October 02, 2024
Goldstar Appoints Keith Lofton as VP of National Accounts
In his new role, Lofton will work to strategically expand the Counselor Top 40 supplier’s National Accounts program.
Counselor Top 40 supplier Goldstar (asi/73295) has brought on Keith Lofton as its new vice president of national accounts.
The Shelbyville, TN-based supplier says Lofton’s role will be at the helm of a team charged with enhancing service for Goldstar’s key partnerships around the country. That includes working closely with Charles Duggan, Goldstar’s vice president of North American sales, to expand the firm’s National Accounts program.
“His energy and expertise will bring some full-color fun and support to our national accounts as we continue to scale and grow,” said Kenny Ved, Goldstar’s director of global sales and a member of the most recent Counselor Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “With this team, we’re setting the stage for some serious wins and solidifying our commitment to making every partner feel uniquely supported.”
Lofton will be leading a team that includes Rob Baumgardner, Rob Derrig and Victoria Schmitz; Schmitz was promoted in April to strategic account manager as part of a series of promotions and new hires at the company.
“Bringing Keith on is a game-changer for us,” says Duggan, ASI’s 2020 Supplier Salesperson of the Year. “His industry knowledge and genuine passion for helping clients succeed are exactly what we believe in and will help take us to the next level as we continue to grow.”
Lofton, who’s based in Salt Lake City, UT, started his career in the industry at Counselor Top 40 supplier SnugZ USA (asi/88060). He then spent more than a decade at Pittsburgh, PA-based supplier Pro Towels (asi/79750), assuming a vice president of sales role there in 2017.
He’s been connected with the Goldstar team throughout much of his time in the industry and is eager to use his background in sales strategy to continue the supplier’s recent growth.
“This team and culture are a perfect fit for me personally and professionally,” said Lofton. “I can’t wait for this new challenge and look forward to doing it with this crew.”
Earlier this year, the supplier announced Heather Smartt would be taking over as global general manager of the firm, which focuses on writing instruments, drinkware and bags.
Goldstar ranked 28th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry, with $65.1 million in reported 2023 North American promotional products revenue.