Some sales reps dread negotiations. They might not like the back-and-forth discussion, or they may feel like if they’re too “nice,” they’ll be labeled as weak. With negotiations, being nice can give you an edge. You just have to know how to balance ...

Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, co-founder of New York-based home décor supplier MacKenzie-Childs (PPAI 883723, Standard-Base), passed away on March 4. She was 77, according to PEOPLE.A San Francisco native, MacKenzie-Childs earned a Master of Fine A...

The 2026 Women's History Month theme, announced by the National Women's History Alliance, is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme highlights creating a more inclusive future rooted in equality and opportunity for all,...

In the last year, our fractional CFO team has worked with six distributors that came to us on the verge of bankruptcy.You might be surprised to learn that all would likely be considered “successful” with annual sales that averaged over $5 millio...

Most teams don’t struggle because of strategy or talent. They struggle because of how leaders show up every day. Some leaders hold the reins too tightly while others stay so hands-off that people are left guessing. A smaller group strikes a healthie...

Kicking off The PPAI Expo 2026, PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS, unveiled the organization’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, a five-year framework designed to sharpen the industry’s positioning, strengthen its sense of community and equip membe...

No matter how long you’ve worked in branded merch, you probably know that things are always changing. Buyers evolve and markets shift. Right when you start to feel comfortable, things change again. That’s why it’s so important to treat growth like i...

The federal government must begin the process of refunding tariffs charged under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled illegal, according to a U.S. trade court judge.On Wednesday, Judge Richar...

Carbon accounting is step one. Real change is everything that comes after.On March 12 at noon CT, Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS, director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI, will host a webinar with Mike Smith, founder and CEO of Aclymate (PP...