Voice & Force | A PPAI Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.