Whitestone (asi/359741) a Counselor Best Place to Work in promo, is tapping merch industry veteran Karie Cowden to lead and expand what the firm describes as its fast-growing enterprise sales division.

Whitestone, a New York City-founded distributorship with a remote workforce throughout the United States, has appointed Cowden to the role of director of enterprise sales. She’ll focus on optimizing processes, driving strategic initiatives and working to ensure the successful execution of Whitestone’s most complex client programs.

Karie Cowden, Whitestone (asi/359741)

“I’m excited to be joining Whitestone at such a pivotal time in their growth journey,” said Cowden. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building strong relationships and delivering strategic solutions for clients. Whitestone’s dedication to innovation and exceptional service aligns perfectly with that mission, and I’m eager to contribute my experience to the team.”

Dominique Volker, vice president of sales at Whitestone, said the firm is placing a keen emphasis on the enterprise division. That includes adding a new vice president of operations, creating a strategic operations department and aiming to offer stellar service to a dozen new enterprise programs that came with two recent acquisitions of other distributorships.

“Karie’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating this growth, ensuring operational excellence, program scalability and enhanced client partnerships,” Volker said. “Most importantly, she will support our most valuable asset, our people, as we continue to expand and elevate our enterprise offerings.”

“Karie is a powerhouse in the industry – renowned for her ability to connect people, ideas and opportunities.” Dominique Volker, Whitestone (asi/359741)

Cowden has about 30 years of experience in the promotional products business. A Michigan State University alum, Cowden’s resume includes being the founder and president of Connect the Dots Promotions, a Phoenix, AZ-based distributorship. Other roles include being vice president of sales for distributor Campus Stop (asi/336407) and, early in her career, a regional manager for Counselor Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390).

Cowden is also an active volunteer within the promo industry. She is on Promotional Products Association International’s board of directors – the second time she has served on the trade group’s board. She’s also on the board of PromoCares, a volunteer nonprofit that encourages social and environmental responsibility in the promotional products space.

“Karie is a powerhouse in the industry – renowned for her ability to connect people, ideas and opportunities,” said Volker. “Her magnetic energy and deep industry expertise make her a natural leader.”

Cowden comes aboard at a time of ambitious growth plans for Whitestone. The firm has made three acquisitions since July 2024, including Merchful (asi/267634), American Apparel & Promotions and Design Like Whoa (asi/179554). Company Founder Joseph Sommer, Counselor’s 2024 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year, has indicated the firm will continue to pursue acquisitions.

Established in 2013, Whitestone ranked first in the medium-sized company category and second overall on Counselor’s 2024 list of the Best Places to Work in the promotional products industry.