SURE, THE PROMO INDUSTRY offers a diverse range of products, but it’s often described as a relationship industry. And for as many kinds of products as it offers, there are also countless kinds of people who think, act and work in their own unique ways. They aren’t asked to shape themselves into any sort of standard for the sake of the industry. The promo world just lets them right in. That might be what turns so many entrepreneurs into promo lifers. After routine business dealings, they are so often left thinking, “That person was … pretty cool.” The pages of this magazine would be overflowing with a list of all the coolest people in promo. Below we highlight a few industry professionals who are all cool in their own way. Coolest Promo Pro To Hang Ten Some people say the ocean rejuvenates you and thereby influences everyone you encounter. Julie Schneiderman, founder and CEO of Ecostiks, is part of an organization trying to bring those possibilities to more women. Schneiderman co-founded Women In The Water, a Southern California-based community group aimed at fostering accessible ways for women to champion each other and the environment. Coolest Misconception Breaker By just about any definition, Spectrum Designs is founded on a principle that’s downright cool. Its mission is to create inclusive employment opportunities for a neurodiverse workforce – more than 50% of its employees are on the autism spectrum. If you’ve heard of the company, it’s probably because of Kelli Fisher, social media specialist at Spectrum Designs, who started as production assistant but is now largely behind the company’s Instagram account (111,000 followers!), where she educates followers on some of the myths and realities of neurodivergent people. In February, Fisher and CEO Patrick Bardsley appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Coolest Promo Person Who's Not In Promo (As Of Press Time) In a presentation at The PPAI Expo Conference in January, Meg Erber taught attendees how martial arts helped change the course of her career, from fumbling around in the dark of the merch industry, to becoming one of its most recognizable names. The Navy vet, podcaster and PromoCares do-gooder has 20 years of experience on both the distributor and supplier side. It's only a matter of time before she's back in the business (if it doesn't happen before you read this). More than 50% of the employees at Spectrum Designs are on the autism spectrum. 46 • MAY 2025 • PPAI Must Read | The Coolest Stuff in Promo
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