#9 Jonathan Isaacson & Frank Carpenito

Gemline (asi/56070)

2024 Rank: #12

Jonathan Isaacson – Executive Chairman

Industry Experience: 37 years

Previous Appearances on Counselor Power 50: 19

Frank Carpenito – President & CEO

Industry Experience: 11 years

Previous Appearances on Counselor Power 50: 2

It’s been a big year at Counselor Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070) for Jonathan Isaacson and Frank Carpenito, who have spearheaded exclusive partnerships with eight retail brands since last fall, most recently with Sugarfina, Timbuk2, Yankee Candle and Cool Gear – the most in any one year for the Lawrence, MA-based supplier. There’s also been a deep focus on sustainable products and practices – Gemline became a B Corp last year and has since strategized in line with its betterway Accountability Standards, with focus areas that include responsible sourcing, ethical business practices and the use of natural and recycled materials.

On the international front, Isaacson and Carpenito further diversified the company’s supply chain by opening a sourcing office in India and launching a global fulfillment program in partnership with Netherlands-based supplier XD Connects in May. As tariff uncertainty shook the industry in the spring, Isaacson facilitated a webinar with a Harvard supply chain expert to offer much-needed clarity.

Now, Isaacson and Carpenito anticipate nearly double-digit revenue growth year to date and have plans to further integrate AI to streamline operations and reduce carbon emissions by at least 10%. “We foster meaningful connections through respectful culture, build customer experiences through trust and offer products that bring people together while making a positive local and global impact,” says Carpenito. Their efforts have been noticed by both industry peers and fellow Counselor Power 50 members – both groups rated the duo highly this year in the Counselor Power 50 survey.