Hecht brings more than 15 years of experience across merchandising, product development, sourcing and category strategy within the branded merchandise, apparel and consumer products industries. Most recently at HALO Branded Solutions, PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, she led a strategic merchandising organization supporting account executives, enterprise programs and business development initiatives, developing product strategies for Fortune 500 clients. Her prior experience includes roles at MV Sport / Weatherproof, Gap Inc. and Burton Snowboards. She holds a degree in Fashion Merchandising Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology and is known for building high-performing teams and driving growth-focused solutions.

“Susie is a tremendous addition to our executive team. Her proven ability to build high-performing teams and deliver growth-driven product solutions aligns perfectly with Tekweld’s mission to lead with innovation, quality, and customer connection,” says Scott Slade, CEO of Tekweld. “Susie’s deep merchandising and sourcing experience will be instrumental in supporting our distributors, elevating our product offerings and driving sustainable growth for our brand.”

The recognition reflects performance across key areas including production consistency, turnaround times, customer support and pricing, as well as the development of display solutions that support business growth. The company’s results in these areas demonstrate its ability to meet partner expectations and provide reliable visual display products that help strengthen client relationships.

“There’s something special about receiving this kind of recognition, because it reflects the trust and satisfaction of the partners we serve every day. To be chosen as the 2025 Display Manufacturer of the Year again is a testament to our Orbus Team’s commitment to delivering dependable solutions, industry-leading service and ongoing innovation that supports our partners’ continued growth,” says Patrick Zawadzki, national account manager at Orbus US.

Hamley brings experience in project coordination, data management and team leadership. Prior to joining Award Maven, she worked as a senior project coordinator at integreon, where she managed confidential investment data for mutual funds and ETFs across multiple global regions. She also led a team of project coordinators, managed workload distribution and produced recurring investment reports, demonstrating operational discipline and attention to detail.

Since joining Award Maven in April 2024 as a sales operations coordinator, Hamley has served as a key connection point between sales teams, clients and manufacturing partners. She supported order coordination, monitored production timelines and contributed to improvements in internal processes. Her promotion reflects the company’s broader effort to strengthen its leadership team to support continued growth.

The enhancements aim to provide a more structured and transparent framework for identifying responsibly produced products. Customers can now explore certifications such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, bluesign and Fair Labor Association, as well as materials including organic cotton, recycled polyester and Better Cotton Initiative cotton. These features are integrated into the company’s digital platform, allowing users to move seamlessly from product discovery to purchase with greater clarity around sourcing and production standards.

“We heard from customers a desire for transparency and easy access to information about mill certifications and product materials,” says S&S Activewear chief legal officer Alaina Brooks. “These enhancements reflect our focus on the customer experience by providing the tools, transparency, and clarity customers need to shop with confidence.”