Josh Ellis

6 days ago | ppai.org | Josh Ellis

On the heels of revealing the 2025 PPAI 100 comes a new opportunity for promo companies to be recognized by PPAI, this time for the culture and community they provide their employees. Now through June 23, PPAI members can nominate their company to be considered for PPAI Magazine's Greatest Companies To Work For contest. Last year, a record 106 companies met the criteria for recognition. Industry businesses of all types and sizes were represented through the competition, which began in 2011.

1 week ago | ppai.org | Josh Ellis

"It's about time." That was the opening sentence of PPAI Media's article announcing the 2025 PPAI 100 on Feb. 19 - a clue about how the scoring rubric was set to change in Year 3. Time, after all, is the most precious currency any of us has in life, and arguably in business. This year's PPAI 100 recognized the value of our time by doubling the weightage assigned to Innovation.

1 week ago | ppai.org | Josh Ellis

In three years of measuring industry leadership through PPAI 100, it's clear that the biggest players in promotional products use their significant resources to stay on the cutting edge. But small and mid-sized businesses take it seriously, too. Scoring in the Innovation category shows companies up and down the list leveraging technology to meet customer expectations, keep and expand their market share.

1 week ago | ppai.org | Josh Ellis

Less than 10 minutes after I arrive at Spectrum Designs, Brian, a stocky middle-aged production worker, is standing inches in front of me, looking deeply into my eyes. I'm snapping photos on a quick tour of the organization's Long Island headquarters and being introduced to a handful of staff members, most of them on the autism spectrum. Brian, dressed in jeans and an untucked royal blue Spectrum polo, walks onto the printing room floor, and my host says we have to meet. It happens fast.

2 weeks ago | ppai.org | Josh Ellis

I've never met Frank Myers. In an industry that thrives on relationships and visibility, the CEO of S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum) has kept a relatively low profile despite nearly two decades in pivotal roles driving the company's astonishing growth. Or maybe that's just my impression going into this late-April afternoon. Until now, he is probably the most consequential industry figure I'd never interviewed or even spoken to.