Behind the List: How Three Distributors Made the PPAI Top 100

Mark is the co-founder of commonsku, a business software application designed specifically for the promotional products industry. Mark is one of the founding chefs of PromoKitchen and is the host of the popular PromoKitchen podcast where he interviews industry thought leaders as well as business luminaries such as Seth Godin and Dan Pink. Recognized with multiple honors in the industry, including ASI's Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year, ASI’s Hot List, and PPAI’s Rising Stars, Mark has been featured in several major media publications (PPB, Counselor Magazine, Stitches, and Advantages). An innovative leader, Mark frequently mentors promotional entrepreneurs through writing, speaking, and training, and shares his technology expertise with promotional professionals across North America (PPAI Expo, ASI Chicago, ASI San Diego, PPPC, MAPPA, SPPA, Promo East, Partnering Group, NALC, ASI Power Summit).

→ Mark Graham on LinkedIn

Sandy Gonzalez is, simply put, unstoppable. As the CEO of MadeToOrder, the California-based promotional products powerhouse, Sandy has spent nearly four decades proving that grit, heart, and hustle can move mountains in our industry. She guided her $20+ million company through the turbulence of a global pandemic, was honored as Counselor's 2021 Woman of Distinction, and in 2024, led a transformative merger. Sandy is also a passionate mentor, fiercely dedicated to shaping the next generation of sales leaders. A commonsku partner since 2020, MadeToOrder has been a familiar and celebrated name on the PPAI Top 100 list, and this year, landing at #55, we could not be more proud. We had the joy of hearing her brilliant insights at skucon 2025, and we are beyond excited to have her back for this panel discussion.

→ Sandy Gonzalez on LinkedIn

Michael Wolaver's journey to the top of the promotional products industry is the kind of story that reminds you just how far passion and perseverance can take you. A Marquette University Political Science grad with an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Michael spent his early career in purchasing and management roles at two Fortune 500 companies before making a courageous leap into sales in 2004. Michael planted his roots in Milwaukee and eventually founded Magellan Promotions, building it from the ground up into one of the most respected distributorships in the country. A commonsku partner since 2020, Michael has grown Magellan with remarkable consistency, even mastering the 4-day work week while delivering 20% growth, a story he brought to life on a 2025 commonsku webinar hosted by Bobby. skucamp Nashville 2024 attendees already know the brilliance he brings to a room. And now, we are thrilled beyond words to celebrate his first-ever PPAI Top 100 ranking at #96. This is a HUGE milestone, and Michael, we could not be more proud to cheer you on. The captain is just getting started.

→ Michael Wolaver on LinkedIn

Robert Fiveash, President and Co-Founder of Brand Fuel, has been with commonsku since day one, literally, as our very first customer in 2011. Over a decade later, our admiration and gratitude for him has only grown. Robert co-founded Brand Fuel in 1998 after four years as a stockbroker where he built a reputation for tailoring financial strategies to the unique needs of each client. That same thoughtful, people-first approach has defined Brand Fuel ever since. A William & Mary MBA with a concentration in finance and marketing, Robert has layered deep business expertise onto a genuine passion for this industry and its people. He has served as President of PromoKitchen, contributed meaningfully to the $350 million Reciprocity Road partnership, and brought his voice, quite literally, to Public Radio's daily stock market commentary. None of that is surprising when you know Robert, because he is the kind of person who shows up fully, every single time. A proud and perennial PPAI Top 100 honoree, Brand Fuel is ranked #42 this year, and we at commonsku are beaming with pride. Having him on this panel is a full-circle, heart-full moment for us. Robert, from your first day as a commonsku customer to today, thank you for being you!

→ Robert Fiveash on LinkedIn