Ira Neaman, founder of Counselor Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390), has been honored with a 2024 NJBIZ ICON Award.

The recognition, given by the business news site NJBIZ, shines a spotlight on successful leaders in the Garden State each year.

Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) President Ira Neaman was honored with an NJBIZ ICON Award for his industry leadership. He founded the Counselor Top 40 supplier in 1977.

Neaman, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people, said the award is a collective success for the Avenel, NJ-headquartered supplier firm that he founded in 1977.

“This honor is truly the result of hundreds of talented team members that have called Vantage home over our 47-year history,” Neaman stated. “As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, our very best years at Vantage are yet to come.”

Vantage has been one of North America’s largest apparel decorators for decades, as well as one of the promotional products industry’s most significant suppliers of brandable garments.

Since the company’s founding, Neaman has steered Vantage to keep up with apparel decoration trends and technology. He’s also led the firm to place a keen emphasis on sustainability as a member of 1% for the Planet and sponsor of NJ-based nonprofit Clean Ocean Action. In 2003, Neaman was named Counselor’s Person of the Year.

“Ira is a titan whose visionary stewardship has forever shaped not only Vantage but also the broader landscape of the promotional products industry.” Rob Watson, Vantage Apparel (asi/93390)

After more than four decades at Vantage’s helm, Neaman transitioned from his longtime role as CEO and president in November 2023, taking on a president/executive chairman position focused on the supplier’s long-term strategy and business development.

Rob Watson, named to the position of Vantage CEO upon the transition, nominated Neaman for the NJBIZ ICON Award.

“Ira is a titan whose visionary stewardship has forever shaped not only Vantage but also the broader landscape of the promotional products industry,” said Watson.

Neaman accepted the award alongside a number of business leaders and professionals from throughout New Jersey. The NJBIZ Awards recognize Garden State business leaders each year, with the ICON Awards highlighting industry professionals over 60 for their success and leadership.

Based on reported 2023 North American promotional products revenue of $53 million, Vantage Apparel ranked 38^th on Counselor’s 2024 list of the largest industry suppliers.