Tom Goos Named Recipient of PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award for Decades of Industry Leadership

At Image Source, we’re proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by our CEO and President, Tom Goos, MAS. He has been named a recipient of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Distinguished Service Award as part of the 2027 PPAI Icon Awards.

For nearly three decades, Tom has helped shape the future of the branded merchandise industry through his work with PPAI, the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (NWPMA), the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), and countless industry initiatives.

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award is one of the promotional products industry’s highest honors. Presented through PPAI’s annual Icon Awards program, it recognizes members whose volunteerism, leadership, mentorship, and service have helped strengthen the association and advance the industry as a whole.

Learn more about the PPAI Icon Awards and this year’s recipients in the official PPAI announcement.

For those who have worked alongside Tom throughout his career, this recognition comes as no surprise. Over the past three decades, Tom has been deeply involved in helping shape the promotional products industry.

He has helped influence industry strategy, professional development, advocacy efforts, and organizational growth across the branded merchandise community.

• Serving two terms on the PPAI Board of Directors
• Serving as PPAI Board Chair in 2016
• Chairing the Government Relations Action Council in 2015
• Participating on the Membership Task Force, Strategic Foresight Committee, Leadership Advisory Committee, and International Advisory Committee

• Serving as President of the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association (NWPMA) in 2003 and 2004
• Spending eight years on the NWPMA Board of Directors
• Speaking and facilitating educational sessions at The PPAI Expo, the North American Leadership Conference, and numerous industry events around the world

In his nomination, Todd Pottebaum, MAS+, President of Quality Resource Group and a past Distinguished Service Award recipient, highlighted the qualities that have defined Tom’s career.

“Tom is the kind of person you hope every industry has, but very few actually do. For close to three decades, he has shown up and done the work.”

Tom’s leadership and reputation has been built on trust, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping both individuals and organizations succeed.

Through the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), Tom established the Brian Haner Scholarship in memory of our late CEO and Founder, Brian Haner. The scholarship honors Brian’s legacy while helping students pursue educational opportunities and careers within the promotional products industry.

Tom has also supported PPEF’s Tomorrow Fund, helping provide resources that strengthen industry education and workforce development.

Whether mentoring emerging professionals, volunteering for industry initiatives, or championing educational programs, Tom has consistently demonstrated a belief that investing in people is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the future of the industry.

When reflecting on the award, Tom focused not on his accomplishments, but on the people and relationships that have shaped his career.

“I’ve always believed that when you give your time to this industry, you get back far more than you give. Some of the most meaningful relationships in my life have come from volunteering and working alongside incredible people throughout our industry. Those connections have challenged me, broadened my perspective and helped me grow, not just as a business leader, but as a person. I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships, experiences and opportunities this industry has given me.”

It’s a perspective that reflects the values he has brought to Image Source and continues to influence our culture today.

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award follows another major honor for Tom this year.

In August, he received the NWPMA Lifetime Achievement Award at the Portland Promo Safari Showcase, recognizing his contributions to the promotional products profession and his impact on colleagues, partners, and industry organizations throughout his career.

Together, these awards reflect a career defined not only by business success, but by leadership, mentorship, advocacy, philanthropy, and service.

Thank you, Tom, for your leadership, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment to strengthening the promotional products industry. Your example reminds us that lasting impact isn’t measured only by what we accomplish ourselves, but by the people we support, the relationships we build, and the opportunities we create for others.

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