Jonny Auping

Dallas

Briefly an editor, still a writer. Bylines at Texas Monthly, New Yorker, Longreads, Rolling Stone, VICE, NY Mag, D Magazine, Slate, Dallas Morning News, etc.

Articles

Boundless Strengthens Leadership Team

2 days ago | ppai.org | Jonny Auping

(PPAI 267078, Platinum), PPAI 100's No. 11 distributor, has announced three strategic leadership appointments. Mike Kelleher has joined as vice president of program solutions. With nearly two decades of experience in the recognition, incentives and promotions industry, Kelleher brings expertise from both large organizations and a family-owned distributorship.
The 2025 NBA Draft, Ron Harper, and Cooper Flagg Changed the Basketball Axis in Texas

3 days ago | thebarbedwire.com | Jonny Auping

Less than one percent. That was the probability that the top two picks in the 2026 NBA Draft would belong to the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs. But that’s the way the draft lottery played out in May, and it earned the two franchises the opportunity to trust their future success to their pick of kids born during George W. Bush’s second presidential administration. For the Mavericks, it’s not just a miraculous shot at redemption.
Joseph G. Lipic, Sr. Of Alexander Manufacturing

3 weeks ago | ppai.org | Jonny Auping

Joseph G. Lipic, Sr, MAS, president of Alexander Manufacturing (PPAI 113670), passed away peacefully on May 23. Lipic, who was 89, was a nearly 60-year veteran of the promo industry. His great-grandfather started a promo company in 1863 "in a one-room shop on the Mississippi riverfront." Lipic continued that legacy, living and working out of St. Louis his entire life. He served on the PPAI Board of Directors, concluding his term in 1986.
New Member Spotlight: Dagne Dover

3 weeks ago | ppai.org | Jonny Auping

Melissa MashFounder & CEODagneDover.comPPAI 892617How did your company get its start? I came up with the idea for what became Dagne Dover while I was working for Coach in the U.K. I saw that there was an opportunity to create a new bag brand rooted in smart, organized design, but beautiful, modern and gender neutral - something that didn't exist at the time. I decided to go back to business school to find my co-founding team and establish the foundation for the brand that we all know today.
AAA Innovations To Be Folded Into Showdown Displays

1 month ago | ppai.org | Jonny Auping

AAA Innovations (PPAI 110972, Standard Plus) will now do business as Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, Platinum), according to Showdown Displays. Sign-Zone LLC, the parent company of Showdown Displays, acquired AAA Innovations just over a year ago. Showdown Displays was recently named PPAI 100's No. 8 supplier, earning high marks in Growth and Revenue, among other metrics. The integration will be complete and ready to launch June 1.
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff On EU Imports

1 month ago | ppai.org | Jonny Auping

President Donald Trump kicked off Memorial Day weekend by threatening to implement a 50% tariff on imports from the European Union. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump claimed the EU has been "very difficult to deal with" regarding trade negotiations. Because discussions have been "going nowhere," the president said he recommends a 50% tariff on EU imports, starting June 1.
Feds Target Uniform Supplier For Allegedly Underpaying Customs Duties

1 month ago | ppai.org | Jonny Auping

A California-based medical uniform supplier has come under fire for allegedly violating the False Claims Act by underpaying customs duties owed on imported apparel. The United States filed a complaint last month against Barco Uniforms, as well as Kenny Chan, David Chan and companies they own and operate that supply Barco with apparel manufactured overseas.
NALC Through A Fresh Lens

1 month ago | ppai.org | Jonny Auping

With keynote speakers and roundtable discussions at PPAI's North American Leadership Conference this week hitting on so many topics shaping the promotional products industry right now, every conversation felt relevant and thought-provoking to first-time attendee Todd Wallace, MAS. One of his biggest takeaways was the critical role of communication between PPAI and the members of regional associations, such as the New England Promotional Products Association, of which Wallace is a board member.
Meet the Dallas DJ Behind (Maybe) the Longest Running Hip Hop Show Ever

1 month ago | thebarbedwire.com | Jonny Auping

If you want to understand the casual celebrity of EZ Eddie D, sit with him on a porch. Preferably on a Saturday evening, and preferably at the busiest intersection of the Bishop Arts District in the rapidly gentrified Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas. Less than two minutes into my conversation with him on such a porch, on such a busy Saturday, a honk came from a passing SUV. “EDDIE!” a woman shouted from the open window. “Hey, what up!” Eddie yelled back. “You’re back in town?”“I’m here to see you.
Meet the Dallas DJ Behind (Maybe) the Longest Running Hip Hop Show Ever

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Jonny Auping

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