Every year, Promo Marketing releases its Top 50 Distributors list. To give you some insight into what it takes to make it to the top, we spoke to Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint, No. 1 on the list.
Promo Marketing: What led to your company’s success in 2016?
Kevin Lyons-Tarr: Our folks, in partnership with our fantastic supplier partners, did a great job of taking good care of our customers and executing against our strategic plan.
PM: What goals do you have for 4imprint for 2017 and beyond?
KL: We look to continue to grow the business by staying focused on offering our customers what they need to achieve their objectives. When they’re successful, we’re successful.
PM: Besides sales numbers, what makes your company a Top Distributor?
KL: Our people. The sales numbers are a byproduct of the hard work they put in and the care they take to try and do things the right way.
PM: How can distributors stay relevant in the industry?
KL: Stay close to your customers—they’re making the decision about what’s relevant!
PM: How was the industry evolved since you started? What do you think the future will entail?
KL: Thanks to technology and demographic shifts, every industry is changing—and ours is no different. In many ways the speed with which things change is itself the biggest challenge.
PM: What’s one trait of 4imprint that you think has made it such a success, and why do you think it’s had such an impact?
KL: Building the best possible team, and being clear about what we’re trying to accomplish.
PM: What’s the one thing you know now you wish you’d have known when you started in the promo industry?
KL: I’m not sure I can point to a single thing. I still learn something new every day!
