The Coolest People In Merch PEOPLE WITHIN THE branded merch industry tend to have trouble describing it to outsiders. It can’t be done with a quick sentence or two, and that's usually attributed to the diversity of products, but it’s not quite even that simple. It’s the people. You don’t have to be a “type of person” to find yourself in this industry, and you certainly don’t have to come from any certain background or look at things any which way to be accepted into the fold. Everyone seems to be interested in the newest product, and they’re willing to meet a new, interesting person along the way. Each year we must preface this section by stating that the pages of PPAI Magazine would be overflowing with a list of all the coolest people in branded merch, but below are a few examples of promo pros who bring interesting backgrounds, fun hobbies and unique perspectives to the industry. Coolest Former Punk Rocker A real punk rocker never really loses that punk spirit. Ryan Moor, co-founder of supplier Allmade, came up as a kid in a pop punk band called Not Long After that spent five years grinding out tours and recording albums from 1999-2004. Most entrepreneurs turn their nose up at punks, but the smart ones know that there is no DIY scene more resourceful than a bunch of determined kids throwing together basement shows, putting up flyers and maintaining all the logistics required to keep the passion going. Now, Moor has maintained his passion by focusing on responsible practices within the branded merch industry. He also holds an apparel conference, ThreadX, at the late Robert Redford’s ranch, Sundance, every year. How cool is that? Coolest Puppet Pal And Celebrity To Your Child Move over Miss Rachel! Well, actually, Mandi Rudd, director of new markets at Genumark, PPAI’s No. 47 distributor, would probably tell you that Kikabou – the children’s learning video channel she hosts on YouTube – encourages inclusivity and enough room for everyone. So, no one has to move over! What exactly is Kikabou? It follows the STEAM learning system for preschoolers (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics). Mandi hosts the videos with the help of her two puppet friends, Kiki and Bouba, and they help kids have fun with concepts like Earth stewardship. Coolest Baton Passer (And Twirler) Amy Williams, founder of AB Unlimited, was a national collegiate baton twirling champion at UCLA, a skill that is generally mesmerizing to watch for those of us who can barely carry two plates and a glass of water at once. When Williams finished her twirling career, she looked back and helped the athletes that came after her in a sport that doesn’t get a lot of formalized structure. She helped restructure the World Federation of National Baton Twirling Associations and co-founded the International Baton Twirling Federation, helping twirlers form a union and represent themselves. Williams has also given a TED Talk about overcoming Tourette syndrome and how baton twirling was the first step in that process, leading to other successes, both personal and professional. 40 • APRIL 2026 • PPAI Must Read | The Coolest Stuff in Merch
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