Award Yearbook

PPAI Hall of Fame

The highest distinction that the promotional products industry bestows on professionals is induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional long-term contributions to PPAI and the industry.

Awards • Award Category • PPAI Hall of Fame

Horace K. Atkins*

For 15 years, beginning in 1955, Horace K. Atkins served as board treasurer. A founder of calendar supplier Winthrop-Atkins Co., he served as ASNA’s president—or chief elected officer—in 1950-51.

Harold A. Lufkin*

Harold A. Lufkin was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame in 1977, a nod to his outstanding legacy and significant impact on the industry.

Richard H. McCleery*

Richard H. McCleery was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame in 1977, following nominations from members. Additionally, he held the position of ASNA president from 1956 to 1957.

Carl E. Rosenfeld, MAS*

As president of the Advertising Specialty Guild, Carl Rosenfeld, MAS, recognized the need to merge competing trade associations and facilitated the process. He played a crucial role in negotiating the merger and subsequently became president of the united Specialty Advertising Association in 1965.

Joseph M. Segel*

In 1950, Segel established the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), providing services like the Advertising Specialty Register and The Counselor magazine. Recognizing the need for broader membership benefits, he formed the Advertising Specialty Guild in 1953 as an alternative to ASNA, with Frank A. Cavanau as its first president.

William F. Vernon, Sr.*

In recognition of his work in the promotional productions industry, William F. Vernon, Sr., was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.

Charles A. Ward*

In 1977, the Hall of Fame proudly welcomed Charles A. Ward, recognizing his outstanding contributions that left an indelible mark on the industry.

Leonard J. Bray*

In 1978, Leonard J. Bray earned a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame, his induction honoring his invaluable contributions to the promotional products industry.

James Y. Canfield*

The Hall of Fame welcomed James Y. Canfield in 1978, recognizing his remarkable accomplishments and lasting impact on the industry.

Raymond A. Geiger, CAS*

Raymond A. Geiger, CAS, became a prominent media figure after acquiring and promoting the Farmers’ Almanac. His advocacy for the almanac and calendar advertising across diverse media platforms, coupled with his innovative contributions during his ASNA presidency (1959-60), defined his influential leadership.

Edmund B. Osborne*

Edmund Burke Osborne and Thomas D. Murphy, ventured into the calendar business after inheriting a struggling newspaper in Red Oak, Iowa. Their idea to attach a picture of a new county courthouse to a calendar pad with advertising sparked successful, leading them to print art calendars for various Midwest communities, marking the beginning of the art calendar industry.

Jay Sadler Shaw*

In 1978, Jay Sadler Shaw was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame, a testament to his remarkable achievements and the esteem of industry peers who nominated him for this prestigious recognition.

Robert E. Yaw*

Robert E. Yaw presided over ASNA in 1954-55. Yaw was CEO of what was then known as Souvenir Lead Pencil Co. One of his creations was the headache pencil, which had a capsule containing a pill resembling an aspirin tablet.

Fred O. Coble, CAS*

Fred O. Coble, CAS, a World War II veteran, rose to head several industry companies and became a leader and board chair of the Association, despite his humble beginnings and lack of formal education. Recognizing the need for education in specialty advertising, Coble collaborated with industry leaders to develop a seminar focusing on management and professional development, filling a crucial knowledge gap within the field.

Jasper Fremont Meek*

Jasper Fremont Meek is recognized for pioneering the first piece of specialty advertising: a burlap bag adorned with the name of a local shoe store. The bags, carried by local school children, turned into mobile advertisements for the store, effectively transforming them into walking billboards.

Thomas D. Murphy*

Robert C. Rollings MAS*

Under Robert C. Rollings’ time as board chair, the Association expanded its programs of education and member insurance, developed a modest research capability and introduced a member magazine, Specialty Advertising Business. By the time Rollings retired, membership had doubled.

James T. Albert*

James T. Albert was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981, a well-deserved acknowledgment of his impactful contributions to the promotional productions industry.

Herbert Huse Bigelow*

Herbert Huse Bigelow introduced calendars with full-color pictures are introduced in 1903. The following year, his company, Brown & Bigelow, is turning out the first “pretty girl” calendars.

Herman F. Grotte*

In 1982, the Hall of Fame extended a hearty welcome to Herman F. Grotte, honoring his profound achievements and enduring legacy within the industry.

Dean C. Mathews*

During his time as board chair, Dean C. Mathews led the effort to set up an organization in which regional association leaders would meet at the Association's headquarters, learn what the Association was doing and present the regional point of view.

J. Howard Pecher, CAS*

J. Howard Pecher, CAS, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983 for his exceptional work advancing the promotional products industry.

Harry S. Rosenberg, CAS*

Harry S. Rosenberg served as board chair from 1975-1976 and was recognized for his service to the Association through his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Russell H. Woodlief*

Russell S. Woodlief’s term as board chair of SAAI in 1980 was notable in many ways. The board implemented his Pride in Achievement program, designed to recognize member companies that demonstrated sales growth by advancing in sales volume categories. His plan for the Regional Association Advisory Council was adopted so the Association could better understand how its policies and programs gelled with the regionals’ perspectives. He also encouraged future board chairs to focus on a single issue they felt strongly about and address it.

Harry J. Friedman*

Harry J. Friedman, serving as board chair from 1957 to 1958, was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame in 1984, a testament to his enduring impact and leadership within the industry.

Stanley V. Linham, CAS*

Stanley V. Linham, CAS, served as the last president of ASNA, participating in merger negotiations to unify the industry. Linham continued his service beyond the presidency, becoming SAA's first ambassador to SACC, fostering cooperation between the two associations and facilitating reciprocal memberships between their firms.

Sidney X. Shore, CAS*

Sidney X. Shore accepted an assignment by the Association’s Education Committee to teach creativity at the MAS/CAS Seminars. So popular were the courses he taught that in 1984 the committee asked him to enlarge the curriculum and teach a three-day seminar titled, “Power of Creativity.”

Almand “Bo” Carroll*

Known for his keen business sense, Almand "Bo" Carroll pioneered ideas like bronze Coke bottle-shaped bookends for legal offices. He chaired the Association’s Awards Committee and advocated for member education, believing in the industry’s significance. Even after retiring from the board, Carroll continued his commitment to education by becoming the largest donor to the Association’s Promotional Products College Education Foundation.

William F. Vernon, Jr., CAS*

William F. Vernon, Jr., CAS, served as board chair from 1971-1972 and was recognized for his contributions to the promotional products industry through his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

Collins T. Dawson, CAS*

Collins T. Dawson, MAS, served as board chair from 1967-1968 and was recognized for his contributions to the promotional products industry through his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

Ford Thomas Rose, MAS*

The Hall of Fame welcomed Ford Thomas Rose, MAS, in 1987, recognizing his remarkable accomplishments and lasting impact on the industry.

Ann Morrissey-Roelfs, CAS*

Ann Morrissey-Roelfs, CAS*, was celebrated for hard work and commitment to the promo industry, by being by being inducted into the 1988 Hall of Fame.

Jack Nadel*

In 1988, Jack Nadel was celebrated for his remarkable dedication and significant contributions to the promotional products industry, as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

N. Donald Edwards, CAS*

Recognizing his invaluable contributions to the promotional productions industry, N. Donald Edwards, CAS, was bestowed with induction into the esteemed Hall of Fame in 1989, a well-deserved tribute to his remarkable career.

T. R. Gerlach*

In 1989, T.R. Gerlach's extraordinary dedication and impactful contributions were recognized with his induction into the esteemed Hall of Fame.

C. Ralph Loder*

In 1989, the Association celebrated the exceptional contributions of C. Ralph Loder by inducting him into the Hall of Fame, a heartfelt recognition of his impactful legacy.

Maurice W. Cohn*

Maurice W. Cohn was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 for his tireless effort moving the promo industry forward. Cohn is well known in the industry as the founder and chairman of ASI.

George L. Herpel, Ph. D.*

George L.Herpel, Ph.D., served on numerous corporate boards and delivered over 800 speeches nationwide to various company and association groups. With extensive publications in trade journals, he authored/co-authored three marketing and specialty advertising books. Listed in notable directories like Who's Who of America and American Men and Women of Science, he was also inducted into the Specialty Advertising Association Hall of Fame in 1991.

Benjamin S. Whitehead*

Benjamin S. Whitehead, owner of a promotional products manufacturing company in Newark, N.J., became the first president of the Association, then known as Advertising Manufacturers Association.

Stephen E. Slack*

Stephen E. Slack was a 1992 inductee into the PPAI Hall of Fame and member of the PPAI Board of Directors from 1977 to 1981. Slack was instrumental in the relocation of the Association from Chicago to Dallas in 1977 and moving the annual trade show to the city.

Glen R. Holt, MAS, CIP*

In 1993, Glen R. Holt, MAS, CIP, was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame, a testament to his tireless dedication and invaluable contributions to the promotional products industry.

Marshall Sipkins*

The Hall of Fame welcomed Marshall Sipkins, in 1993, recognizing his remarkable accomplishments and lasting impact on the industry.

Margaret Custer-Ford, MAS

Margaret Custer-Ford, MAS, founder of MARCO, holds a legacy marked by excellence, earning distinctions such as the 2010 PPAI Woman of Achievement, 1999 Hall of Fame inductee, and a lifetime membership with PPAI. Her leadership extends to serving on the PPAI board in 1980 and 1988.

Russell B. French*

The Hall of Fame welcomed Russell B. French in 1994, recognizing his remarkable accomplishments and lasting impact on the industry.

Mark S. Gilman, CAS

Mark S. Gilman, CAS, was awarded the 2016 H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award for his the extensive work he has done in support of education, children and the arts in his community, the state of Kansas and the promotional products industry. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.

Gene P. Cesario, MAS*

Gene P. Cesario, MAS, served as a board member from 1989-1991, PPEF chairman and is a 1997 Hall of Fame inductee.

H. Ted Olson, MAS*

H. “Ted” Olson, Jr. enjoyed long and successful careers, including director of human resources for Union Carbide, president of PPAI and as a promotional products sales consultant. From an early age, Ted’s personal commitments to service guided his life. He was very proud to achieve Distinguished Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, Silver Buffalo, the Spurgeon Award and a Baden Powell Fellowship with the Boy Scouts of America. He consistently chose to share his time and resources with worthwhile organizations including the Advisory Council of the Salvation Army, the International Board of the Boy Scouts of America, the Irving Rotary Club, the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce’s Sister Cities Board, the Board of the DFW Humane Society, the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and Meeting Planners International (MPI) of which he was a founding member.

Marvin Spike, MAS*

The Hall of Fame welcomed Marvin Spike, MAS, in 1997, recognizing his remarkable accomplishments and lasting impact on the industry.

Charles B. Wright, Sr.*

In 1998, the Hall of Fame celebrated Charles B. Wright Sr.'s induction, recognizing his noteworthy achievements and profound impact on the promotional productions industry.

Vincent J. Arena, Sr.*

Vincent Arena Sr. received a warm induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999, honoring his remarkable dedication and innovative contributions to the promotional productions field.

Ernest Hazel III, CAS*

Ernest Hazell III, CAS, earned a prestigious spot in the Hall of Fame in 1999, lauded for his outstanding commitment and transformative work within the promotional productions industry.

H. Wayne Roberts, MAS

H. Wayne Roberts, MAS, was awarded the 2017 H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award for his the extensive work he has done in support of education, children and the arts in his community, the state of Kansas and the promotional products industry. He was also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 2016.

Charles L. Chelstrom, CAS*

Charles L. Chelstrom, CAS, served as Board president in 1993 and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award in 1998.

George C. Matteson, Jr., CAS*

George C. Matteson, Jr., CAS, received a distinguished induction into the Hall of Fame in 2002, a testament to his exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the promotional products industry.

H. D. “Joe” Stratton, MAS*

H.D. "Joe" Stratton, MAS, served as Board president in 1989 and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award in 1997. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Joseph G. Lipic, Sr., MAS

Joseph G. Lipic, Sr., MAS, was welcomed into the Hall of Fame in 2003 in recognition of his contributions to the promotional products industry.

Willis M. Bywater

Willis M. Bywater, a former PPAI board member and Lifetime Member, is also part of the esteemed PPAI Fellows Program. In 2004, he was honored with induction into the prestigious PPAI Hall of Fame.

Frank A. Geiger*

In 2004, Frank A. Geiger was warmly welcomed into the Hall of Fame, a testament to his remarkable accomplishments and enduring impact on the industry.

John G. Hiles, Sr.*

John G. Hiles, Sr. received a gracious welcome into the Hall of Fame in 2004, in recognition of his outstanding achievements and enduring influence on the industry.

Russell M. Searle*

Russell M. Searle was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame in 2004, celebrating his remarkable accomplishments and enduring legacy within the industry.

William W. Schwartz, CAS*

Willis M. Bywater's commitment to the industry began in 1962 when he joined the board of the Advertising Specialty Guild and SAAI until 1972. He played a foundational role as a founding member of the PPAI Education Committee and contributed significantly to the Government Relations Committee, advocating tirelessly for the industry's interests. He was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Barry Chase, CAS

Barry Chase, who served on the PPAI board, was named to the PPAI Hall of Fame in 2006 and is a PPAI Fellow.

Dan Bagley III, Ph.D., CAS

In 2007, Dan Bagley III, Ph.D., CAS, was welcomed into the Hall of Fame, where his remarkable accomplishments and enduring impact on the industry are celebrated and honored.

Robert Burnham, CAS*

In recognition of his work in the promotional productions industry, Robert Burnham, CAS was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Lorraine Hempen, CAS*

Lorraine Hempen, CAS, was Vice President of the Joseph Lipic Pen Company and a member of the Promotional Products Association International. She was the first woman President of that association and a board member 1977-1981 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 from the industry, and was awarded the industry’s top honor when inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2007.

Richard G. Ebel

Richard G. Ebel, who helped establish the industry's Hall of Fame program, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008. Ebel was instrumental in resurrecting PPAI's research program and raised credibility of the PPAI Pyramid Awards.

Robert B. Lederer, CAS

Robert B. Lederer, CAS exceptional contributions to the promotional products industry were honored with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2008.

Robert A. Waldorf, CAS

Robert A. Waldorf's impactful contributions include service on the PPAI Board of Directors from 1991 to 1995 and participation in various PPAI and SAAC committees. Inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame in 2008, Waldorf is revered as a PPAI Fellow and an ardent supporter of PPEF.

Jo-an G. Lantz, MAS

Jo-an Lantz, MAS, CEO of Geiger, is the 2014 winner of the Woman of Achievement award, 2000 Distinguished Service Award winner, and 2000 Hall of Fame inductee.

H. Wingfield Hughes, MAS

Acknowledging his remarkable dedication and outstanding achievements, H. Wingfield Hughes, MAS, was bestowed with the esteemed Distinguished Service Award in 2003.

Kurt Reckziegel

Kurt Reckziegel, former president and CEO from 1994-2008, was the 35th member inducted into the PPPC Hall of Fame.

Wayne Greenberg, MAS

In 2011, Wayne Greenberg, MAS, was welcomed by the Hall of Fame, marking his induction as a testament to his noteworthy contributions to the promotional products industry.

Max Scharf, CAS*

In 2011, the Hall of Fame proudly embraced Max Scharf, CAS, lauding his induction as a tribute to his invaluable contributions to the promotional products industry.

Bob Davis, CAS*

Bob Davis, CAS, served on the PPAI Education Committee, Conventions Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and Leadership Advisory Committee and was an industry speaker and ambassador at colleges and at industry shows. In 1997 he was elected to the PPAI Board of Directors and served from 1998-2002 and was board chair in 2001. Davis was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame in 2012 and was recognized as a PPAI Fellow in 2016.

Paul Lage, MAS

The Hall of Fame was welcomed to the Paul Lage in 2012 where his remarkable accomplishments and lasting impact on the industry are recognized.

Don Lafferre, CAS*

Don Lafferre served on the PPAI Board of Directors and committees while advocating for legislative actions. He was a fervent speaker in the PPAI Advocate program and his contributions led to significant initiatives, including relocating the Association headquarters and acquiring PPB.

Fran Ford Jr., CAS*

Fran Ford Jr., CAS, Ford, a devoted industry volunteer since 1985, transitioned to national roles in 1986. His contributions span various PPAI committees, including Awards and International, and active participation in L.E.A.D. was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Proforma Hall of Fame in 2016. From 2000 to 2004, he chaired the Promotional Products Education Foundation Board of Trustees and launched the PPEF Glen Holt Scholarship Golf invitational in 2014.

Paul Kiewiet, MAS+

Paul Kiewiet, MAS+, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. He's the winner of ten Golden Pyramid Awards and was also inducted into the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association Hall of Fame.

G. Stephen Slagle, CAE

G. Steve Slagle, CAE, served as PPAI's former president and CEO from 1996-2012. During his tenure at PPAI , he successfully relocated the PPAI Expo to Las Vegas after 26 consecutive years in Dallas, Texas.

Margie Price, MAS

Margie Price, MAS, is the 2011 PPAI Woman of Achievement, the 2012 Distinguished Service awardee, 2012 PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian awardee, 2017 Hall of Fame inductee, a 2003 and 2009 PPAI Board Member, and PPAI Lifetime Member.

Janelle Nevins*

Janelle Nevins, MAS is the 2013 PPAI Woman of Achievement, a 2018 Hall of Fame inductee and a Lifetime Member of PPAI.

Joel D. Schaffer, MAS

With a career spanning nearly half a century, Joel Schaffer, MAS, began by working at companies like Jostens and Leathersmith of London before founding his own business in 1986, which evolved into Soundline by 1991. His extensive involvement in regional and national organizations has earned him accolades, including inductions into the Hall of Fame by the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York and its foundation, as well as receiving the Marvin Spike Professional Lifetime Achievement Award from ASI in 2002 and the Distinguished Service Award from PPAI in 2011.

David Woods, MAS*

David Woods, MAS, served two terms on the PPAI Board of Directors, chairing in 2000-2001. He also chaired the Promotional Products Education Foundation board of trustees in 2009-2010. In the early 1990s, he successfully revitalized distributor Lee Wayne Corporation before selling it to HALO and assuming the role of executive vice president.

Gene Geiger, MAS+

Gene Geiger, MAS+, served twice on the PPAI Board of Directors, holding such roles such as Vice Chair of Financial Services and Technology. He also championed product safety initiatives, chairing the Product Responsibility Advisory Group.

Charles “Chuck” Pecher

Charles "Chuck" Pecher, is celebrated for his robust work ethic which expanded the success of Skinner and Kennedy Co. Pecher is the fourth person from one of his family's companies to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Carl Gerlach, MAS

Carl Gerlach, MAS, a founding officer of the Young Executives of Specialty Advertising Association (YESAA), demonstrated exemplary leadership as a member of the PPAI Board of Directors from 2003 to 2008, serving as chair from 2005 to 2006. Recognized as a PPAI Lifetime Member and Fellow, he has selflessly contributed numerous volunteer hours, actively participating in regional shows and offering valuable service on various boards, committees, and advisory groups.

Teresa Moisant, MAS

Teresa Moisant, MAS, was honored with PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award in 2016. Additionally, she has been recognized by The Journal Record as one of Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEOs and one of 50 Women Making A Difference.

Sherri Lennarson, MAS

Sherri Lennarson, MAS, is a former member of the PPAI Board of Directors (2006-2011) and PPAI Board Chair (2009-2010) as well as a winner of PPAI’s 2013 Distinguished Service Award, Lennarson has spent much of her 30 years in the industry giving back through volunteer service and mentoring others.

Cliff Quicksell, CSP, MAS+

Cliff Quicksell, CSP, MAS+ is a dynamic force in promotional marketing with 40 years of experience as an international speaker, trainer, and consultant; helping organizations amplify their marketing and inspire their teams, Cliff has worked with industry giants like PPAI, ASI, and Fruit of the Loom, and has left a global footprint across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. His innovative marketing strategies have earned him 45 PPAI Pyramid Awards and recognition in the book PPAI at 100. In 2022, he was honored with induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the Most Influential People in the industry.

Cliff is also a prolific writer, with over 1,400 published articles and three bestselling books, including 30 Seconds to Greatness. His award-winning blog, which garners over 80,000 shares weekly, showcases his thought leadership. As a speaker at major industry events worldwide, Cliff continues to inspire and educate, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Carol Aastad, MAS

Carol Aastad, MAS, a celebrated figure in the promotional industry, has garnered numerous honors, including the 2009 PPAI Woman of Achievement award and induction into the Hall of Fame in 2023, alongside serving as Board chair from 2004 to 2005.

Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS

Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, boasts a long and illustrious career in the industry, serving as a dedicated volunteer, speaker, mentor, advocate, and educator with over 200 sessions to her credit. From 2001 to 2005, she played a crucial role on the PPAI board as vice chair of marketing.

David C. DeGreeff, MAS

In 2024, the Hall of Fame celebrated the induction of David C. DeGreeff, MAS, in acknowledgment of his exceptional accomplishments and profound influence within the promotional productions industry.

Mark Jenkins, MAS+

Mark Jenkins, MAS+, one of the industry’s most energetic and consistent servants, was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame in 2025. A staunch advocate for education and professional development in the industry, Jenkins’ efforts, often behind the scenes, have empowered countless peers and rising professionals.

Jonathan Isaacson

Known as a philanthropist, connector, and thought leader, Jonathan Isaacson was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame in 2025. He is regarded as a visionary who prepares competitors and customers for future challenges, benefiting the entire industry.

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* Deceased

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