14. CJ Schmidt

Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125)

2019 Rank: 10

Title: President/COO

Industry Experience: 16 years

You’d be hard-pressed to think of someone who dove into PPE faster and more extensively than Schmidt – which surprised precisely no one, because there are three areas at which he’s exceedingly adept: mobilizing quickly and thoroughly to enter new markets; activating his vast network of contacts (here and abroad, client and competitor); and leaning into his deep bench of promo’s top talent on his executive team. Known for spearheading the company’s phenomenal growth alongside his mother Liz (Hit’s CEO), Schmidt’s skill for multitasking, identifying new avenues for business and, as clients who voted for him noted, ceaseless ability to deliver are the reason his company has weathered the COVID storm.