(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of news releases and updates submitted from organizations around the industry. PPAI Media edits these only slightly, including for length, and will consider newsworthy entries from any member organization.)

September 1, 2022

Stran & Company Completes Acquisition of Trend Brand Solutions

 Stran & Company, Inc. ("Stran" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: STRN) (NASDAQ: STRNW), a leading outsourced marketing solutions provider that leverages its promotional products and loyalty incentive expertise, today announced the completion of its acquisition of the assets and business of Trend Brand Solutions under its previously-announced asset purchase agreement. As contemplated under the agreement, the Company also announced that Mr. Michael Krauser, Chief Executive Officer of Trend, has become Regional Vice President of Stran, where he will lead the Company’s Texas region operations. As further contemplated by the asset purchase agreement, the Company entered into employment agreements with all retained Trend sales representatives.

“We remain committed to our M&A growth strategy, targeting acquisitions that are highly synergistic with our existing operations and support the expansion of our products and services into new geographies. With this acquisition, we are broadening our presence in the South and entering the Houston market, which ranks third among metro areas in Fortune 500 headquarter locations and is home to two dozen Fortune 500 companies,1” commented Andy Shape, President and CEO of Stran. “Additionally, we are thrilled to have Michael join the team as our regional Vice President given his success with Trend as well as delighted to welcome the entire Trend team to the Stran family. We are excited to have executed this agreement and look forward to benefiting from the tremendous talent within their organization.”

 Trend is a leading global brand solutions company strategically headquartered in Tomball, Texas. Trend has a demonstrated record of delivering on customers’ brand marketing needs and developing solutions that are creative, original, dependable, cost-effective, and that meet or exceed product safety standards.

Formed in 2010, Trend has evolved with the changing needs of customers within the promotional products industry by eliminating common barriers and obstacles through utilization of its proprietary technologies solution, SMART BUY custom buying sites. Trend is vertically integrated to deliver efficiency and convenience to each client relationship. Annually, Trend builds over 100 SMART BUY sites, while managing over 35,000 website transactions and shipping over 8,000 orders from inventory. Trend ships globally from its Houston, Texas area distribution center and has international factory partnerships to source as close to the end user as possible.

Additional details of the transaction will be included in the Company’s Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and will be available at www.sec.gov.

August 31, 2022

PPAI's Denham Joins MiPPA Webinar To Discuss Promotional Products Work Expo

On Wednesday, PPAI President & CEO Dale Denham participated in a webinar hosted by the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association to discuss the benefits of taking part in the upcoming Promotional Products Work Expo.

The free virtual event, first of its kind for PPAI, is set for September 29 and open to end buyers invited by distributor hosts. Attendees will view top products and experience education elevating the value of promotional products as essential marketing tools.

To register to view the webinar, click here.

IMAGEN Brands Adds Two New Sales Reps

IMAGEN Brands is excited to welcome Mallory Forester and Thomas Lovelace to their sales team. Both Forester and Lovelace are reporting to Jackie Walker, National Sales Manager.

Lisa LeMond, Vice President of Sales and Service at IMAGEN Brands, said, “Mallory and Thomas are joining us at an exciting time! Considering their proven track records, industry experience, and established relationships, Mallory and Thomas are the perfect addition to help us accelerate our brand awareness throughout their territories and showcase our decoration, products, and service offerings that set IMAGEN Brands apart.” 

Forester brings over four years of promotional products experience, working on both the supplier and distributor side at companies such as Koozie Group, Strideline, and iPROMOTEu. Her experience with iPROMOTEu has given her a true “inside” perspective that will help to better support and understand customer needs.

Forester is now covering the Texas and Louisiana territory and is excited about reconnecting with her accounts that she had developed strong relationships with.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has lived in Texas for the past seven years with her cat, Bugs.

Outside of work, she volunteers for Sky High for Kids (an organization working to end childhood cancer) and loves Pilates, indoor cycling, and watching Formula 1 racing.

Lovelace comes to IMAGEN Brands from the apparel side of the promotional products industry, where he spent 14 years of his career. His roles have included Strategic Account Executive and Regional Sales Manager at TSC Apparel and Broder Bros. Co./Alpha Shirt Company, respectively. Lovelace holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Presbyterian College of South Carolina.

Lovelace is now covering the Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee territory where he looks forward to building working relationships with both new and former customers. His passion for finding the right promotional product to fit his customers’ needs has earned him several awards, including Rookie of the Year, Representative of the Year, Margin Award, President’s Award, and Private Label Growth Award.

Outside of work, Lovelace volunteers for Dress For Success and spends time restoring a train-style townhouse on the historic register of Ansley Park in Atlanta, Georgia.