PPAI • OCTOBER 2025 • 91 PPPC Communiqué | Community THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT PROFESSIONALS of Canada named Rob Spector, chairman of the board at Spector & Co., PPAI 100’s No. 18 supplier, as the 39th inductee into the PPPC Hall of Fame. This prestigious honour recognizes Spector’s exceptional leadership, innovation and decades-long commitment to advancing the Canadian promotional products industry. “To be recognized by my peers with an induction into the PPPC Hall of Fame is truly amazing,” Spector said. “Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape an industry that continues to grow, innovate and inspire. This honour is not only a milestone in my career, but also a reflection of the many colleagues, partners and friends who have shared this journey with me. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful to be part of this industry’s legacy.” Spector was inducted into the PPPC Hall of Fame during the 2025 PPPC Awards Ceremony on September 9 in Toronto. “Rob’s decades of leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing our industry embody the very qualities this honour was created to celebrate,” said David Lewenberg, chair of the PPPC Hall of Fame judging committee and executive vice president and COO of Genumark, PPAI 100’s No. 47 distributor. “Rob has and continues to leave an enduring mark on the promotional products community. We are pleased to award Rob this well-deserved recognition for his lasting contributions and positive influence on our industry,” added Lewenberg, the 38th PPPC Hall of Fame inductee. Spector has been at the helm of the eponymous Montreal-based company for more than 30 years, and he is now the chairman of the board. He helped transform Spector & Co. from a small regional supplier into one of North America’s most respected and innovative industry leaders. Under Spector’s leadership, Spector & Co. became known for premium product design, exceptional service and scalable operations that set a high standard for suppliers across Canada and the U.S. In the early 2000s, he helped Spector & Co. break away from the standard palette of black, navy, burgundy and green by launching a wider range of colors. He also pioneered the idea of merchandising coordinated collections, introducing matching pens, journals and business accessories that could be bundled into gift sets, according to PPPC. Always looking for ways to innovate, Spector championed new decoration techniques, including the company’s signature brand patch and brand shield, and transformed the sales approach in promo by establishing one of the first dedicated in-house sales teams. As a former PPPC chairman from 2012 to 2013, Spector played a pivotal role in modernizing the association. He has been a consistent supporter of PPPC programs, a sponsor and speaker at national events and an advocate for supplier-distributor collaboration. His belief in education as a driver of industry growth helped to shape Spector & Co.’s culture, encouraging staff and distributor partners to pursue professional development and stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. Each of these milestones reflects Spector’s forward-thinking vision and positive impact on the industry. “Rob’s unwavering commitment to collaboration, education and community service embodies the very spirit of this honor,” says Paul Wieleba, chair of the PPPC National Board, owner of {WE} Promotional Advertising and the host of this year’s PPPC awards ceremony. “On behalf of the PPPC National Board, it’s my privilege to congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and to thank him for his valuable contributions to our industry.” Williamson Batuszkin is PPPC’s marketing and communications manager. Rob Spector Inducted Into PPPC Hall Of Fame The chairman of Spector & Co. has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, innovation and decades-long commitment to advancing the Canadian promotional products industry. By Margaret Williamson Batuszkin
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