PPAI Top 100 New Ranking

05.29.2025 | News, Featured Homepage, Events, Custom Products, Swag, Engagement, Why Stran, 2025

Each year, the PPAI Top 100 rankings spotlight the distributors and suppliers making the biggest impact in the promotional merchandise industry—and we’re proud to say that Stran is climbing fast.

In 2023, we landed at #24. In 2024, we cracked the top 20. And now, for 2025, we’re delighted to share that Stran has jumped to #12 on the PPAI Top 100 Distributor List. It’s a big win, and a reflection of the intentional work our team puts in every day to deliver smarter, more strategic merchandise solutions for our clients.

But what exactly is the PPAI 100? And how are these rankings decided?

Let’s take a closer look.

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Stran Promotional Solutions was ranked #12 on the 2025 PPAI Top 100 Distributor List.

What Is the PPAI Top 100 List?

The PPAI Top 100 is an annual ranking released by the Promotional Products Association International. It includes two lists: the top 100 promotional products distributors and the top 100 suppliers across the $26 billion merchandise industry.

With over 30,000 distributors and 6,000 suppliers operating in a $26 billion industry, the PPAI 100 is designed to recognize companies that are driving innovation, raising the bar, and helping shape the future of branded merchandise.

It’s not just a revenue race. PPAI created the list to offer a holistic look at industry leadership, factoring in everything from company culture to digital transformation.

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Stran Promotional Solutions CEO Andy Shape speaks to the crowd at the 2024 Women's Leadership Cocktail Hour and Panel Discussion at our annual Open House in Quincy, MA. The PPAI Top 100 Distributor Rankings account for many factors of a business profile, including DEI and professional development initiatives.

How Are the Rankings Determined?

Unlike traditional lists based solely on revenue, the PPAI 100 uses a 500-point scoring system across eight categories to assess each company’s performance and contribution to the industry:

Previous Year Revenue
Revenue Trends (percentage growth or decline)
Industry Faith (SAGE rankings for suppliers, credit ratings for distributors)
Professional Development (CAS, MAS, MAS+ certifications)
Responsibility (sustainability, DEI, product safety initiatives)
Innovation (adaptation to modern tools and digital transformation)
Employee Happiness (best place to work recognition)
Online Presence (measured through SEMrush metrics)

Launched in 2023, the PPAI 100 list is already considered a benchmark for excellence across the promotional products industry. It highlights companies that aren’t just growing, but growing the right way; with purpose, creativity, and care.

Stran’s Journey Up the Rankings

2023 – Ranked #24

Our first appearance on the list came on the heels of our 2022 acquisition of GAP Promo, Trend Brand Solutions, and Premier Business Services. These strategic acquisitions expanded our geographic regions to the north shore of the Massachusetts coastline, the southern United States, and into New York City. Through this expansion we were able to integrate new talent into our team, bring on new clients, and continue to scale our offerings.

2024 – ranked #20

2023 was a banner year for Stran. Our Q1 revenue report showed nearly 30% increase over 2022, and we hit $76M in sales, with an overall 28.7% year-over-year increase. We continued scaling with our fourth acquisition in under two years, bringing the T.R. Miller team into the Stran fold. This strategic growth decision gave Stran access to new client relationships, an existing warehouse facility in Walpole, MA, and new talent for our sales and operations teams.

In addition to these record numbers and strategic growth initiatives, we secured a multi-year contract with a national medical group. In 2023 our company was recognized not just for growth, but for meaningful and strategic expansion.

2025 – ranked #12

In 2024, we made our biggest acquisition to date, bringing Gander Group into the Stran family and positioning ourselves for even greater reach and capability. This acquisition was strategically unique for our historic trajectory; the Gander Group services complement Stran's already robust suite of offerings, which allows both Stran and Gander Group to expand to new markets and new customers. Gander historically has worked in the casino and gambling space, which is an industry that is relatively untouched for Stran's programs. By integrating where the two companies overlap and expanding in the areas we do not, both brands have been able to adapt and scale their offerings to better serve our clients.

A second major initiative of 2024 was the launch of NetSuite, a major ERP upgrade years in the making. This technology implementation has been an essential step in streamlining our processes and creating more automations within our systems, freeing up our team's capacity to directly connect with customers and secure new business.

Operationally and culturally, it was a year of big moves—and the jump to #12 shows it.

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What’s Next for Stran and PPAI

We’re elated about our new rank on the PPAI 100 list, and we’re not slowing down.

This year, we’re relocating our headquarters in Quincy, MA, a move that reflects our investment in both people and process. We’re also deepening our integration with Gander, attending top industry events like PPAI Expo, and continuing to collaborate with PPAI on professional development and industry insights.

Most importantly, we’re doubling down on what we do best: showing brands how to build real connection through merch. As evangelists for physical merchandise, we believe in the lasting power of tangible brand experiences. Done right, swag isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a growth strategy.

We’re proud of the recognition, but even more excited about what it means for our clients. Because when we grow, so do the possibilities for the brands we support.

FAQ: PPAI Top 100 Distributors

Q: What is the PPAI Top 100 Distributors list?
A: It’s an annual ranking by Promotional Products Association International that highlights the top 100 performing distributors and suppliers in the branded merchandise industry.

Q: How are companies ranked on the PPAI 100?
A: Rankings are based on a 500-point system across categories like revenue growth, innovation, sustainability, employee happiness, and more.

Q: Where does Stran rank on the 2025 PPAI list?
A: Stran is proud to be ranked #12 on the 2025 PPAI Top 100 Distributors list.

Q: How often does the PPAI Top 100 Rankings get released?
A: Promotional Products Association International releases new rankings once per year, usually in the early summer.

Q: How long as the PPAI Top 100 been around?
A: PPAI created its first Top 100 list in 2023, and has released the list every year since.