SanMar Corporation (asi/84863), the largest supplier in the promotional products industry, has been selected as a 2021 U.S. Best-Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding private companies and the achievements of their management teams.

With revenues of at least $250 million, the 2021 designees have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and a dynamic, resilient culture, according to the program’s organizers. Additionally, the honored companies have maintained a strong financial performance despite the uncertainties of COVID-19.

Jeremy Lott, SanMar

An industry leader, SanMar stepped up during the pandemic, producing 250 million masks for healthcare professionals as part of a contract with the federal government. Vowing to not lay anyone off at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Jeremy Lott, president and CEO of SanMar, stopped taking a salary. Hours and wages for employees were temporarily reduced, but thanks to the PPE pivot and the return of more traditional promo business, the company brought all employees back to normal hours and wage levels within months.

SanMar has also been recognized for its Canvas For Good, a holistic initiative that encompasses everything from ethical sourcing and more environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and end-products to highlighting stories of branded apparel’s role in helping build teams, unite communities, support worthy causes and more.

“SanMar is grateful to be recognized for our teamwork and for our dedication to company culture,” Lott said in a press release. “Founded on the simple idea of being nice and telling the truth, SanMar has a passionate team of employees whose dedication to our customers and communities is the heart of our company.”

Lott stands at No. 1 on the 2020 Counselor Power 50, a ranking of the most influential people in the industry.

With reported 2019 North American promotional product revenue of $2.4 billion, SanMar ranked first on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the promotional products industry. The new list is due out in the summer of 2021.