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# Promo Consulting, LLC

Promo Consulting, LLC

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://promoconsulting.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [40% Margins are Attainable. Here's the Proof.](https://promoconsulting.com/40-margins-are-attainable-heres-the-proof/) - I've written about gross margins before, and it remains one of the biggest opportunities I see for promotional products distributors to improve profitability and business value. There is a common belief that a 40% gross margin is "unattainable", "too high", or "we'll lose business". That maybe 34%–36% is a more realistic number for a distributor,
- [Show Me the (Store) Money](https://promoconsulting.com/show-me-the-store-money/) - Everyone is selling company stores these days. The technology has become more affordable. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers specializing in the promotional products industry have made fulfillment easier than ever. Suppliers continue to expand their capabilities, and end users increasingly expect online stores as part of a distributor’s service offering. From the outside, it looks like
- [Exit Without Selling](https://promoconsulting.com/exit-without-selling/) - Can't afford to retire, but want to work less? This strategy may be for you. Congratulations to Dave Watson, who after more than 25 years building Custom Advertising, recently hired us to sell his business. The transaction closed on April 30th and allows Dave to begin the next chapter of retirement. Booker Promo Acquires Custom
- [Owners Benefit from Coaching Too](https://promoconsulting.com/1209-2/) - The results are in - sales reps aren't the only ones who benefit from consistent coaching. If we could just train our sales reps, and then they could sustain high levels of consistent performance, we wouldn’t need to hire Sales Managers, we would just need Trainers. But the reality is that reps are human –
- [Is your Finance Team Ready for an Upgrade?](https://promoconsulting.com/is-your-finance-team-ready-for-an-upgrade/) - In the last year, our Fractional CFO team has worked with six distributors that came to us on the verge of bankruptcy and you might be surprised to learn that all would likely be considered “successful” with annual sales that averaged over $5 million. All had reached a situation where they were about to run
- [You're Busy, But Are You In Control](https://promoconsulting.com/youre-busy-but-are-you-in-control/) - For many promotional products distributors, the numbers are the last thing that gets attention. And for sales focused owners, they are often misunderstood and a source of anxiety. You're not alone if you're operating reactively. One week it's a surprise tax bill, the next it's a client squeezing your margins, and somewhere in between, you're
- [Improve Profitability With Compensation Alignment](https://promoconsulting.com/improve-profitability-with-compensation-alignment/) - In a recent article on growing margins, I discussed the “Danger Zone” of small orders with low margins as these are money-losing orders for distributors. For most distributors, sales rep compensation plans reward reps for all sales regardless of company profitability. This disconnect between what’s good for the company and what’s good for the
- [Tips to Grow Sales Now](https://promoconsulting.com/tips-to-grow-sales-now/) - Many distributors continue to struggle as year-to-date industry sales remain down from last year. Basically, they need to get sales growing NOW and don’t have time to wait for a long term plan to deliver better results. Lots of distributors have been reaching out to our consulting practice to ask about marketing software, lead generation
- [2026 Success = Planning AND Execution](https://promoconsulting.com/2026-success-planning-and-execution/) - Last month I wrote about planning for success and how distributor owners would benefit from looking forward using tools such as a business plan template and budget. While reviewing 2025 results with clients, one clear trend has emerged that indicates why some distributors are consistently doing much better than the industry average when it comes
- [Business Plan Template](https://promoconsulting.com/business-plan-template/) - Planning for success is an important part of growing a successful business. Use this simple plan to get focused and hold your team accountable.
- [TOGA Account Growth Planning](https://promoconsulting.com/toga-account-growth-planning/) - Want to help your sales team grow existing accounts more strategically? This downloadable tool is designed to help distributors identify high-potential clients and take targeted action. Start by asking each sales rep to list their top five TOGA clients—those with the greatest opportunity for growth. Then, use the framework inside to create a customized approach
- [Why a Fractional CFO Might Be the Missing Piece for Your Business](https://promoconsulting.com/why-a-fractional-cfo-might-be-the-missing-piece-for-your-business/) - Let's face it: most distributors didn't get into this business because they love spreadsheets. You're in it for the relationships, the creativity, and the thrill of building something on your terms. But as your distributorship grows, so does the complexity of managing it. And sooner or later, the financial side starts to feel, well, overwhelming.
- [2% Solution to Grow Profit Margins](https://promoconsulting.com/2-solution-to-grow-profit-margins/) - Average distributor gross profit margins (GPM) range between 34% - 36%, but I work with many distributors that average 40% - 45%. So, what is their secret and how can you raise your margins? It mostly comes down to the mindset of the distributor owner that they have passed on to the sales team. If it’s embedded in your sales culture to get 35% margins, then that is what you will get. The good news is that changing this mindset is not difficult and the benefits include an immediate and long-term increase in profitability.
- [Recession? Tips for Growth Despite the Economy](https://promoconsulting.com/recession-tips-for-growth-despite-the-economy/) - When it comes to the next recession, it’s only a matter of when, not if – so let’s get prepared. The promo industry has reported declining sales for Q1, although we see lots of distributors still growing, especially larger companies. Here are some tips for distributors to keep growing sales and even profits regardless of tariffs, economy, and recession concerns.

## Pages

- [Home](https://promoconsulting.com/) - Promo Consulting specializes in business consulting for distributors in the promotional products industry. Discover how our expert strategic consulting, fractional CFO and business broker services can you scale your business.
- [Case Studies](https://promoconsulting.com/case-studies/) - See real-world results from Promo Consulting’s business valuation and consulting services for branded merch businesses. Learn how we help clients grow and transition successfully.
- [Resources](https://promoconsulting.com/resources/) - Our team of strategy consultants for promotional product businesses has curated a collection of top resources tailored specifically for branded merch companies.
- [Affiliate Partners](https://promoconsulting.com/affiliate-partners/) - Explore Promo Consulting’s network of affiliate partners supporting the promotional products industry. Strategic alliances that add value to your business.
- [Contact Us](https://promoconsulting.com/contact-us/) - Get in touch with Promo Consulting to learn how our strategy consulting, fractional CFO and M&A services can help your promotional product business grow and thrive.
- [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://promoconsulting.com/services/mergers-acquisitions/) - Looking to buy, sell, or value a promotional product business? Promo Consulting offers expert M&A support and business valuation for distributors.
- [About Us](https://promoconsulting.com/about-us/) - Led by industry expert Randy Conley, Promo Consulting provides trusted business consulting for distributors and promotional product businesses. Learn more about the team here.
- [Process](https://promoconsulting.com/services/fractional-cfo/process/) - Streamline your finances with a Fractional CFO for promo product businesses. Promo Consulting helps distributors gain clarity, control, and confidence with expert CFO support.
- [Fractional CFO](https://promoconsulting.com/services/fractional-cfo/) - Gain financial clarity and control over your branded merch business with our Fractional CFO services for distributors. Expert financial leadership without the full-time cost.
- [Strategic Consulting](https://promoconsulting.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - Our strategic consulting services help promotional product distributors build more profitable businesses. Partner with us for tailored solutions and industry expertise.
- [Results](https://promoconsulting.com/results/) - See the impact of strategic consulting for branded merch distributors. Discover real results from Promo Consulting’s proven approach to growth and profitability.
- [Case Studies - Delta](https://promoconsulting.com/case-studies-delta/) - View the case studies of happy clients from Promo Consulting, promotional products consultant based in Colorado and serving the US.
- [Process](https://promoconsulting.com/services/strategic-consulting/process/) - Unlock growth with expert business consulting for promo product and branded merch distributors. Promo Consulting provides strategic consulting to help you scale with confidence and direction.
- [Testimonials](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonials/) - Hear from branded merch businesses who’ve worked with Promo Consulting on strategic growth. Discover how our consulting services have transformed promotional product businesses.
- [Discussion Topics](https://promoconsulting.com/discussion-topics/) - Learn about Promo Consulting’s discussion topics when consulting with branded merchandizing businesses to be more profitable and efficient.
- [Services](https://promoconsulting.com/services/) - Our strategic consulting services help promotional product distributors build stronger, more profitable businesses. Partner with Promo Consulting for tailored solutions and industry expertise.

## Team Member

- [Alexis Aubry](https://promoconsulting.com/team_member/alexis-aubry/) - In addition to business consulting, Alexis is running the Fractional CFO services offered by Promo Consulting and is a 15-year promotional products industry veteran. She spent 4 years as Controller of a Facilisgroup Distributor Partner and the last 11 years at Facilisgroup working with distributors to transform their businesses and scale profitably. During her time
- [Jennifer Paquette](https://promoconsulting.com/team_member/jennifer-paquette/) - Jennifer is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in the promotional industry. As Operations Manager for a Facilisgroup Distributor Partner, Jen oversaw customer service, production, and accounting. Jen then leveraged her technology, accounting, and industry experience, working for the next 15 years in the product team at Facilisgroup to help build it’s
- [Randy Conley](https://promoconsulting.com/team_member/randy-conley/) - I’ve been in your shoes and have been through all the challenges you are facing with lots of success and some failure along the way. I started in sales then built my own successful distributorship. I moved to consulting then had a great 13-year run helping Facilisgroup grow from early stages to a public company. Along
- [Ron Baellow](https://promoconsulting.com/team_member/ron-baellow/) - Ron Baellow is a familiar face and valued consultant in the promotional products industry. While building his own distributorship into a 17-employee award-winning business, Ron also became a leader and advisor to business owners throughout the country. While strategically helping distributor owners improve sales, profitability, team cohesiveness, and personal growth, Ron also worked with business

## Testimonial

- [Steve Pons](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/steve-pons/) - Just as top athletes rely on specialized coaches to refine their mechanics, uncover blind spots, and push them to peak performance, a growing business needs expert eyes to ensure it is operating at its absolute best. That is exactly why we engaged Promo Consulting. We asked their Fractional CFO team to conduct a comprehensive review
- [Black Rock Branding](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/926-2/) - Hiring Promo Consulting saved my company. When BRB was drowning in chaos, broken systems, and financial confusion, Randy and Alexis stepped in and uncovered the truth. They rebuilt our processes from the ground up and guided me through some of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. Today, our business is healthier, stronger, and
- [Nunzi's Advertising](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/926/) - Working with Ron at Promo Consulting has been a game-changer for our company. His expertise has helped us achieve significant strategic milestones, including developing a thorough hiring and training process, evaluating in-house production, and implementing effective time management and SMART goal-setting strategies. Beyond that, Ron has been a trusted sounding board, offering valuable insights and
- [Paula Wygonik](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/paula-wygonik/) - Randy and Jen are AMAZING! We had a senior finance professional out unexpectedly on leave and Jen was able to come in to ensure we were able to manage essential CFO finance functions. During her interim CFO service, she also conducted an insightful process review for us to review and consider for future process improvements
- [Joseph Ausband](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/joseph-ausband-2/) - Working with Promo Consulting has been one of the best decisions we have made as a company. The engagement began with an in-person 2-day meeting where we took a deep dive into our entire business and went through the good and the bad about our current operations. During this time, they helped us understand and
- [Blake Hardin](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/blake-hardin/) - We worked with Promo Consulting for most of 2024 which has proven to be an excellent investment of our time and money. Annual sales are up 20%, GPM has grown to 40% and we are headed into 2025 with a written business plan and budget. Our sales team has been restructured to include a dedicated
- [Joann Whitcher](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/joann-whitcher/) - Jen has been such a joy to work with! Her personal, easy-going attitude made everything feel effortless, and her expertise through her FCFO service was invaluable. We couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend her and Promo Consulting to anyone looking for top-notch support. Thank you, Jen!
- [Paul Bower](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/913/) - Randy and his team at Promo Consulting were an invaluable resource throughout our first acquisition. Their deep industry knowledge and hands-on approach provided critical support at every stage—from determining a precise valuation to guiding us through the intricacies of due diligence and developing a seamless transition plan. Randy’s expertise not only saved us a tremendous
- [Trish Glazer](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/trish-glazer/) - On the eve of closing this amazing deal you have structured I just want to thank you. Thank you for your brilliance and your problem solving skills. Thank you for your smart negotiations and suggestions. I so appreciated your patience with me and with the buyers team – how you walked me through my questions
- [Michael Rowe](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/michael-rowe/) - We thought our finance department was in good shape and didn’t really think we needed this service. But why not do it? It’s inexpensive to get an industry expert’s review and at the worst, we would confirm that we are in a great place. While the Promo Consulting Exploratory Review confirmed we were “better than
- [Scott Dunstan](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/scott-dunstan/) - We knew we needed help in this area but weren’t sure where to go. Our CPA doesn’t really know our industry and doesn’t know Syncore at all. Our bookkeeper is great, although we weren’t receiving month ends properly, so I couldn't trust my financial statements. After hiring Promo Consulting to help us with growth strategies,
- [Neil Kalnitz](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/neil-kalnitz/) - The Promo Consulting team did a phenomenal job. We were worried about our finance team's egos when bringing in an outside consultant, but they handled this in a professional manner and quickly developed a friendly rapport with our team, which positioned them as someone who could help. The report they provided was comprehensive and clearly
- [David Houston, Delta Marketing Group](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/david-houston-delta-marketing-group/) - Randy provided us with the proper guidance at the right time, using his vast experience to help us focus and naturally recognize what our bandwidth was not to overwhelm us so we could implement changes to our organization. His guidance and strategy have structured our agency for long-term success and the confidence that we have
- [Rich Berg](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/rich-berg/) - This consultative approach is all about the Owner’s business needs and opportunities for increased sales and profits.
- [Ken Leslie](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/paul-bower/) - Randy has been instrumental in our business growth. His wealth of knowledge and experience has focused our attention and helped us reorganize in a way that puts us on a path of sustainable, scalable growth in sales and profitability.
- [Joseph Ausband](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/joseph-ausband/) - Randy has been instrumental to our success & focus as an organization.
- [Darlene Blaum](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/darlene-blaum/) - Randy is a professional--he is a good listener with the ability to quickly identify areas of opportunity and offer growth-oriented solutions.
- [Shimon Kaminetzky](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/shimon-kaminetzky/) - Randy’s deep and seasoned knowledge of the promo world makes him an invaluable mentor which has enabled us to design a strategic path for continued growth and success.
- [Promospark](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/promospark-2/) - Working with Alexis at Promo Consulting as our Fractional CFO has been transformative for our business.
- [Promospark](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial/promospark/) - Working with Alexis at Promo Consulting as our Fractional CFO has been transformative for our business. Her expertise in financial strategy and keen eye for detail has provided invaluable insights that have guided us through financial decisions with confidence. In addition, her knowledge between Syncore and QuickBooks is unmatched. We had a lot of clean-ups

## Affiliates

- [Prodigy Commerce](https://promoconsulting.com/affiliates/prodigy-commerce/) - Prodigy delivers a powerful, all-in-one eCommerce platform tailored for distributors, supporting every store type, all managed through a single, feature-rich dashboard.

## Call To Actions

- [Affiliate CTA](https://promoconsulting.com/calltoaction/affiliate-cta/) - Learn More Contact Us for an initial discussion and if it seems like you might be a fit, we can connect you with the right person at this affiliate’s firm. Reach out to Learn More
- [Default](https://promoconsulting.com/calltoaction/default/) - Get Started Promo Consulting has the experience to help you get the results you need. Book an introductory call today. Schedule A Consult

## Case Studies

- [Economic Nexus & Sales Tax Issue](https://promoconsulting.com/case-study/economic-nexus-sales-tax-issue/) - 95% of distributors have risk in this area and we now know how the States will find you!
- [$100,000 Commission Accrual Issue](https://promoconsulting.com/case-study/100000-commission-accrual-issue/) - Accruing commissions properly can have a significant impact on your P&L!
- [$300,000 Inventory Accounting Mistake](https://promoconsulting.com/case-study/300000-inventory-accounting-mistake/) - A significant inventory accounting mistake led to the overpayment of tens of thousands of dollars in income tax!
- [Better Systems Equals Increased Sales](https://promoconsulting.com/case-study/better-systems-equals-increased-sales/) - Delta couldn’t manage sales opportunities and scale due to disparate systems and processes, creating friction between management and causing stagnant growth.
- [Significant Employee Theft](https://promoconsulting.com/case-study/significant-employee-theft/) - LogoBranders owner Terry Southern wasn’t thrilled with her Controller, but she had no idea she had been systematically stealing from her for the past 5-years.

## Categories

- [Strategic Consulting](https://promoconsulting.com/category/strategic-consulting/)
- [Fractional CFO](https://promoconsulting.com/category/fractional-cfo/)
- [Sales Coaching](https://promoconsulting.com/category/sales-coaching/)
- [Downloadable Tools](https://promoconsulting.com/category/downloadable-tools/)

## Team Categories

- [Active](https://promoconsulting.com/team_categories/active/)

## Testimonial Categories

- [Featured](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial_categories/featured/)
- [CaseStudy](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial_categories/casestudy/)
- [List](https://promoconsulting.com/testimonial_categories/list/)