Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, was the featured speaker at Top 40 distributor Proforma’s (asi/300094) Annual “Kick-Off Meeting” in Las Vegas on Sunday evening.

Steve Wozniak and Brian Carothers, Proforma’s chief technology officer

Proforma executives said Wozniak was the ideal keynoter, as a primary focus of the event was technological advancements that the industry’s sixth-largest distributorship has recently made. Proforma was celebrating the success of its new $15 million business management technology platform, ProVision. Proforma affiliate members using ProVision have seen an average 20% increase in sales and a 17% increase in gross profits since switching to the proprietary system, company executives said.

“After hearing the success of Proforma’s members on ProVision, it’s clear that Proforma is unlocking doors to the future of their industry,” Wozniak said. “I have always said that, ‘Wherever smart people work, doors are unlocked.’ Clearly, Proforma has an abundance of smart people behind their technology. It was a thrill to be a part of this special celebration.”

During the event, Proforma Chief Technology Officer Brian Carothers interviewed Wozniak, who shared personal anecdotes, practical jokes and technological insight. “Having the opportunity to interview one of the world’s most influential minds is a testament to Proforma’s pursuit of technology innovation in the print and promotional products industry,” Carothers said.

With reported 2018 North American promotional product revenue of $378.8 million, Proforma ranked sixth on Counselor’s latest list of the largest distributors in the promotional products industry.