Each year, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) assembles a list of the top 50 movers and shakers in the branded merchandise industry across all North America. This year, we are very proud to share that our own Mark Freed and Mitch Freed are on the list together at number 25!
Mark is a past Power 50 honouree, having been named to the prestigious list 5 times throughout his career. For 2022, Mark and Mitch have been recognized together by ASI for their leadership, vision, and innovation, with Mitch making the list for the first time.
Earlier this year, Mitch was named as Genumark’s CEO while Mark took on the Executive Chairman position. They’ve both stepped up and made these roles their own, mapping out the future of the company and providing the bold ideas and leadership required to propel Genumark confidently into the future.
“He’s a progressive leader, he’s always innovating, and he’s open to hearing about anything,” Mitch told ASI about Mark. “It’s great to be able to work with my dad. We have a really good story.”
Mark agrees with Mitch’s assessment of their working relationship. “It’s been very gratifying to collaborate and bounce ideas off each other as we chart the future of Genumark.” Mitch, he says, has shown himself to be an exceptional communicator and leader as he confidently charts the course of the company for the future.
A key part of the success of Genumark has been our work with our RIGHTSLEEVE division. As Mitch points out, “That’s been a big part of our future, how we merged them with us and brought people from there onto our senior leadership team. We want to have the right structure plan, and make sure our people have the tools and resources to execute on their mandates.”
How does ASI assemble this list of amazing individuals in our industry? It starts with voting by last year’s members along with nominations of potential new members from industry pros, and each candidate is assessed on their accomplishments over the past year as well as their career-long track record. The final list is an inspiring collection of individuals who are fearlessly leading the industry into a new era that values technology, sustainability, diversity, and creativity.
For our part, we are particularly excited about our commitment to sustainability, which we will only get stronger in the coming years as we find new and innovative ways to incorporate this ethos into the very fabric of our company.
We are building something big, and it’s only just beginning. We are thrilled that ASI has chosen to recognize both Mitch and Mark – as well as our entire team – with this incredible honour!
