#United States #Chicago #Advertising Specialty Institute #Counselor Awards #Justin Zavadil

ASI Announces 2025 Counselor Awards Honoring Promotional Products Industry Leaders

The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI), a premier authority within the expansive $26.6 billion promotional products sector, has recently revealed the esteemed winners of the 2025 Counselor Awards. These awards serve to acknowledge the most groundbreaking and influential figures, entrepreneurs, and companies that are actively shaping the future of branded merchandise.

Highlighted Awardees and Ceremony Details

The award ceremony took place at the McCormick Place Convention Center, coinciding with the 26th annual ASI Show Chicago, renowned as the Midwest's largest trade event specifically for promotional products. The selection process for the Counselor Award recipients involves nominations from peers in the industry and a decision made by ASI's dedicated editorial team.

Counselor Person of the Year

Among the noteworthy recipients, Justin Zavadil, the President of American Solutions for Business (ASB), has been honored with the title of Counselor Person of the Year. His transformative leadership since taking charge in 2017 has led to significant expansions of ASB into new markets, strategic acquisitions, and the fostering of an employee-owned culture. Zavadil's innovative emphasis on e-commerce and operational advancements has contributed to ASB being one of the industry's fastest-growing large distributors.

"Justin brings fresh thinking and a future-focused mindset to every decision," praised Timothy M. Andrews, ASI's President and CEO. "His commitment to shared success through ASB's employee stock ownership model makes him a standout leader in the promotional products space."

International Recognition and More

Additionally, the award for Counselor International Person of the Year went to Carleen Gray, CEO of STAHLS’. She earned recognition for her global leadership in decoration and on-demand technology, marking her as a crucial figure in the industry's international landscape.

The awards ceremony also unveiled the 2025 Counselor Top 40 rankings, showcasing the largest companies in the sector based on revenue. Highlights from this list include:

• - 4imprint retained its position as the top distributor, reporting $1.34 billion in sales.
• - SanMar topped supplier rankings with estimated revenues of $3.8 billion.
• - Notably, 20% of the top 40 firms achieved impressive double-digit growth.

Insights from the Award Winners

The success stories of these winners will be prominently featured in the upcoming State of the Industry issue of Counselor magazine, which will provide exclusive insights and a data-driven analysis of the promotional products market. The ASI serves a vast network comprising 25,000 suppliers, distributors, and decorators within the promotional products sphere, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

In conclusion, the 2025 Counselor Awards not only celebrate outstanding individual contributions and corporate success but also reflect the ongoing innovation and strategic growth occurring within the promotional products realm. For those interested in staying informed about the latest trends, developments, and insights in the industry, visits to ASI’s resources and networks are invaluable.

For more details, check out the complete list of 2025 Counselor Award winners, including profiles and images at asicentral.com.

About ASI

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI®) is instrumental in promoting and advancing the promotional products industry, with a strong emphasis on connecting suppliers and distributors effectively. For more information, visit their official website for comprehensive coverage and resources on promotional products.