Paul M. Lage

Paul M. Lage, president and CEO of Gill Studios Inc., Lenexa, Kan., shares his thoughts on the industry, and explains how his company is staying relevant.

Promo Marketing, a sister publication of Print Professional, has compiled a new Top 50 Suppliers ranking. Despite stricter regulations on the safety and sales of promotional products, 2010 and the first half of 2011 have shown a sales resurgence in the industry. The returning fiscal strength of the industry is evident from the list, which is based on revenue numbers from 2010. Overall, the top 50 suppliers raked in more than $500 million more than they did in 2009. These companies have increased their margins, upped the interest in their products and committed themselves to making it through the financial crises stronger than before, and they are being rewarded for it.

On April 14, Lenexa, Kansas-based Gill Studios announced several position changes in its senior management. Its current president, Tom P. Carrico, will be retiring as of May 3. He will remain with the company in an advisory role for a portion of 2010. Paul M. Lage, former president and CEO of Norwood Promotional Products, will replace Carrico as the new president and CEO of Gill Studios.