Every year, Print+Promo releases its 2017 Top 50 Distributors list. To give you some insight into what it takes to make it to the top, we spoke to Ross Silverstein, CEO and president of iPROMOTEu, No. 5 on the list.
What were your company’s biggest accomplishments over the last year?
Ross Silverstein: First, our relationships. We strengthened our connections and business relationships with our affiliates and our preferred vendors. Second, growth. We grew our affiliate network, our top-line revenue and our profits.
What goals do you have for your business in 2018 and beyond?
RS: Same as above, same as every year—[we want] stronger relationships with our key constituencies, and continued growth in all key areas. Plus, [we’re planning] enhanced technology offerings to our affiliates.
How must distributors adapt to stay relevant in a mature industry?
RS: Work hard at maintaining and establishing existing and new relationships. Take advantage of technology, and seek out financial or business service providers to lighten your load and free you up so you can sell more. Read and heed the lessons from the best-selling business book “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson.
How do you make tough choices in your organization?
RS: In the words of the famous former chairman of General Electric, Jack Welch, I consider all of the relevant information available to me, and then I go with my gut. Also, I think long and hard about the options, considering the pros and the cons and taking into account financial and other important considerations. I also consult with others, both inside and outside of the organization, whose experience is relevant and whose intelligence and opinions I respect.
What is the best book you’ve read recently?
RS: “Sting Like a Bee: Muhammad Ali vs. the United States of America, 1966-1971” by Leigh Montville.
To hear what other leading distributors had to say, check out our 2017 Top 50 Distributors list—complete with bonus information like an in-depth analysis and top 10 rankings for four leading product categories.
Elise Hacking Carr is senior production editor for Print & Promo Marketing magazine, and managing editor for PRINTING United Journal.