The Promotional Product Professionals of Canada has announced that Rob Spector, chairman at Spector & Co., PPAI 100’s No. 18 supplier, has been named the 39th inductee into the PPPC Hall of Fame.
- Spector, who had served as the company’s president for three decades, transitioned to the role of chairman last year.
“To be recognized by my peers with an induction into the PPPC Hall of Fame is truly amazing,” Spector says. “Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape an industry that continues to grow, innovate and inspire. This honor is not only a milestone in my career, but also a reflection of the many colleagues, partners and friends who have shared this journey with me.
Rob Spector
Chairman, Spector & Co. & 39th PPPC Hall of Fame Inductee
“I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful to be part of this industry’s legacy.”
Spector will be inducted into the PPPC Hall of Fame during the 2025 PPPC Awards Ceremony on September 9 between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club’s Clubhouse venue in Toronto.
Decades Of Innovation
Spector has been at the helm of the Montreal-based company for more than 30 years.
- In the early 2000s, he helped Spector & Co. break away from the standard palette of black, navy, burgundy and green by launching a wider range of colors.
- He also pioneered the idea of merchandising coordinated collections, introducing matching pens, journals and business accessories that could be bundled into gift sets, according to PPPC.
- Always looking for ways to innovate, Spector championed new decoration techniques, including the company’s signature brand patch and brand shield, and transformed the sales approach in promo by establishing one of the first dedicated in-house sales teams.
“Rob’s decades of leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing our industry embody the very qualities this honor was created to celebrate,” says David Lewenberg, 38th PPPC Hall of Fame inductee, PPPC Hall of Fame judging committee chair and executive vice president and COO at Genumark, PPAI 100’s No. 47 distributor.
“He has and continues to leave an enduring mark on the promotional products community. We are pleased to award Rob this well-deserved recognition for his lasting contributions and positive influence on our industry.”
Giving Back
As a former PPPC chairman from 2012 to 2013, Spector played a pivotal role in modernizing the association. He has been a consistent supporter of PPPC programs, a sponsor and speaker at national events and an advocate for supplier–distributor collaboration.
His belief in education as a driver of industry growth helped to shape Spector & Co.’s culture, encouraging staff and distributor partners to pursue professional development and stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies.
Paul Wieleba
Chair, PPPC National Board & Owner, {WE} Promotional Advertising
“Rob’s unwavering commitment to collaboration, education and community service embodies the very spirit of this honor,” says Paul Wieleba, chair of the PPPC National Board, owner of {WE} Promotional Advertising and the host of this year’s PPPC Awards Ceremony. “On behalf of the PPPC National Board, it’s my privilege to congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and to thank him for his valuable contributions to our industry.”
- This year marks the first year that PPPC has revealed the Hall of Fame inductee in advance of the incoming Awards Ceremony.
- For more information on the awards ceremony, pre-cocktail reception and after-party at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club’s Clubhouse and Vue, along with pre-registration information to this free member-only event, click here.
