Top Distributors 2017 Q&As: No. 2 - Proforma

Vera and Greg Muzzillo

Every year, Promo Marketing releases its Top 50 Distributors list. To give you some insight into what it takes to make it to the top, we spoke to Greg Muzzillo, founder of Proforma, No. 2 on the list.

Promo Marketing: What led to your company’s success in 2016?
Greg Muzzillo: Our success comes from helping our owners grow their success. 2016 was another great year for Proforma because our owners are experiencing significant growth and success.

PM: What goals do you have for your business for 2017 and beyond?
GM: Our 2017 goal is to introduce our new technology system to our owners, supplier partners and the industry. We are investing $10 million to develop the industry’s best technology platform. Beyond 2017, we are seeking to grow our sales to $1 billion and more.

PM: Besides sales numbers, what makes your company a Top Distributor?
GM: One key differentiator at Proforma is that we understand what it takes for distributors to grow and prosper. I built a successful distributorship, starting with zero sales, and grew it to more than $20 million before creating what is now Proforma. No other company in our industry offering franchises or affiliate programs is led by someone who built their own distributorship.

PM: How did you grow your company into what it is today?
GM: Our key to success has been great people and great relationships. It’s our amazing owners, supplier partners and support team who are the keys to our success.

PM: What challenges do distributors face in the promotional products industry, especially in the next four years? How can they solve them?
GM: Technology will increasingly become a disruptor in our industry. Distributors of all sizes will need to make significant investments in technology to remain relevant.

PM: What was your company’s biggest accomplishment in 2016?
GM: We are very proud to have grown our Million and Multi-Million Dollar Clubs to a record 171 members in 2016. Proforma also had a record year on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America with 14 of our owners making the list. It is exciting to see their growth, ranging from 44 percent to more than 400 percent, giving Proforma the greatest presence on the Inc. 5000 from the printing and promotional products industry.