2018 Top 50 Distributors: iPROMOTEu Expands On Its "Best Year Ever"

Each year, Print+Promo compiles the Top 50 distributors into one comprehensive list. Our top earners for 2018 have implemented traditional cornerstones of business success to keep their firms healthy, but, more importantly, they understand that even the fanciest digital inkjet press or e-commerce system can't replace the value of relationships. These distributorships have long abandoned the concept of "product peddler," instead opting for open communication styles grounded in the best interests of their customers. We asked executives from six of our top distributors to talk about their recent accomplishments, future goals and ways they clear their mind. Here is an excerpt from our discussion with No. 5-ranked iPROMOTEu.

Ross Silverstein, CEO and president, iPROMOTEu

What was your company’s biggest accomplishment over the last year?

Ross Silverstein: iPROMOTEu is experiencing its best year ever in 2018. The number of new affiliates and the average annual sales volume of these new affiliates are the highest they have been in years. The company’s top-line sales and bottom-line profits are the best they have ever been. For this, I have our experienced and creative affiliates to thank, as well as our dedicated and hard-working professional staff.

What is your company’s top priority for 2019?

RS: [We intend to] continue to make the iPROMOTEu platform better for our network of 650-plus experienced independent distributor affiliates through, among other things, more robust and sophisticated technology enhancements, more creative and effective marketing tools and more back-office support.

What do you see as your greatest challenge as iPROMOTEu’s leader both today and moving forward? How do you intend to overcome these obstacles?

RS: [My greatest challenges are] finding and hiring additional great individuals to join our already terrific staff. [We want to] continue to be the best company we can be and maintain our reputation as one of the best distributor organizations in the industry.

How would you describe your leadership style?

RS: [I’d say I’m a] charismatic pacesetter.

With all the stress that the modern business world brings, how do you decompress from work?

RS: I’ve been boxing for approximately 10 years. Getting in the ring to spar or for mitt-work is a great break from work stress.

Is there anything you would like to add to give our readers a better sense of your business approach and the industry at large?

RS: iPROMOTEu continues to be the best economic and lifestyle arrangement available for distributors and salespeople in the promotional products industry. We work hard, we do a good job and our affiliates are happy.

For more in this top distributors profile series, click here to download a free PDF resource containing all six interviews.

View the full 2018 Top 50 Distributors list here, or click here for stats, trends and analysis from the list.