Top AEs, supplier partners awarded
NEWTON, IA — The Vernon Company closed its annual national sales meeting on April 10, after nearly a week of collaboration between account executives and supplier partners. The event was hosted at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Clearwater, Fla.
“I look forward to Vernon’s National Sales Meeting every year — it feels like a big family reunion,” said. Bricklie Bertagnolli, Vernon’s top AE for the 2024 sales year. “Everyone is eager to support one another, share knowledge and grow together. I always look forward to the connections, the learning and of course, the fun!”
The annual meeting included educational sessions, a tradeshow, networking opportunities and an awards banquet. Top AEs were recognized for their stellar sales performance over the past year. The top 25 salespeople were honored, and team members who reached new milestones during the 2024 sales year were recognized.
AE Awards
Special awards were given to AEs who went above and beyond during the year. The top prize was awarded to Bricklie Bertagnolli, who was named Account Executive of the Year. She has been with The Vernon Company for 17 years and said she was both honored and shocked to receive the award.
“This recognition means so much after a year full of challenges, growth and hard work. I couldn’t have achieved any of it without the incredible support from our Vernon team, my family, our amazing supplier partners and of course, my clients,” Bertagnolli said.
The Team Player Award recipient this year was Jim Nixson. This award is voted on by Vernon’s corporate home office staff and given to the AE who exemplifies the collaborative, supportive attitude with his fellow AEs and Vernon team members.
Vernon also recognized four AEs with the Reaching New Heights award. The awards went to Tareq Hanania, Stella Brock, Calleen Hodges and Andi Brugman. Jodi Foster received the Rising Star after having her most successful sales year in 2024.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than celebrating the incredible dedication our Account Executives bring to their customers every single day,” Hubbard said. “Recognizing their hard work and commitment is truly the best and favorite part of what we do — it’s what makes Vernon and our team special.”
Supplier Awards
The Vernon Company also honored its top supplier partners at the meeting. ASI received the highest recognition as Vernon’s inaugural Strategic Partner.
“We honored our first-ever Strategic Partner of the Year, proudly awarded to ASI. We are stronger because of great supplier and service partner alignments,” Hubbard said.
Vernon’s Executive Team and Account Executives vote on the top supplier awards for the year. Hit Promotional Products was selected as Supplier of the Year, Venus Thom of Koozie Group was named Account Manager of the Year and Krystal Holstrom of Starline received Customer Service Rep of the Year.
“Our supplier partners are the heart of our success — their drive, resilience and shared passion for growth continue to inspire us,” Hubbard said.
Two new awards were added by Vernon’s Marketing Department to honor suppliers who have gone above and beyond to support the company’s marketing efforts. HPG received the Marketing Synergy award, accepted by Regional Sales Manager Effie McKinney. Engagement Excellence was awarded to Koozie Group, accepted by Venus Thom.
“I’m truly honored — and absolutely thrilled — to receive these awards! It’s a privilege to work alongside such amazing partners. Your support, collaboration and friendship mean the world to me. Thank you so much!” Thom said.
The Wrapup
The three-day meeting discussed ongoing technology initiatives and business strategies for the Vernon team to focus on in the current sales year. The event also included guided tours of two of Vernon’s top supplier partners, Hit Promotional Products and Koozie Group.
Hubbard described the events as “truly unforgettable,” embracing an energetic and positive tone that made it the best meeting yet.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing a team come together with such respect, camaraderie and a shared commitment to lifting one another up,” Hubbard said.
