Adventures In Advertising (AIA), based in Neenah, Wis., announced it hired industry veteran Kirk Ross, CAS, as business development sales manager. In this new role, Ross will be a key member of the AIA team focused on achieving the company’s growth plans by continuing to build a network of top independent distributors.
Most recently, Ross was national sales manager for Chanhassen, Minnesota-based Business Impact Group, where he worked with a team of seven national sales executives and fourteen account managers. Additionally, he managed large national accounts and also worked closely with preferred suppliers.
From 2005 to 2009, he was vice president of Midwest sales at Buffalo, New York-based Starline USA. He previously spent two years as vice president of sales for Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based Aloe Up. He also progressed through the leadership ranks at Awardcraft, beginning tenure as a graphic designer and eventually leading a team of 28 multiline reps as a national sales manager.
Ross received his bachelor of arts degree in commercial graphics and design from Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota, and has continued his education in business management at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Within the industry, Ross has been active with the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products (UMAPP), serving on the membership committee in 2006.
“Kirk’s vast industry experience on both the distributor and supplier sides of the business gives him a unique perspective that will benefit AIA in numerous ways,” said Rebecca Kollmann, MAS, AIA director of business development. “Our 2010 growth plan includes continuing to add owners selectively to ensure their success while maintaining the high level of support for which AIA is known, and Kirk will play an integral role in both aspects.”
About AIA:
Neenah, Wisconsin-based Adventures in Advertising offers a promotional consulting opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to grow an independent business while being backed by extensive support resources. Founded in 1981, the company began offering franchises in 1994. Today, its network has grown to more than 300 promotional consultants that help corporations and businesses develop marketing and advertising programs, select promotional products from top brands and build integrated marketing solutions.
For more information on AIA, visit www.aiagearedforgrowth.com.
