Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

S1E1. Leading PPAI 100: Season One Introduction

Welcome to Voice & Force, A Podcast by PPAI. In this intro episode to our first season, Leading PPAI 100, PPAI Media's Josh Ellis and Colet Williams explain the goals of the limited series and what you'll get out of listening.
 
It's been more than three years since PPAI released a podcast, and we're glad to be back, helping you along as we push toward the Association's mission: Be the voice and force to advance the promotional marketplace for the benefit of our community.
 
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🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help more industry leaders find this podcast.
 
📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your company doing to embrace digital transformation, sustainability, or professional development? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.
 
🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

S1E2. Leading PPAI 100: The Origin Story

The PPAI 100 isn’t just another industry ranking – it’s a roadmap for success. In this first episode of Voice & Force Season 1, we take you behind the scenes of how the PPAI 100 came to life, the criteria that sets it apart, and why it’s reshaping the promotional products industry.
 
From the initial vision to the strategic evolution driven by PPAI’s staff leadership, discover how this list goes beyond revenue and sales growth to highlight innovation, responsibility, workforce development and more.
 
Whether you're a distributor, supplier, or service provider in the promotional products industry, this episode provides insights into what truly defines success today and how you can position your company for long-term growth.
 
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
 
✔️ Why the PPAI 100 was created – Addressing the industry's need for a credible, data-driven ranking of leadership beyond just revenue.
 
✔️ The impact of innovation & responsibility – How sustainability, employee engagement, and digital transformation now define industry leadership.
 
✔️ How businesses are leveraging PPAI 100 – From marketing strategies to client trust, companies are using their rankings as proof of excellence.
 
Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100
🔗 Register for NALC 
🔗 Subscribe to Newslink
 
Connect with our Guests
Dawn Olds, Former Board Chair & Interim President of PPAI on LinkedIn
Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn
Danny Rosin, President & Co-Owner of BrandFuel on LinkedIn
 
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📌 Don’t miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for deep dives into the people and strategies shaping the future of promotional products.
 
🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help more industry leaders find this podcast.
 
📢 Join the Conversation: What do you think defines true success in the promotional products industry? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s discuss!
 
🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

S1E3. Leading PPAI 100: Staying Primed for Success

What does it take to be one of the top-performing companies in the promotional products industry? The PPAI 100 isn't just a ranking, it’s a blueprint for success. In this episode, we break down three of the key factors that define industry leaders:
 
✅ Digital Transformation – How the most innovative companies leverage AI, automation, and e-commerce to streamline operations and stay competitive.
 
✅ Sustainability – Why being eco-conscious is also a smart business strategy, cutting costs and future-proofing businesses.
 
✅ Professional Development – How investing in employee growth and certification programs leads to stronger, more resilient companies.
 
We’re joined by top industry voices who are leading the way in each of these areas, providing insights and actionable strategies that any company – big or small – can implement today.
 
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
 
✔️ Digital transformation is a journey, not a destination. Jeison Ortega explains why ongoing innovation is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in the digital age.
 
✔️ Sustainability isn’t just good ethics – it’s good business. Elizabeth Wimbush shares how waste reduction, supply chain transparency, and eco-friendly practices drive profitability.
 
✔️ Investing in people leads to stronger companies. Jessica Gibbons-Rauch discusses why employee certification, training, and professional development are key to the long-term success of any company.
 
✔️Small steps lead to big changes. Even if you’re not a PPAI 100 company yet, starting with small, strategic improvements can make a massive impact.
 
Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or service provider in the promotional products industry, the strategies outlined in this episode will help you stay competitive, improve operations, and future-proof your business.
 
Resources & Mentions:
Learn More About the PPAI 100
Charles River Apparel
Sustainability in Promo: PPAI’s Approach
Register for NALC
 
Connect with Our Guests:
Jeison Ortega, Chief Technology Officer at Charles River Apparel on LinkedIn
Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability & Responsibility on LinkedIn
Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, Professional Development Lead on LinkedIn
 
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📌 Don’t miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for deep dives into the trends shaping the future of promotional products.
 
🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help more industry leaders find this podcast.
 
📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your company doing to embrace digital transformation, sustainability, or professional development? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.
 
🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

S1E4. Leading PPAI 100: From Numbers to Impact | Sponsored by SRG

What separates the leading PPAI 100 companies from the rest?
 
It’s not just revenue, it’s a commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsibility. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how the rankings are determined, the key factors that define success, and how companies can improve their score.
 
This podcast episode was brought to you by SRG. The St. Regis Group is leveling up, and they've got a fresh new look to match. Introducing SRG, a modern name for a modern era.
 
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
 
✔️ How the PPAI 100 formula works – Revenue plays a factor, but so do sustainability, professional development, innovation, and more.
 
✔️ What companies can do to improve their ranking – Self-assessment, learning from leaders, and focusing on holistic business success.
 
✔️ How financial discipline impacts success – Danny Rosin shares how tightening up credit cycles and financial transparency improved BrandFuel’s standing (and maybe not in the way that you would think)!
 
✔️ The importance of culture and employee engagement – Amanda Clay explains how Walker-Clay’s focus on transparency and trust has made them a standout employer in the industry for over a decade.
 
✔️ Why being on the PPAI 100 is more than an award – How companies use their ranking to build credibility, attract top talent, and set industry benchmarks.
 
Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or service provider, this episode offers a playbook for business growth, industry credibility, and long-term success. Learn how the leading companies in promotional products are adapting to AI, sustainability, and workforce development and how you can too.
Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100
🔗 Register for NALC
🔗 Greatest Companies to Work For 2024
 
Connect with Our Guests:
Alok Bhat, PPAI Market Economist, Research & Public Affairs LinkedIn
Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn
Danny Rosin, President & Co-Owner of BrandFuel on LinkedIn
Amanda Clay, President of Walker-Clay on LinkedIn
 
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📌 Never miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for exclusive insights on business strategy, leadership, and innovation in the promotional products industry.
 
🎧 Found this valuable? Share it with a colleague or leave a review to help other industry professionals find the podcast.
 
📢 Let’s Talk! What does success look like in your company? Are you focusing on innovation, sustainability, or employee growth to stay ahead? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s talk!
 
🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

S1E5. Leading PPAI 100: The Blueprint for Sustained Success

What does it take to not only reach the top but stay there? Few companies in the promotional products industry have mastered long-term, sustainable growth like SanMar, the industry leading supplier that has consistently ranked #1 on the PPAI 100.
 
In this episode, Jeremy Lott, President & CEO of SanMar, shares the secrets behind SanMar’s success, from customer-first strategies to employee-driven leadership.
 
But this conversation isn’t just about SanMar—it’s about you and your business. Success leaves breadcrumbs, and we’re here to follow the trail.
 
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✔️ Success Takes Time – SanMar didn’t dominate the industry overnight. Jeremy shares why steady, strategic growth is key to lasting success.
 
✔️ Values Over Transactions – The best companies don’t just focus on revenue; they build trust, invest in people, and create value for their customers.
 
✔️ The Power of Reinvestment – How SanMar’s strategy of continuously reinvesting in the business instead of chasing short-term wins has strengthened its standing in the industry.
 
✔️ Listening to Customers is a Competitive Advantage – Learn how SanMar’s "Know Your Customer" program keeps it ahead of industry changes.
 
✔️ Sustainable Growth vs. Fast Growth – Companies that focus on strategy, corporate responsibility, and leadership development will thrive long-term.
 
Whether you're a distributor, supplier, or business owner, these insights will help you build a sustainable company that doesn’t just grow fast, but grows right.
 
Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100
🔗 Register for NALC
 
Connect with Our Guest:
Jeremy Lott, Chief Executive Officer of SanMar on LinkedIn
 
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📌 Never miss an episode! Follow Voice & Force for exclusive insights on business leadership, sustainable growth, and industry trends.
 
🎧 Found this episode valuable? Share it with a colleague or leave a review—it helps other industry leaders find this content!
 
📢 Join the Conversation: How is your company investing in long-term success? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s discuss!
 
🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

S1E6. Leading PPAI 100: Adapting to Win

As we wrap up this limited series, one thing is clear: the promotional products industry is evolving fast.
 
Success today isn’t just about revenue, it’s about adaptability, leadership, sustainability, and innovation.
 
In the final episode of Leading PPAI 100, we explore how the promotional products industry is evolving and what it takes to stay ahead:
 
Redefining Success – Financial growth alone isn’t enough. Businesses must adapt to changing expectations to remain competitive.
Creating a Resilient Business – Long-term strategy and adaptability are key to navigating today’s fast-changing landscape.
The Impact of Purpose-Driven Leadership – Industry leaders are setting new standards in corporate responsibility, employee engagement, and brand influence.
Beyond the PPAI 100 – The real value of the ranking lies not in recognition but in the roadmap it provides for continuous growth and improvement.
 
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
 
✔️ How PPAI 100 isn’t just a ranking but a roadmap for industry leadership.
✔️ Why companies that invest in sustainability and corporate responsibility are securing their future, not just earning goodwill.
✔️ Benchmarking helps businesses measure where they stand and where they need to go next.
✔️ Building relationships and engaging with the PPAI community is a strategic advantage for long-term success.
 
Whether you're a supplier, distributor, or business services leader, these insights will help you future-proof your company, embrace industry changes, and position yourself as a leader in promo.
 
Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Learn More About the PPAI 100
🔗 PPAI North American Leadership Conference (NALC)
🔗 PPAI Media Hub for Industry Insights
 
Connect with Our Guests:
Josh Ellis, PPAI Publisher and Editor in Chief on LinkedIn
Dawn Olds, Former Interim President and CEO of PPAI on LinkedIn
Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI Director of Sustainability & Responsibility on LinkedIn
 
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📌 Stay ahead of the curve! Follow Voice & Force for ongoing conversations about industry growth, leadership, and success strategies.
 
🎧 Loved this series? Share it with a colleague, rate us, and subscribe to ensure you never miss future insights.
 
📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your next step toward industry leadership? Connect with PPAI on LinkedIn and let’s talk!
 
🔔 Stay Updated: Subscribe to Voice & Force on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

S2E1. Season Two Introduction

Hosted by PPAI Media's Josh Ellis and Stacy Rogers, Voice & Force Season 2 is a six-part narrative podcast that delivers everything you need to know about the promotional products industry's biggest week. 
Each episode explores a different theme tied to The PPAI Expo – from trends and challenges to the energy of gathering in person – weaving together expert voices, firsthand insights and a warm, conversational style. 
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, Season 2 will inspire you, inform you and get you ready for the premier promotional products event of the year.

S2E2. The Industry’s Biggest Stage

S2:E2: The Industry’s Biggest Stage | Sponsored by Outdoor Cap
Why is The PPAI Expo the heartbeat of the promotional products industry?
From the moment you walk through the doors, The PPAI Expo feels different. Sixteen thousand professionals. Over a million square feet of innovation and ideas. A show floor alive with energy, conversations, and possibilities. In this opening episode of Voice & Force: Season 2, Josh and Stacy take you inside the industry’s grandest stage — the place where relationships deepen, products inspire, and the year’s biggest momentum begins.
With insights from distributor Nadav Raviv (J.Charles), PPAI Senior Manager of Expositions Ashley Van Der Stuyf, and PPAI President & CEO Drew Holmgreen, this episode explores why the Expo is more than a trade show — it’s the Super Bowl of promo, the ultimate place to connect, and a reminder of why we do what we do.
This episode is brought to you by Outdoor Cap. At Outdoor Cap, headwear is what they do. For 48 years, they’ve helped distributors offer custom caps that check every box: on-trend styles, reliable inventory, and decoration that gets it right.
Whether it’s for events or everyday use, they make it easy to deliver caps your clients love – and they make reordering easy. Try ordering your next cap through Compass, their new online ordering experience, and see the difference. Explore more at promo.outdoorcap.com. Outdoor Cap: The Headwear Experts.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
What makes The PPAI Expo unlike any other event in the industry — scale, energy, and shared purpose.
Why the timing of the Expo sets the tone for the entire year (and why it’s our “Super Bowl”).
How first-time attendees and seasoned veterans alike experience the same spark of discovery.
Behind-the-scenes insights from PPAI’s event team on how the Expo is curated, planned, and brought to life.
Why community, culture, and connection are at the heart of the Expo experience.
How one idea, one product, or one handshake at the Expo can change the trajectory of your year.
Whether you’re attending for the first time or the 20th, this episode will remind you why The PPAI Expo isn’t just an event – it’s the stage where our industry shines brightest.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.

S2E3. The People You Need To Meet

S2:E3: The People You Need To Meet | Sponsored By MOQ1 What’s the real ROI of The PPAI Expo? The people.
In this episode of Voice & Force: Season 2, Josh and Stacy show how relationships are the Expo’s superpower – from spontaneous aisle chats to executive-level conversations in the booth to late-night mixers where partnerships take shape. You’ll hear how face-to-face moments turn into long-term collaboration, career opportunities and real business growth.
Featuring insights from Vera Minot (Southwest Solutions), Kate Nash (Raining Rose Promos), Kevin Walsh (Showdown Displays), Jade Crider (Hasseman Marketing), and Brian Swift (Swift Sourcing), this episode makes the case that products matter – but people come first.
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, the instant digital sales platform built for the promotional products industry. Unlike traditional solutions, MOQ1 lets distributors and decorators launch client-ready product catalogs and online shops in seconds, backed by world-class on-demand fulfillment. Orders are fulfilled using industry-leading technology like DIGISOFT® and ship in only 1-2 days. No inventory. No fees. No minimums. Just faster results, happier clients, and more sales.
With turnkey Holiday Shops and Mix & Max Wholesale™, you can capture seasonal demand and unlock bulk discounts starting at 10 units. Trusted by thousands of professionals, MOQ1 is completely free to use – get started at MOQ1.com.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Why people > products (at least at first): Vera Minot explains how shifting focus to education, products, and people – in that order turned Expo into a must-attend every year.
Your storefront, IRL: Kate Nash shares how suppliers use The PPAI Expo like a retail experience – bringing brand, senses and strategy to life in the booth.
Meet the decision-makers: Kevin Walsh highlights why executives are on the floor – and the one question distributors should ask (“What’s something people don’t know you do?”).
The social side is strategic: From The PPAI Expo Party to Promo & Pints and pop-ups, off-floor moments accelerate trust, ideas and opportunity.
Community compounds: Jade Crider shows how in-person connections extend to social media — creating a rolling portfolio of ideas your clients can discover all year.
Show up, leave space: Brian Swift’s veteran tip — don’t overschedule. Build in time for serendipity; that’s where the magic (and deals) happen.
For introverts, intention wins: Vera’s playbook — define the connections you’re seeking, shrink big rooms into small moments, and let real conversations lead to real outcomes.
Whether you’re a born networker or still finding your footing, this episode proves that being there — in the aisles, at the mixer, on the dance floor — is how relationships turn into results.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.

S2E4. The Business Advantage

S2:E4: The Business Advantage | Sponsored By MOQ1 How do top pros spot the next big thing before it hits everyone’s inbox? They find it at The PPAI Expo.
In this episode, Josh and Stacy show how discovery at the Expo isn’t just exciting – it’s a competitive edge. From tactile product testing to first-look innovations and breakout suppliers, you’ll hear how being first to know translates into speed to market, smarter pitches, and real revenue.
Hear from Natalie O’Leary (BAMKO), Mark Hanratty (Swanky), and veteran distributor Wayne Greenberg (Swag Krewe), plus a tour of the show-floor hotspots where discovery happens fast.
This episode is brought to you by MOQ1, the instant digital sales platform that helps distributors and decorators work faster and sell smarter. In seconds, you can launch client-ready catalogs and online shops without the costs or delays of traditional solutions. Orders are automatically fulfilled on demand with industry-leading technology like DIGISOFT® and ship in only 1-2 days. No inventory. No fees. No minimums.
From seasonal Holiday Shops to everyday programs, MOQ1 removes the hassle so you can focus on growth and clients. Already trusted by thousands across the industry, it’s completely free to use. Launch faster, sell smarter, and say yes to more opportunities today at MOQ1.com
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
First to know = first to win. Why seeing, touching and testing products in January gives you a head start your competition can’t match.
A discovery playbook. Floor hotspots that compress the learning curve – brand. Pavilion (retail crossovers), Product Pavilion (curated “what’s new”), Green Product Pavilion (sustainable standouts) and First-Time Exhibitors (your hidden gems).
Veteran moves from the field. Natalie O’Leary’s non-negotiables (hit first-timers early; save the New Product Pavilion for mid-show), plus how to turn finds into client-facing content all year.
Small suppliers, big upside. Mark Hanratty shows how boutique makers win with quality, personalization, and memorable booth activations – exactly the kind of “I’ve never seen that” moment clients remember.
Make it intentional. Wayne Greenberg’s system – start with core partners, follow the crowds and leave room for surprises – so you go home with trends, not just line lists.
Timing matters. Why the January cadence is the industry’s launch button – and skipping it risks missing the trend wave for the year.
If you want your proposals to feel fresh in February (and still relevant in October), this episode maps exactly where – and how – to find what’s next, first.
Register today: Visit PPAI.org/expo.