Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

0. Leading PPAI 100: 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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📌 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!

1. 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!

2. 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
 
Subscribe & Share
📌 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!

3. 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!

4. 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!

5. 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!