Kaeser & Blair (asi/238600), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, has partnered with PromoPulse, a provider of automated marketing services for the promotional products industry. The strategic arrangement, centered on automated marketing, will enable K&B distributors to send curated content highlighting preferred suppliers to customers via email and social media, executives said. “We are thrilled to be partnering with PromoPulse to give our distributors access to their technology-meets-marketing solution,” said Liza Sachs, chief revenue officer of Kaeser & Blair.

The Fullarton Group, a buying group for suppliers and distributors in the U.S. and Canada, welcomes Steve Smidt as vice president of business development. Smidt, who has more than 25 years of promo industry experience, is based in San Diego and will be instrumental in leading growth on the West Coast through recruitment of new members and relationship-building within The Fullarton Group's current membership network. “We’re thrilled to welcome Steve to the Fullarton Group,” says President & Owner Keith Addis. “His deep industry knowledge and trusted reputation make him the perfect leader to accelerate our West Coast expansion. We’re confident he’ll make an immediate and lasting impact for our distributor members and vendor partners alike.”

Proforma (asi/300094), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, announced that 47 of its distributor affiliates have been nominated to appear on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States. Nominated Proforma distributors experienced significant revenue growth over the three-year evaluation period, ranging from 50% to 1,220%, the company said. “We are thrilled to have 47 distributor owners nominated for Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing companies,” said Michelle Dalton, senior vice president of owner and supplier success at Proforma. “This achievement showcases the individual stories of hard work that collectively contribute to the shared success of Proforma.” 

Ink Tees (asi/261830), a custom apparel printer, has expanded into a larger facility in Novi, MI, to accommodate its increased operational needs. The company’s new address is 26132 Ingersol Drive, Novi, MI, 48375, and a grand opening celebration for the location is scheduled for July 23, 2025.

Imprint Engine (asi/190620) has joined The Peernet Group, a national network of promotional products distributors. The St. Louis Park, MN-based distributor was founded in 2012, and its entry into Peernet marks a membership milestone for the network organization at 20 distributor members. “Their growth strategy,” said The Peernet Group CEO Darlene Blaum about Imprint Engine, “is rooted in innovation, customer experience, and a forward-thinking use of technology, all qualities that align seamlessly with our network’s collective vision.”

BrandCo Marketing (asi/455385), powered by Counselor Top 40 distributor American Solutions for Business (asi/120075) has added Nick Navarro as its new sales manager and e-commerce director. Navarro will bring his background in promo sales strategy to lead the California-based distributor’s growing e-commerce and company stores division. “Nick’s experience, energy, and insight made this a natural fit,” said Brandon Kennedy, president of BrandCo Marketing. “I couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.”

Print ePS, a Pittsburgh-headquartered software service provider catering to the print industry, announced that it has acquired Avanti Systems, another print management software provider with customers across North America and Europe. Print ePS acquired Avanti from Ricoh Company. Print ePS aims to use Avanti’s capabilities and customer base to further appeal to midmarket commercial printers and expand its reach across “key markets,” including as printers shift from offset to digital printing methods and need workflow management software for the process. “We remain committed to supporting Avanti’s customers with the same high level of service and professionalism they expect, while also providing access to Print ePS’s extensive product portfolio, global expertise and continued innovation in cloud-based [management information system] solutions,” said Print ePS CEO Dan Vertachnik. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

SRG (asi/84592; Canada, 84595), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has appointed John Gillard and Rye-Leigh Spicer of NS-based LJ Consulting as the company’s multi-line representation in Atlantic Canada. Together, Gillard and Spicer will cover New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, in place of Randy Canning, SRG’s longtime MLR in the territory who will be pursuing new endeavors. “Atlantic Canada holds a special place in my heart, both personally and professionally,” says Sergio Munoz, SRG’s senior vice president of sales. “I’m genuinely thrilled to have John and Rye-Leigh representing SRG in this region. Their passion, experience and commitment to service align perfectly with our values, and I’m confident they’ll continue the strong legacy we've built here. I look forward to watching our partnerships flourish under their leadership.”