2007’s Top Distributors

So where does HALO/Lee Wayne go from here? Up, suggested Simon. “In five years, we’ll still be the most efficient distributor with the nicest support staff servicing the most dynamic account executives in the industry,” he concluded.

8. 4imprint (www.4imprint.com), Oshkosh, WI

Ranking No. 8 on this year’s Top 50 list, 4imprint reported a significant upsurge in its promotional product sales from last year: 34.5 percent or a dollar amount of $28.6 million. Its total promotional product sales for 2006 was $111.6 million.

Kevin Lyons-Tarr, president, said his company’s direct marketing model, which eliminates the need for a traditional sales staff, is what makes his company stand out from other distributorships. He said it is his desire to “create a great customer experience” that keeps him up at night.

Lyons-Tarr possesses a rare humility found among promotional product heavy-weights. When asked what is required for today’s distributors to be successful, he said, “Above all, excellent and committed people.” It is his company’s “dedicated associates” and “reliable supplier partners” that propel 4imprint’s success. For the future, Lyons-Tarr said he looks forward to continuing to “provide innovative solutions and great value for our customers, generating further growth.”

9. American Solutions for Business (ASB) (www.americanbus.com), Glenwood, MN

American Solutions for Business snagged the No. 9 spot on this year’s Top 50 list, and with good reason. Reporting a 15.9 percent increase in promotional product sales in 2006, the company remains true to its roots. “While we have continued to grow and provide extensive resources to our associates, our culture has allowed associates to continue to run their businesses as independent business people,” noted Larry Zavadil, president.

Since July 2000, ASB has been a 100 percent employee-owned business, which provides sales associates with a financial incentive to help grow the company and empowers them to make virtually all business decisions, explained Zavadil. As a result of this unique business structure, the company operates with a “single-layer of corporate management that reduces overhead and enables our clients to enjoy greater value per purchasing dollar,” he added.