Key Takeaways
• Promo industry veteran Rob Ross has been appointed CEO of Creative Solutions (asi/170769), marking the first time the second-generation family-owned distributor has placed a nonfamily executive in the top leadership role.
• Ross brings more than 37 years of industry experience to the role, most recently serving as executive director of The Legacy Group.
Rob Ross is adding CEO to his resume.
The promo industry veteran is taking on the top role at second-generation family-owned promo distributor Creative Solutions (asi/170769). The appointment marks the Morganville, NJ-based company’s first CEO appointment outside the family, a decision Ross says was fueled by the company’s rapid growth.
Creative Solutions was founded in 1990 by Debbie Harkavy, who had a vision to deliver highly creative concepts and cultivate relationships built on trust, creative freedom and collaborative spirit, according to the company’s website. Harkavy, who still holds the role of president, has since passed down company ownership to daughters Lorin Ogawa and Marissa Carlino, who hold the titles of “chief swag officer” and “chief merch officer,” respectively.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Rob as we begin this next chapter in our company’s journey,” said Ogawa and Carlino in a joint statement. “With more than 37 years of industry experience, he brings an exceptional depth of knowledge, an outstanding reputation and a proven track record of leadership. His dynamic approach, creative vision and ability to inspire those around him make him the ideal person to lead us into the next generation of Creative Solutions. We have tremendous confidence in his vision and are excited for the innovation, growth and opportunities that lie ahead under his leadership.”
Ross, for his part, was drawn to Creative Solutions after meeting the owners.
“Meeting with them and understanding their passion and their drive for success really got me excited,” said Ross. “They’re pretty unbelievable individuals, but in regard to their ability to sell and their ability to generate new opportunities, they’re amazing.”
Prior to joining the Creative Solutions team, Ross was the executive director of The Legacy Group, a buying group composed of nine North American promo companies: Concepts & Associates (asi/166235), Concord Marketing Solutions (asi/166445) and Clayton Kendall (asi/162968), Counselor Top 40 distributor Eagle Promotions (asi/185320), Genumark (asi/204588), JMA (asi/234950), Mercury (asi/267770), The Brandit Agency (asi/145139), Counselor Top 40 distributor Promo Shop (asi/300446) and Thumbprint (asi/305623).
Before that, Ross held various C-level and vice president positions across the promotional products industry, including serving as president of Helm Promotions (asi/223630), chief operating officer of Target Marketing (asi/341691) and VP of international purchasing and global supply chain management at Counselor Top 40 distributor HALO (asi/356000).
With more than $33 million in sales, Ross believes Creative Solutions is one of the “best-kept secrets” in the industry. “And with additional exposure,” he added, “I think that they have an opportunity to really grow and expand exponentially.”
