PPB January 2019

IN MEMORIAM Will Francois Will Francois, vice president of creative services at Iowa City, Iowa, supplier Tru Art Advertising Calendars passed away on October 25 after a battle with cancer. He was 67. Francois began his career in the promotional products industry in 1989. In a statement, Tru Art said, “Will remained relentlessly positive, hard-working and dedicated to his work. His passion for calendar advertising was almost unequaled. We were fortunate to enjoy nearly three decades of Will’s talent, friendship, dedication and much more with our companies. He was a true professional devoted to the value of calendar advertising and our industry. His sincere passion for most everything with which he was involved benefited most everyone with whom he came in contact.” Francois is survived by his wife Judy; sons Rob and Michael, who are both associated with Tru Art; and three grandchildren. Services were held on October 30 at the River Community Church in Iowa City. IN MEMORIAM | Charles G. Brown Charles G. Brown, founder of distributor APISource, Inc. (PPAI 102261) in Lanham, Maryland, passed away on November 21. Brown founded Charles G. Brown, Inc. in 1965. He eventually brought on additional team members, including his son Michael and long-time friend Leo Boone, to help grow the business, which led to a name change. Originally focusing on emblematic jewelry, the company added additional products and services including branded merchandise, screen printing and embroidery. The company’s statement on Brown’s passing noted, “Always quick with a witty retort as well as an intelligent solution to any challenge, Charlie always made an impression on whoever he met. Charlie was a mentor and friend to many and kept an active role behind the scenes over the years for which we are all appreciative and grateful.” Brown is survived by his wife, Mary, six children—Michael Brown and his wife Sherrie; Robert Brown; David Brown and his wife Cindy; Cindy Wendt and her husband Pete; Jennifer Stone and her husband David; and Julie Brown—and grandchildren Michael, Lesley, Shelby, Hannah, Claudia, Hunter, Elliot and Lucas. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory. Gemline (PPAI 113948) — Alyssa Werner , regional sales manager for a sales territory that includes Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Goldstar (PPAI 114031) — Nancy Jordan , account coordinator; Andrea Miller , inside sales representative for the southeast region and Jessica Miller , outside sales manager for the southeast region IMAGEN Brands , the parent company of suppliers Crown (PPAI 113430) and Vitronic (PPAI 114197) — Liza Sachs , district sales manager, East Kingly, Inc. (PPAI 747277) — Mike Schenker, MAS , director of North American operations QUINN (PPAI 360359) — Walter Brzyski , Carrie Charlesworth , Christi Davis and Stacy Franklin of TeamWalterB will represent the company in the Mid- Atlantic region Superior Group of Companies , which operates in the promotional products market through its subsidiaries, distributors BAMKO, LLC (PPAI 242148) , Tangerine Promotions, Ltd. (PPAI 439779) and Public Identity, Inc. (PPAI 230372) — Jennifer Daniel , promoted to vice president of strategic planning Sweda Company (PPAI 113914) — Bob Engh , regional sales executive for the Midwest—Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and Zachary Shock , regional sales executive for the North East—Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235) — Rob Watson , chief digital officer Rob Watson Zachary Shock Bob Engh Stacy Franklin | JANUARY 2019 | 121 CONNECT