Geiger (PPAI 105182, Platinum) – the No. 5 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced the launch of its refreshed brand identity.

The Lewiston, Maine-based firm’s rebranding highlights its family-owned heritage of nearly 150 years of Geigers at the helm, commitment to sustainability and a full-circle approach to customer service.

“This brand refresh represents a pivotal moment in Geiger’s journey,” says David Geiger, incoming president of the company and the fifth generation of the Geiger family to lead the organization.

This brand refresh represents a pivotal moment in Geiger’s journey.”

David Geiger

Incoming President, Geiger

“It signifies the unity of our global teams and our shared dedication to delivering exceptional value to our clients. As we align under one cohesive identity,” Geiger, a 2024 PPAI Rising Star, adds, “we’re not only honoring our heritage, but also setting a clear course for the future – one rooted in collaboration, innovation and a commitment to making a positive impact worldwide.”

Global Presence

Geiger continues to make significant strides around the world, highlighted by its July acquisition of German distributor WER GmbH, which will rebrand as Geiger GmbH in 2025. Geiger has also solidified its presence in the United Kingdom with five acquisitions since 2018. 

Establishing a unified global brand identity has become a top priority, the company says, which is why both Geiger in the UK and in Germany will now operate under the Geiger logo.

• Previously, Geiger Ltd. (UK) used a blue dot, but the adoption of Geiger’s signature red dot reflects the shared values, collective strength and unified vision for the future, the firm says.

“By unifying our brand under a single cohesive identity, we’re not just standardizing our look – we’re showcasing the strength of our shared purpose and the collective power of our global team,” says Stephanie Whitman, vice president of marketing at Geiger. “This transformation symbolizes the collaboration and forward-thinking approach that defines Geiger as we continue to grow and serve our global clients.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Vantage Apparel, the foremost supplier of custom branded apparel known for its award-winning decoration and integration capabilities, is proud to announce the expansion of its Direct To Film (DTF) decoration capabilities to all three of its U.S. facilities in Avenel, NJ; St. Louis, MO; and Santa Ana, CA. This expansion ensures that customers across the country can access the fastest-growing decoration method in the branded apparel space with faster turnarounds and unmatched quality.

Vantage’s Direct To Film solution is revolutionizing the industry by offering high-quality, full-color decoration on single-piece orders. This makes it ideal for online programs, including Vantage Webstore customers who are looking for vibrant, durable designs with no minimum order requirements.

“Expanding DTF to all our U.S. facilities reflects our commitment to providing the most advanced and versatile decoration options in the industry,” said Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel. “With the ability to support single-piece orders, DTF allows our customers greater flexibility while maintaining our promise of superior quality and service.”

Direct To Film is recognized for its ability to produce crisp, detailed designs on a variety of fabrics and colors, setting a new standard in apparel decoration. This method combines precision with scalability, allowing for seamless customization at any order size.

The addition of DTF across Vantage’s Avenel, St. Louis, and Santa Ana facilities marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing innovation efforts. With the broadest decoration capabilities under one roof, Vantage Apparel continues to lead the branded apparel market with solutions tailored to the evolving needs of its clients.

To learn more about Vantage Apparel and its DTF services, please visit www.vantageapparel.com.

American Solutions for Business announced that Taylor Borst has been promoted to Vice President of Vendor Relations, Marketing, and Events and Dana Zezzo will be transitioning to Vice President of Strategic Growth and will remain a member of the senior leadership team.

Since joining the company, Borst has held various roles from Strategic Operations Support Specialist to Senior Director of Marketing & Vendor Relations. President Justin Zavadil remarked, “Taylor has made our organization better every day and contributes greatly to our presence in the industry. Her  expertise, work ethic, attitude, and relationships will continue to improve ASB, and she’ll be a fantastic addition to our Senior Leadership Team.”

“I'm honored to step into this position and can't wait for what's ahead,” says Borst. “Over the last six and a half years, I've learned so much from Dana's direction and mentorship, and I’m thrilled we get to continue our collaboration and growth in this next stage. I’m proud to continue serving our sales associates, support teams, home office, and vendor partners. This wouldn’t be possible without our talented team, who works hard every day to ensure impact is the best in the market.”

Since joining ASB in 2018, Zezzo has led vendor relations, marketing, and events as Vice President, while recently having direct involvement in new initiatives such as Canadian Solutions for Business, global expansion projects, and ASB Athletics. This transition will allow him to dedicate more focus to these initiatives. “ASB has dramatically improved since Dana joined,” says Zavadil. “Much of that has been because of his dedication. I have complete confidence in him making the same type of impact as we grow in new ways.”

“I’m excited to embrace this new role and focus on driving strategic initiatives that support ASB’s growth,” says Zezzo. “The progress we’ve made is a direct result of the dedication and teamwork across ASB. This position provides an incredible opportunity to build on that momentum, explore new possibilities, and strengthen our efforts in key areas. I’m also thrilled to see Taylor step into her new role on the Senior Leadership team, and I look forward to continued collaboration.”

Robert Paschal, fourth-generation owner and CEO of Warwick Publishing (PPAI 114154, Silver) – the No. 74 supplier in the PPAI 100 – passed away on Sunday, November 17, due to extensive health complications from kidney cancer. He was 69 years old.

Robert, along with his late brother Jim, late father Don and late Uncle John Paschal, grew the family business from a small newspaper company under the name Chronicle Publishing Company to the international promotional products supplier that Warwick has become today.

Working for Warwick for the past 47 years, he guided the company through multiple acquisitions, including Collector’s Gallery in Minnesota and Winthrop Atkins in Massachusetts, and led the firm’s complete transition out of the newspaper industry with the sale of that division to Shaw Media Group in 1989.

“Another sad time for the Warwick family,” says Phil Martin, national sales manager at Warwick. “I was blessed to have worked for and alongside Rob for 38 years. He was a mentor and friend who I will miss dearly. I smile at the thought of him and his brother, Jim, sharing laughs over a nice martini – very dry, of course.”

I smile at the thought of him and his brother, Jim, sharing laughs over a nice martini – very dry, of course.”

Phil Martin

National Sales Manager, Warwick Publishing

In January of 2020, Rob’s son Alex joined the business, marking the fifth generation of Paschals to be involved in the day-to-day operations of Warwick. In July of 2021, Alex assumed the role of president upon the passing of his Uncle Jim. With Rob’s passing, Alex – a 2023 PPAI Rising Star – will be assuming full ownership of Warwick and the CEO position of the company in January of 2025.

“My father was truly remarkable, and his presence will be deeply missed in the halls of our business,” says Alex. “I had the privilege of working alongside my father for almost 5 years. His demeanor and treatment of our people was a major reason why so many chose to stay at Warwick for a majority of, and in some cases all of, their entire career. While my father, best friend and business partner’s legacy and impact on our company will live on, he will be sorely missed.”

My father was truly remarkable, and his presence will be deeply missed in the halls of our business.”

Alex Paschal

President, Warwick Publishing

Robert is survived by his son Alex; cousins Jane (Bob) Burns, Paul (Cindi) Paschal and Cecilia Paschal; and in-laws Kim Paschal, Cindy and Jeff Thomas and Carole Fleck.

A visitation for Robert will take place on Tuesday, December 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles, Illinois, at 405 E Main St. A private family burial will be taking place at Union Cemetery in St. Charles.

Donations in Rob’s memory can be made to The First Tee.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from: PPAI

Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, has announced plans to unveil a new brand identity at the beginning of next year. The Tennessee-based company plans to reveal the rebrand at The PPAI Expo 2025 in Las Vegas and the PSI Show in Europe.

The revamp is expected to kick off a new era of thoughtful design and customer-focused innovation, while simultaneously elevating Goldstar’s mission to provide products that truly resonate with today’s values, the company says.

“This rebrand is much more than a fresh look, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Goldstar,” says Heather Smartt, Goldstar’s global head. “As we continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of our industry and partners, this rebrand reflects our commitment to delivering amazing products, exceptional service, and complete transparency across the business.”

This rebrand is much more than a fresh look, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Goldstar.”

Heather Smartt

Global Head, Goldstar

A Year Of Changes

Goldstar announced changes to two top leadership positions this year.

An 18-year veteran in the promo industry, Smartt stepped into her new position in June after previously serving as the supplier’s global director of merchandising, product development and sustainability. She took the reins from Howard Cubberly, who joined the company over a decade ago and has since left.

The company announced in October that Keith Lofton would step in as vice president of national accounts. A 20-year industry veteran, Lofton had previously spent 12 years with Pro Towels, most recently serving as vice president of sales for PPAI 100’s No. 44 supplier.

Following last month’s acquisition of alphabroder, S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum) has announced that Eric Levin will be overseeing a new division within the supplier.

• Levin has been assigned the role of GM of the Prime Line Hard Goods division, which is newly created by S&S Activewear.
• In 2023, alphabroder had hired Levin as EVP of hard goods strategy and growth. His area of focus will now be utilized within the larger umbrella of S&S.
  
  

S&S Activewear was ranked as the No. 5 supplier in PPAI 100 before its acquisition of alphabroder, which was ranked No. 2.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Prime Line Hard Goods division,” says Levin. “Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable, first-hand experience within the hard goods and decorated apparel industries.”

Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable, first-hand experience within the hard goods and decorated apparel industries.”

Eric Levin

GM, Prime Line Hard Goods, S&S Activewear

“That specialized knowledge developed into a unique ability to pinpoint areas prime for growth and improvement within the business and industry at large.”

Three Decades Of Experience

Levin will bring 33 years of experience in the promo industry and a deep knowledge of the hard goods sector. Having founded the company Jetline, which he successfully led through considerable growth, Levin has remained in the fold through a series of acquisitions.

• In 2015, Jetline was acquired by Prime Line.
• By 2017, Prime Line was acquired by alphabroder, which aimed to leverage the company into its hard goods division.
• Now, with alphabroder owned by S&S Activewear, Levin is once again tapped to oversee hard goods under a new company name.
  
  

“We’re excited for the future of the hard goods division with Eric at the helm,” says Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “His expertise and strong customer relationships position us for significant growth in this new phase.”

We’re excited for the future of the hard goods division with Eric at the helm.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

• A sales team focusing specifically on hard goods will report directly to Levin.

In October, PPAI Media spoke with various distributors in reaction to S&S Activewear’s acquisition of alphabroder.

Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, Platinum) – the No. 8 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has announced that its customer care team has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for “Best Customer Service in the Contact Center World” for 2024.

• This marks the third consecutive time that the Brooklyn Center, Minnesota-based firm has received this award.

“Earning the Gold Medal for Best Customer Service on a global level for a third consecutive time is an incredible achievement,” says Jim Thomsen, vice president of customer care at Showdown Displays. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to support our customers. We’re honored by this recognition and remain committed to setting high standards for service excellence.”

This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to support our customers.”

Jim Thomsen

VP of Customer Care, Showdown Displays

The Contact Center World awards are presented by ContactCenterWorld to celebrate outstanding achievements in customer service, recognizing organizations and individuals who demonstrate superior innovation, exceptional customer experiences and service quality.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

After a week of work stoppage in Canadian ports in which workers went on strike at the Port of Montreal and were locked out of work in British Columbia, Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon has intervened, forcing the ports to reopen for fear of further economic damages.

• A significant portion of U.S. trade flows through Canada, and some slowdowns are still likely due to the time in which the ports were closed.
  
  

Powerstick.com CEO Nigel Harris had told PPAI Media that with both sides refusing to make progress, he hoped that the Canadian government would step in, which has ultimately come to fruition.

“The responsibility for these negotiations belongs to the parties alone, but the impacts are being borne by all Canadians,” MacKinnon stated in his reasoning for intervention.

What Are The Details?

In the big picture sense, the disputes at the heart of the work stoppages remain at the moment, but MacKinnon is assigning a third party to determine a resolution. Through Canada’s Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), he has invoked the following:

• Workers at ports on both Canadian coasts must return to their duties.
• CIRB will temporarily extend the unions’ existing collective bargaining agreement while a new deal is worked out.
• During that time, CIRB will serve as the third-party arbitrator in the negotiations between the ports and the unions. Once a determination is made, that arbitration will be binding for both sides.
  
  

Asif Bandeali, COO of Fairdeal, based out of Ontario, had told PPAI Media in the beginning stages of the work stoppages that the effects were “not anything serious at the moment,” but that a prolonged strike would create problems.

“If the strike goes on for weeks, then us and our distributors will be impacted much more,” Bandeali said.

He was seemingly speaking to fears that the Canadian government felt it could not afford to become a reality.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Geiger (PPAI 105182, Platinum) – the No. 5 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced that David Geiger will become president of the company, effective January 1, 2025.

• In the Lewiston, Maine-based company’s nearly 150-year history, he will be the sixth president and the fifth from the Geiger family to lead the organization.

“David brings a deep understanding of Geiger’s values and a progressive approach to our global operations,” says Jo-an Lantz, MAS, who will remain CEO of Geiger. “I’m proud to be his partner in this important next step for Geiger. His leadership will help steer our team, and brand, into the next chapter while staying true to our values and culture.”

David brings a deep understanding of Geiger’s values and a progressive approach to our global operations.”

Jo-an Lantz, MAS

CEO, Geiger

David’s Background

A 2024 PPAI Rising Star, David currently serves as vice president and general counsel, in which he’s responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the global organization, including mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, licensing and risk management.

• In addition, he oversees all of Geiger’s efforts on sustainability and social responsibility.
• To date, Geiger has been awarded an EcoVadis Gold in the United States, Platinum in the United Kingdom and Bronze in Germany.

“Geiger’s foundation is built on a legacy of family values and a commitment to our associates, independent sales representatives, clients and the communities we serve,” David says. “I’m honored to continue working alongside Jo-an Lantz, whose leadership has guided us into exciting new markets and record sales. I look forward to building on our vision as a family-owned, global brand.”

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, David serves as an integral part of Geiger’s executive team and board of directors. Actively engaged in community and industry endeavors, he contributes his expertise as a member of PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group, the Maine Institute of Family-Owned Business Executive Next Gen Peer Advisory Group and as a board member for St. Mary’s Health System and Vagabond Spirits Company.

“What a remarkable milestone this is for our family business,” says fourth-generation family member Gene Geiger, who serves as Geiger’s board chair. “Working with Jo-an and a superb management team, David is prepared to lead the company through its next era. I couldn’t be prouder of David or more optimistic about our future.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

The U.S. supply chain was only granted about a month of relief after a three-day East Coast port strike that represented the largest shutdown of its kind in nearly a half century. Now, importers are facing the ramifications of a Canadian labor strike from the country’s east coast in Montreal to its west coast in British Columbia.

• The most recent strikes began Nov. 4 in Vancouver and Port of Prince Rupert, two of the largest ports on the Canadian west coast, resulting in a complete work stoppage at the ports.
• The week prior, a strike at the Port of Montreal – the country’s second largest port – has resulted in the port processing only 40% of volume.
• The ramifications of these strikes on the U.S. and promo supply chain are inevitable. About 20% of U.S. trade arrives through Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports alone, which are currently shut down. Approximately $800 million in trade flows through these ports every day.

In the ports of Vancouver and Port of Prince Rupert, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 was previously working despite a contract that expired on March 31, 2023. More than 95% of union members voted in support of a strike. The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association has said that it locked out workers after ILWU issued a 72-hour strike notice.

• After negotiations between the two sides stalled with automation said to be a primary sticking point preventing resolution, talks are set to resume on Saturday, Vancouver Sun reported.

Promo Perspective

Long-term consequences of these Canadian port strikes on the overall North American promo supply chain will depend on how long the work stoppages continue. PPAI Media has been in contact with Canadian promo companies confirming they are already affected.

“[The strikes] absolutely are and will affect us, depending on how long it goes on for,” says Nigel Harris, CEO of PowerStick.com, PPAI 100’s No. 75 supplier. “With 40% of the Montreal port shut down and both BC ports now on strike, there is increasing pressure for this to be resolved. Along with all other Canadian importers who use BC ports for their incoming Asian shipments, we are anxious for an early resolution.

Unfortunately, there has been no movement in the past two days, so we fear both parties could be digging in their heels

Nigel Harris

CEO, PowerStick.com

“Unfortunately, there has been no movement in the past two days, so we fear both parties could be digging in their heels.”

Asif Bandeali, COO of Fairdeal, based out of Ontario, says that the supplier learned lessons from experiences related to COVID-19 to not rely on inventory that arrived “just in time,” but eventually the British Columbia strikes will take their toll.

“It’s not anything serious at the moment where orders are affected,” Bandeali says. “If the strike goes on for weeks, then us and our distributors will be impacted much more.”

If the strike goes on for weeks, then us and our distributors will be impacted much more.

Asif Bandeali

COO, Fairdeal

There are, of course, contingency plans, but, as things stand, they are not particularly promising.

“New containers leaving overseas would be rerouted to the U.S. or Eastern Canada depending on the situation at the time of shipping,” Bandeali says.

Both options currently have their own setbacks. Eastern Canada is dealing with the labor issues at the Port of Montreal, currently operating at 40% volume. Rerouting to the U.S. is plausible, but shipments were already rerouted to the ports along the West Coast of the U.S. in anticipation of the October 1 strike along the U.S. East Coast, leaving those West Coast ports congested to a degree that they have not fully recovered from.

“We are hopeful the government will intervene if the strike is prolonged,” Bandeali says.

This remains a possibility, but the Canadian government just watched President Biden refuse to act prior to the U.S. East Coast strike, which managed to reach resolution in three days without government intervention.

A Fragile And Fatigued Global Supply Chain

Speaking of those strikes along the U.S. East Coast only five weeks ago, the agreement that was reached to get those workers back on the ports primarily concerned wages. Like the Canadian strikes, automation remains a point of contention between the two sides. The unions sent their members back to work contingent on a 100-day pause of stoppage, which will end January 15. That means fears of another strike remain just around the corner.

These are just a few factors of a promo supply chain that continues to weather obstacles.

• Protests, violence, curfews and internet blackouts in Bangladesh caused massive disruptions for the apparel supply chain, as country had begun to establish itself as an alternative to China.
• Earlier this year, a Baltimore bridge collapse caused a temporary but major slowdown in parts of the East Coast supply chain.
• During his campaign, President Elect Donald Trump repeatedly called for a 60% tariff on all Chinese goods.
• Trump also recently suggested he would levy a 25% tariff on goods imported from Mexico.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI