NAMTA Connect Schedule

Maximizing Your Sales Rep Partnership: Panel Discussion
When: Tuesday, December 9th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers: Rick Comerford, Bill Worley, Jeremy Franklin, Scott Stevenson

How can you and your sales rep help each other with long term strategy? How can you develop, test, and then refine promotional activities? How can you most effectively explore workshops, seminars, and other education opportunities? Join us as we dig deep into turning what often is a transactional relationship into a dynamic, strategic partnership. As the industry is shifting and new opportunities take shape, here’s a chance to sit down with experienced reps and to take advantage of their unique perspectives. 

About Our Speakers: 

Jeremy Franklin started as a sales representative in the art materials industry in 1998 and is currently the President of A Franklin & Associates LLC – a manufacturer’s representative organization covering the Southern United States. He served on the NAMTA Board of Directors from 2015 to 2020 and was President of the Board in 2018-2019. 

Rick Comerford's art supply career began in 1983 at an art supply store called Herman's in Chicago Heights, IL where he spent 6 years moving up from store clerk to store manager. Rick began working as a manufacturer's rep at R. Grimstad and Company 1989 and was named a principal in 1994. During this time, he has developed an excellent reputation with both his dealers and manufacturers. Rick brings the strength of over 40 years in the industry, seeing both sides of the retail and manufacturer equation. Rick was also a member of the NAMTA Board of Directors for 6 years. 

Bill Worley has led Worley Sales Associates since 2019, representing premier art-materials brands throughout the Southeastern US and beyond. With 30 years of industry experience in retail management, sales and account management for both distribution and manufacturing, he brings deep industry expertise to every partnership. He currently resides in Tyler, TX.

Scott Stevenson with Advantage Sales and Marketing, blends years of experience in sales, marketing, and brand representation. He bridges the gap between artistic vision and business strategy. Scott believes in collaboration, education and authentic relationships-building partnerships that inspire success for artists, retailers and brands together.

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My Biggest Success (and most_notabel screw up)!
When: Thursday, December 11th at 3:00 PM ET
Speakers: Alain Avrillon and Justin Russo

Guess who’s coming to NAMTA Connect? This regular series features conversations with leaders within the industry - this month with Alain Avrillon and Justin Russo from Ranger Industries. We’ll open the door to discuss memorable and pivotal moments: what’s been learned over the years in the creative industry? What opportunities do they see ahead for the community? What are Alain and Justin’s most memorable experiences (names changed to protect the innocent!)? You’ll walk away with deeper insights about the creative products landscape. 

Ranger Industries– Family Owned and Run:

Ranger Industries was founded in 1929 and originally manufactured an exclusive line of commercial ink products for the U.S. banking industry. In 1975 Vincent A. DiLascia bought the company and it has been family owned and operated since then. Vince and his wife, Anne Generas, expanded the company by introducing new ink colors allowing them to open doors to a new market—the arts and crafts industry. In 1979, Ranger developed the first art stamp pads in unique, vibrant colors. Until 1998, Ranger’s primary business was private label products for stamp manufacturers. Ranger then began marketing product lines of its own beginning with inks and eventually moving into additional mediums. Justin Russo and Alain Avrillon, Vince’s sons in law, started working at Ranger in 2001 and took over operations completely in 2006.

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