Bright As Ever Drawn from more than 200 nominations across the promotional products industry, this year’s PPAI Rising Stars exemplify ambition, creativity and the leadership that will define promo’s next generation. By Josh Ellis They come from all corners of the promotional products world – distributors, suppliers and business service firms of every size – but they share one thing in common: a relentless drive to lead, innovate and lift others as they rise. Each year, PPAI Media searches the industry for its brightest emerging leaders, and in 2025, more than 200 nominations poured in. From this impressive field, 12 young professionals stood out for their achievements, their commitment to their communities and their unmistakable potential to shape what comes next. Since the program’s creation in 2010, PPAI Rising Stars have embodied the qualities that keep the industry moving forward: leadership, creativity, volunteerism and the courage to take on new challenges. For the second year, eligibility was limited to professionals under age 40 – a nod to the program’s mission of spotlighting the next generation of visionaries charting the industry’s future. The 2025 honorees were celebrated in October at PPAI’s Leadership Development Conference in Texas, where they joined peers for a young professionals educational track designed to sharpen their skills and expand their influence. It was a fitting setting – a space dedicated to learning, connection and growth – for a group that represents the best of what’s ahead. Several of this year’s Rising Stars were nominated multiple times by colleagues and mentors who see their impact firsthand. Their stories reflect an industry in constant evolution, one that thrives on fresh ideas and fearless leadership. Read on to meet the 2025 class of PPAI Rising Stars. Their light is already shining, and their future promises to illuminate the path for everyone in promo. H H H PPAI • DECEMBER 2025 • 39 Rising Stars | Must Read
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==