PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.

One of two Canadian suppliers to find a spot on the list is STORMTECH (PPAI 260245, S4). Born in British Colombia, STORMTECH offers a wide variety of performance apparel and accessories. Focusing on design excellence and functionality that blends technologies, the supplier strives for maximum protection and comfort.

In May 2023, STORMTECH supplier hired Shane Brett to fill the role of chief operating officer. “We’ve had a lot of success over the past several years, but we truly feel like we are just getting started,” says Blake Annable, CEO at STORMTECH.

Lauded by employees, STORMTECH made it on PPAI’s 2023 Greatest Companies To Work For list.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.

In business since 1943, Sun Coast Merchandise (PPAI 113083, S12) is a leader in custom design and sourcing. The California-based supplier, which does business as Sunscope, has over 50 years of experience in custom design and manufacturing and has been sourcing and importing from locations around the globe for nearly 80 years.

Sunscope was founded in Hong Kong and expanded globally across Asia, Europe and North America. Headquartered in Commerce, California, Sunscope focuses on large scale product development, shipping to North America and across the globe.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
Tekweld (PPAI 266346, S4) says it prides itself on being a cutting-edge supplier, sourcing unique items that are hard to find anywhere else. Domestically produced items are made daily while also maintaining an office in Mainland China to ensure high quality.

Last August, Tekweld brought on Gregg Szpicek as Vice President of Business Development to help scale and strategize on its growth trajectory. Well-known and respected within the promotional products industry, Szpicek will oversee the development of Tekweld’s new channels and strategic initiatives. Ray Rodriguez, the 35-year industry veteran, announced in June 2023 that he would step down from his post as VP of sales and marketing.

Tekweld continues to be involved in the industry. President Taylor Tadmor is a member of PPAI’s technology committee for 2023, advising on trends that could reshape the industry.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.

Terry Town (PPAI 230911, S7) stands tall on the 2023 PPAI 100. Since 1988, Terry Town has made high quality a top priority. Through uphill battles, changes to its business model and an entire product-focus overhaul, Terry Town has become one of the leading suppliers of towels, blankets and home accessories while continually operating as a family business.

In February, Terry Town celebrated its 35th birthday this year. Sy Ereren, Terry Town owner, founder and president, says, “We’ve created a culture that thrives off collaboration, hard work, and having each other’s back,” Ereren says. “Being able to work with such talented colleagues has allowed us to grow to where we are today.”

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
When NC Custom (PPAI 111662, S7) acquired cookie company Fresh Beginnings in July 2022, it joined newly acquired ACE USA, plus Chocolate Inn, Lanco and Taylor & Grant under the NC Custom umbrella. Fresh Beginnings’ manufacturing was relocated from Georgia to New York in time to fulfill holiday orders, and NC Custom is rebranding the baked goods under the Tincredible Treats banner.

Chocolate Inn, a subsidiary of NC Custom, remains the only food vendor in the promotional products industry that is SQF certified – the highest global standard of food safety.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.

It should come as no surprise that SanMar (PPAI 110788, S16) would stand atop the inaugural PPAI 100, the Issaquah, Washington-based firm having long established itself as the industry’s first choice for branded apparel.

Although the company does not officially report its annual revenue, sources within the company told PPAI Media that past industry estimates have come in “quite low,” and that SanMar experienced a very strong growth year in 2022.

For an operation of its size, SanMar performs beyond admirably in corporate responsibility initiatives. The company has made serious commitments to carbon reduction, and likewise has been a leader in ethically sourced materials.

Read more from the July 2023 issue of PPAI Magazine on why SanMar is promo’s leading supplier in the first-ever PPAI 100: The Making of a Dynasty.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
In May, Next Level Apparel (PPAI 272027, S3) announced it will move its production closer to the North American market by partnering with Grupo M, a textile manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic. It has also partnered with forensic science company Oritain to verify the origin of products and raw materials. The positive moves come as some pieces in its inventory were found to contain cotton tracing to the prohibited Xinjiang region of China. Next Level quarantined that inventory.

The company was founded in 2003 to fill an industry gap for blank premium poly/cotton T-shirts that are designed to be easily sublimated. As interest in the products increased, Next Level Apparel has launched six distinct apparel collections ranging from fleece to USA-made to eco-friendly over the past 10 years. In January 2023, it announced the acquisition of Stedman, a European manufacturer of blank apparel.