Winners were celebrated at an exclusive ceremony at the ASI Show in Chicago.
The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) announced Midwest Promotional Group as Distributor Family Business of the Year – one of the most coveted awards in the $22 billion promotional products industry. Chosen by the editors of ASI’s award-winning Counselor magazine, the award recognizes Midwest for its contribution, innovation, and continued growth within the industry.
“What an incredible honor,” said Dave Lewandowski, President and grandson of the company’s founders, Alex and Marie Lewandowski. “Our entire family and the Midwest team work incredibly hard to maintain the level of quality and service instilled by my father and grandparents. To be recognized for that work and dedication is a testament to not only them but the entire Midwest family.”
Midwest’s Humble Beginnings
Purchased for $75.00 in 1926, the company initially went by Midwest Calendar Company, a name that referenced the staple of promotional advertising in the late 1920’s. The company’s first office and manufacturing facility were in a store front below the Lewandowski family home, located on Paulina Street on Chicago’s south side.
Don Lewandowski, the founder’s son and Chairman, credits the success of the company through those early years to the core values the company was built on; hard work, perseverance, innovation, and most important, an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, adding they would have done somersaults if a customer asked.
For Don and his sister, Dolores, 87 and 93 years old respectively, they still find joy in working for the business their parents founded all those years ago.
Midwest’s Dedication to Family
Dave Lewandowski, Midwest President, accepts the award on behalf of his family.
As the company expanded, so did the family tree: his brother-in-law Rick assumed the role of executive vice president of sales, his brother-in-law Jeff became vice president of the Chicago division and David’s sister Chris worked as an executive assistant. David, Don’s son, studied business at John Carroll University, where he met his wife Joni, who would go on to manage the company’s invoicing. David would take over the company in 2000 roughly the same time the name changed to the all-encompassing Midwest Promotional Group.
Today, while serving companies around the globe with branded promotional items and apparel, the family feel remains palpable throughout the company; warm, friendly, fun, and a mantra of “work hard, play hard”. The fourth generation Lewandowski just joined Midwest and will contribute to the company’s continued growth as part of the sales team.
Midwest continues to enjoy year over year growth. Since 2013, when the company moved into its state-of-the-art facility, total employees has doubled, the sales force tripled, and sales have continued to grow year-over-year.