on committees and helping launch the Young Professionals Committee. She’s passionate about the people-driven nature of this industry and the opportunities it creates to learn, grow, and connect. 

Eli Martin is an industry leader in apparel decorating and is currently celebrating his tenth year with 5B’s. As a seasoned Sales Manager, Eli has been instrumental in driving substantial sales growth and strengthening leadership development within his team. Known for his passion and competitive spirit, he approaches every opportunity with confidence and energy, excelling in solidifying new business and developing strong, lasting client relationships. Eli is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of professionals, teaching them how to elevate client engagement and build meaningful connections with successful leaders across the industry. 

Kristine Eng is a ten-year industry veteran whose career has been shaped by success in both sales and marketing roles, giving her a uniquely clear view of how creativity and strategy drive meaningful impact. Now Director of Marketing at Pop! Promos, she leads the Marketing and Creative Services teams with a rare mix of strategic precision and creative firepower – fueling a stronger market presence and high-impact brand storytelling. Kristine is known for her people-first leadership grounded in empathy, vulnerability, and genuine connection. She is a fierce advocate for building strong relationships, developing emerging talent, and creating systems that allow teams to grow, thrive, and do their boldest work.

Jodie Schillinger is the Executive Vice President at Maple Ridge Farms and is also a member of the RRC. She has not only aspired to shape the vision & culture of Maple Ridge Farms, but also inspires the team to continuously elevate the brand. Tasting the flavor of excellence is a thing with her…it is her essence and her grit & she radiates it in all aspects of life.

Terrin Conway joined the promotional products industry in 2021 and quickly made a name for herself through her dedication, attention to detail, and relationship-first approach to sales. Now serving as National Account Director at Sock 101, she leads the Strategic Sales Team and manages key national partnerships. Terrin is grateful to be in an industry she loves and continues to grow and lead with passion.

Randy Tiwana is a Principal Consultant with deep expertise implementing NetSuite for the promotional products sector across both supplier and distributor organizations. He has led large-scale implementations for both suppliers and distributors and has architected end-to-end solutions for order configuration, decoration workflows, graphics automation, inventory and supply chain processes, and advanced pricing and charge models specific to promo businesses.

His work frequently involves integrating third-party solutions such as Customers Canvas, eXtendTech, and major e-commerce platforms including Shopify, Amazon, and custom-built online stores. With experience spanning multiple verticals – including manufacturing, apparel, wholesale distribution, and e-commerce – Randy brings a broad understanding of how to optimize NetSuite and adjacent systems to support complex operations.

Mark Zapanta is a finance and technology leader with deep roots in the promotional products industry, combining 14+ years of ERP and accounting expertise with real-world experience as CFO for a leading promo company. At Bryant Park Consulting, he leads complex NetSuite implementations for top suppliers and distributors, helping them streamline operations, tighten financial controls, and modernize their end-to-end processes. Mark specializes in translating everyday promo-world challenges – inventory complexity, margins, decoration, and more – into practical, scalable solutions that boost efficiency, accuracy, and overall business performance.

Bobby Lehew is Chief Content Officer at commonsku, the workflow platform powering $1.8B+ in annual sales across 900+ promotional products distributors and 100+ suppliers. A former 15-year CEO of Robyn, Bobby’s work has earned PPAI Gold Pyramid Awards, PPAI Silver Technology honors, an Addy Award, and three consecutive spots on Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing companies list. Today, he hosts the industry’s top podcast, the skucast, writes The Backpack (a merch trends newsletter) and The AI Promo Brief (a newsletter highlighting AI news for promo), created MarketingProfs‘ “Storytelling: Using the Power of Story to Drive Action” workshop, and speaks nationally on the future of merch, marketing, and the cultural forces reshaping sales. 

Liz Haesler is the Global Chief Merchandising Officer, responsible for product – retail brands, and product development, supply chain and pricing. Liz brings product and supply chain experience from leadership roles at Target, Best Buy, Staples and Dicks Sporting Goods. Liz joined Polyconcept North America (PCNA) in 2019.

Mary is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at PCNA, where she drives brand growth, demand generation and customer loyalty through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies.  With over 20 years of experience leading marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, Mary’s career highlights include her most recent role as Chief Marketing Officer for Honeywell’s Safety Division where she led high impact growth strategies and strengthened customer engagement. Mary holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is known for inspiring teams, navigating change, and delivering customer-centric solutions, which have significantly contributed to PCNA’s success since she joined the company three years ago. Mary resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, their son Joseph, a German Shepard named Napa, and a Golden Retriever named Wrigley.   

With more than 30 years of experience in state and local tax, Daryl Jendras, CPA helps businesses stay compliant while protecting their margins. He has advised clients across industries including manufacturing, retail, software, and promotional products, with deep expertise in nexus reviews, audits, voluntary disclosure agreements, and multistate compliance strategies. Daryl has spoken to audiences of 100–300 professionals at conferences such as NECANN and has been featured on numerous industry podcasts. Known for translating complex tax rules into plain language, he equips distributors and suppliers with actionable strategies to reduce risk, stay audit ready, and keep their focus on growing their business. 

Andy Evans was promoted to Sr. Corporate Account Manager in 2024, recognizing his exceptional contributions and dedication. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Management Information Systems, Andy joined SAGE in 2009 and has been a cornerstone of the team ever since. Known for his passion for empowering others, he takes pride in teaching clients how to leverage SAGE tools to drive business growth. In 2012, Andy was honored with SAGE’s Outstanding Teamwork award, a testament to his collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Outside of work, Andy enjoys quality time at home with his two children, Sawyer and Perrie.

Nick Lateur is VP of Revenue at Merch.ai, where he helps promo pros instantly create accurate, fully branded, client-ready marketing and sales assets. Previously, he led sales and brand strategy at HPG (Director of Sales, then Brand Director) and served as National Sales manager at IMAGEN Brands after starting in promo over a decade ago with AP Specialties. He also served on the Promotional Products Education Foundation board and is a member of the HPPA Board.  Named PPAI’s #Online18 No. 1 social media voice 3 times, Nick believes creativity and authentic human expression are the keys to greatness in the promotional products world.  

Sarah Whitaker is the CEO and owner of Williams Advertising, a full-service marketing agency, and branded merchandise agency, The Branded Things. With a background in corporate marketing, she helps businesses stand out through creative strategy, compelling content, and distinctive branded merchandise. 

Her leadership has earned national recognition, including a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies and the Distributor Community Champion Award from commonsku. She has also been named a Powerhouse Woman of Promo and one of the Promotional Products Association International’s “Online 18.” 

Beyond her business, Sarah serves on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She holds both her MBA and undergraduate degree in marketing from Murray State University, and when she’s not working, she and her husband Phillip enjoy renovating properties, though her favorite role is being mom to their 8-year-old daughter, Ellery. 

Savannah Dmytriw – better known as MERCH GIRLY – entered the promo world as a product of the pandemic. Thrown into unprecedented times with even more unprecedented circumstances, Savannah built a thriving book of business while marketing budgets everywhere were frozen solid. Armed with creativity and sheer determination, she landed a $3.5M client in her first calendar year and continues to hunt whales as the VP of Marketing at TEAM SCG. Her approach isn’t to just “sell swag”, rather she sees herself as a brand connoisseur – someone who dives deep into a brand’s essence before suggesting a single product. When she’s not crafting fabulous campaigns, you’ll find her chronicling merch moments on her Instagram @MERCHGIRLY, pulling inspiration from the wellness, live event, hospitality, and luxury retail worlds. Her fresh perspective has earned her a spot as a Top 10 Influencer on PPAI’s Online 18 and a feature in The Marketing Millennials newsletter and podcast, cementing her status as the girly twirly authority in the merch game. 

Ben Pawsey is the VP of Marketing at HPG, one of the largest promotional products suppliers in North America; comprising of 10 specialist brands including Hub, Origaudio, and Evans.

Prior to joining HPG, Ben spent 6 years working for Sustainable Brands which provided an invaluable exposure to how leading businesses are excelling at sustainable innovation and communication to drive a more resilient bottom line. Ben has a background in Industrial Design and has over a decade of experience leading ambitions design, brand, and marketing campaigns with a focus on Sustainability. This experience has ranged across multiple industries including digital media, e-commerce, nonprofits, retail brands, from series-A startups to $300M enterprises.

Ben is passionate about sustainability and how business can exploit its best practices to drive innovation and a stronger, more resilient bottom line. Successes include leading a global marketing campaign partnership with Timberland that generated 1B+ media impressions, and winning 9 PPAI Pyramid Awards for Branding, Marketing Campaigns, and Technology development.

Ben was born in Bristol, UK before becoming a permanent US resident in 2010, and is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two sons.

Drew Holmgreen was announced as PPAI’s next president and CEO in December 2024. A dynamic, creative-minded leader, he brings more than two decades of experience in brand strategy, experiential innovation, and organizational growth. With a track record of delivering results across non-profit trade associations and for-profit sectors, Drew has earned recognition as a strategic thinker who drives growth and fosters an environment of collaboration and inclusivity. Most recently, he has served as Chief Experience Officer at Meeting Professionals International, where he oversaw seven core business units: marketing, creative strategy, membership, events, media, chapters, and volunteers.

Denise Taschereau launched Fairware after realizing how difficult it was to source promotional merchandise that reflected the social and environmental priorities of the many of brands and organizations she admired. Previously, Taschereau oversaw the Mountain Equipment Co-op’s national environmental programs, community grant-making and ethical sourcing programs, and wrote their award-winning first Sustainability Report. She is currently a board member of PromoCares, an industry group driving awareness and education around sustainability issues in the promotional product industry.

Morgan supports the Services Industry Group at NetSuite which includes Printing and Promo. With over 70+ implementations, Morgan enjoys solving big problems with creative solutions to transform organizations. Morgan bridges both sales and delivery teams at NetSuite to ensure customer success.

Diego Ramos is a Solution Architect with the Bryant Park team specializing in products, wholesale distribution and manufacturing. With 8+ years of NetSuite experience across multiple industries – particularly within the promotional products space – Diego has partnered with both distributors and suppliers to design solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the industry. Leveraging NetSuite’s flexible functionality, automations, customizations, and integrations to industry-specific software, he makes sure all processes are supported by a consolidated and sustainable solution.

Author, entrepreneur, and international keynote speaker Daniel Lewis is the proud founder of the award-winning tea company T By Daniel. Daniel helps people and organizations adopt a more human-centric approach to business, leadership, and life.

Dubbed “Human Caffeine” for his stage presence, his people-first outlook and bold, experiential business tactics have earned him national recognition and numerous accolades, including the 2014 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2016 Business Excellence Award, 2017 Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneurs, and most recently, the 2025 Smart Speaker Award for “Best of the Stage!”.

From startup and tech stages in Estonia, to customer service and sales summits in the UK, to inspiring audiences for global powerhouses like Forbes in Dubai, Daniel’s voice has resonated across the world. Along the way, he’s even shared the stage with award-winning artists like Pitbull, blending business with culture in unforgettable ways.

Daniel’s success with his retail tea brand has also landed him the rare honour of serving His Majesty King Charles III during his 2017 Royal Tour to Canada.

Whether serving tea to a King or ideas to a crowd, Daniel’s gift is creating unforgettable moments of connection.

Amanda joined SAGE in 2014 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was promoted to Senior Customer Experience Manager in 2024. That same year, she was honored with the SAGE All-Star Award. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Amanda is passionate about SAGE’s company culture and supporting distributor clients in their success. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their puppy, Cooper.

Andy Evans was promoted to Sr. Corporate Account Manager in 2024, recognizing his exceptional contributions and dedication. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Management Information Systems, Andy joined SAGE in 2009 and has been a cornerstone of the team ever since. Known for his passion for empowering others, he takes pride in teaching clients how to leverage SAGE tools to drive business growth. In 2012, Andy was honored with SAGE’s Outstanding Teamwork award, a testament to his collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Outside of work, Andy enjoys quality time at home with his two children, Sawyer and Perrie.

Seth Ellis joined the SAGE team in 2021 as a Distributor Account Advisor and quickly made his mark. He was named Rookie of the Year in his first year and earned a spot in the prestigious President’s Club in his second. Seth thrives in SAGE’s collaborative and ever-evolving environment, where learning and teamwork are key. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, perfecting his golf swing and firing up the grill for a great meal.

Matt Parisi joined SAGE in 2021 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was recently invited to serve as a 2025 board member for the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA). As a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Distribution, he enjoys solving customer challenges and helping them find creative ways to connect with their target audiences. In his downtime, you can find Matt playing softball or disc golf, cheering on the Aggies and Razorbacks, or enjoying a relaxing night out with friends and a cold beer.

Patrick Harvot started at SAGE in 2019 as a Distributor Account Executive. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Texas, with a minor in American History. He enjoys learning about every distributor’s unique journey and helping them achieve their business goals. When not at work, Patrick is playing center field for the Dallas Fighting Squirrels, a North Texas Amateur Baseball League.

Amanda joined SAGE in 2014 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was promoted to Senior Customer Experience Manager in 2024. That same year, she was honored with the SAGE All-Star Award. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Amanda is passionate about SAGE’s company culture and supporting distributor clients in their success. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their puppy, Cooper.

Sage Thomas joined SAGE in 2023 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was honored as the 2024 Rookie of the Year. She loves working at SAGE because of the people, and she values the genuine relationships she’s built with both clients and colleagues. Outside of work, Sage is a devoted animal lover who enjoys spending time with all kinds of furry, scaly, and feathered friends.

Adam Bayyouk joined the SAGE Distributor Sales Team in 2019. Adam is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he studied Economics. His favorite thing about working at SAGE is how the sales team really works to support each other. When he is not working, you can find him refining his brewing skills to make the perfect beer.

Adam Bayyouk joined the SAGE Distributor Sales Team in 2019. Adam is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he studied Economics. His favorite thing about working at SAGE is how the sales team really works to support each other. When he is not working, you can find him refining his brewing skills to make the perfect beer.

Amanda joined SAGE in 2014 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was promoted to Senior Customer Experience Manager in 2024. That same year, she was honored with the SAGE All-Star Award. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Amanda is passionate about SAGE’s company culture and supporting distributor clients in their success. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their puppy, Cooper.

Patrick Harvot started at SAGE in 2019 as a Distributor Account Executive. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Texas, with a minor in American History. He enjoys learning about every distributor’s unique journey and helping them achieve their business goals. When not at work, Patrick is playing center field for the Dallas Fighting Squirrels, a North Texas Amateur Baseball League.

Sage Thomas joined SAGE in 2023 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was honored as the 2024 Rookie of the Year. She loves working at SAGE because of the people, and she values the genuine relationships she’s built with both clients and colleagues. Outside of work, Sage is a devoted animal lover who enjoys spending time with all kinds of furry, scaly, and feathered friends.

Seth Ellis joined the SAGE team in 2021 as a Distributor Account Advisor and quickly made his mark. He was named Rookie of the Year in his first year and earned a spot in the prestigious President’s Club in his second. Seth thrives in SAGE’s collaborative and ever-evolving environment, where learning and teamwork are key. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, perfecting his golf swing and firing up the grill for a great meal.

Emily West joined the SAGE Distributor Sales Team in 2016. Emily is a graduate of Texas Tech University, where she studied Interior Design and Architecture. She enjoys the relationships she’s developed with her distributor clients as well as the close bonds she has with her colleagues. When she is not working, you can find her playing with her two puppies, Harlee and Harper.

Amanda joined SAGE in 2014 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was promoted to Senior Customer Experience Manager in 2024. That same year, she was honored with the SAGE All-Star Award. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Amanda is passionate about SAGE’s company culture and supporting distributor clients in their success. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their puppy, Cooper.

Matt Parisi joined SAGE in 2021 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was recently invited to serve as a 2025 board member for the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA). As a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Distribution, he enjoys solving customer challenges and helping them find creative ways to connect with their target audiences. In his downtime, you can find Matt playing softball or disc golf, cheering on the Aggies and Razorbacks, or enjoying a relaxing night out with friends and a cold beer.

Patrick Harvot started at SAGE in 2019 as a Distributor Account Executive. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Texas, with a minor in American History. He enjoys learning about every distributor’s unique journey and helping them achieve their business goals. When not at work, Patrick is playing center field for the Dallas Fighting Squirrels, a North Texas Amateur Baseball League.

Amanda joined SAGE in 2014 as a Distributor Account Advisor and was promoted to Senior Customer Experience Manager in 2024. That same year, she was honored with the SAGE All-Star Award. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Amanda is passionate about SAGE’s company culture and supporting distributor clients in their success. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their puppy, Cooper.

Emily West joined the SAGE Distributor Sales Team in 2016. Emily is a graduate of Texas Tech University, where she studied Interior Design and Architecture. She enjoys the relationships she’s developed with her distributor clients as well as the close bonds she has with her colleagues. When she is not working, you can find her playing with her two puppies, Harlee and Harper.