iPROMOTEu recently highlighted outstanding performance, leadership, and positive community impact at its 2025 Affiliate and Owner Awards Luncheons, held on January 13 and 14 during PPAI Expo.
iPROMOTEu honored Affiliates and Owners whose 2025 achievements reflected exceptional sales performance, sustained growth, and meaningful contributions to the organization’s culture and community over the past year.
Each awards luncheon opened with an exclusive keynote address for the iPROMOTEu distributor network with insights from Jeremy Lott, President and CEO of SanMar, and Frank Carpenito, President and CEO of Gemline.
“Our Affiliates and Owners consistently set a high standard for performance and professionalism,” said Lori Bauer, Chief Executive Officer of iPROMOTEu. “This year’s award winners demonstrate what success looks like in our industry. Their results reflect strong leadership, disciplined growth, and a commitment to contributing to the strength of the broader iPROMOTEu network.”
The 2025 iPROMOTEu Affiliate & Owner Awards recognized excellence across several categories, including:
- Jacquie McBain of Go To Promotions, Inc., and Brian and Kris Alston of The Total Source, who received Rising Star Awards for achieving impressive sales goals and being positive contributors to the iPROMOTEu network.
- Niki Frese of Southpaw Print Company and Gustavo Gilio of Modello Promotional were honored with Breakout Performance Awards in celebration of their exceptional growth and momentum in 2025.
- Additional recognition was given to Fastest Growing Affiliates & Owners, Most Profitable Affiliates & Owners, and Largest Affiliate & Owner Orders.
The celebrations culminated with the presentation of Affiliate of the Year to Sherri Krenk and Shannon Torchia of BrandAways, and Owner of the Year to Craig Stephens of ImprintLogo, LLC. Krenk and Torchia joined iPROMOTEu in 2013 and quickly became influential across the organization, earning top honors year after year. Their leadership, willingness to share ideas, and extraordinary contributions elevate the iPROMOTEu organization. Since joining in 2021, Stephens has consistently delivered impressive sales with an innovative business model that took his growth to the next level in 2025. Additionally, his steady professionalism, collaborative nature, and desire to uplift others embody the spirit of iPROMOTEu.
In addition to sales-based honors, several recipients were recognized for their leadership and unwavering support of fellow Affiliates and Owners, qualities that define iPROMOTEu’s collaborative culture.
- Alison Andreasen of Extend Marketing Inc. and Steve Graff of Green Monkey Promotions received Affiliate Appreciation Awards for consistently demonstrating creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to engage with the organization.
- Ellen Orne of Elco Promotions and Bob Simmons of NDS Solutions were inducted into the iPROMOTEu Hall of Fame for their distinguished careers and lasting influence on their peers and the broader community.
- Jeff Poore of Marketing Works was honored with the David Woods Memorial Award in recognition of his kindness, integrity, perseverance, and enduring commitment to making a meaningful difference.
- Ross Silverstein was also in attendance to receive the inaugural Ross Silverstein Founder’s Award, established to honor members of the iPROMOTEu community who carry forward his original mission: leading with innovation and purpose while elevating others along the way.
“All our 2025 honorees demonstrate what can be achieved when independent business owners have the autonomy to lead their operations, supported by the right resources and community,” said Bauer. “Their results underscore the strength of our network and iPROMOTEu’s position as a powerhouse in the promotional products industry.”