Mike Szymczak, the co-founder of Origaudio and a vice president of business development for Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966), is stepping down from his role and retiring from the promo industry.

“This industry is the absolute greatest to be a part of, and I am thankful for all the people I have met because of it,” said Szymczak, who also thanked distributors in a video message. “I am proud to have worked alongside the HPG family as we’ve collectively grown the Origaudio brand and have every confidence they will continue to in my absence.”

Mike Szymczak (right) and Jason Lucash (center), co-founders of Origaudio, were the 2017 Counselor Supplier Entrepreneurs of the Year.

Szymczak and Jason Lucash founded Origaudio in 2009 and earned many awards, including Counselor’s 2017 Supplier Entrepreneurs of the Year. Origaudio was acquired by HPG in 2018, and Szymczak transitioned into a full-time development position. HPG said Szymczak played a key role in mentoring the HPG sales team and navigating both Origaudio and Handstands through the pandemic.

“The HPG team wishes to congratulate Mike on his success and thank him for his wonderful contribution to the entire enterprise,” said Trina Bicknell, HPG’s chief revenue officer. “He has earned his stellar reputation through hard work, ingenuity and genuine kindness toward those around him.”

Szymczak’s last day is Friday, Aug. 18. He will continue to be involved with HPG as an investor and will also serve out his tenure on the Vendor Advisory Board of Top 40 distributor American Solutions for Business (ASB; asi/120075) through the end of the year.