New Member Spotlight How did your company get its start? A hat isn’t just an accessory that we occasionally throw on as we’re leaving the house. It’s the most critical part of our everyday wardrobe. It’s the first thing someone sees when they look at your face and their first impression of your personal style. It’s the billboard that tells the world who you are, what you value, your passions, where you’re from and how you live your life. Being from Southern California, we skated and snowboarded, played baseball and football and were surrounded by some of the most influential music, art and fashion in the world. We spent four years learning how to build, improve and elevate the ball caps that we loved. We researched the most iconic fabric mills in the world and sourced the best materials available on the planet. Our entire life was focused on building the most premium caps that the world had ever seen. Finally, in 2013, we were ready to show what we had created. Inspired by the art of millinery, the craft of bespoke hat making which dates to the 16th century in Milan, Italy, we are proud to present Melin. What led your company to enter the promotional products market? We field between 10 to 22 promotional distributor inquiries daily for our product. Emphasizing our brand identity over being just another blank supplier is crucial. Recognizing the essential operational framework within the distribution channel was pivotal. That’s why we enlisted the expertise of industry veteran Kellie Claudio to spearhead our efforts. What's your favorite thing about being in the promotional products industry? The sheer enthusiasm evident in every phone call or email inquiry about becoming a distributor in this channel fuels our excitement. Our passion and pride in our work resonate deeply with loyalists of Melin premium headwear. They seek to extend the Melin experience to their workplaces, whether for corporate events, uniforms or employee appreciation gifts, embodying a shared appreciation for quality and style. Why did you join PPAI? Becoming a member of PPAI presents an exceptional opportunity to remain abreast of developments within the channel. It offers invaluable networking support, access to educational resources and facilitates the expansion of our distributor network. Brian McDonell and Corey Roth Co-founders Melin PPAI 828904 Melin.com Community | New Members 98 • JUNE 2024 • PPAI
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