Polyconcept Announces New Chief Executive Officer
Michael Bernstein Retires, Gene Colleran Joins Team
Polyconcept, a global supplier of corporate and promotional merchandise, announced the appointment of Gene Colleran as its new chief executive officer. As CEO, Colleran will assume full group responsibilities for Polyconcept including its three primary operating divisions: Polyconcept North America (PCNA), PF Concept, and Polyconcept International Markets (PCIM). Colleran succeeds Michael Bernstein in the role, who will continue to be actively involved as a member of the Polyconcept board of directors.
Bernstein started his career at Leed’s in 1992 and led the transformation of the company to become a recognized leader in the U.S. promotional market. In 2005, he joined Polyconcept through its acquisition of Leed's and became the group’s vice chairman and CEO of the newly-formed PCNA division. He took over as group CEO in 2012 leading Polyconcept through several important changes and growth initiatives over the past three years.
Colleran will be based at the corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a seasoned executive whose most recent post was CEO of Griffon Home and Building Products, a $900 million autonomous, global division within the publicly-held Griffon Corporation. Prior to Griffon, Colleran held various leadership positions at Newell Rubbermaid, swiftly progressing through the executive ranks within several of its divisions.
"We're fortunate to be able to make this transition on our own terms from a position of strength," explains Bernstein. "We are growing and healthy with an exciting future ahead. After 10 years at Polyconcept, I am personally ready to step aside and to welcome Gene as our next group leader to continue our positive momentum. Gene has a proven track record of success and he brings a diverse set of experience to our organization. I’m confident that his vision, leadership and expertise will contribute to our continued success."
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Polyconcept," added Colleran. "Polyconcept is a recognized market leader with unmatched global capabilities. Its success in building long-term customer relationships, its strong management team and its history of growth are extremely impressive. I look forward to working with the entire Polyconcept organization in what promises to be a very exciting future.
Rand Paul Launches Campaign, Complete with SWAG
Senator Rand Paul this week announced his candidacy for president this week and along with it, his online store offering a variety of political promotional merchandise.
While Paul may be trailing in many of the polls, he may be leading the market in political SWAG. The store features a variety of accessories, apparel, car decor, signs, and more. Among the accessories are smartphone cases, a tote bag and an embroidered cap. Also available are hand fans, beer steins – even Rand Paul flip-flops. The most expensive item is an autographed copy of the U.S. Constitution at $1,000. One of the more interesting items is the "NSA Spy Cam Blocker" for $15.